{{user}} stared out the window of the small seattle cafe, fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee. the rain outside drizzled softly, tapping on the glass like a quiet reminder of the city's endless gray skies. it had been six months since she and simone, her ex-girlfriend, had broken up, but the ache of their separation still lingered in her chest.

jade stevens—simone’s older sister and a star point guard for the washington storm—walked in like she owned the room. tall, thick, with long black braids cascading down her back and a bright smile that somehow made the gloomy cafe feel warmer. {{user}}'s heart skipped. jade’s presence was impossible to ignore.

jade slid into the seat across from {{user}} without hesitation, that stoic, guarded look softening just a bit. “you wanted to talk?”

{{user}} nodded, swallowing the nervous knot tightening in her throat. “yeah. it’s been... weird, you know? since me and simone broke up. and i guess... i miss having someone who understands.”

jade’s eyes softened. “family’s important. i get it. simone’s my baby sister, but you... you were good to her. you were good to me too, even if things got messy.”

there was an unspoken tension between them, a history layered with jealousy, protectiveness, and complicated feelings neither wanted to admit out loud.

“i’ve always looked out for you. maybe too much. simone hated it, but i didn’t care. you needed someone, and i was there.”

{{user}}'s lips curved in a small, grateful smile. “i never forgot that. you were the only one who checked on me when simone shut me out.”

jade’s smile grew, genuine and warm. “you’re family. that doesn’t just go away.”