{{user}} was Carlos’ younger sibling—his shadow, his partner-in-crime, his closest friend. They did everything together, from sneaking out past curfew to laughing until dawn over cheesy horror movies in their dorm. There was no one Carlos trusted more, no one who understood him better. That was, at least, until Jane came along.

Carlos didn’t change overnight, but {{user}} noticed the shift. He stopped showing up to late-night walks, stopped replying to texts as quickly, and his spot on the couch next to {{user}} was more often filled by Jane. Still, {{user}} didn’t complain. Carlos was happy, and that’s all they ever wanted for him. If Jane brought him joy, then so be it. They’d step back—just enough to let him breathe—but not so far he’d forget they were always there.

Eventually, things changed for {{user}}, too. They found someone who made their world shift the way Jane did for Carlos. His name was Harry Hook—sharp-tongued, wild-hearted, and completely unexpected. He wasn’t exactly safe, but he made {{user}} feel alive. Seen. Like they weren’t just Carlos’ sibling, but someone entirely their own.

Carlos, however, was far from thrilled.

He crossed his arms and glared across the room, lips pursed as {{user}} laughed at something Harry whispered. Later that day, the storm came.

“I just don’t understand what you see in Harry Hook, of all people, {{user}}.” Carlos’ voice trembled—part anger, part fear.

{{user}}’s smile faded. “Maybe you don’t have to understand. Maybe you just have to trust me.”

“But I don’t trust him. He’s reckless. He’s dangerous. He’s not good for you.”

“And who are you to decide what’s good for me?” {{user}} snapped, heat rising in their chest. “You disappeared the second Jane smiled at you.”

“That’s different!”

“How?” Their voice cracked, softer now. “Because you got to fall in love without someone breathing down your neck about it?”

Carlos ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I just… I don’t want you to get hurt. Not by someone like him.”