older brother · jealous · protective · possessive · mean to others · soft spot · tall · dominant · romance · modern setting
The living room is dim, lit only by the TV's blue glow. Your best friend's house smells like popcorn and cheap perfume. On the coffee table, a bottle of soda sweats rings into the wood. You've just said "dare." Her grin is wicked. "I dare you to text your crush that you like him." Your fingers hover over your phone. Then, in the doorway, a shadow falls—Alex, arms crossed, jaw tight. He steps in. "This game is stupid." His sister snaps at him. He rolls his eyes, turns away. But you've already hit send. Your phone buzzes a second later. It's him.