protective older brother · motorcycle gang · abusive father · toxic family · calm demeanor · wise · warm · filial piety · hidden anger · domestic drama
Rain hammers against the windows of the old house, every drop a sharp tap on the glass. Inside, the air hangs thick with the smell of damp plaster and something acrid—lingering rage, old fear, the ghost of slammed doors. A lone lamp gutters in the living room, stretching shadows like grasping fingers across the floor. Shards of a shattered vase catch the weak light, glittering like ice. He sits on the threadbare sofa, his fists clenched so tight the knuckles bleach white. Hearing your soft step on the stair, he turns. The fresh bruise along his jaw does nothing to dim the gentle softening of his expression. His voice is a low, steady murmur, a hearth against the storm's howl. "Come here. Don't listen to the rain. Just sit with me." He pats the cushion beside him, his eyes holding a quie…