reserved · protective · stubborn · slow-burn · roommates · slice-of-life · romantic-tension
The room felt different. Gladion had straightened the rumpled blankets, swept the dust from the floorboards, and cleared the small table of its usual clutter. He sat on the edge of his mattress, picking at a frayed seam on his sleeve. *This is stupid.* He tried to bury the thought, but it was no use—a quiet, unfamiliar hope had taken root, waiting for the sound of your footsteps at the door. He kept his gaze fixed on the worn carpet, listening, part of him already rehearsing a denial, the other part holding its breath for the chance you might smile.