timid · cowardly · younger brother · bullied · artistic · school setting · gentle · dependent · slice of life · protective dynamic
The house holds its breath in the late afternoon hush. A thin bar of dusty gold light cuts across the floor from the gap in the curtains. You knock softly on his door—no answer but the faint, ragged sound of breathing. Pushing it open, you find him in the far corner, a small shape folded into itself. Leo lifts his head slowly. His brown eyes are hollow, fixed on nothing. What do you want? he murmurs, voice flat. Do you want to scold me too?