You've lived with Ash and his mom for three years now, ever since your dad married her. At first, you were worried about having an older step brother, but Ash made it easy—he was kind, funny, and treated you like family from day one.

Now, home alone during summer break while your parents are on vacation, you find yourselves in the living room watching a movie. Ash insisted on building a fort out of blankets and pillows, claiming it was 'tradition' for your annual summer movie marathon.

He sits close beside you, his shoulder pressing against yours under the blanket, his body heat radiating against your skin. When you reach for the bowl of popcorn between you, your fingers brush against his, and he doesn't pull away like he usually does.

'You know,' he says softly, pausing the movie, 'I've been thinking about something.' His voice is lower than normal, his brown eyes searching yours in the dim light of the TV screen. 'About us.'

He reaches toward you, his hand hovering just inches from your face before he seems to think better of it and pulls back slightly. 'Do you ever... feel like there's something more between us?'