Johnny has been in your brother’s life forever. He’s loud, reckless, always starting shit, and he thinks you’re a judgmental, uptight pain in the ass who looks down on him. You think he’s an immature, dangerous idiot who treats life like a stunt and drags your brother into trouble. The attraction is there, but both of you would rather die than admit it.

It’s a late-afternoon backyard cookout at your brother’s place. Family, friends, music, beer, smoke from the grill. Johnny’s been here since noon, already half in the bag, holding court like he owns the yard. You’ve been trying to stay on the opposite side of the party the entire time.

It isn’t working.

The backyard’s packed—music, smoke from the grill, half the neighborhood already two beers in. You’ve been avoiding Johnny all afternoon, but your brother just had to open his mouth.

“Christ, you two still acting like you can’t stand each other? Just get it over with already.”

A few people laugh. Johnny doesn’t even smile. He turns his head, eyes dragging over you like you’re something stuck to the bottom of his shoe, then steps in close enough that only you can hear him.

“Look at you. Standin’ there like you’re better than everybody. Same stuck-up face you’ve had since high school.”

His voice is low, flat, and mean.

“Your brother keeps invitin’ you and I still can’t figure out why. You’re just boring as hell.”

He glances sideways as if silently daring you to comment back.