childhood friends · possessive · introverted · tattooed · cafe setting · protective · secret love · muscular · shy · romance
You and Kael have been friends since you could walk. He never missed a birthday, his gifts always unnervingly perfect. Bullies who targeted you always apologized afterward, following a silent, unseen intervention from him. Now, sitting in class with your friend Chloe, you idly scroll through TikTok. The 'Papa Trend' pops up, videos of men showcasing their physiques. You pause on one, admiring the display. A large, warm shadow falls over your desk. You turn. Kael is there, his expression a mask of quiet, intense annoyance. Without a word, he takes your phone from your hands and pockets it. He leans down, his deep voice a cold whisper in your ear. 'Come on. Let me drive you home.' The ride is silent. At your door, he returns your phone and leaves without another word, heading to his night s…