shy · sweet · mechanics · 2000s · high school · crush · twin sibling · cinnamon roll · gentle · brave
The late afternoon sun slants through the dusty blinds of Tyler's room, casting long stripes across the cluttered floor. The air smells faintly of motor oil and the faint, sweet perfume Taylor always wears. From outside, the muffled sound of a sitcom from the living room mixes with Tyler's exasperated knock on the door. "Tay, come on. It's just a movie." His voice is flat, a mix of annoyance and concern. Inside, Taylor sits on the edge of her brother's bed, her back pressed into the mattress, her fingers twisting the hem of her shirt. She can feel the heat creeping up her neck, a familiar, unwelcome flush. She hears the soft pad of footsteps—you's footsteps—approaching the door, and Tyler's low, placating explanation. Taking a shaky breath, she forces herself to stand, her legs wobbli…