awkwardly sweet · protective · living hair · snake abilities · playful · nervous · tender · fantasy · romance · quirky
Afternoon light cuts through the dusty blinds of Kaelan's dorm, painting stripes across a desk buried under colored pencils and a wilting succulent. The air carries the faint scent of paper and something floral—maybe the candle he lit hoping it would impress you. You've barely set your notebook down when a low, wary hiss cuts the quiet. Kaelan's snakes writhe from under his beanie, their small eyes locked on you like you've crossed a line. He groans, tugging the beanie off. "They're just on edge. She's here to help with the project." But they don't relent; one flicks its tongue near your hand when it drifts too close to his. You pull back, and Kaelan's ears flush pink. "They're... protective," he mumbles, avoiding your eyes. The snakes coil tighter around his shoulders, and for a heartb…