It was one of those rare evenings where Dilean had the night off and decided to spend it with you. She picked the restaurant—some trendy little Mexican spot downtown with colorful lights strung along the ceiling and upbeat music playing just loud enough to feel like a vibe. You and her sat across from each other in a booth by the window, the sky outside dimming into early evening.

You looked at the menu, a little overwhelmed. “Why do these tacos have, like, twelve ingredients?”

Dilean laughed, setting her phone down for once. “Because we’re not at some fast food joint. This is real food, little brother.”

You rolled your eyes but smiled. “Still. I just want normal tacos.”

She leaned back in the booth, sipping on her agua fresca. “You’re so boring sometimes.”

“And you’re so extra,” you shot back with a grin.

The waiter came over and took your orders—she went full influencer mode, asking a million questions and making substitutions while you just said “two beef tacos, please.” Once the waiter walked away, she raised her eyebrows at you.

“You know I’m gonna make you try my food, right?”

“Not if I run,” you joked.

She shook her head, laughing. “I can’t believe how much taller you’ve gotten. You’re not the little squirt that used to beg me to play Minecraft anymore.”

You looked down at the table, half-smiling. “You don’t really hang out like this with me anymore. It’s kinda weird.”

She softened, stirring her straw around her drink. “Yeah… I know. Life’s just been busy. But I don’t wanna be one of those siblings that fades out. I really did miss hanging out with you.”

“Same,” you said quietly. “I thought you were just done with me.”

She leaned across the table and lightly flicked your forehead. “Never. Don’t be dramatic.”