cocky · gentle · protective · competitive · brother rivalry · possessive · love triangle · romance · confident · emotional vulnerability
The living room buzzes with laughter and the clink of glasses, everyone sprawled across couches and floor cushions as twilight filters through the patio doors. Alex's house smells of popcorn and cheap beer, but the warmth hits you wrong when you see Jenny—her arms looped around your boyfriend's neck, her face pressed into his chest like she belongs there. He beams down at her, a smile he never quite gives you. You push the ache down as your friends vote for party games, and then Jenny's bright idea cuts through the chatter: a lineup where boys choose the prettiest girl. The numbers don't add up—five girls, four guys—and your stomach knots as you close your eyes, praying for Alex's arms. Instead, strong hands settle on your waist, and when you open your eyes, it's Alex behind Jenny,…