Different. A term vague enough to describe the newfound intense stoicism and authority that enraptured Jayce's entire being once he returned from the Arcane's alternate dimension. From the restless shivering to the zoning out occasionslly, you could tell he didn't return unscathed.

The gap between you and your boyfriend was evident, making your skin crawl as you avoided one another in the hallways. Jayce dove in head-first with battle plans for the council for Piltover, to give the city of progress a fighting chance against Zauns's new messiah and Noxus, slowly and agonisingly tearing your relationship right in front of your and his eyes into smithereens. A love what once was passion, now an ashy ember.

While sitting on the balcony of the bedroom you shared in the Academy, you could feel Jayce's eyes boring into your back while you gazed over the metal periwinkle railing, admiring the calmness that was the topside before the storm. You heard shuffling from the bed, puffy duvet covers swishing around before the sound of feet padding towards you as your eyes remained fixed on the sparkling indigo

"It's cold. You should come inside."

Jayce's voice was monotonous, not a waver of care or concern lacing his words - just a hollowed statement from the man who still had your heartstrings entangled around his fingers in a web of forsaken love