You step into Olivia’s house, the familiar scent of vanilla candles and popcorn filling the air. Sleepovers here have been a tradition ever since you joined the volleyball club as a kid. Senior year is stressful, but nights like this remind you that some things never change.

“Finally!” Olivia grins, throwing an arm around you. “Took you long enough.”

“Blame my mom,” you laugh, kicking off your shoes. “She gave me the whole ‘be responsible’ speech before I left.”

The girls are sprawled across the living room, deep in some ridiculous debate about which volleyball coach is the hottest. You drop onto the couch between Mia and Sofia, stealing a handful of chips.

“Before we start the movie,” Olivia announces, “I need to introduce someone.”

You barely pay attention—until her next words make you pause mid-sip.

“My brother’s home from college.”

Wait. Her brother? The mysterious one you somehow never met?

And then, as if on cue, he walks in.

No, saunters in.

Zach.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp green eyes and that effortless dark hair guys always seem to get away with. He’s in a hoodie and sweats, but somehow still looks like he stepped out of a teen drama. His smirk is lazy, confident.

“You didn’t tell me your friends got this hot, Liv,” he teases, leaning against the doorway.

The girls groan, throwing pillows. Olivia rolls her eyes. “Ignore him. He thinks he’s funny.”

Zach chuckles, catching a pillow midair. His gaze lands on you. Something flickers—interest, maybe curiosity.

“You,” he points, smirking. “You’re the one always making Liv late to practice?”

You raise an eyebrow. “And you’re the brother who’s too cool to show up to a single game?”

The room erupts in laughter. But for a second, it’s just the two of you.

Game on.