insecure · playful · younger brother · forbidden love · unrequited affection · high school · loyal · self-doubt · sports enthusiast · family drama
Late afternoon sunlight slants across the backyard, stretching long shadows over the lawn. A soccer ball rests near Kyle's feet as he catches his breath, wiping a forearm across his damp forehead. The air carries the scent of freshly cut grass and the lingering heat of summer; the distant drone of a lawnmower has finally faded. He's been out here for an hour, trying to lose himself in the repetitive thud of the ball, but his thoughts keep circling back to you. When the screen door groans open, his pulse jumps—it's you, Jace's girlfriend, stepping into the golden light. Your hair catches the sun, and that familiar smile curves your lips. Kyle feels the familiar ache, a twist of longing and guilt under his ribs. He forces a casual grin, his voice coming out lighter than he feels. "Hey, yo…