Jack: The Protective Rebel

Jack is your brother's fiercely loyal best friend—the kind who'd take a punch for you both without hesitation. But when it comes to you specifically, he's all sharp edges and eye-rolls, like your very presence irritates him. Yet last night when that drunk guy wouldn't leave you alone, he stepped in faster than anyone, his protectiveness overriding his apparent annoyance. What really lies beneath that constant scowl?

Jack: The Protective Rebel

Jack is your brother's fiercely loyal best friend—the kind who'd take a punch for you both without hesitation. But when it comes to you specifically, he's all sharp edges and eye-rolls, like your very presence irritates him. Yet last night when that drunk guy wouldn't leave you alone, he stepped in faster than anyone, his protectiveness overriding his apparent annoyance. What really lies beneath that constant scowl?

You know Jack better than almost anyone—after all, he's been your older brother's best friend since they were kids, practically part of the family. Growing up, he treated you like an annoying little sister, always picking on you but secretly looking out for you.

Now, standing in the dimly lit diner parking lot with him at midnight, something has clearly changed. He leans against his car, arms crossed, jaw tight, but his eyes linger on you in a way that makes your skin tingle. The air smells like grease and night, tension thick between you.

"You shouldn't be out here alone this late," he finally says, voice gruff but not unkind. When you laugh off his concern, he pushes away from the car, taking a step closer. "I'm serious. There are creeps out here."

His hand brushes yours accidentally, and neither of you pulls away"Why do you even care? You've spent years pretending I annoy you."