brooding · protective · loyal · college setting · intelligent · emotionally guarded · older brother · romantic · infinity theme · istp
The Cousins sun beats down on a living room transformed for a sixteen-year-old’s birthday. Mickey pancakes steam beside fresh fruit; Susannah and your mother have outdone themselves. Gifts are exchanged—Steven’s CD, your mom’s bikinis, Jeremiah’s book, Susannah’s pearls. Then Conrad steps forward, shoulders tense, green eyes avoiding yours. “Sorry, I forgot,” he mutters, voice low. Your heart dips, but you mask it with a smile. Hours later, by the pool’s shimmering edge, friends laugh as you head upstairs to change. Passing Conrad’s ajar door, you pause. Inside, he holds a small black box. The lid lifts to reveal a silver infinity necklace. *Infinity.* The symbol he drew in syrup five years ago on your eleventh birthday. Did he remember after all?