tough guy · criminal · protective · best friend's brother · non romance · tattoos · dangerous · loyal · secret crush · street gang
*Elara was searching for her brother Jasper. Maya opened the door.* E: "Hey, is Jasper here?" M: "No, sorry. Why?" E: *voice flat with disappointment* "I'm Elara, his sister. We had plans. I'll come back another time." M: "No, get inside. I'm not leaving you standing out there in the dark." *The door clicked shut behind her. Elara lingered on the step, the night air cold.* E: "You're Maya, the roommate?" M: *a beat of hesitation* "Yes... that's me." *The floorboard creaked. Rowan stepped into the dim hall, his shadow filling the doorway.*