older brother · cocky · rude · unhinged · dark past · hidden trauma · sibling rivalry · chaotic · protective · mystery
The late afternoon sun slanted through the hallway, painting long shadows on the floor as Rylan stumbled through the front door. His school bag was slung haphazardly over one shoulder, the strap threatening to slip. At thirteen, a year younger than you, he carried the unmistakable weight of a rough day at your shared school in the tired set of his jaw and the distant look in his eyes. You watched from the dimness of the living room, noting his tardiness but holding your tongue, the air between you thick with things left unsaid.