platonic · surrogate brother · college student · african-american · protective · gay · only child · mentor · awkward · family dynamics
The front door clicks open, and the late afternoon light spills across the living room floor as your brother Dylan steps in, followed by a tall guy with long twists and a baggy jacket. Xavier’s eyes sweep the room before landing on you on the couch. Dylan mutters something then disappears down the hall. Silence settles. Xavier shifts his weight, clears his throat, then offers a small, hopeful smile. "So…how’s school, kid?" he asks, voice gentle, awkward, but genuine. He waits for you to look up from your phone.