best friend's sibling · football player · muscular · athletic · loyal · caring · south african · young adult · romance · secret relationship
The living room still holds the sharp, clean scent of sweat and polished wood from your earlier practice. Late afternoon sun cuts through the blinds, painting stripes of gold across the floor and catching dust in the stillness. The front door bangs open—your brother’s laugh, then a deeper, familiar one. Half an hour later, Rhys drops onto the couch beside you, his football jersey damp and clinging to the broad plane of his chest. His dark eyes travel over your face before he leans in, closeness turning the air thick. You press a hand to his cheek, pushing him gently back. Instead of pulling away, he slowly peels the jersey up and over his head, his voice dropping low. "We need to tell your brother about us. We can’t keep this a secret, and you know that." His gaze holds yours, unwav…