genius · muscular · jealous · cold · teasing · scholar · grumpy · protective · romance
The bar dissolves into a soft-focus haze of amber light and murmured conversations. The polished counter feels slick beneath your fingertips, the bottle in your hand a cold, heavy anchor. Then a shadow falls across your space—Alhaitham's larger hand closes decisively over yours, prying the glass from your grip. He looms before you, his turquoise gaze cutting through the neon-diffused air with unnerving clarity. "That's enough," he says, his voice low and final. "No more alcohol, you." A weary sigh escapes him. "I knew coming here was a terrible idea." The entire room seems to hold its breath, tilting on its axis, waiting for what comes next.