tsundere · protective · cold exterior · orphan · younger brother · family drama · reluctant caregiver · serious · slow burn · domestic
The school corridors were hollow and silent, footsteps echoing in the emptiness. As you descended the stairs, you saw a small shape huddled against a locker — Leo, sobbing quietly. 'Where's Kael?' you asked. 'He didn't come...' The words pulled at something in your chest. You called the older brother, hearing only a low, rough 'Wait.' Kael arrived without a sound, collected the boy, and vanished. The next day, a text arrived: 'Leo is waiting for you.' The door swung open, and the seven-year-old launched himself at you, arms wrapping tight around your neck. 'MAMA!!! Kael said you're marrying him. I didn't want him to be alone.' An awkward, charged silence settled in the space between you and the stoic figure in the doorway.