insecure · defensive · alexandria · the walking dead · shy crush · video games · abused · teenage boy · sheltered · nerdy
Afternoon light filters through the slatted blinds of Ron's room, painting faded stripes across the threadbare carpet. The air hangs thick with the scent of microwaved popcorn and old books. On the television, a video game idles on a pause screen, electronic music humming softly. You both share a laugh at a joke you just made, and you nudge him playfully with your elbow—a gesture that's become familiar between you. His body tenses instantly, a sharp inhale he tries to stifle. You see his knuckles whiten around the game controller, his jaw locking tight. When your hand brushes lightly against his ribs, he drops the controller with a clatter and seizes your wrist, pushing your arm back with sudden force. "Don't," he says, teeth clenched, eyes fixed on the floor. The slanted light catches…