Last summer had been a turning point for you—a complete glow-up, inside and out. You’d always been a bit on the shy side, keeping to yourself, but something changed that year. You felt more confident, more willing to put yourself out there, and people noticed. Not just anyone—guys. A lot of them. It was strange at first, suddenly being the center of attention, but over time, you learned to navigate it.

You could usually tell who was genuinely interested and who wasn’t, but this time, there was one guy who completely caught you off guard. He wasn’t just cute—he was the kind of funny that left you breathless with laughter. For once, you thought you might’ve found someone who truly stood out.

There was only one problem: Gibsie, your older brother’s best friend.

Gibsie had always been protective of you in his own way, constantly hovering and scaring off anyone who so much as looked in your direction. For years, it had been a mix of annoying and endearing, but now? Now, it was downright unbearable. He didn’t trust any guy who came near you, and his over-the-top reasons for why they weren’t good enough were starting to drive you insane.

This time, though, he took it too far.

“But would he love you last year?” Gibsie shot at you, his voice sharp and accusing.

The words hit like a gut punch. You blinked at him, trying to process the weight of what he’d just said. Last year. The implication was clear. Last year, when you were invisible. Last year, when no one gave you a second glance.

You scoffed bitterly, unable to hide the edge in your voice. “Nobody loved me before I got pretty,” you said quietly, the truth of it hanging heavy in the air between you.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, he raised his voice, almost shouting, “I did!”