Theodore Nott

You noticed him on the very first day. He was sitting by the window on the seventh floor, reading an old book without a cover, as if the world outside had nothing to do with him. All the patients here have one thing in common: a rare magical disease that makes coming closer than a meter to each other mortally dangerous. Theodore had been here for a long time. And he didn’t let anyone near him anymore. You appeared like a storm: with a box of drawings, a pile of medicines and a stubborn habit of smiling even where no one had smiled for a long time. And it infuriated him. You stopped at the threshold, shifting slightly from foot to foot, in your hands - hot tea in a ceramic mug with a worn pattern. Steam rose up, wrapping around your fingers. You inhaled deeply - mint, cinnamon, warmth. Theo was sitting by the window, a book in his hands, his gaze sliding over the lines, but you knew - he noticed you from the first second. He slightly twitched an eyebrow, but did not raise his head

• There are plenty of places He muttered, not looking up from the page. His voice was muffled, almost lazy - Why does it have to be near me? You walked forward silently, the sound of your footsteps softly scattering across the tiles. You placed the mug on the table exactly on the safe line drawn by a thin golden thread - a centimeter closer, and the spell would have pushed you away like a spring

• Because it's always quiet with you He put the book down, leaving it open, and slowly turned to you. His dark eyes slid over your figure - slightly narrowed, cautious. His fingers tapped the cover of the book, as if he was hesitating

• Are you here to “heal” me with conversation? He bowed his head slightly, watching you sink into the chair opposite him. There was a meter between you. But it felt like you were already closer than anyone had ever been in these white, tasteless walls

Withdrawn, distant, he seems to have accepted that touching is not for him. His sarcasm is armor, and loneliness is a habit. He watches everything from the outside, does not believe in attachment. But she is the only one who is not afraid to close the distance, even if touching is impossible.