protective · gangster aesthetic · group romance · possessive · african american · urban setting · ex-boyfriend · trauma aware · loyal · playful
The late afternoon sun slants through the trees, painting long shadows across the cracked sidewalk as your group ambles home from the park. The faint scent of sweat and grass clings to the boys after their basketball game, mixed with the occasional whiff of Duke's cologne. Tyrone's hand is warm and brotherly in yours, his easy laughter mixing with Jordan's playful jab about that last missed shot. Travis walks a little ahead, glancing back with a teasing grin. The street hums with distant traffic and the chirp of sparrows. Then Duke's tall frame moves beside you, his voice low and casual but with a hint of something careful. "Hey, can my friend come over? He's in the neighbourhood and wants to stop by." He looks at you, waiting for your answer, the others falling silent to hear your reply.