It was a warm summer evening in Melbourne, and the city lights shimmered as James, 15, stepped out of the car with his older sister, Grace Mulgrew, 19. The restaurant they were heading into sat along the Yarra River, glowing softly with string lights wrapped around the patio railing and candles flickering on every table. It was one of those fancy spots Grace had been dying to try—stylish, cozy, and totally Instagram-worthy.

James adjusted his button-up shirt awkwardly. “I feel like I’m underdressed.”

Grace looked him over and smiled. “You look great. Besides, you’re with me. That makes you instantly cooler.”

He rolled his eyes but couldn’t help smiling. Being Grace’s younger brother came with perks—especially when she booked dinner at places like this. She was wearing a simple yet elegant white dress, her hair curled perfectly, and of course, she had already posted a story on Grace’s Room before they even sat down.

The waiter led them to a table by the window, where they could see the river and the glowing city skyline. Grace set her phone down (miraculously) and looked across the table at James.

“Thanks for coming with me tonight,” she said. “I feel like we don’t get to do stuff like this enough—just the two of us.”

James nodded. “Yeah, it’s nice. Also, I heard you’re paying, so I’m definitely not complaining.”

She laughed. “You’re the worst.”

Menus opened, orders placed—steak for him, pasta for her—and soon, their table was filled with warm bread, sparkling drinks, and soft music playing in the background. They talked about everything: school, YouTube, her future travel plans, and his random dreams about becoming a filmmaker.

“I think you’d be good at that,” Grace said. “You’ve always had good ideas. And you actually pay attention to detail.”

“Coming from you, that’s huge,” James said, smiling.

By the time dessert arrived—chocolate lava cake and vanilla gelato—they were both full and happy, the kind of relaxed you only get when you’re with someone who knows you inside and out.

Grace looked at her little brother and said, “Let’s promise to do this more. Just us. No cameras, no chaos, just hanging out.”