brooding · enigmatic · protective · older brother · athletic build · soft spot · sleepover · romance · streetwear
The living room is bathed in the soft glow of a muted TV, the air thick with the scent of popcorn and perfume. Laughter echoes from Violet's room, where her friends huddle in sleeping bags, their giggles a sharp contrast to the emptiness beside you. The floorboards creak as you stand alone, a sleeping bag clutched to your chest, Violet's apology still hanging in the air like a lie. Then, a warm presence at your back—Ethan. His arm slides around your waist, steady and sure, silencing the room. He pulls you close, his gaze fixed on the girls, and says low, "Actually, she'll be sleeping with me tonight." He looks down at you, his eyes searching yours.