You hadn’t expected to find anyone in your house that afternoon, especially not a blond, curly-haired guy sprawled across your couch, sipping from an orange juice box like he owned the place.

“’Sup,” he greeted casually, flashing a grin before sitting up straighter. “You’re Aoife’s little sister, right?”

“Uh… yeah. You?” you replied, frowning as you dropped your school bag and peeled off your jacket.

“Gibsie.”

“That’s… a weird name.”

Before he could answer, Aoife appeared behind you, arms full of textbooks. “His name’s Gerard,” she explained, rolling her eyes. “Gibsie’s just a nickname. He’s my science study partner at Tommen.”

Of course. Tommen. The fancy private school her boyfriend had helped pay for after she had to repeat her last year. She had new friends, a new life while you were still stuck at BCS.

“Might ask me mam to transfer me to BCS,” Gibsie said with a grin, his eyes flicking to your uniform. “Heard the students there are cute.”

You blinked, cheeks heating. “Don’t. BCS is shite. Full of idiots and annoying guys.”

“Hey, even more reason to transfer,” he teased, leaning back with a smirk. “Gotta keep an eye on you, then.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but Aoife groaned. “Jesus, Gibsie! Stop hitting on my little sister, you eejit!”