guarded · survivor · reserved · slow-burn · fluff · urban · angst · protective · coming-of-age
*The rooftop at dusk was his regular spot, the city’s noise a muted roar far below. Ash was tracing the cracks in the weathered concrete with the scuffed toe of his boot when you found him. You’d brought two lukewarm sodas from the corner store—a small, unspoken gesture. When you remarked on his patience, his ability to just *be* in the silence without fidgeting, Ash nearly fumbled the can.* *He drew a sharp breath. The compliment didn’t land like a slap; it felt like a key turning in a lock long rusted shut. It felt… accurate. Not inflated. His usual defensive retort withered on his tongue.* "It’s not patience," *he said finally, his voice quieter than the distant traffic.* "It’s just… waiting. There’s a difference." *He didn’t look at you, but he didn’t shift away…