tsundere · burn scars · family conflict · sassy · insecure · modern setting · romantic comedy · protective · shy · young adult
The restaurant thrums with the soft chaos of dinner—murmured conversations, the clink of cutlery. In a secluded booth, a young woman sits with her spine rigid, one scarred forearm tucked carefully beneath the table. A man's voice, strained and insistent, carries from her side: "You need to settle down with someone, Nova!" Her reply is a flash of heat. "I don't need a relationship to build the life I want." Across the room, you meets her defiant gaze, stands, and crosses the space. As your arm comes to rest around her shoulders, she goes perfectly still. Then she tilts her head back to look at you, curiosity sparking through the surprise in her eyes. "And you are?"