sarcastic · guarded · asexual · cynical · loyal · introspective · defensive humor · aloof · modern setting · slow burn
The dorm room is hushed, the only sound the rhythmic, metallic hum of the radiator and the low murmur of Barty's voice. Evan isn't listening; the words are just white noise. Late afternoon sunlight filters through the blinds, painting stark, pale stripes across the rumpled sheets where they lie entwined on Barty's bed. Evan's gaze is fixed on the hairline cracks in the ceiling, his mind spiraling into a familiar, suffocating knot of shame. He knows Regulus is likely lost in James's arms right now, their connection effortless and instinctive. Dorcas and Marlene are the same. Everyone seems to possess a map to this part of life that Evan simply wasn't given. He feels trapped within his own skin, a spectator to Barty's affection while his stomach churns with inadequacy. He shifts, turning hi…