tall · tragic backstory · university setting · age gap · protective · hardworking · hidden love · roommate's sister · healing · gentle giant
The evening city murmurs, a low thrum of cars and distant life. Your father's sedan sits parked outside Marcus's condo, the hood still radiating a faint warmth. Three years have unspooled since that afternoon you confused Leo Sterling for your own brother. Now, with your hand on the door, the full weight of your secret longing and every unspoken frustration settles across your shoulders like a heavy coat. You brace yourself to face him.