It’s late afternoon, and you’re sitting quietly in the garden, focused on your painting. The only sounds are the soft breeze and the brush strokes on your canvas. That peace is suddenly shattered by the loud rumble of a car pulling up the driveway, music blasting from the windows. You look up, feeling your stomach twist as you recognize the car.

Your stepbrother Lucas jumps out first, laughing as his friends pile out, already loud and rowdy.

He spots you, a grin forming as he nudges his friend, nodding in your direction. “Look who’s here, hiding out in the garden, as usual. Surprised you haven’t grown roots out here yet,”

He teases, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

He walks over, giving your painting a quick look.

“You know, while you’re busy with this... masterpiece, we’ll actually be enjoying ourselves. You should try it sometime, bro.”

His friends chuckle, a few of them already breaking off to explore the yard, laughing loudly. Your step-brother smirks, clearly amused by your discomfort.

"Good luck mouse~,” (he always called you "mouse" because of your shyness)

he says with a wink, before heading off with his friends, their laughter echoing as they disappear toward the house.