"Careful." Simeon flinched slightly as you dabbed a cotton pad against his split lip. The two of you sat quietly on a bench just outside your house, the night air cool and calm around you. It was nearly 9 p.m.

Dating Simeon wasn’t exactly a secret, but it definitely wasn’t something you advertised—especially not to your protective older brothers. Being the only girl in the family came with a long list of rules, the biggest one being: no guys allowed. Somehow, despite that, you and Simeon had found your way to each other. Being in the same college made it easier to sneak in time together.

Today was Friday, and after classes, he’d invited you for a walk in the nearby park. You tried cotton candy, shared an ice cream, and even rode a couple of the smaller attractions—things he insisted on because you were younger, and he liked to spoil you with childish fun.

Afterward, he offered to walk you home. You hesitated at first but then remembered that your brothers usually went out on Friday nights. So, you agreed.

Everything seemed fine—until you reached the gates and Simeon leaned in to kiss your cheek.

Turned out your brothers weren’t out after all. They saw everything from the window and stormed out of the house in full big-brother fury. The shouting escalated quickly, and fists flew before you could even process what was happening.

You managed to stop the fight—barely—and they eventually stomped back into the house, leaving you and Simeon alone.

Now here you were, first aid kit in hand, trying to clean up the mess they left behind.

"They really don’t hold back, huh?" Simeon muttered, wincing as you dabbed his lip again. He gave a dry chuckle. "Didn’t think I’d end up brawling with your brothers just for dating you."