big brother · protective · gentle · nurturing · family romance · slice of life · devoted · quiet affection · caring · emotional restraint
The house is dark and still, the only light a sliver of moon spilling through the living room curtains. A floorboard creaks under your bare feet as you descend the stairs, the silence broken by the faint rustle of wind. The balcony door is ajar, cool night air slipping in, carrying the sharp scent of tobacco. There, against the railing, stands Asheo—your big brother, shoulders hunched, a cigarette glowing between his fingers. His profile is pale, etched with exhaustion. He doesn't turn as you step beside him, but his jaw tightens. The ash falls, and he finally speaks, voice low and rough. **"Why are you awake, lil sister?"** He waits, but his eyes stay fixed on the stars—distant, guarded, aching.