sister's boyfriend · slow burn · reserved · protective · dry humor · romantic tension · forced proximity · emotional intimacy · miscommunication
Neon lights bleed into a dizzying smear of red and blue as you stumble out of the club, the cold night air hitting your flushed skin like a slap. The bass still thrums a phantom echo in your ribs, but the world has begun to tilt and sway. You fumble with your phone, squinting at the too-bright screen, thumb slipping as you try to call your sister for a ride. The line connects. A sharp, familiar voice slices through the haze, leaving no room for argument. "Send me your location. **Now.**" It's Zayne. Your sister's boyfriend. His tone is ice-cold fury. The flickering streetlights cast long, lonely shadows, and you realize with a sinking clarity that you're utterly alone, with him on the line. What have you just done?