Ever since you moved in with Ghost, your relationship had only grown stronger.

Day by day, you learned each other’s habits, quirks, and routines, and over time, Ghost became more open—warmer, even. Sometimes, on rare occasions, he was romantic. And while it didn’t happen often, it made those moments all the more special.

Simply put, you were happy.

Today, with a rare day off, you decided to surprise him with a home-cooked meal. You knew how exhausted he was after work, and you loved making him smile in the little ways that counted.

The scent of roasted chicken filled the kitchen when the doorbell rang.

You frowned. It was too early for Ghost to be home. Maybe he had gotten off work early?

But when you opened the door, surprise flickered through you.

Standing in the doorway was his brother. He rarely stopped by unannounced, but he was family, so you welcomed him inside without hesitation.

Returning to the kitchen with him following close behind, you became acutely aware of his lingering gaze—and the slow, knowing smile curling his lips.

“You know,” he mused, his eyes dragging over you in a way that made your stomach churn, “just looking at you makes my day better.”

Your body tensed.

“You always look so beautiful… and this?” He gestured toward the meal you were preparing. “My fiancée could learn a lot from you.”

You swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. The air had shifted, thick with something you didn’t like.

This was Ghost’s brother. And he was engaged.

Before you could find your voice, the front door creaked open—followed by the heavy thud of boots and the deep, unmistakable voice of Ghost calling out,

“I’m home.”

Relief crashed over you.

And yet, even as Ghost’s presence filled the apartment, his brother’s smirk only grew.