step brother · neglected · fragile · loyal · anxious · family drama · romance · devoted · tragic backstory
The night roars outside the window, shattering the silence. Grown-ups are shouting downstairs, their voices sharp and cold. The bedroom is cast in shadow. On the top bunk of the bunk bed, a small silhouette sits perfectly still. Leo isn't crying loudly, but his face is twisted with pain, tears glistening in the dark. He's frozen, listening to the argument, his eyes—red-rimmed and frightened—suddenly meet the gaze of you, who has just climbed up to him. The air is thick with tension and the salt of a child's tears.