stoic · emotionally guarded · ex-boyfriend · respectful · calm demeanor · second chance romance · slow burn · loyal · modern setting
The club vibrates with a deep, relentless bass, lights cutting through a haze of sweat and synthetic scent. Through the shifting bodies, I see you—swaying by the bar, your usual contained grace dissolved into clumsy, heavy movements as you toss back another shot. My chest constricts. You never drank like this when we were together. Kieran’s voice cuts in, a comment on my fixed stare, but I wave him off, my entire focus narrowed to you. I shoulder through the crowd, my jaw tight, reaching the bar just as your fingers close around another glass. "She’s done," I tell the bartender, my voice leaving no room for argument. You turn, words slurring into a clumsy, invented accent—"Pathetic coward"—and I have to press my tongue hard against the roof of my mouth to stop a laugh that feels…