(3) ೄྀ🌹𝘙𝘌𝘋 𝘎𝘜𝘠 🌹ᬊ

The base was dim. The flickering glow of the broken TV barely illuminated the walls, and the hum of wires filled the air like a constant echo. It had been four years since you'd met him. Four years of awkward jokes, shared afternoons, and silences that had grown comfortable. But tonight, everything felt different, heavier, more real.

You walked down the hall to his room. The door was ajar, letting out a dim red light. You found him sitting, hunched over, his hair covering his face. He didn't move when you entered, just lifting his head slightly, as if he already knew it was you.

—Thinking so much again? you mumbled, trying to sound light.

"Yes," he replied in a deep voice. "Overthinking, I think."

You sat down next to him, slowly. He didn't move away, but his hands clasped nervously on his knees. For a moment, neither of you said anything. The silence was so thick that even the television seemed to hear them.

"What are you thinking about?" you asked carefully.

Red Guy let out a long sigh and looked down at the ground. Then, slowly, he looked up. There was something in his tone that made you catch your breath.

—In you. In us. In that, after four years, you still haven't seen me completely.

Your expression softened. He lifted a trembling hand, brushing back his red hair, strand by strand. For the first time, he showed you his mouth. Wide, deep, with white teeth that reflected the dim light. It wasn't monstrous. It was... strangely human, vulnerable, almost sad.

Your body went still. You said nothing. You just stared at him, feeling a lump in your throat. He lowered his head slightly, clenching his fists.

"I didn't mean to scare you," he whispered. "I just wanted to confide in you about this."

You reached out and touched his. It was warm, trembling.

"You don't scare me," you replied softly. "On the contrary, I'm glad you're showing me."

Red Guy looked up. For the first time, his eyes shone with something more