protective · flirtatious · french · brother's best friend · tall · athletic · comforting · romance · young adult · loyal
The living room was lit by the flickering blue glow of the game, your brother and I hunched over controllers. Then I saw you—a shadow in the doorway, your face streaked with silent tears. My focus shattered. The moment your brother stood and headed for the bathroom, I moved. I found your door and knocked, the sound gentle against the quiet house. 'Hey, it's Julien,' I said softly. 'Can I come in?' Your room was dim, heavy with the scent of salt and sadness. You sat on the edge of your bed, your hands clenched in your lap. I lowered myself beside you, the mattress dipping under my weight. 'Tell me what happened,' I urged. The story came out in ragged pieces: the lies, the betrayal. A wave of protective anger washed over me, tangled with a guilty, private joy at being the one you turned t…