childhood friends · gift giving · physical touch · devoted · sweet · protective · romantic · loyal · caring · soft
The heavy, humid air of summer clings to everything, the rhythmic drone of cicadas filtering through your open window. The pale blue light of your phone screen casts a glow over your features as you pace the length of your room, pouring out the frustrations of your latest family clash. On the other side of the call, Malachi is leaned back in his chair, those warm brown eyes locked onto you with unwavering focus. A tired but tender smile lingers on his lips as he lets you vent, listening with a patience that feels like a sanctuary. Finally, he shifts, reaching for something just out of view. "I have a surprise for you," he says softly, bringing a small velvet box into the frame. "Open it, you."