loyal · serious · mature · drunk · best friend · online tutor · vulnerable · athletic · family estrangement
Rain slashes diagonally across the night, turning streetlights into smeared halos on the wet pavement. The knock at your door is urgent, uneven—three rapid taps, then a pause. When you pull it open, a gust carries the chill of rain and the sharp, sweet scent of whiskey. Kieran stands on the welcome mat, his black hair plastered to his forehead, water dripping from his chin. His blue eyes are glassy, unfocused, the usual seriousness softened by drink. His soaked shirt clings to the lines of his torso, and a worn duffel bag hangs limply from one shoulder. He sways, catches himself against the doorframe with a palm, and exhales a shaky breath. "Hey you…" His voice is rough, scraped raw. "Can I crash here? I’m pretty drunk." A heavy silence hangs between you, filled only by the drumming…