Chapter 21

I followed Lucas upstairs, feeling a little strange. The day had been fun better than I'd expected but now that it was ending, I had this weird, empty feeling in my chest. I wasn't sure why.

Lucas grabbed his bag from the corner of my room and started packing up his stuff, shoving his charger and hoodie inside. I sat on my bed, watching him.

"Hey," he said suddenly, glancing over his shoulder. "You okay?"

I blinked. "Yeah. Why?"

Lucas shrugged. "You got quiet."

I hesitated, then shook my head. "I'm fine."

Lucas studied me for a second, then zipped his bag and slung it over his shoulder. Instead of heading straight for the door, though, he hesitated, then stepped closer and wrapped his arms around me in a quick, warm hug.

"See you Monday."

I completely froze.

His arms were solid around me, his scent faint cologne and something undeniably him filled my nose, and my brain just stopped working. By the time I even thought about hugging him back, he had already pulled away.

When he stepped back, he smirked. "You really blush a lot around me."

Oh. Oh no.

I looked away immediately, feeling my face heat up. "I do not."

Lucas just laughed and reached out to ruffle my hair. "It's cute."

I batted his hand away, scowling. "Stop it."

Lucas grinned. "Make me."

I glared at him, but my heart was pounding, and I was pretty sure my face was still red.

By the time we made it downstairs, I had barely recovered. Unfortunately, Henry of all people noticed immediately.

"Why's your face so red?" he asked, smirking from his spot on the couch.

I groaned and pulled my hoodie up over my head, trying to disappear.

Lucas, of course, wasn't going to let it go. "Yeah, Adrian," he said, voice dripping with amusement. "Why's your face so red?"

I shot him a murderous glare. "I hate you."

Lucas grinned. "No, you don't."

Miles watched the exchange, then smirked knowingly. "Huh."

I knew exactly what that "huh" meant, and I wasn't dealing with it.

Before I could respond, Oscar called from the doorway, "Lucas, let's go."

Lucas slung his bag over his shoulder and sent me one last smile before heading out.

The second the door shut, I let out a breath.

Then Elijah cleared his throat.

"I have something to tell you guys."

I turned around. He was standing in the living room, arms crossed, looking... weirdly serious.

The rest of the boys were already gathered, so I slowly walked over, perching on the armrest of the couch next to Henry.

Elijah took a deep breath. "I... have a girlfriend."

I froze.

The room, however, exploded.

"No way!" Miles practically shouted. "Who is she?"

Henry leaned forward. "How long has this been going on?"

Oscar, who hadn't even sat down yet, raised an eyebrow. "You? A girlfriend?"

Elijah ignored him. "Her name's Megan. And I want you guys to meet her."

The twins immediately jumped in with more questions like "What's she like?" "How did you meet?" "Does she know we exist?"

Elijah just laughed. "Yes, she knows you exist. And she's amazing. I think you guys will really like her."

Everyone was excited.

Except me.

I sat there, gripping the edge of the couch, feeling like someone had just yanked the floor out from under me.

Elijah had a girlfriend.

Which meant he'd be around less.

I already felt like I was losing him. He was busy all the time now. We barely hung out anymore. No more Saturday morning breakfasts, no more late-night movies, no more running errands together just because.

And now, with her...?

My chest felt tight.

Before I could stop myself, I stood up and walked out of the room.

I didn't even know where I was going. I just needed to get out of there.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at my door.

I knew who it was before I even answered.

I stayed silent.

The door opened anyway, and Elijah stepped inside. He hesitated for a second before closing it behind him.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly.

I swallowed, staring at my hands. "Nothing."

"Adrian."

I clenched my jaw. I hated when he used that voice—the one that meant he wasn't going to let me brush it off.

I hesitated, then mumbled, "I just... I feel like I'm already losing time with you."

Elijah let out a slow breath. He walked over and sat beside me on the bed.

"You're not losing me, Ade." His voice was gentle. "Yeah, I might not be around as much, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you."

I felt my chest tighten even more. "It feels like you don't."

Elijah didn't say anything for a moment. Then, he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me into a side hug.

"You'll always be my baby brother," he murmured. "That's never going to change."

I swallowed hard.

Elijah gave me a squeeze. "Look, I know change sucks. And I know I've been busy. But that doesn't mean I don't love you, okay?"

I nodded against his shoulder. I didn't trust myself to speak.

He pulled back slightly and smirked. "Besides, you might actually like Megan. She's really nice. You should give her a chance."

I hesitated. "...I don't know."

Elijah chuckled. "You don't have to decide right now. Just... Come to dinner with us. It's been a while since we all went out as a family, hasn't it?"

I let out a small, reluctant smile. "...Yeah, I guess."

"Good." Elijah ruffled my hair. "Now, come back downstairs. You look like you need an Easton cuddle."

I rolled my eyes. "I don't need an Easton cuddle."

Elijah grinned. "Mhm. Sure."

I shoved him lightly, but I was smiling now.

Maybe... this wouldn't be so bad.

When we got back downstairs, the conversation had already shifted—Miles was telling Henry some ridiculous story, and Easton was half-listening from his spot on the couch.

Without thinking, I walked straight over and flopped down beside Easton.

He barely reacted, just glanced down at me with an amused look. "Rough conversation?"

I didn't answer. I just leaned against him, silent.

Easton huffed a laugh and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "Alright, kiddo. I got you."

Henry smirked. "Wow, that was fast. He was barely gone five minutes before he needed comfort."

I flipped him off without looking up.

Elijah snorted and sat down on the other couch. "See? Told you."

I groaned but didn't move. Easton was warm, solid, safe.

I let my eyes close for just a second, breathing in the familiar scent of laundry detergent and aftershave.

Maybe I wasn't losing anything, after all.

At least... not yet.

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Word count: 1084

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*EMMA HETHRON*