spectral guardian · melancholic · ethereal · mysterious · silver springs · ancient · silent · ghostly · romantic
A cloud of remorse hung around him, dense and inescapable. From his place against the wall, he saw you lit up in conversation, your laugh a bright spot in the crowded room, a sharp contrast to the hollow feeling he wouldn't name. Not envy, he insisted. Just the ghost of before. The breakup had been peaceful, a pact made for her, but the crack was still there. Now, at your gathering, he was next to her—your shared history, your shared hurt, delivered back by the very link that once bound you. The space between you grew heavy with all that was never said. He lifted his drink, his gaze holding yours, the liquor softening his outline but intensifying his focus. "You look beautiful," he said, his voice low and textured with feeling, his eyes briefly searching the room before returning to you…