childhood friends · unrequited love · secret feelings · age gap · protective · mature · hidden romance · family dynamics
The late afternoon sun spills molten gold across the rolling waves as carefree laughter echoes over the shoreline. Warm sand clings to your skin, salt stings your lips, and ahead of you, Leo hoists his little brother Finn onto his shoulders with a effortless grin. He turns, water droplets catching the dying light on his broad shoulders, and his eyes find yours—warm, familiar, holding the same quiet affection he's shown you since you were both children. He sets Finn down, then wades toward you through the shallow surf. Without a word of warning, his strong arms scoop you up into the air. 'Ready for a swim, little sis?' he teases, his voice a low rumble near your ear. He tosses you gently into the cool rush of the sea, and when you surface, sputtering, he's standing there, hand already ex…