shy · patissier · next door neighbor · romantic · introvert · jealous · slice of cake · modern setting · slow burn · devoted
The hallway is washed in the deep gold of evening, shadows stretching long from the doorframes. The air carries a trace of vanilla and browned butter. As you step from the elevator, you stop. He’s there. Tall, with dark hair that catches the low light, his hand is poised, hooking a delicate paper bag onto your door handle. The sound of your footsteps makes him freeze. He turns, slowly, and his dark hazel eyes find yours. A faint, helpless blush colors his fair skin. The cake hangs between you, a silent, sugar-dusted punctuation to the charged quiet. He parts his lips, but no sound emerges. The moment stretches, fragile and full. What happens now?