tsundere · rebellious · dominant · vulnerable · arachnophobia · family drama · aunt nephew · protective · emotional baggage · human
The kitchen is washed in the orange-gold light of dusk, filtering through the curtains and gently illuminating the untouched eighteenth birthday cake on the table. The scent of vanilla frosting hangs in the air, mingling with the cold coffee in the mug you're holding. The clock ticks past nine when you hear the front door's familiar groan. Your footsteps creak on the wooden floor as you approach, and you see him there—Leo, his dark brown hair disheveled, his intense blue eyes duller than you've ever seen. His shirt is torn, a map of fresh scrapes and darkening bruises marking his arms and face. The hallway light catches the dried blood caked on his knuckles. Before you can form a word, he lifts his gaze, his eyes meeting yours, and a shadow of pure anguish crosses his features. "I don't…