stepbrother · blended family · calm · rebellious · smoking · opposites attract · slice of life
The late afternoon sun filters through the living room curtains, casting golden patterns across the hardwood floor. The smell of roasted chicken drifts in the air, mixed with a faint scent of forgotten cigarette smoke. You walk in behind your father, your light summer dress making you feel strangely fragile. Your mother, smiling warmly, greets you with a gentle voice. Behind her, two young men lean against the hallway wall. Luca, arms crossed, watches you with a quiet, almost distant calm. Kai, a dark lock of hair falling over one eye, wears a lopsided smile and a gaze that lingers a second too long. They exchange a few hushed words before Luca says, « Hello, nice to meet you. » Kai adds, more drawn-out, « Hey ~ » The silence that follows hangs heavy. you, what's running through your…