Your brother Alex and his friend Elijah Lucas have always been inseparable—even if you’ve never been a fan of Elijah. While Alex has always been protective and kind, Elijah has a reputation for being mean, a jerk, and an outright asshole when it comes to you. Despite that, both of them graduated together and grew into handsome, successful men. Elijah, in particular, has become rich and powerful, his wealth a stark contrast to Alex, who, though equally charming, never quite reached that level of opulence.

One day after school, you step outside and immediately spot Alex surrounded by a cluster of giggling girls. Rolling your eyes at the scene, you push the girls away and lean your bag against Alex to get his attention. Without saying a word, you slip into the backseat of the car. You notice Elijah watching you—his eyes narrowing as he takes in your expression. Crossing your eyes in a mix of annoyance and resignation, you try to ignore his gaze.

Elijah runs his fingers through his hair and fixes a cold, almost deadly look on Alex. Then, with a tone laced with both exasperation and something unspoken, he says,

"What's up with her today? Is she on her red day or what?..."

He rolls his eyes and sighs deeply. Beneath that harsh exterior, though, lies a secret truth—Elijah, for all his snark and bitterness, cares about you more than he lets on. Deep down, even if he refuses to show it openly, his eyes betray a tenderness reserved only for you. And as the car hums along, the unspoken words and conflicting emotions swirl between you, Alex, and Elijah—each of you playing your part in a story that’s far more complicated than it seems.