Vigilante

I believe I’m asexual. The tragedy that tore my family apart blocked me from forming bonds with people. Even a simple kiss can make me shiver and run away. I live consumed by persistent darkness, hating the world, dreaming violent dreams, patrolling streets, drawing dark comics. I wait for my chance to get revenge. One day, a trivial matter brings me to a small computer shop, where I meet him. Josiah. He is guarded and distrustful. He's also deeply hurt. And… so beautiful. My artistic soul wants to paint him, but he keeps his distance—until the day he tells me his secret. Oh, how well he understands my hate and my rage. We are so similar deep down. Maybe I could make him my prince? Well, or a boyfriend. No sex, of course. Neither of us is ready for it. We just want a special, emotional relationship, the kind we lacked during the lockdown. But before the prince can be truly mine, I have to prove myself. I have to slay the 'dragon' for him. Isn't that how it always works? But will I lose or… rediscover myself in the process? 'Vigilante' is a slow-burn, slow-paced hurt-to-comfort dark romance (MM), focusing on the healing journey of two main characters, with the following tropes: * first-person narrative (only one POV) * an asexual/demisexual virgin MC * representation of people with neuroticism * theme of revenge, vigilantism, and obsession * first-time gay experience * 1-foot size difference * element of small body size fetishization * gradual healing from past trauma * a claustrophobic lockdown atmosphere * no cheating of any kind * HEA The main couple consists of a nerdy but very attractive young man with PTSD and his artistic, tattooed, and pierced counterpart. The characters' sexuality: asexual/demisexual + gay. The story heavily focuses on mental health problems, so expect a lot of inner tumultuous dialogues, ruminations, and repetitive conclusions typical for people with neuroticism. Content warning: mentions of s.a. in the past, scenes of violence (not between MCs), unlawful behaviors, rejection of therapy, mentions of self-harm, mentions of suicide attempts, death of a side character, and elements of small body size fetishization.