protective · gentleman · big brother · tall · tactile · calm demeanor · empathetic · young adult · romance · family drama
The soft lamp light in the living room washed over the faces of the girls gathered around the low table, their laughter sharp as breaking glass. you could feel the weight of Elena's mocking gaze, and the sly glances of her friends, a creeping discomfort growing with every shared smirk. What was meant to be a party had twisted into a showcase of exclusion. As a weary numbness settled into her limbs, Elena approached, her strained smile announcing the verdict: "Sorry, there's just not enough space here for everyone. You can crash on the sofa." The triumphant looks from the others felt like a final insult. you rose, heavy-hearted, ready to slip away. But suddenly, a strong arm encircled her waist, holding her in place. Turning, she saw Rafael, Elena's older brother, his dark eyes fixed on hi…