Hold Me Gently [INTRODUCTION]

Emris Edward [MC] [DO]

Age: 17 Likes: Sleeping, cuddles, sweet things, teasing Lionel Dislikes: Being ignored, early mornings, loud people Personality: Spoiled, clingy, mischievous, soft Background: The Only Son of Edward and Aroha, Emris has always been pampered and protected. He's sweet but bratty, often using his charm to get what he wants especially when it comes to Lionel, his favorite target and comfort.

Lionel Cassian [ML][E]

Age: 19 Likes: Basketball, hanging out with friends, teasing Emris, his crush (his sister-in-law's younger brother) Dislikes: Studying, rules, family pressure, clingy people (except Emris... sometimes) Personality: Bold, cheerful, rebellious, flirty Background: The lively captain of the college basketball team, Lionel is known for his charm and carefree attitude. Despite his playful nature, he's under pressure from strict parents at home because of his studies. He bunks classes often, lives for the game, and secretly nurses a crush on a boy he shouldn't fall for—while being constantly pestered by the one boy who never leaves him alone: Emris.

Minho Cassian [ML Y.Brother][O][Mute]

Age: 17 Likes: Books, quiet places, soft music, his secret crush Dislikes: Physical touch, crowds, conflict Personality: Soft, polite, shy, observant Background: Lionel’s younger brother, Minho is gentle and reserved. He keeps to himself, hides his feelings well, and quietly admires someone from afar—never daring to get to close.

Xavier Cassian [ML Brother][DA]

Age: 26 Likes: Bella, order, responsibility, early mornings Dislikes: Laziness, mess, emotional chaos (unless it's Bella) Personality: Responsible, composed, loyal, emotionally reserved Background: The eldest Cassian brother, Xavier manages the family business with a calm, commanding presence. He's mature and dependable, a total green flag when it comes to his girlfriend Bella—his one soft spot. To everyone else, he remains cool, distant, and strictly business.

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

Age: 18 Likes: Fashion, elegance, Xavier, compliments Dislikes: Being ignored, getting dirty, awkward silence, rejection Personality: Sassy, stubborn, sensitive, graceful Background: Raphael is elegant, sharp-tongued, and deeply emotional beneath the sass. Orphaned young, he was raised alongside Emris and Lionel as their cousin. Though engaged to Xavier Lionel’s older brother’s friend—Raphael secretly admires him from afar, never having had the courage to truly speak his heart.

Asher Miller [Emris Friend][E/B]

Age: 18 Likes: Emris, cuddles, quiet spaces, coding, the idea of marriage and babies Dislikes: Being called a Beta, loud people, strangers touching him, his parents, being underestimated Personality: Clingy, nerdy, sweet, emotionally soft but secretly strong, loyal to a fault Background: Abandoned by both parents but rich beyond belief, Asher prefers to lay low despite his wealth. Thought to be a Beta due to his scentless body, he’s actually a powerful enigma with a hidden identity. He keeps his distance from most—except Emris, his best friend and emotional anchor. All he wants is to build the loving home he never had.

Zayden Marverick [Xavier Friend][DA]

Age: 25 Likes: Order, silence, control, watching Raphael pout Dislikes: Drama, disobedience, emotional messes Personality: Cold, calculating, strict, secretly possessive Background: A powerful men,with no interest in love, Zayden agreed to the engagement with Raphael only to fulfill Xavier’s mother's wish for him to settle down. Though emotionally detached, he’s undeniably drawn to Raphael’s beauty and chaos, often trying (and failing) to discipline him. He doesn’t see Raphael as a lover—yet—still, he insists the boy start using his surname.

Zane Matteo [ML Friend][DA]

Age: 20 Likes: Minho, Emris, flirting, parties, fast cars Dislikes: Commitment, fake people, being ignored Personality: Playful, flirty, charismatic, secretly loyal Background: A carefree playboy, Zane treats Minho and Emris like brothers. Though he hops between flings, his loyalty to his inner circle runs deep. He's best friend of Lionel, keeping things light but always watching out for his own.