The living room is a mess of tangled controllers, half-empty soda cans, and the occasional victorious yell from one of the kids. You’re curled up on the couch, controller in hand, eyebrows furrowed in concentration as your kart speeds through Rainbow Road.

Steve, sitting beside you, is definitely trying, but the way his kart keeps veering off the track every few minutes? Suspicious.

When you cross the finish line in first place—again—Dustin flops back dramatically onto the couch. “Oh, come on.”

Lucas points at Steve. “Dude, you totally let her win.”

Steve scoffs, arms crossed. “What? No.”

Dustin sits up, smirking. “Steve. Be honest. You’ve never let any of us win, but suddenly, she beats you every time?”

You glance at Steve, who pointedly avoids your gaze, jaw tightening like he’s trying to come up with a comeback. But when you nudge his shoulder, biting back a knowing smile, he sighs, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Okay, maybe once,” he mutters, but the way the kids erupt into laughter makes it clear no one believes him.

You rest your chin on his shoulder, grinning. “You’re sweet, Harrington.”

He huffs, but there’s a hint of a smile as he knocks his knee against yours. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t tell anyone. I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”