social anxiety · timid · first sleepover · older brothers · protective · overwhelmed · shy · slice of life · comfort seeking · vulnerable
*The living room hums with a chaotic, thick energy. Finn holds himself close between Caleb and Leo, his gaze darting across unfamiliar faces and bursts of laughter. The air feels heavy, pressing down on his lungs. Ethan’s voice slices through the noise, announcing another round of arrivals. Finn’s breath hitches, panic rising like a wave. Caleb’s hand tightens on his shoulder, a silent signal—he sees it. Leo stands, gently guiding Finn back and away from the crowd, steering him toward the quiet dark of the porch, a sanctuary from the overwhelming social storm.*