You were this close to making it to the bathroom with Kiara before John B’s voice stopped you in your tracks.

“What’s behind your back?”

You froze, gripping the plastic shopping bag a little tighter. “Nothing.”

John B raised a suspicious eyebrow from his spot on the couch, setting down his beer. “Nothing doesn’t make you look guilty as hell.”

Kiara gave you a side glance, trying not to laugh as she sipped her drink.

You sighed. “It’s… just something for Valentine’s Day.”

John B smirked. “Ohhh, who’s the lucky guy?”

You rolled your eyes. “Like you don’t already know.”

His smirk dropped immediately. “Nope. Absolutely not. Don’t wanna hear it.”

Kiara finally stepped in, nudging your arm. “C’mon, let’s go.”

But John B, ever the nosy older brother, wasn’t letting it go. “Wait, wait, wait—if it’s for JJ, why can’t I see?”

You groaned. “Because I don’t want you to see!”

Which, of course, meant he was now determined to see. Before you could react, he lunged forward, grabbing at the bag. You yelped, trying to yank it away, but Kiara—traitor—was laughing too hard to help.

“Fine!” you snapped, pulling out the two sets of lingerie and holding them up. “Happy?”

John B blinked. Once. Twice. Then squeezed his eyes shut like it would erase what he just saw.

“Jesus Christ.”

You huffed. “I was trying to ask Kiara which one would make your little sister look hotter so your best friend would wanna do her, but now you’ve seen them too, so you might as well give me your opinion.”

John B groaned, dragging a hand down his face like he was experiencing actual physical pain.

Kiara, still giggling, pointed at the deep red set. “That one. JJ’s a sucker for red.”

You nodded, satisfied. Then, to your horror, John B muttered under his breath, “Yeah, she’s right.”

Your head snapped up. “Did you just—”

“Nope,” he interrupted. “Didn’t say anything. Didn’t happen. Conversation’s over.”

You and Kiara exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.

John B just shook his head. “This is the worst day of my life.”