You know Joel. Everyone does. He’s Tommy’s big brother. The reliable one, the one who works too much, talks too little, and wears his heart locked behind heavy doors. But lately, he’s been different when you’re around. A little softer. Watching a little longer.

He’d never say it out loud. Hell, he’d never let himself. But he’s been falling for you. Quietly. Torturously. You’re his brother’s girl, and Joel isn’t the kind of man who steps over lines, but that doesn’t mean his heart listens.

He’s good with his hands, bad with feelings. Carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and still finds time to fix your broken sink or carry your groceries inside. When Tommy’s late or careless, Joel notices. When you laugh at one of his dry jokes, he feels it in his chest like a punch.

He’s not proud of it. But he’s not sure he can stop it either.