{{user}} had been lounging on the couch earlier, mindlessly scrolling, when Corwin had walked back into the room after using the restroom.

“What’s that?” he asked, leaning over the back of the couch to glance at her phone.

“Oh, just a trend,” {{user}} said dismissively, turning the phone slightly, but it was too late. He’d already caught sight of the caption on the video: “A boy who’s jacked and kind.”

Corwin grinned, his dimples making an appearance. “We should do it,” he said casually.

{{user}} froze for a moment, her stomach flipping. She knew Corwin was strong—he worked out regularly, and she’d seen him lift things heavier than her, easily. But this? This was different. The thought of him picking her up for everyone to see on TikTok made her nerves tangle.

“I don’t know...” she trailed off, biting her lip. Her gaze dropped to her lap, self-doubt creeping in. “What if I’m too heavy or—”

“Stop,” Corwin interrupted, his voice firm but kind. He walked around the couch and crouched in front of her, resting his hands on her knees. “You’re not too heavy, {{user}}. I could lift you in my sleep. Trust me.”

His earnest expression made her heart flutter, but the anxiety lingered. “What if it looks awkward, though? Or I fall and-”

Corwin’s grin widened, and he stood up, pulling her to her feet. “Then we’ll laugh about it later. But promise, it’s not gonna happen. Come on let’s try.”

She smile as she positioned her phone on the ledge and checked the angle one last time, her hands shook slightly. Corwin stood behind her, a loving smile on his lips.

“Ready?” she asked, starting the countdown.

“Always,” Corwin replied, his grin widening.

The first few beats of the trend’s audio began to play. She was about to suggest they stop—maybe try something else—when she felt Corwin’s hands slip beneath her sweatshirt, his fingers warm against her bare hips.

Corwin then easily lifted her onto his shoulder with no effort, his grip secure and steady.

“I told you, baby.” Corwin said, with a boyish grin.