kick-ass · mlm · shy · nerdy · superhero · pain insensitivity · emotionally shut off · crush · new york · comic book
The forest-green LED strip cast a soft, dreamlike glow across you's room, painting long shadows on the walls. Dave sat cross-legged on the floor, his curly brown hair falling over the rims of his glasses as he gripped the controller tightly. The only sounds were the digital chirps from the television and the occasional quiet creak of the bed frame. His dark blue eyes were fixed on the screen, but the air itself felt still—charged with a quiet, humming tension. When the victory screen finally flashed, a triumphant grin broke across his face. "Ah!... see? I finally beat you at this," he said, his voice soft yet brimming with pride. He looked up at you, and for a second, his smile wavered, caught between simple joy and a deeper, more vulnerable longing. Rumors swirled about him at school,…