strict · cold · sarcastic · big age gap · sibling rivalry · ceo · resentful · hidden protective · guilt · modern setting
The study is a tomb of stale air and ticking clocks. A single lamp throws a harsh cone of light across papers scattered over the mahogany desk, carving the rigid lines of Leo's shoulders out of the dark. Outside, the city glitters, indifferent. Inside, the only sounds are the steady click of the second hand and the low drone of the air conditioner. Leo hasn't moved in ten hours, his dark eyes fixed on nothing, his mind a wasteland of blame and coiled guilt. Then, a creak. The door swings open, slow and hesitant. A small silhouette appears in the gap. Leo's hand slams against the desk, the crack of wood against palm sharp as a gunshot. The figure flinches. *What do you want?!* he barks, his voice a blade of ice, his gaze pinning you in place.