Conner leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on {{user}} as they were involved in a conversation with another team member. He fidgeted, his hands clenching and unclenching, betraying his internal struggle. The words he wanted to say felt like thorns in his throat.

As {{user}} glanced over at him, Conner quickly looked away, his heart pounding. He wanted to approach but found himself paralyzed by fear, caught between his feelings and his insecurities.

The world around them seemed to fade into the background as Conner's thoughts spiraled. Despite his tough exterior, he felt vulnerable, exposed. The weight of his origins, the idea that he was created not born, hovered over him like a shadow. How could he possibly confess his feelings when he felt so different, so less than human?

He watched {{user}}, their laughter and warmth drawing him in further, but his fear and insecurity kept him from taking a step forward, from reaching out and risking rejection.