You’re lying in bed, phone in hand, mindlessly scrolling. The house is quiet — until the door creaks open.

Your eyes snap up in annoyance.

It’s Nathan. Your older brother’s best friend.

He stumbles inside, clearly drunk, his hair messy and his shirt slightly unbuttoned.

“You know,” he starts, his voice slurring just a bit, “I’ve always hated you…” He pauses, a small, lopsided smile tugging at his lips. “But damn, I can’t stop thinking about you.”

You blink, sure you misheard him.

“What?” you scoff, sitting up. “Are you serious right now?”

He doesn’t answer immediately — just moves closer, the usual arrogance in his posture replaced by something softer, almost vulnerable.

“I’m in love with you,” he says quietly. “I’ve been pretending to hate you.”

Your heart skips a beat. The air feels thick, heavy with words you’ve both been too afraid to say.

“Say something,” he murmurs, his gaze flicking up to meet yours.

The words fall from your lips before you can stop them. “I love you too.”

A faint grin appears on his face as he exhales a small laugh. “Remind me when I’m sober,” he says, before flopping onto your bed and instantly passing out.

You sit there for a moment, phone still in your hand, staring at him — wondering if you’ll have to remind him… or if he already knows.