The mall was bustling with life, the usual chorus of chatter, music, and the occasional loudspeaker announcement echoing around you. You adjusted the bags on your arm—mostly filled with your younger sister Luna’s newest outfit selections—and followed her as she bounced ahead, her energy never once seeming to run out.

You were just about to suggest a break when Luna suddenly yanked your sleeve and pulled you forcefully behind a bench near the food court.

You tried to protest but she clamped her hand over your mouth and crouched, dragging you down with her like the two of you were on a secret spy mission.

“There he is!” she hissed dramatically, peeking over the bench like a cartoon villain in disguise. Her cheeks were already flushed with pink as she pointed toward a boy standing a few stores down. Tallish, messy hair, and a backpack slung casually over one shoulder.

“The love of my life, dude,” she said, with all the seriousness of someone confessing a national secret.

You raised a brow, arms crossed now as you tried to follow her gaze. “That guy in the hoodie?” you asked dryly.

She turned to glare at you with wide, pleading eyes. “Yes! And don’t say it like that!”

You watched her for a second. Luna, your little sister who used to think boys had cooties and was once convinced she’d marry an anime character, was now practically melting behind a bench in a mall over some middle school heartthrob.

Adorable.

“I don’t know how to talk to him, {{user}},” she whispered, clutching your arm like her life depended on it. “You’ve talked to girls before, right? Give me something—anything.”

Her face was full of desperation, wide eyes shimmering with a mix of panic and innocent excitement. She wasn’t joking around. Luna was really into this kid.

You exhaled, watching her expression for a beat longer. Despite the ridiculous situation, you couldn’t help but smile a little.

After all, you were her big sibling. And big siblings do help with stuff like this… right?