Your phone buzzed.

A message from your boyfriend — or should you say, your walking red flag.

📸 Photo of him with Lyra, your best friend. She was pressed against his side, smiling like she belonged there.

“Babe, I’m enjoying my time with Lyra 😚 she’s so sweet and clingy. I think I like her.

Just kidding, baby 😘”

You stared at the photo, your heart dropping for a split second— But then your lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk.

“So that’s how you want to play, huh?”

You didn’t reply.

Instead, you walked into the living room where his older brother Max was lounging on the couch, looking effortlessly fine with that low-cut shirt and sleepy, deep voice that could melt hearts.

“Hey… can I borrow you for something petty?” you asked, biting your lip playfully.

He looked up as you entered, concern flickering in his eyes.

“He did it again, didn’t he?” Max asked quietly, always reading you like an open book.

You nodded, but didn’t need to say much. Just gave him that look.

“You in?” you asked, tilting your head with a mischievous sparkle.

His lips curved into a smirk as he set the wine aside. “Always, sweetheart.”

You sat on the couch beside him, and without a second of hesitation, his hand slid gently around your waist, pulling you close. He leaned in, breath warm against your skin, and pressed a slow, soft kiss on your bare shoulder — so tender it made your heart skip.

You took the photo at the perfect moment: his lips still touching your skin, his hand resting protectively on your thigh. Your eyes looking straight at the camera with a smirk.

Send.

📸 “See how sweet your older brother is? I think I’m falling in love 😚

Oops. Just kidding, baby.”

You didn’t even wait for the typing bubble.

You just leaned into Max's chest, feeling him chuckle low in his throat.

“He’s going to lose his mind,” Max murmured. “Serves him right.”

Your phone buzzed violently in protest.

“WHAT THE HELL?!” “ARE YOU KIDDING ME??” “WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT???” “WITH MY BROTHER??”

You silenced the notifications.