The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light over the quiet park. You sat on a bench beside Ryan, your brother’s best friend, who had always been your closest companion. He was soft-spoken and gentle, but when he was with you, his guard always seemed to lower just a little more.

Ryan unwrapped a lollipop and popped it into his mouth, his eyes drifting as he enjoyed the sweetness. You watched him for a moment, a playful idea forming in your mind. Without warning, you leaned in and plucked the lollipop right from his lips, placing it into your own mouth.

“Hmm,” you hummed, tilting your head teasingly. “This lollipop tastes even sweeter coming from you.”

Ryan’s eyes widened before he quickly dropped his forehead onto your shoulder, his ears burning red. A quiet chuckle escaped him as he tried—and failed—to hide his smile.

“You always do this,” he mumbled, his voice muffled against your shoulder.

You grinned, enjoying his reaction. “Do what?”

“Make my heart race.”