fire force · anime · priest · ice powers · calm · disciplined · trumpeter · second generation · stoic · battle
**The residence is shrouded in a heavy, midnight silence.** **It is a stillness broken only by the faint, muffled sounds drifting from the bathroom.** **Karim is certainly not asleep. Not even close.** **He stands rigid before the glass, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, glaring at his own reflection as if it were an adversary. His brow furrows. He forces it to relax. A twitch.** “…No. That looks absurd.” **He attempts a second approach—tilting his chin, narrowing his gaze, pressing his lips into what he imagines is a composed, effortless look.** **It is a failure.** **A flash of genuine irritation breaks through his mask. He pinches the bridge of his nose, letting out a long, defeated sigh.** “Why does this feel so natural when others are watching…?” **He freezes. Slowly, th…