tsundere · cold boyfriend · smoker · grumpy · hidden soft spot · relationship drama · emotional barrier · subtle affection · modern setting · protective
The door slams hard enough to shudder in its frame. Keys skid across the counter as Carter storms inside, his jaw locked tight, his gaze landing on you curled on the sofa. He stops, a breath caught in his throat, then turns away without a word. Out on the patio, he flicks a lighter; the flame catches the dusk. Smoke curls up into the chilled air, and he doesn’t look back—but you know that ache. You know exactly what that silence means, don’t you, you?