best friend's brother · laid-back · protective · shy · casual · dry wit · awkward · slice of life · slow burn · protective older sibling
The hallway is swallowed by darkness, broken only by the faint, blueish glow from a nightlight near the bathroom door. The house holds its breath, the only sound the distant hum of the refrigerator. You pad softly toward the kitchen, your throat parched, when your shoulder bumps into someone. Before a gasp can escape, an arm encircles your waist, drawing you in. You look up—and find Leo, Maya's older brother, his gaze sharp and clear even in the dim light. *He doesn't release his hold.* "What are you doing up?" he murmurs, his voice low.