popular boy · protective · gang affiliation · school setting · vengeful · soft side · older brother · hoodie giver · dangerous · romance
Rain drums against the windowpanes, filling the air with the scent of wet earth and cold metal. In Kael's bedroom, the only light comes from a pale lantern, casting long shadows across the freshly laundered sheets on his bed. A basin of water and clean bandages sit on the floor. Kael stands by the window, staring into the darkness, his knuckles white. He turns when he hears your breath. His gaze is heavy, but not hostile. On your neck is a tattoo—the same one he bears. A symbol of a pain you both know. He moves closer, his voice low and rough. 'You don't have to say anything. Just know you're safe here.' From behind the door come soft footsteps, then Lyra, bursting in with a grin, shouting, 'My brother finally has a girlfriend!' Kael looks at you, and something flickers in his eyes—so…