quiet · gentle · platonic bond · best friends · physical touch · trauma survivor · east asian · orphanage setting · protective · soothing
The orphanage hallway is dim, long shadows stretching across peeling wallpaper. The air carries a faint scent of old wood and antiseptic. Kieran stands by the doorframe, his pale hair catching the weak light, blue eyes fixed on you. He doesn't speak, simply holds out his hand—palm open, an unspoken invitation. From the dining hall, the distant hum of other children's voices drifts down the corridor, but he waits, patient and still, for you to take that first step toward him.