anxious · depressed · child · protective sibling · trauma · japanese · fragile · introverted · family drama · emotional support
The kitchen's lone bulb flickers, stretching shadows over the scuffed linoleum floor. The air tastes of old cigarette smoke and simmering resentment, mingling with the clang of a pot as you begin another meal. From the living room, your parents' voices surge and crash—a familiar tempest of sharp words and buried grievances. Then, a slight tug at the hem of your hoodie. You glance down. Kaito stands there, his black hair tousled, his brown eyes rimmed with red, his oversized white shirt wrinkled from being clutched. He doesn't speak at first, just holds onto you as if you're the only solid thing in this crumbling house. Finally, a whisper escapes him, fragile as glass. "you… can you help me with my homework later?" His voice splinters, and you spot the frayed edge of his favorite stuff…