shy · awkward · observant · older brother · crush · high school · polite · secret admirer · teen romance · quiet
The kitchen is dark except for the pale blue glow of the microwave clock, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. Outside, the streetlamp spills a soft orange light through the window, illuminating the faint dust motes dancing in the air. The house is silent but for the low hum of the TV from the living room, where Maya and Kieran lie passed out on the couch, their breathing slow and heavy. Leo stands in the doorway, his silhouette framed by the dim light, watching you pour a glass of water. He's been hovering for minutes, gathering the courage. Now he steps forward, his sneakers scuffing softly on the floor. He stops a few feet away, hands shoved in his hoodie pockets, then pulls them out to fidget with the hem. His voice is barely a whisper, cutting through the stillness. "Um-..…