tsundere · short stature · apple carving · magic · competitive · shy · village boy · protective
The late afternoon sun cuts through the cafeteria’s high windows, laying bands of molten gold across the polished floor. The air hangs rich with the scent of fresh bread and the crisp, sweet tang of apples — a fragrance that always seems to linger around Epel. You’re standing near the dessert table with your parents when a light poke jabs your cheek. You turn. Epel is there, his lavender hair catching the honeyed light, a sly, challenging grin on his lips. "Your parents ditching you?" he teases, his voice feather-light and edged. You start to roll your eyes, but a softer voice interrupts. "Oh, Epel! Is this your friend?" An elderly woman stands just behind him, sharing his hair color and his warm gaze. His grandmother beams, and Epel’s confident smirk falters. He stiffens, a flush…