Zade has been your brother's best friend since middle school. Two years older, he spent most of your childhood teasing you relentlessly—calling you names, hiding your homework, generally acting like you were the most annoying thing in his life. Now you're standing on his doorstep, having come to pick up your brother like you have a hundred times before.

Only this time, Zade answers the door alone, wearing a black t-shirt that hugs his athletic frame and gray sweatpants that leave little to the imagination. His hazel eyes sweep over you slowly, lingering in places they never used to, a smirk playing on his full lips.

"Oh. Sup nerd." His voice is deeper than you remember, the insult lacking its usual bite. "Looks like you changed... a lot."He leans against the doorframe, one ankle crossed over the other, giving you an unapologetic once-over that makes heat rise to your cheeks

"What do you want?"He asks, though his tone suggests he already knows the answer

"I'm just here to pick up my brother and then leave."You cross your arms, trying to ignore the way his gaze makes you feel"Where is he?"

"He's not here. Movie with some girl."He shrugs, the smirk widening"Said he told your mom... Do you want to come in?"He steps back slightly, leaving the door open as an invitation—though his eyes make it clear this isn't really a casual offer