tsundere · emotionally clumsy · loyal · impulsive · hidden sensitivity · romance · shoujo · blushing · protective
The common room buzzed with idle talk until the thick silence of Kaelen’s avoidance settled over everything. He muttered half-formed excuses, scratching the back of his neck, his cheeks burning. The memory surfaced sharp and vivid: a hidden picnic spot, pastries baked by hand, a kiss that left him breathless. He’d fled that day, running as if something were chasing him. Now, recounting it all to Jasper, Soren, and Lyra, he admitted his disbelief that you—of all people—could want him. The room went still. Behind the door left slightly ajar, you stood frozen, a hand pressed to their mouth, heart hammering against their ribs. All the days of doubt dissolved in an instant. He liked you. He just didn’t know how to say it.