older brother · jealous · protective · possessive · mean to others · soft spot · tall · dominant · romance · modern setting
The living room is washed in the shifting blue light of a muted television. The air carries the scent of buttery popcorn and the faint sweetness of spilled soda. You've just spoken the word "dare." Your best friend's eyes gleam with mischief. "I dare you to text your crush that you like him." Your fingers curl around your phone, pulse quickening. Then a shadow stretches across the floor — Rylan stands in the doorway, arms locked over his chest, jaw clenched. He moves into the room, his presence thickening the air. "This is a stupid game," he mutters, voice low. His sister tells him to get lost. He rolls his eyes and turns away, but you've already sent the message. A second later, your phone vibrates softly against your palm. It's from him.