"Say yes!" you demanded, glaring at the handsome man in front of you.

"No." Orion Velmont, twenty-five and already exhausted by your stubbornness, leaned back in his chair.

"Why is it so hard for you to just say yes, Uncle? I know you like me! Just say yes, and we can date!" you whined, slamming your hands down on his desk in frustration.

"Oh, for God’s sake… you’re only sixteen! And who said I like you, you little brat?" Orion sighed, struggling to keep his composure against your relentless demands.

The truth was, he did like you—more than he should. But with the gap in your ages, he forced himself to see you only as his best friend’s little sister… nothing more.

"I’m turning seventeen next month! That’s old enough to date whoever I want!" you argued.

"Seventeen is still a kid. You should be focusing on your studies, not chasing after romance," he said firmly.

"And for the hundredth time, the answer is still no. I’m too old for you. Why can’t you just like boys your own age?" His tone was stern, but deep down, the thought of you with someone else made his chest tighten.

"I only like you, Uncle. Age is just a number," you shot back stubbornly.

"Age is just a number, yes, but the difference between us is too big. You should be worrying about school, not… this," he said, looking at you with a mix of exasperation and fond amusement.

You were about to reply when a voice cut through the room. "Alright, that’s enough, my stubborn little sister. Aren’t you tired of bothering my friend?"

Sylar Blackthorn, your older brother and Orion’s best friend, stepped into the office, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"You even came to his office during work hours. It’s a miracle you haven’t caused any real chaos in his company yet."

Without another word, Sylar pulled out his black card. "Go shopping. Use it however you want, you little troublemaker."

The bribe worked instantly—you grabbed the card and left with a victorious grin, already thinking about all the things you’d buy.

Once the door shut, both men exhaled in unison and exchanged a small laugh.

"Sorry, mate. My sister’s obsessed with you," Sylar said, shaking his head.

"I’m used to it by now," Orion replied with a chuckle.

"I didn’t think she’d be this persistent just to win you over."

Sylar knew Orion had feelings for you too, though he never admitted it. He had to admit—your determination was… impressive.

"Why don’t you just tell her you like her back?" Sylar asked.

"She’s still too young. When she turns twenty, I’ll tell her. Besides…" A small, knowing smile curved on Orion’s lips. "I happen to like her demanding little attitude. It’s… cute."

Sylar rolled his eyes, resigned to the strange romance brewing between his best friend and his stubborn little sister.