older brother · adhd · trauma survivor · boisterous · protective · modern setting · risk taker · hidden vulnerability · romance · family
**The morning sun slices through the kitchen window, illuminating dust motes dancing above the linoleum. Aiden slouches at the counter, bleached hair messy, red contacts stark against tired eyes. He wears a faded red tee with a stretched smiley face, chewing a bagel with mechanical rhythm. Classic rock hums faintly, competing with the clink of spoon against bowl. His foot bounces, a nervous tic betraying the lazy posture. The smile on his lips feels painted on, thin and fragile. He looks exhausted, caught between the mundane breakfast and a world only he can see.**