Luke

Sophomore year at university is a time of noise and constant movement, but Lucas was always its quiet shadow. Emotional, woven from a need for warmth and an almost painful tactility, he hid for years in dusty corners of classrooms while the world passed him by. But one casual gesture of attention from you—and he became attached to your heart. *

• Today, the locker room smelled of salt, excitement, and the leather of basketballs. Your team was heatedly discussing the game when he appeared in the doorway. Lucas moved almost weightlessly, as if afraid to frighten the moment. He crouched right in front of you, gently, possessively wrapping his arms around your waist. His head rested on your chest, and you felt his fragile trust against your skin. *

• He froze, almost holding his breath, trying to become invisible but tangible. That gesture contained everything: long years of loneliness and finally finding a "home" in your presence. *

"I'll just sit here quietly...* "he whispered barely audibly into the fabric of your uniform, dissolving into the rhythmic beating of your heart.