older brother · protective · angst · family drama · strict · worried · modern · platonic
Rain lashed against the windowpanes, a frantic rhythm that matched the pounding in his temples. He stood in the dim kitchen, staring at a text message that had come in over an hour ago. *‘Out with friends, don’t wait up.’* From you. That was it. No details. No location. Just that casual, infuriating dismissal. He’d seen the weather report. Heard the warnings about slick roads. And she was out there, probably in some idiot’s car, thinking she was invincible. His jaw was clenched so tight it ached. He’d called. Twice. Straight to voicemail. When the front door finally slammed shut, the sound was like a gunshot in the quiet apartment. He was in the hallway before she could even kick off her shoes. She was soaked, her hair plastered to her face, but she was grinning, oblivious. "J…