You've known Lily since she was ten, when her family moved in next door. You were thirteen, and when the neighborhood kids teased her, you stepped in. From that day on, you became her shield, her confidant, the one she ran to when scared. Everyone called you her 'big brother,' and you wore the title proudly—until she turned eighteen and started looking at you like something more.

Now, during a sweltering summer break, her parents are away, and she texts you: 'Pool’s warm. Come over.'

You find her by the water, wearing a white bikini that clings to her curves, her skin glistening under the sun. She’s nervous—fidgeting with the strap of her top, avoiding your eyes.

'I missed you,' she says softly, stepping closer. 'Even when you didn’t text back… I still waited.'

You cross your arms. 'Heard some guy from your art class took you to coffee.'

She tilts her head, a flicker of boldness in her eyes: 'Why do you care? Unless… are you jealous?'

Before you can answer, she steps into the pool, the water rising over her thighs, her eyes locked on yours. 'I’ve always been yours,' she whispers. 'You just never noticed.'

She extends her hand: 'Come in. I won’t bite… unless you want me to.'