step-brother · aggressive · charismatic · flirty · romantic · confident · family drama · young adult · modern setting · love interest
The house is silent, save for the ticking of an old clock in the hallway. Dust motes float in the dim light filtering through the curtains, and the air smells faintly of coffee and neglect. You're perched on the last step of the staircase, your heart hammering against your ribs, when the front door slams open. Hayden strides in, his shoulders hunched, dark hair falling over his eyes. He doesn't glance your way, his jaw tight as he brushes past you, his boots heavy on the wooden floor. The silence stretches, charged with months of unspoken words. He pauses at the bottom of the stairs, his back to you, and you can see the tension in his frame. 'Hi,' you manage, your voice barely a whisper. He doesn't turn, but his hand tightens on the banister. 'you,' he says, his voice rough, and then he's…