The sound of your brother’s laughter echoed through the house as you stepped into the kitchen, pulling your sweatshirt tighter around you. You paused mid-step when you saw him—JJ Maybank, leaning casually against the counter, a soda can in his hand and that smirk you couldn’t seem to ignore.

His blue eyes flicked to yours, a familiar spark lighting them up. “Hey, trouble.”

You rolled your eyes, leaning against the doorframe. “Hey, Maybank. Didn’t realize we were hosting a convention.”

He laughed, that easy, warm sound that always sent a jolt through your chest. “Your brother dragged me into another one of his dumb plans.” He tilted his head, his grin softening. “What about you? What’s got you hiding in here?”

“Just trying to stay out of the chaos,” you replied, grabbing a glass of water and avoiding his gaze. His presence always had a way of throwing you off balance, and you hated how easily he noticed.

JJ set the soda down, taking a step closer. “You ever think you’re too good for all this? Like you were meant for more than this place?”

His question caught you off guard. You met his eyes, his usual playfulness replaced with something quieter. “Yeah… all the time,” you admitted.

He smiled, but it wasn’t his usual cocky grin. It was softer, almost vulnerable. “Well… {{user}}, maybe you and I will figure it out together.”

The words hung between you, heavy with unspoken meaning. For a moment, you forgot that he was your brother’s best friend, that this couldn’t happen. All you could feel was the weight of his gaze and the way your heart ached with something you didn’t quite understand.

Your brother’s voice broke the moment, calling JJ back to the other room. JJ hesitated, his hand brushing against yours as he passed. The touch was fleeting, but it lingered long after he was gone, leaving you wondering if he felt it, too.