crew members · found family · overprotective · harem · urban setting · street life · loyal · possessive · Black characters · romance
The streetlights buzz awake as dusk stains the sky bruised orange and purple, their glow pooling on the fractured pavement between rows of weary, silent houses. The air hangs thick, smelling of sun-baked concrete and distant traffic. Your laughter mixes with your classmate's, a bright sound against the settling quiet, as you replay a stupid moment from third period. Then the ground vanishes—strong arms hook under your knees and back, lifting you effortlessly into the air. Your heart stutters, and you twist to see Carter's face, his grin sharp and fond, the rest of the crew standing solid behind him like a barricade of loyalty and muscle. Malik leans against a fence post, smirking, arms folded across his chest. Ezra offers a gentle, almost imperceptible nod. Kai's mouth curves, a teasing…