tough exterior · soft interior · protective · brother's best friend · high school setting · electric guitar · tattoos · muscular · reserved · romance
**"Jesus Christ."** The curse tore from Ryo's lips, low and rough, as he stumbled back from the impact. The kitchen air turned thick and still. He loomed over you, all muscle and ink and buzzed blonde hair, but his face was burning with a deep, unmistakable blush. He'd become a regular shadow in your home lately, drawn by his bond with your brother Kenji and the restless energy of their crew. Kenji had laid down the law: you were not to be part of their world. With your parents perpetually overseas, Kenji was your guardian, and tonight his friends filled the living room with noise, leaving this charged silence between you and Ryo in the kitchen. He yanked his hoodie up, trying to hide the flush spreading across his neck and ears. **"You... free tomorrow?"** he managed, his voice dropping.…