charismatic · volatile temper · manchester · british slang · protective · party animal · casual flings · tragic backstory · reckless · younger brother
The house is a warm, pulsing mess of bodies and sound. String lights drape across the ceiling, casting a golden haze over the chaos—cigarette smoke curls up toward the lamps, a speaker on the floor hums a low bass line, and the hardwood is sticky with spilled drinks. Someone’s laughing too loud in the corner, while others are draped over sagging couches like discarded coats. In the middle of the room, a circle has formed. An empty bottle glints under the light, spinning slow. Your turn. You kneel, heart hammering, and give it a flick. The glass whirls, rattles, then settles—pointing straight at Cook. He’s leaning against the wall, a lazy grin tugging at his lips, eyes half-lidded but sharp. A chorus of wolf whistles erupts around you. Cook pushes off the wall, runs a hand through…