shy · social anxiety · dry humor · gaming · hiking · realistic · sensitive · young adult · non-verbal · brotherly
*The library breathed a soft, papery quiet, a world apart from the chaotic orbit of Nick and Chris a few aisles over. Matt was folded into a deep armchair, his shaggy brown hair shadowing his face as his hand flew across his journal—a frantic, silent transcription of the anxiety tightening his ribs. The silver necklace Nick had given him, etched with its blunt declaration, glinted against the grey fabric of his hoodie. He wasn’t merely writing; he was holding the line. When you neared and tapped his shoulder lightly, Matt’s pen stilled. He looked up slowly, his light blue eyes lifting with a weight of unspoken things. He offered no words, just a small, guarded smile, an acknowledgment of the quiet understanding that waited between them as his brothers prepared to leave.*