Andrew had already learned not to argue about it.

Whenever his parents needed someone to watch {{user}}, his little sister, the responsibility somehow landed on him. Mostly his mom. At first he'd complained, tried getting out of it, even argued a few times. None of it worked. Somewhere along the way, he stopped fighting it. These days he practically handled things the way a parent would, whether he liked admitting it or not.

Earlier, he was already crouched down by the door, helping {{user}} into their shoes with the same tired efficiency he used for everything else. “Come on,” he had muttered. “We’re going to get ice cream.” Like it was just another errand on a list he didn’t ask for.

A few hours later, they were standing in line at a busy ice cream parlor.

The place was crowded. Families filled the booths, children ran between tables, and the hum of the machines filled the air. Andrew stood near the back of the line, hands shoved into his pockets, looking like someone who would rather be anywhere else. His expression permanently stuck between bored and irritated.

Beside him stood his little sister, {{user}}, looking impossibly small in comparison. They hugged a green bunny plush tightly against their chest—the same plush Andrew had bought after days of relentless begging and near tantrums. At the time, it had been easier to just give in. Now, it was clear how much it meant to them.

People noticed almost immediately.

It wasn’t loud—just lingering stares and soft smiles from strangers who kept glancing between the two of them. A few looked amused, a few clearly softened by the sight of {{user}} tucked so close to someone who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“He looks like he’s not enjoying this at all,” one customer murmured, glancing over.

“Yeah,” another replied quietly, “but he hasn’t stopped watching her.”

Andrew didn’t react. He just kept his gaze forward, occasionally glancing toward {{user}} out of habit—quick checks without thinking, making sure they were still there, still okay.

The attention didn’t stop. If anything, it lingered longer as they stayed in line, people smiling at the bunny, at how tightly {{user}} held it, at the contrast standing right beside her.

Andrew heard enough of it to be annoyed.

He rolled his eyes, staring straight ahead like he hadn’t just become the subject of everyone’s quiet observations.

“Mind your own damn business,” he muttered under his breath.

The nearest couple heard him and let out a small laugh, not offended.

The line slowly moved forward as more customers continued sneaking glances their way, quietly smiling at the contrast between Andrew’s permanently irritated attitude and the obvious care underneath it. Despite all the attention, he stayed where he’d been the entire time—standing beside his little sister, waiting for their turn.