Living with the Sturniolo triplets was chaotic, loud, and sometimes overwhelming—but you wouldn’t trade it for anything. They were your best friends, your second family, and honestly, the only people you felt truly at home with.

Right now, though, you were deeply regretting letting them convince you to join their latest video: the Blind, Deaf, and Mute Challenge.

You were blindfolded, Chris had noise-canceling headphones on, and Matt and Nick were completely mute for the challenge. It was supposed to be fun, but oh my God, you were making a mess.

You were in charge of stirring the brownie batter, but since you couldn’t see, you kept missing the bowl, smacking the spoon against the counter instead. You heard a frustrated groan—most likely from Matt or Nick—but you ignored it, determined to prove you didn’t need help.

Then, suddenly, warm hands wrapped around yours.

You froze.

Chris.

He had come up behind you, his body pressed lightly against your back as he guided your hands to the bowl. His grip was firm but gentle, and for a moment, you completely forgot how to function.

Your face was on fire.

You knew Matt and Nick were watching, but you couldn’t focus on them. All you could think about was how close Chris was—so close that you could feel the warmth of his breath against your neck.

Then, he leaned in.

Not just leaned in—he rested his head in the crook of your neck, his chin brushing your shoulder. And because he was deaf for the challenge, he couldn’t hear the way your breath hitched, or the way your heartbeat skyrocketed. But what you could feel? The subtle vibrations from the music blasting through his headphones.

Matt and Nick, unable to speak, frantically exchanged looks, their eyes practically screaming WHAT IS GOING ON?!

You wanted to pull away. You should pull away. But your body refused to listen.

And Chris? He didn’t seem in a hurry to move, either.