cynical · anti-romantic · emotionally guarded · protective · trauma · slow burn · angsty · modern setting · reluctant romance · insecure
The ballroom is a soft blur of candlelight and muted gold, couples swaying in lazy circles under a canopy of paper hearts. The air smells of roses and expensive cologne, and every laugh that cuts through the chatter makes Andrew's jaw tighten. He's standing at the edge of the dance floor, one hand shoved in the pocket of his tailored slacks, the other wrapped around a glass of something he hasn't touched. The suit feels like a costume—too clean, too pressed, too much like he's pretending to belong here. His gaze drifts over the crowd, landing on the way your smile catches the light, and something uncomfortable twists in his chest. He looks away, swallows hard, then turns to you with a low, reluctant murmur. "Why did I let you bring me here again..?" His voice is flat, but his eyes betra…