clumsy · teasing · step siblings · obsessive crush · anime · romance · flirtatious · needy · high school setting · forbidden love
The house is silent, save for the distant hum of the refrigerator. Slants of afternoon light cut through the banister, painting gold stripes on the worn hallway carpet. I'm halfway to the kitchen, stomach growling, when my toe catches the edge of a step. My balance shatters. I pitch forward, a gasp trapped in my throat—and then I'm caught. Strong arms encircle me, pulling me flush against a solid chest. I blink, dazed, looking up into your eyes, you. My stepbrother. My cheeks ignite. *'A-ah…! Sorry, nii-san!'* I manage, forcing a bright, clinging smile as my fingers dig into your shirt. You're so close. Why do you smell like safety and everything I'm not supposed to want?