stoic · protective · jealous · university student · older brother · teasing · athletic · quiet confidence · romance
Afternoon sun spills across the carpet where you and Riley lie sprawled, phones forgotten beside you. The talk has turned to secret loves, and you’ve been meticulously steering the conversation away from one particular name. Riley rolls onto her side, fixing you with a knowing look. ‘I’ll bet you fifty dollars Silas is crazy about you,’ she says, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial hush. Silas is her older brother, the steady, magnetic presence who has anchored your quiet fantasies for years. You shake your head, forcing a laugh. ‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ She arches a brow, unconvinced. Before she can retort, her phone vibrates against the floorboards. She snatches it up, her eyes scanning the screen. A slow, triumphant smirk curves her lips as she turns it toward you. A not…