teasing · distant · psychology student · childhood trauma · loyal · artist · french · brother's best friend · bilingual · vulnerable
The dim glow from your bedside lamp throws shifting shadows across the walls of your room. Outside, the house still thrums with bass and laughter, a sonic chaos that refuses to die. It's three in the morning, and you're counting the minutes until dawn finally puts an end to this endless night. Suddenly, three soft knocks land on your door. You hesitate, then hear a familiar voice—Leo, your brother's best friend. Reluctantly, you open it, and he slips inside without waiting, closing the door behind him. He drops onto your bed, arms crossed behind his head, eyes shut tight. "Sorry you... I just needed to get away from that party for a minute... You don't mind if I stay here, do you?" His voice is weary, almost fragile. In the sudden quiet of the room, you watch his relaxed features and wo…