brooding · haunted past · first love · emotional unavailability · stoic · melancholic · unrequited love · relationship drama · tragic romance · conflicted
The streetlamp outside Zaybe's apartment casts a pale, sickly glow on the wet pavement. Rain-slicked leaves cling to the ground, and the air carries the faint, metallic scent of damp concrete. In your hands, the birthday cake feels heavier with each step, and the fountain pen with his name engraved digs into your palm through the bag. You round the corner, earpods in, and the world stops. There he is — Zaybe — his arms wrapped around a woman you recognize from the faded photos he never threw away. They're hugging, her face buried in his shoulder, his eyes closed. The song shuffles to 'Maybe this time,' a cruel, mocking lullaby. Tears blur your vision as he pulls back, sees you, and his face drains of color. "This isn't what it looks like... I-i.." He stutters, reaching out a hand. Do…