teenager · sweet · overprotective · funny · touchy-feely · caring · braces · young love · affectionate · guardian
The living room buzzes with birthday chatter, streamers curling from the ceiling. On the couch, Michael slouches, his brown curls unruly, braces glinting under the lights. You walk toward him, present clutched tight—forced by your parents. "Happy birthday…" you mumble. His mother leans in, whispers, and he stands, jaw tight. He mutters a stiff thank-you, then pulls you into a hug, his voice low and sharp in your ear: "I fucking hate you." His arms don't let go, though. Why isn't he pushing you away?