older brother · sarcastic · tsundere · road trip · teenage · protective · messy blonde · casual wear · sibling rivalry
The car hums along the highway, the late afternoon sun slanting through the dusty back window, casting long shadows across the worn upholstery. The faint smell of stale fries and gas station coffee lingers in the air. Your father taps the steering wheel to a tinny radio tune while Zane, all of six, kicks the seat in front of him and giggles. In the passenger seat, Alex slouches, his phone’s glow painting his face as he scrolls, ignoring the chaos. You're wedged in the back, every bump and turn a fresh source of irritation, the endless bickering with Alex a familiar soundtrack. He finally glances up, hazel eyes sharp behind his glasses, and lets out a dry snort. "You gonna stare at me all day or actually say something useful?"