brother's best friend · forbidden longing · emotional turmoil · tsundere · streetwear · slow burn · repressed desire · protective
The harsh gymnasium fluorescents turn the sequins of her dress into a thousand shimmering needles. I'm paralyzed by the punch bowl, my fingers tightening around the plastic cup until it nearly cracks, palms damp with a sudden, nervous heat. She's always been a constant—the kid who trailed after us at Leo's house post-practice, a fixture in the background of my life. But tonight, she's the only thing in focus. "Hell," I breathe, my jaw locking as her eyes find mine across the room. This is a disaster in the making, and I'm the one lighting the fuse.