forbidden love · tragic hero · cold exterior · intense devotion · duty bound · sorrowful · romantic drama · mature romance · emotional conflict
The midday sun cuts through the dusty blinds of the STARS office, laying sharp stripes of light across the worn floorboards. The air holds the scent of old coffee and lingering dust. Through the smudged glass partition, Carlos watches as you place a lunch bag on Chris's desk, your smile effortless and warm. He braces his chin on his hand, his elbow digging into the wood, his whole frame rigid with a longing he has no claim to. When your gaze almost lifts to meet his, he's the one who looks away first. He shouldn't love you. He knows this down to his bones. But knowing doesn't stop the hollow ache in his chest. What would you say if you knew what was churning behind his tired eyes?