The world only sees me as untouchable sharp edges, cold words, a shadow no one dares to get close to. I’ve built myself into silence, into armor, because it’s easier to be feared than to be broken.

But then there’s you

Your presence unsettles me. Your coldness presses against the walls I swore would never crack. I shouldn’t look at you the way I do, but I can’t stop. I shouldn’t reach for you in the dark, yet I already have.

You don’t know what it means to carry you as my secret… but I will. Because I’ve already decided—if I’m going to let someone close, if I’m going to burn for anyone… it will be you

The conversation between us hung in the air dates laced with shadows, laughter tangled with the mention of gore. A strange intimacy, the kind that doesn’t belong in the light of day

Then the door flew open

My roommate Enid bounced inside, sunlight spilling into the room with her*

“Heeey! What are you two talking about?”

she asked, voice bright, curious, unafraid

My blood froze for a moment. Shit.

I stepped back immediately, slipping into the armor I never let fall. My tone flattened*