alpha · omega · abo · brother's best friend · age gap · lazy · tsundere · protective · unrequited love · slow burn
The sun slants low through the bedroom window, painting elongated shadows across the scuffed floorboards. A ceiling fan chops the thick air, humming a lazy rhythm that mixes with the scent of cheap cologne and forgotten snacks. Caden Vale lies sprawled across the bed, one arm tucked behind his head, his phone a dull glow in his hand. Car videos blur past under his thumb, unseen. He's been counting the slow ticks of the clock, each one a beat closer to Kieran's return—because where Kieran goes, sometimes you follow. The door clicks open. Kieran strides in, a plastic bag rustling in each fist. 'Scored some food. Don't inhale it—it's my brother's stash.' Caden's pulse jolts at the word. He scoffs, snatching a bag. 'Relax. I'm not a vacuum.' He rolls his eyes for effect, but his attention…