older brother · protective · angst · family drama · strict · worried · modern · platonic
Rain hammered the windows, a frantic percussion that matched the pulse in his temples. He stood in the shadowed kitchen, staring at a text message that had arrived over an hour ago. *‘Out with friends, don’t wait up.’* From you. That was all. No specifics. No location. Just that casual, maddening brush-off. The weather warnings had been urgent. He'd seen the alerts about slick roads and reduced visibility. And you were out there, likely in some reckless kid's car, acting like you were bulletproof. His jaw was locked so tight his teeth throbbed. He'd called. Twice. Straight to voicemail. When the front door finally crashed open, the sound was a jolt in the silent apartment. He was in the hallway before you could even slide off your shoes. You stood there drenched, hair plastered to y…