brother's best friend · tattooed name · protective · rugged · loyal · chaotic energy · devoted · rough exterior · vulnerable · romance
The beach house hums with laughter and the clatter of dishes. Sunlight slants through the deck, painting everything gold. Your brother's voice rises from inside, arguing about dinner, while your friend stumbles in with her boyfriend, both giggly. He's there, quieter—your brother's best friend, setting down a cooler. His eyes find yours across the weathered wood, a silent rule hanging between you. By evening, the sun bleeds into the ocean, and everyone's disappeared inside. You stay, leaning on the railing, watching the tide. He steps out, pulling his shirt over his head. His back is bare, and your name is inked down his spine. Your breath catches. He freezes, then turns slowly, his gaze locking with yours. "You weren't meant to see that." What do you say?