Kylie doesn't know that I notice. I notice everything.
The way her eyes flicker to me whenever I'm around, how she stumbles over her words when I say something as simple as "hey." It's been going on for a while now—since she was about sixteen, I think. Back then, I shrugged it off. Teenage crushes happen all the time, right? It's natural. But now? Now it's a little harder to ignore.
Especially after this morning.
When she opened the door, I could see the look on her face—the way she froze, the way her breath caught in her throat. I had to bite back a smile. I get it. I'm not blind. Kylie's cute—real cute—but she's Hank's little sister. Hank, who I've known since we were kids. Hank, who'd probably murder me in cold blood if he ever knew what went on in her head when she looked at me.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it... well, flattering. It's kind of adorable, the way she tries to act normal around me but always ends up flustered. But I can't let her think I'm picking up on it. I've been pretending not to notice for years now, hoping that maybe, eventually, she'll get over it. She's too young, and her life is already complicated enough. No need to throw me into the mix.
Still, when she opened the door this morning, I almost laughed. Her eyes were wide, and her breath caught like I was some kind of celebrity, not the same Cole who's known her since she was a kid.
"Hey, Kylie, how've you been? Been a while," I said, pulling her into a quick side hug. I knew it would fluster her even more, and I guess there's a part of me that enjoys the effect I have on her, even though I shouldn't.
That hug probably ruined her morning, I thought, holding back a grin as I walked into the kitchen.
Hank, of course, didn't even notice anything weird between us. He was too busy grumbling about me coming over all the time. "You can sleep in your own place, you know," he yelled.
"I know you miss me, Hank. No need to be mean," I joked back, pulling him into a hug. He's like a brother to me, but man, if he knew what his sister felt, he'd lose it. And me? I'd be dead meat.
We got into the usual banter about soccer and video games. The thing is, Hank has no clue. He's completely oblivious to the way Kylie watches me from across the room, or how she practically jumped out of her seat the second I sat down next to her.
She bolted, saying she had to use the bathroom. But I knew what it really was—she was panicking because she couldn't handle being near me. It was cute, in a way, but also a little sad. She's too young, I kept reminding myself. Too young, too sweet, and way too important to Hank.
When she came back, Hank was already running late. He stuffed the last of his bread into his mouth and groaned. "Crap, I was supposed to drop Kylie off at school."
I saw my chance and offered to take her. I told myself it was just a favor for Hank, but deep down I knew why I did it. Maybe it's because I care about her. Or maybe it's because part of me likes the way she looks at me, even though I'll never admit that out loud.
In the car, the silence was thick. Kylie sat there, clutching her backpack like it was a lifeline, and I could practically feel the tension rolling off her in waves.
"So, senior year, huh?" I asked, trying to break the silence.
She barely looked at me. "Yeah. Excited... and a little nervous, I guess."
Of course you are. I get it, senior year is a big deal. It's your last year before everything changes. But I wonder if she's nervous about more than just school. Is she nervous because of me?
When we got to the school, I glanced at her as she was about to get out. "You'll be fine," I told her. "You're smart. Don't let your brother freak you out too much, okay?"
She smiled, but I could tell her mind was somewhere else. Maybe on me. She said thanks, and before I could say anything else, she was out the door.
As I drove away, I couldn't help but glance in the rearview mirror. I saw her walking toward the school entrance, and some girl I didn't recognize practically sprinted toward her, her face lighting up like she'd just seen a celebrity. By the way Kylie dragged her off, I could tell what was going on. She was probably talking about me. Probably asking questions Kylie wasn't ready to answer.
I shook my head, chuckling to myself as I turned the corner. It's cute—harmless, really. I just have to keep my distance, play pretend a little longer. Kylie's got a crush, sure. But it's just a phase.
At least... I hope it is.
After dropping Kylie off at school, I made my way back to Hank's place. I needed sleep, badly, and home wasn't going to give me that. Mom was already hounding me about some date they had lined up—again.
This time, it was with the daughter of some big-shot at Diamond Enterprises. Apparently, her family was about to partner with Dad's company on a deal, and it seemed like they were trying to seal the business with their daughter. The whole thing made me feel like a pawn in some corporate game, which is exactly why I'd stormed out this morning, leaving my parents to their matchmaking madness.
They've been controlling my life since forever, and I've done everything they asked—every stupid meeting, every business event. But now, they want to pull the strings on my love life too? Not happening.
I could hear Mom's voice echoing in my head, reminding me that this deal was important for Dad's business, that I owed them for all the privileges I'd been given. But I didn't care. I wasn't about to let them run my life anymore, especially not when it came to who I was supposed to spend it with.
Then, an idea popped into my head—a wild, ridiculous idea, but one I couldn't shake off.
What if Hank went on the date instead?
Yeah, it sounded crazy. But Hank could easily pull it off. He'd have to put on a suit and act a little polished, but he could handle it. He'd probably even enjoy the free food and drinks, unlike me. Besides, I'd be off the hook, and the deal wouldn't fall through.
It was definitely worth a shot.
I grinned to myself as I pulled into Hank's driveway, already half-drafting my sales pitch. If I could get Hank on board, I miht just survive this whole mess. I'd owe him one for sure, but it would be better than sitting through another soul-sucking dinner with someone my parents wanted me to marry.
I was about to message Hank about my ridiculous plan when Kylie's message popped up on my phone screen.
Thanks for the ride.
A small smile tugged at my lips, and for some reason, I felt a slight twist in my stomach. What's wrong with you? I thought, slapping my hand against my forehead. Get it together, she's like your sister too.
I was about to type a simple, "Sure, it's nothing," but for some reason, I deleted it and, without thinking, sent:
"I can come pick you up when you get out too. Just text me and I'll be there."
As soon as I hit send, I groaned. What are you doing? My head was definitely not working right.
There's something about her, something that just makes me feel... different when I'm around her. And knowing how she feels about me only complicates things. It's not like I don't see the way she reacts when I'm near. It's cute, in a way—her stumbling, the way her cheeks flush—but that cuteness has this weird effect on me, one I can't explain.
Seconds after sending my message, my phone buzzed again.
"No, don't worry, my friend's mum will drop me. Thanks."
Her reply was quick and polite, but I couldn't shake the strange wave of disappointment that washed over me. I felt my cheeks heat up. Why am I feeling this way? I shouldn't be. This wasn't right. But somehow, I wanted to be around her, to keep her close. And that thought alone was dangerous. If Hank ever found out what was going on in Kylie's mind—or worse, mine—I'd be in deep trouble.
With a sigh, I parked the car, headed back into Hank's house, and collapsed on the couch. I pulled out my phone, ready to pitch my crazy idea. Luckily, Hank was online. Most times, he wasn't—probably too busy to reply.
Hey 👋 I need your help with something. Seriously, it sounds crazy, but you'll really be saving my ass.
It didn't take long for him to respond.
"Sup, what's it all about? Have you gotten in trouble again?"
I chuckled at his typical Hank response.
"Well, not entirely true, but come on, I don't always get in trouble." I shot back, already on the defensive.
Here's the thing. Remember those ridiculous blind dates my parents keep setting up? There's another one, and I'm just... exhausted. It's like they'll never back off. And Mom is close to having a meltdown because of it. I really don't want to go, but I thought maybe... you could help me out.
I paused, then typed the rest quickly.
It's just this once. You don't even have to stick around—tell her you're not interested, and it'll be over before you know it. Please, please, please 🙏. It's this Saturday, and I need your help so badly.
I sent the message and waited, hoping like hell he'd be willing to take one for the team.
"Hey, you're joking, right? I can't do it. What if she finds out? I don't want to be a part of that madness. You're really funny, what the hell are you thinking?" Hank's reply came in a few minutes, just as I was grabbing a bottle of water from the kitchen.
I sighed, my face sweeping with frustration as I read his message. Of course, he'd think it was insane. How do I convince him?
I leaned against the counter, fingers flying over the keyboard as I typed out my response.
"Bro, calm down. It's just one date. Just one time, and it'll be over before you even realize it. She's never met me before, so there's no way she can find out. Plus, I'm setting it up at your favorite restaurant. You'll enjoy the food at least, right?"
I hit send, hoping I'd sweetened the deal enough to get him to agree.
"You're crazy, you know that, right? Let's talk better when I get off work. And for the love of God, stop falling asleep on that couch—go back home!" Hank's reply came almost instantly, and despite the scolding, I could sense the shift. He wasn't outright refusing. I grinned to myself. Yes! There's no way he's saying no.
Feeling victorious, I stretched out on the couch, ready to rest for a bit before heading out.
---
Three hours later, I jolted awake to the sound of my phone vibrating on the coffee table. How did I sleep that long? I thought, blinking away the grogginess. Mum's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, Mum," I answered, my voice still a bit hoarse from the unexpected nap.
Her voice came through immediately, tinged with that familiar tone of worry. "Please come back home and talk to your father. He's really furious with you."
I rubbed my face, trying to shake the last bit of sleep away. "It's fine, Mum. I'll go on the date," I replied, though my mind was already plotting. Hank's going in my place, one way or another.
"Oh, really? I love you, baby! Thank you so much. I promise you won't regret it. She's a beautiful girl, you know."
I could hear the relief in her voice, and it almost made me feel bad about what I was planning. Almost. If only she knew.
"That's enough, Mum. Bye now." I ended the call, tossing the phone back onto the couch, feeling the frustration rising again. How long do I have to keep going along with this?
Seconds after hanging up with Mum, the door creaked open and Kylie walked in.
"Hey," I greeted her with a smile, but she didn't smile back. Instead, her face held a strange look of disappointment, her cheeks flushed. By the time she walked past me, her face had turned bright red, like she was embarrassed or upset.
I furrowed my brows, confused. "Are you okay?" I asked, trying to catch her berfore she disappeared down the hall.
"I'm fine," she muttered quickly, not slowing down as she made her way toward her room, her pace increasing with every step.
I stared after her, puzzled. Did she hear my conversation with Mum? The thought gnawed at me, and guilt stirred in my chest. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel bad because of... whatever this mess was with my parents.
A crazy thought flashed through my mind—to knock on her door and try to talk. But what in the world would I even say? Especially if she had heard my conversation with Mum. What explanation could I give that wouldn't make this situation even worse?
Maybe it was for the best to let it be. She'd eventually get over whatever feelings she had for me, and I'd get back my senses. That was the plan, right? Pretend long enough and things would return to normal. But as I stood there, staring at her closed door, I couldn't shake the heaviness in my chest.
How do I even handle all of this? Between the mess with my parents, Hank, and now Kylie... it felt like everything was spiraling out of control, and I had no idea how to stop it.