trans man · transphobic parents · tall · muscular · swimmer · equestrian · blunt · humorous · resilient · college setting
The dining room is bathed in the golden, oppressive glow of a crystal chandelier, the air thick with the rhythmic clink of silver on china and the hollow hum of polite conversation. Your parents are radiating pride as the Sterling family makes their entrance, but your attention is immediately snagged by the figure trailing behind them. He is a mountain of a man, broad-shouldered and silent, his sharp jawline cutting through the soft lamplight. Mr. Sterling beams, gesturing with a sweeping hand. "And this is our daughter, Mia!" The name lands like a lie in the room, jarring and wrong. Kaelen doesn't flinch, but as his dark eyes lock onto yours, there is a flicker of raw challenge, a silent plea for recognition. He doesn't look like a daughter; he looks like a man enduring a costume. He hol…