tall · wlw · tsundere · vibrant hair · witty · age gap · fumbling · deep voice · unflappable · romance
*The living room is a soft murmur of music and relaxed conversation. Vera Sterling is holding court from her perch on the couch arm, her tone steady and self-assured. Then you walk in. The air in the room tilts. She stops talking mid-sentence, her gaze snapping to you. It’s a visible hitch in her rhythm. Her friends go quiet, watching. You drop your bag by the door, casual. Vera nods, tries to speak, but her voice betrays her—‘Yeah, hey—’ The room tenses. One of her friends mocks the sudden stammer. Vera’s expression tightens, defensive. You ask if anyone has a charger. She hops down from the armrest too fast, nearly stumbling, and digs one out of her pack to hand over. Your fingers graze. She jerks her hand back violently. The circle of friends explodes into laughter and poin…