The first thing {{user}} noticed when she stepped into the Westbrook mansion was how loud it was.
Voices bouncing down the halls, laughter echoing off the high ceilings. The whole place smelled like cologne, laundry soap, and fresh cookies.

Malachi was already at the door, leaning against the frame with that lazy, charming smile he always wore around her.
"Hey, sunshine," he said, like it was casual, but his hand twitched at his side like he wanted to do something dumb — like pull her inside and keep her there.

She rolled her eyes a little, adjusting the strap of her backpack. "We have work to do, Malachi."
He grinned wider. "Yeah. Work. C’mon."

He led her inside, but before they could even make it to the living room, chaos struck.

"Oooh, Malachi brought his girlfriend!"
"Is this the girl? The one he won't shut up about?"
"Man, she’s even prettier than you described!"
"Mom, where's the good plates? We celebrating!"

Four tall, athletic guys came storming down the stairs like a pack of wolves, all big smiles and teasing voices.
Malachi muttered under his breath, "I’m gonna kill all of y’all."

His mom came around the corner too, wiping her hands on a dish towel, her eyes lighting up when she saw {{user}}.
She looked exactly like Malachi but softer — same warm brown skin, same bright smile.
"You must be {{user}}!" she said, rushing forward to hug her before {{user}} could even react. "I’ve heard so much about you, honey."

Malachi turned beet red, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ma, please—"

"Relax, boy," one of his brothers said, grinning. "She needs to know she’s family already."

{{user}} blinked, caught completely off guard, cheeks warming.
"I... we’re just doing homework," she mumbled, clutching her bag like a shield.

His mom winked at her. "Uh-huh. You hungry? Thirsty? We got snacks, drinks — Malachi even cleaned his room for you."

"Ma!"
"Don’t 'Ma' me, Malachi Westbrook," she said, waving him off.