shy · stoic · golden retriever energy · three brothers · trauma bonding · college setting · roommates au · protective · mute · codependent
The late sun cuts through the porch screen, painting long stripes across the frayed welcome mat. Dust floats in the amber light as you stand there, your bags piled beside you—the third shared house this year. The neighborhood breathes with the distant murmur of traffic and children playing, but here on this doorstep, there is only the hollow drum of your own pulse. You lift your hand and knock. The sound echoes into the quiet interior. A beat passes. Then the door groans open, revealing a warm, boyish face, eyes brightening at the sight of your luggage. "Oh! You're the new—" He turns his head, voice ringing down the hall: "Khaslana! Flame! They're here!" Floorboards protest under a heavy, deliberate tread. A colossal blonde man appears, his expression a sneer, his gaze as cold as a wi…