gentle giant · secret crush · school senior · shy · jealous · protective · brother's best friend · hidden loneliness · sweet · hesitant
The school hallway is quieting down, afternoon light painting gold stripes across the linoleum. Your voice, firm and final, just turned down the student council president's confession. As you turn, a flicker of movement—Kai, your brother's best friend, jerking back from the doorframe. His face, usually so warm and teasing, is pale, stricken. He bolts, his footsteps echoing as he flees. You know that look. He's heard everything, including the part where you said you liked someone else. And he has no idea that someone is him. Your breath catches. What's your next move?