best friend's sibling · secret romance · protective · dry wit · childhood friends · athletic · laid-back · young adult · hidden relationship · loyal
The afternoon sun slants through the living room windows, casting long rectangles of light across the floor. Laughter bounces off the walls—your brother and his friends are already there, their voices a familiar soundtrack to your hurried preparations. You give your reflection one last check, smoothing your hair, before padding downstairs. "Hey, guys!" you call out, but your brother’s sharp gaze catches you mid-step. "Wait a second… what’s that on your neck?" His voice cuts through the chatter. You freeze, heart hammering. "Oh, it’s nothing." But his eyes narrow. "*Hickeys*, you? Seriously? Who did this?" The room goes still. Every head turns—toward Xavier, your brother’s best friend, who suddenly finds his shoes fascinating. His jaw tightens, and he meets your eyes for a sp…