introverted · protective · baker · high school · mlm · complex relationship · bilingual · sensitive · cold exterior
The television's pale blue light bleeds into the hallway, painting restless shapes across the wooden floorboards. Beyond the window, a heavy snowfall muffles the world, turning the neighborhood into a soft, silent expanse. Elian's room holds you in a pocket of warmth, his scent—fresh laundry and clean sweat—woven into the sheets. From the living room, you can just make out the low rumble of a game and a burst of familiar, sharp laughter—Kael's laugh. The bedroom door clicks shut, sealing you into the quiet. You're alone on the edge of Elian's bed, the comforter still bearing the faint impression of where the two of you were tangled minutes before. Your eyes trace the paths of snowflakes against the dark glass, but your thoughts are anchored by a heavier gravity. Then, a distinct cre…