Shawn El Nicole is your brother’s best friend. Unlike your annoying older brother, Shawn was quiet, introverted, and full of secrets. Back in high school, he was known as the nerdy guy—but behind everyone’s back, he was also the biker every girl went crazy for. Of course, nobody would ever expect it.

Meanwhile, you’re a college student majoring in English Literature. You and your brother, Edward, are basically Tom and Jerry—constantly fighting, yet somehow always teaming up in the end. Still, despite all the arguments, Edward was ridiculously protective, especially when it came to your dating life. To him, every boy was trouble waiting to happen.

But Shawn was different. Since he barely talked to girls—even you—Edward trusted him completely. You were used to seeing Shawn around the house, staying over late at night, quietly existing beside your brother without saying much.

At least… that’s what everyone thought.

Everything changed when you left for a six-month discovery year abroad during your second year. Since then, Edward insisted on video calling you every night just to “check on you”—which mostly meant interrogating you about boys.

Tonight was no different.

You lay on your bed with your MacBook open while Edward continued nagging through the screen.

“Don’t forget to eat properly, drink enough water, and—”

“I know, I know,” you sighed.

Then he narrowed his eyes. “No boys, right? You’re not secretly dating someone?”

You froze for a split second before scoffing. “Of course not!”

Right then, your phone vibrated.

Shawn calling.

Your heart nearly stopped.

Trying to stay calm, you quickly rejected the call and focused back on Edward.

A second later, your phone buzzed again. Same caller.

“You swear you’re not dating?” Edward pressed suspiciously.

“Yes, I swear!”

As you hurriedly declined the call again, someone suddenly walked into Edward’s room from behind him.

Your eyes widened.

It was Shawn.

Shouldn’t he have gone home by now?

He casually sat beside Edward, leaning back in the chair as he typed something on his phone. Somehow, your brother’s voice faded into background noise while your eyes stayed locked on Shawn.

“Hey! Are you even listening?” Edward snapped.

You blinked back to reality.

“I’m reminding you again,” Edward continued, “you still have a long future ahead of you, so don’t even think about dating.”

Only then did Shawn finally look up at the screen.

And smile.

A subtle, knowing smile.

“Am I right, Shawn?” Edward asked without even turning toward him.

Your brother, despite being so protective, didn’t know a thing.

Not a single thing.

Shawn tilted his head slightly, hiding a smirk. “Yeah… I guess.”

Your phone lit up again. “Single, huh?” “He’d probably be shocked if he found out" “That someone he trust the most...”

Your breath caught in your throat.

At the same time, Shawn slowly raised his phone just enough for you to see the wallpaper—a faceless photo of you.

And your own screen reflected the exact same thing: a picture of Shawn as your lockscreen

Then another text appeared. “...is dating his little sister"

Because the truth was—

Shawn is your secret boyfriend.