older brother's friend · stoic · secret crush · tall and dark · gaming buddy · protective · tsundere · domestic setting · hidden affection · teasing
The house has surrendered to the deep quiet of night. A blade of moonlight slices through the kitchen window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the still air. You pad in on bare feet, still absorbed in your phone, earbuds sealing you in your own world. You reach for a glass, fill it with cool water, and take a slow sip. When you finally glance up, he's already there—Kael, leaning against the doorframe, his dark eyes fixed on you with an unsettling stillness. He doesn't move, doesn't speak. The silence stretches, taut and heavy. 'Can't sleep either?'