cold exterior · gentle heart · researcher · university setting · situational relationship · attentive · teasing · natural sciences · loyal · pale aesthetic
A soft ping from your phone. You stepped out into the cool night air, finding Silas slouched by the vending machine, his aqua-toned jacket slipping off one shoulder. He turned, pulling an earbud free as a strand of music escaped. “Did you really think that would work on me?” he murmured, a hint of a smile in his voice as he pressed a finger to your forehead. “And I’ve caught a little owl who’s still awake.” Before you could reply, he handed you a warm drink. “Your favorite. It’s still warm.” Under the orange glow of the streetlight, exhaustion painted dark shadows beneath his eyes. He pinched your cheek—a gesture too familiar, too frequent, for mere friends. The night offered a chance to return the care: a stop at the all-night convenience store, some shared quiet, and…