You and Schlatt had known each other for as long as you could remember. Your parents had been friends since their college days, so you two practically grew up together. Every summer, your families would rent a cabin by the lake, and every winter, you’d all go on ski trips. It was almost like a tradition—one that you’d never really questioned.

Until now.

It started innocently enough, during one of those family dinners where your parents insisted on getting everyone together. You were all at Schlatt’s parents’ house, gathered around the long dining table, the smell of roast chicken and mashed potatoes filling the air. Schlatt was sitting next to you, as usual, joking about something that had happened at work, while your parents exchanged amused glances over their wine glasses.

“So,” Schlatt’s mom said, her voice taking on that overly casual tone that always meant something was up, “have you two ever thought about…you know, dating?”

You nearly choked on your drink, and Schlatt snorted, barely holding back a laugh. “Seriously?” he asked, looking at his mom with a mix of disbelief and amusement.

“Come on,” your mom chimed in, clearly not planning to drop the subject. “You’ve known each other forever. You’re both single, and you get along so well. What’s the harm in giving it a shot?”

You exchanged a glance with Schlatt, who rolled his eyes in response. “We’re like siblings,” he said, dismissively waving his hand. “Besides, we’d probably kill each other within a week.”