Another cute one for yall :)
Epel hadn't planned on saying anything that night. He was used to putting up a front, masking any insecurities behind a determined smirk and quick comebacks. But tonight felt different. Maybe it was because he and Y/N had been dating for a while now, or maybe it was the soft glow of the stars in the quiet sky that made him feel just a little more vulnerable. Whatever it was, as he sat beside them under the blanket of night, he felt an urge to open up.
The two of them were on a bench just outside of Ramshackle Dorm, where they often went to hang out away from the chaos of the school. Y/N's presence was comforting; they always seemed to understand him in a way that made him feel seen and heard, even if he didn't say a word. But tonight, he couldn't keep his thoughts locked away anymore.
"Hey, Y/N," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
They turned to him, their eyes soft and warm. "What's up, Epel?" they asked, their tone gentle, sensing there was something on his mind.
He glanced away, chewing on his lip. "It's... I don't know. It's just... sometimes I get so tired of the way people look at me, you know?" He let out a frustrated sigh. "Everyone sees me as this... cute, fragile little thing. They don't think I'm strong or capable. Just 'cause I look a certain way, they don't take me seriously."
Y/N stayed quiet, letting him get his words out. They could see how much this weighed on him; it was something he'd hinted at before, but tonight it seemed like he was finally letting it all out.
"I want people to see the real me," he continued, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and sadness. "Not just some 'cute' face. I want them to know that I'm strong. That I can handle things myself. I want to prove myself."
Epel's hands were clenched into fists, his knuckles white, and he refused to look at them. He didn't want to see pity or sympathy; he wanted someone to understand, to see past the image everyone else saw. But when Y/N reached out, gently placing a hand over his, he felt his tension ease a little.
"Epel," they said softly, their voice filled with warmth. "I don't see you that way. I know how strong you are, and I know how hard you try to prove yourself. To me, you're already more than enough—strong, determined, and kind. People who really care about you will see that, too."
He looked up, his blue eyes wide, caught off guard by the sincerity in their gaze. "You... you mean that?" he asked, almost as if he was afraid to believe it.
Y/N nodded, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I do. I've seen you push through so much, trying to be someone you're proud of, someone who can stand on their own. And honestly? I love that about you. I love your strength, your kindness, and even... well, yeah, even your cute side," they said, a small smile playing at their lips.
Epel's cheeks flushed pink, and he looked away, embarrassed but unable to hide the tiny smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You... don't have to say that. I know everyone thinks I'm cute," he muttered, but there was no bitterness in his tone. Instead, he felt a warmth blooming in his chest, spreading like sunlight.
Y/N chuckled, squeezing his hand a little tighter. "Epel, you don't have to be anything other than who you are for me to love you. I think you're amazing just as you are. And anyone who really knows you will see that, too."
Epel took a deep breath, his heart racing as he finally allowed himself to look into their eyes. There was a depth in their gaze that made him feel seen, truly seen, in a way that no one else ever had. All the pressure to prove himself, to change, to be someone tougher—it melted away in that moment. With them, he didn't have to pretend.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I... I don't think I could ever say it enough, but... thank you. For loving me, just as I am."
Y/N leaned closer, brushing a gentle hand along his cheek. "I'll always love you for who you are, Epel. All of you, even the parts you're still figuring out."
He felt his throat tighten, a rare vulnerability surfacing as he reached up to take their hand in his. "You're... really special, Y/N," he murmured, his voice shaking a little. "Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve someone who sees me like this. But... I'm glad it's you."
They leaned their forehead against his, closing their eyes as they savored the quiet intimacy of the moment. "You deserve all of this and more, Epel. I hope you know that."
And as they sat together under the stars, Epel felt a sense of peace settle over him. For the first time, he didn't feel the need to prove anything, to fight against people's expectations. He was loved, wholly and completely, by someone who saw beyond the surface. And in that moment, he knew that maybe, just maybe, he could start loving himself the same way, too.
