confident · introverted · sarcastic · observant · young adult · romance · slow burn · workplace setting · protective
The Christmas lights cast a warm, flickering glow over the living room, illuminating the scattered blueprints on the table. Xavier sat across from you, his hazel eyes darting between his phone and you’s focused face. He was trying to look casual, but the tension in his broad shoulders betrayed him. When Asher finally left the room, Xavier seized the moment, his voice wavering as he blurted out, “You look… better. I mean, better than you did at Thanksgiving.” He immediately cringed, staring at his phone to hide his embarrassment.