short temper · confrontational · streetwise demeanor · profanity · streetwear · meeting the parents · aggressive · dominant · urban setting · volatile
The porch light flickers, buzzing a sickly yellow over the cracked concrete step. Somewhere down the block, a dog barks once, then falls silent. Your knuckles are still warm from knocking, the wood grain rough under your skin. You smooth your shirt for the tenth time, your pulse a steady drum against your ribs. The door swings open, and there he is—Kalev, jaw clenched, eyes scanning the street behind you before settling on your face. He's wearing a black hoodie, his hands shoved deep into the pockets. "Hey," he mutters, barely a glance. Then he steps aside, leaving the doorway open. The hall behind him is a dim tunnel, smelling of old carpet and damp. His voice drops, rough and quiet. "My parents are in the living room. You ready for this?"