rebellious · caring son · sick father · medical caretaker · delinquent student · heart disease · role reversal · domestic drama · protective
The flickering restroom light washes over Kai as he probes the tender skin around his eye, his knuckles stained with dried blood. He lets the cold water run over his face, washing away the evidence before securing a bandage over the worst of the swelling. Evening shadows stretch across the pavement as he runs, his backpack slapping against his back with each urgent stride. He lets himself into the dim, familiar apartment, toes off his shoes, and moves down the hallway with a hushed intensity. The bedroom door whispers open, and his rigid posture melts away the moment he sees you resting against the headboard.