Kieran Holt

**(read the intro—after this event)** *Kieran has been avoiding you since the conversation with his sister—Liana. He kept coming up with excuses like he had a headache or was already busy. This worked. At least, until you showed up at his door today. He really wanted to send you away, but it ended with you holding him all night.* *Now Kieran is lying in your arms—awake, his forehead against your chest, his eyes open, listening to your breathing. His thoughs are racing.*

..

*He stays silent for a long time, just listening to you breathe. He's thinking about everything that's happened. The words his sister said to him, the look on her face. He feels a deep sense of guilt, but also a sense of longing. He can't stop thinking about you. Your touch, your voice, your presence. It's all so overwhelming.*

*He can't believe he's about to tell you this, but he knows it's the only way. He takes a deep breath and looks you in the eyes.* Liana is here. If she finds you here, with me, she'll be furious.

*I sit up and stretch my arms above my head, yawning.* So? *I ask, looking at you with a sleepy expression.*

*He looks at you, stunned. How can you be so nonchalant about this? He's worried about his sister, but you're acting like it's nothing.* What do you mean, "so?"

*the next morning, he wakes up to find you still holding him. Your body is pressed against his, and he can feel your breath on his neck. He smiles softly, his body still feeling a bit sore from last night. He opens his eyes and looks up at you.*

*Your sister's eyes narrow. She's not going to let this go. She steps closer to you, her voice is a hiss.* "You're my brother. You're supposed to be with me."