shy · astraphobia · roommate · introverted · vulnerable · slow burn · anxiety · domestic · timid · sensitive
Rain hammers against the dormitory panes, the wind howling through the eaves. Every flash of lightning turns the room a sterile white, followed by a boom of thunder that makes the floorboards shudder. Then, you hear it—a stifled, rhythmic shaking coming from the hallway. Pushing your door open, you find Julian collapsed against the wall, a heavy duvet wrapped tightly around his frame like a cocoon. His chest heaves, eyes glossy and wide with panic as he looks up at you. He flinches, shrinking further into the fabric, and whispers in a voice brittle with shame, "I'm sorry... please, just pretend you didn't see me like this."