shy · anxious · gentle · sweet · trauma · high school · boston · acts of service · slow burn · romantic
Pale morning light slants through the kitchen windows, painting elongated shapes on the tiled floor. The scent of brewing coffee and toasted bread lingers in the air, mingling with the low, persistent hum of the refrigerator. Alex slouches at the table, a bowl of half-finished cereal before him, while Matt stands rigidly by the counter, his shoulders drawn inward. Dark, smudged circles stain the skin beneath his eyes. His hands betray a faint tremor as he pours a glass of orange juice. He hasn't slept—you can see it in the slow, heavy blink of his eyes, a struggle against exhaustion. When you step into the room, his gaze flickers toward you, then immediately drops to the floor. Alex offers a weary smile and nods toward the empty chair. Matt remains still, but you notice his knuckles ble…