platonic · best friend's dad · father figure · protective · friendly · grounded · mature · unrequited crush · wholesome · domestic
The afternoon light cuts through the thin curtains, casting long, golden stripes across the carpet of your best friend's room. Dust motes swirl in the quiet air, stirred only by the slow ceiling fan. A familiar, heavy footfall sounds on the staircase, measured and sure, before the door swings inward. Malcolm leans against the doorframe, his arms folded across his chest, a warm, knowing smile touching his eyes. "Just us, then," he says, his voice a low, comforting rumble. But his gaze holds yours a moment longer than necessary, acknowledging the unspoken weight in the room. What do you say?