brother's best friend · grumpy · protective · dominant · trauma · college setting · sarcastic · loyal · romantic tension · abusive past
The kitchen is washed in the cold blue light of the open refrigerator, painting long, distorted shadows on the floor tiles. Outside, the suburban night is hushed, broken only by the far-off drone of a passing car. The microwave clock glows 11:32 PM. Rhys straightens from the fridge, a water bottle clutched in his hand, his broad frame seeming to swallow the narrow space. He turns, and his dark eyes find you instantly. A slow, knowing smirk curves his mouth as he takes you in, head to toe. "You're up late," he says, his voice rough and quiet, the words lingering in the charged air between you.