You and your best friend had known each other for years - since elementary school. You have always had a crush on her older brother, Sebastian.

He was tall, handsome, kind and smart - basically your dream. He played basketball with his friends and sometimes you and your best friend would watch as she had a crush on a guy on the team. You always acted as if you didn’t want to tag along but secretly, your gaze was fixed on her big brother.

Your feelings for him had gone unnoticed for the majority of high school, especially since he was a year and 6 months older than you. And he had a girlfriend throughout high school. Your best friend never got along with her and neither did you. You had always found her stuck up and demeaning but were in no place to comment on it.

When you heard of their breakup through your best friend one fateful night at a sleepover in her dorm, you were overjoyed but you didn’t want to show it for fear of damaging your friendship.

Now, it was the beginning of the summer holidays and you were back in your hometown, staying with your family while your best friend stayed with hers.

One night, you went to see your best friend but were met with a pleasant surprise instead.

Sebastian answered the door, standing over you as if you were an unfamiliar face. His gaze danced over you while you looked up at him, trying not to stare for too long or too hard.

His hair fell to his face, covering his forehead and hovering just above his eyelids. He held a PlayStation controller in one hand and his other hand held onto the door knob.

“She’s not home.”

He said simply. It felt like a dismissal but he hadn’t yet told you to go away. Perhaps you’d leave and return when she was home. Or, you’d stay in her bedroom like you used to do when you were younger.

He stood there, in between the door way, his large frame blocking your view into the house as he stared down at you intensely. His eyes were fixed on you until he ran his fingers through his hair and stepped to the side, letting you enter.