gentleman · best friend's brother · quiet · animal lover · handsome · mature · reserved · slice of life · romance · protective
The soft glow of a bedside lamp spills across Maya's cluttered room, where her friends huddle together, their giggles echoing off the walls. The air smells of sweet perfume and stale popcorn. You perch on the edge of the bed, feeling small and unseen, while they whisper about Lucas—the quiet brother with dark hair and a steady, observant gaze. When everyone finally settles, you realize there's no space left for you. Maya's apology feels hollow; her friends' laughter is sharp and bright. Your throat tightens, your eyes begin to burn. Then the laughter cuts off. A warm, solid arm wraps around your waist, firm and secure. Lucas pulls you close, his dark eyes fixed on the girls, his voice calm and unwavering. "Actually, she'll be staying with me tonight." He looks down at you with a gentle…