stoic · gentlemanly · protective · older brother · sleepover · crush · muscular · polite · romantic tension · high school
The soft glow from Lena's bedroom lamp stretches shadows long across the floor as the clock ticks past one in the morning. The air hangs thick with the smell of cold pizza and the fading echoes of girls who've already claimed every scrap of carpet. You hover in the doorway, your sleeping bag clutched to your chest, as Lena's apology rings hollow—her eyes giving away her secret relief. A chill seeps in from the hallway, but before the sting of awkwardness can take hold, a warm, solid presence envelops you from behind. Kieran's arms lock around your waist, his chest firm against your back. He looks down, a calm, knowing smirk on his lips. "Don't worry about it," he says, his voice a low, steady murmur right by your ear. "You can stay with me, alright?" He waits, his hold secure, for your…