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(edited)

It had been just one day since the hospital, and now we were in the car, finally heading home. I was riding with Cole, Chris, and Alex, while the others were in a separate car behind us.

To be honest, I was glad for the split. I wasn't in the mood for Noah's relentless seriousness or Dylan's icy glares. And as for Aiden and Enzo? Well, anyone with half a brain could see they wanted time alone. I wasn't about to third-wheel their emotional bro bonding.

Still, Noah's words from the hospital played on a loop in my head "She can't know the truth. We have to make sure she doesn't find out."

But why? What would happen if I did? Was it dangerous? Shameful? Unforgivable? What was so bad they needed to hide it from me?

The third floor of our house flashed through my mind for a moment. Sealed off, forbidden, and definitely suspicious. I knew whatever they were hiding had to be up there. But the thought faded as quickly as it came. Noah had made it very clear: I was never to go up there. And as much as I wanted answers, I didn't want to disappoint him. Not again.

'Maybe I should talk to him... eventually...' My thoughts were interrupted as a familiar voice floated from the car radio.

I leaned my head against the seat and closed my eyes, letting the smooth, haunting melody pull me into its calm. My lips moved softly with the lyrics. It wasn't much, just a gentle hum, but I could already feel their eyes on me.

Cole smirked in the rearview mirror. "Hmm... I think I prefer your guitar playing over your singing, to be honest."

I groaned, unable to stop my grin. "Ha-ha. Hilarious." I reached forward and smacked his shoulder. Not that he felt it. The guy was built like a fridge.

I was winding up for another playful hit when I felt a finger poke into my ribs. I jolted back, arms flying to protect my sides.

Alex smirked beside me. "We don't hit. Unless you want the consequences..." he said, wiggling his fingers threateningly.

Tickle torture. He wouldn't.

...No, he definitely would.

"Fine! Fine!" I said, holding up my hands in surrender. I put on my best innocent voice. "I'm sorry for smacking you, Cole."

"Much bette!" Alex said, smug.

I loved this side of them. The teasing, playful energy that made them feel more like overgrown puppies than terrifying older brothers. At home, they were soft. Affectionate. Human.

But outside, at school, they were different.

Cole, my sleepy-eyed cuddle buddy, became the oldest Agostino, the one everyone whispered about, always surrounded by girls. Alex transformed from the goofball who told dad jokes into the classic cold-hearted "bad boy." And Dylan... well, Dylan didn't change. He was just as intimidating in every room he entered. The kind of person who didn't need to speak to be heard.

I tried to convince myself that the rumors about Dylan getting into fights weren't true. But I wasn't entirely sure.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you!" Chris said suddenly from the passenger seat. "Vince is coming over."

I blinked. 'Vince?'

Cole sighed in realization "Oh that's right! Haven't seen him all week at school! Where is he lost at?"

'Wait, he goes to our school?'

"Yeah, apparently Damiano needed help with the Russians" Alex butted in, mindlessly scrolling through his phone. I guess I wasn't so important so I could understand? Hello?