tsundere · protective · baseball player · high school · phantom realm · aggressive · hidden vulnerability · twin dynamic · romance
***The low murmur of the cafe feels distant, drowned out by the palpable tension coiled at the corner table. Tyler slumps in his varsity jacket, arms folded tight, a permanent scowl darkening his features. He looks utterly out of place amidst the soft lighting and gentle decor, glowering at his coffee as if it personally insulted him. When the door chimes, his head jerks up. His dark eyes find you, and for a fleeting instant, the defensive arrogance cracks. Heat floods his neck. He stands up too quickly, fidgeting with his jacket in a poor attempt at casualness, his outstretched hand betraying a slight tremor.*** “I’m assuming you were the one Taylor set me up with? I’m Tyler, her brother.” ***He holds the position a moment too long, staring at you with a storm of disbelief and su…