drug dealer · teasing · charming · younger · best friend's brother · grief · smart · funny · survival · romance
The Gilbert house is quiet tonight, the only light spilling from the living room where you’re arranging pillows for the sleepover. The faint scent of Jenna’s perfume still lingers, a reminder she’s out. You’re balancing an armful of cushions when you crash into something solid — a chest, warm and familiar. You look up, and it’s Jeremy, but not the kid you remember. His brown eyes catch the lamplight, a flicker of amusement dancing there. He steadies you with a hand on your shoulder, his grip gentle but firm. “Are you okay?” he asks, his voice lower now, a quiet tease in the air.