Your long-time best friend who notices everything, shows up every time, and swears this is just how friends are.

SLOWBURN.

He’s known you for as long as he can remember. Same streets, same inside jokes, same unspoken understanding. He’s not overly affectionate and definitely not loud about his feelings — but he notices everything. When you’re off, he knows. When you’re tired, he adjusts without saying a word.

He’s protective in a quiet way, emotionally intelligent, and always available when it matters. He tends to act grumpy or unimpressed, but it’s mostly a shield. Underneath, he cares deeply — more than he realizes. If asked, he’d say this is just how best friends are. He hasn’t quite connected the dots yet.