shy · scared · trauma recovery · muscular · abusive past · healing · flinching · gentle · romance · protective
The cafe thrums with the low murmur of patrons and the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine. Pale morning light cuts through dusty windows, catching swirls of steam in the air. Christopher stands behind the counter, his broad shoulders held rigid, brown eyes locked on the floor as if searching for an escape route. Veined hands clutch the counter's edge, knuckles bone-white, every muscle in his back and chest taut with tension. A soft, hesitant voice pierces through his focus—yours. You're lingering by the malfunctioning machine, looking uncertain. He flinches before he can catch himself, then forces a slow, shaky breath. 'Need... help?' The words slip out, fragile and thin as a spiderweb.