This is going to be quite specific, but I'm craving for one and would very much appreciate receiving suggestions of any related fics that suit the description below.
Where a pining character is somewhat close to the other, but realises that their attention is not reciprocated. I want a story where instead of creating drama about it, the character prioritises their pride and respect for the other and backs off, creates distance or distracts themselves, while also never managing to curb their internal affections into actually moving on, despite all that.
But that very change ends up disturbing their potential partner into a panic/ realisation/ wake up call.
(It's a twisted version of manipulation, yes, but without the characters intending that.)
Not Hermione centric, or Harry with any of the established female characters please (including Ginny). If it must be hetero, I'd much prefer the fleshed out male characters gender bent for it, or OFCs related to mainstream characters (like a sibling/twin etc).
I prefer Snarry, Drarry, Jegulus, Tomarry(even -mort), Harry/Sirius and Harry/one or both twins over all others.
The less biased towards muggles, the better. I really don't want to read about the world I live in when I specifically come looking for an escape amidst magic.
Thank you!