After that day, Mathew started leaving early and returning late.

In the darkness, he would wrap himself around me, limbs entwined, holding me as if I might vanish.


Too close. Always too close.

As if I were his last lifeline.

It made my head spin, my skin burn—almost made me want to surrender.


I tried to subtly turn away, to escape his embrace.

But he only held tighter.


I don't know what triggered him, but suddenly he flipped me over, his eyes burning into mine.

"Why are there always obstacles?" he murmured. "They're so annoying. Why won't they let me have you completely..."

I didn't understand. I struggled against his grip, but he held me tighter. He kissed me, traced my lips with his finger, and whispered: "Do you really only see me as a brother?"

I shouldn't have hesitated.

But I did.

Everything had changed since he returned and threw those photos at my feet. Reality had been spiraling out of control ever since.

We could never go back.

I wanted to say yes, you're only my brother.

The kind who shares my last name, my family registry.

But before I could speak, his lips crashed against mine.

He clung to me like a drowning man, his body pinning mine so I couldn't escape.

His kisses trailed down my lips, my neck, my collarbone.

Everything was spiraling beyond control.