❝ what the hell did you do? ❞

―

ACHARA JUMPED WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD THUD.

It was still the early hours of the morning. The sun was just starting to shine through the small crack in her curtains. She was scrolling through her phone as she usually did before she got ready for school but stopped when she heard the noise.

She had no idea what the sound could be. Her parents were both sleeping, and as far as she knew, so was her brother. Achara started to assume the worst. Her first thought was that the house was getting robbed, and her first instinct was to run towards her closet and hide. But instead, she got out of bed and grabbed her skateboard.

She slowly began to open her bedroom door and raised the skateboard over her shoulder, fully prepared to swing at someone if she needed to. She tiptoed down the hallway, stopping once she heard another thud. The sound was coming from her brother's room. Achara put her hand on the doorknob and slowly started to turn it. When she opened the door, she saw her brother on the floor in front of his window.

Achara's eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. "What the hell?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Decha said as he stood up. "Were you about to hit me with your skateboard?"

"Why are you on the floor?" Achara asked, ignoring his question. "And why were you making so much noise?"

"I was coming through the window, and I fell, and then my foot got caught in the curtain, so I fell again," Decha replied as if it were a very normal thing.

"It's six thirty in the morning..." Achara pointed out.

Decha walked over to his bed and sat down. "I'm aware."

Decha had a bad habit of sneaking out. Unlike Achara, he didn't have the luxury of having their parents blindly believe some obvious lie about his whereabouts. All Achara had to say was that she was going to hang out with some friends, and they didn't bat an eye.

Achara rolled her eyes at him. "What was it this time? A party where you drank so much that you passed out drunk? Or a party where you met a cute person, hooked up with them, and then passed out drunk?"

"The second one," Decha answered, a smile on his face like he was proud of it.

"So," Achara leaned her back against the doorframe. "Who was the poor unfortunate person that fell victim to your obnoxious charm?"

Decha shrugged. "No clue."

Achara shook her head and let out a quick, breathy laugh. "You know, one of these days, all of this promiscuity is going to bite you in the ass."

"And one of these days, mom and dad are going to find out that their perfect little angel is actually a little devil," Decha replied back, standing up from his bed.

"Whatever," Achara rolled her eyes. "Mom and dad will be up soon, so hurry up and change your clothes. Take a shower and brush your teeth too. You smell like a distillery."

Achara didn't give him a chance to reply back with a snarky comment before she turned around and walked out of the room. Achara wasted no time getting ready for school. When she had finished getting dressed and had brushed her hair, she made her way downstairs and towards the kitchen. Her parents were sitting together at the kitchen counter, a cup of coffee in their hands.

"Good morning, Ma, Pa," Achara greeted them, a big smile on her face and a sweet, innocent tone to her voice.

"Good morning, Angel," her mother replied. "Did you sleep well?"

Achara nodded. "Yes, Ma."

"That's great, darling," her mother said, sipping her coffee. "Where's your brother?"

"He's upstairs getting ready," Achara responded as she grabbed a bowl from the cabinet.

Achara grabbed a box of cereal and the milk from the fridge. Her family was never really a big, fancy breakfast type of family like in the movies or television shows. On rare occasions, her mother did make breakfast, but that was once in a blue moon.

"What was that noise earlier?" Achara heard her father ask.

Achara thought for a second, trying to come up with a lie. "Oh, I just fell on my way to the bathroom earlier. I'm okay, though. Sorry if I woke you."

"Be careful next time," her father said.

Achara nodded her head and turned around as she began to pour cereal into her bowl. She knew that she should feel bad for lying to her father, but she didn't. In fact, she actually liked that she could get away with anything and have them believe whatever she said. There was just this little voice in the back of her mind that wondered if Decha was right and that one day they'd find out just how imperfect she is.

Achara finished making her cereal and made sure to leave the milk out for Decha. As she took a seat and began eating, Decha walked into the kitchen. He greeted his parents, but instead of being greeted back with a smile or being asked how he slept, he got a simple and brief nod of acknowledgment.

If they weren't yelling at him or scolding him for something, then they barely acknowledged him at all. He didn't really care that much, but sometimes she wished that they would at least ask him if he had a good night's sleep, even if he hadn't slept at all the night before. That just wasn't the way things were, and Decha had learned to accept it over the years. It just wasn't like it was with Achara.

Decha had always known that his parents loved Achara more. They sheltered her from the world and provided her with a sense of security, they comforted her when she was upset and patted her on the back for the smallest of achievements.

Decha had never known what that was like.

He didn't get hugs as a form of comfort when he was sad. He didn't get congratulatory pats on the back. Ever since he could remember, all he got was insincere reassurance and a simple nod of the head. Achara was the one who got all the praise. If only they knew that Achara wasn't the perfect angel they thought she was. Maybe then she'd get the same treatment that he did.

"Are you going to sit there staring into your bowl all morning, or are you actually going to eat?"

Decha looked up to see Achara staring at him. The silence of their parents was almost deafening. If he had said that to her, he would have been scolded in a heartbeat.

"Are you in a hurry to get to school or something?" Decha asked, shoving a spoonful of cereal into his mouth as he spoke.

His mother's instant disapproval followed. "Don't talk with your mouth full."

Decha had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. He did not feel like getting reprimanded again, especially so early in the morning and when he was only running on about two hours of sleep.

Achara kept staring at him. She didn't even have to tell him to hurry up because he already knew that's what she was thinking from the look on her face.

"Alright, alright, I'm done."

Achara already had her backpack in her hand and was standing by the door before Decha even had the chance to put his bowl in the sink. For someone who hated school, she sure was in a hurry to leave. Decha walked upstairs to get his backpack, and when he came back, he saw his mother giving Achara a hug and telling her to have a good day at school.

When she saw Decha, she turned to him and said, "Don't make me have to drive up to the school on the first day."

"I won't," Decha replied.

It was risky to make such a promise. Trouble always seemed to find him wherever he went. It would be a miracle if he could get through one day, let alone a few minutes, without getting into trouble for something.

────────────

All eyes were immediately on them as they walked through the hallway.

"It's the first day of school. Why are people staring at us?" Decha whispered into Achara's ear.

"They aren't staring at us," Achara pointed out. "They're staring at you. What did you do at the party you went to last night?"

Decha shrugged. "Would I be asking why everyone is staring if I did?"

Decha was used to having people stare at him, but he always knew the reason why. It was always because news had spread that he had broken up with his latest partner or about who his latest hookup was. The student body at West Valley could be very nosy when it came to his love life—far nosier than they had any business being.

But there was something different about the stares he was getting. They weren't the usual looks of curiosity.

"Seriously, what the hell did you do?" Achara asked.

"I really have no idea," Decha told her.

"Well, you did something because Kyler and his friends are walking over here right now, and they don't look happy," Achara warned him.

Decha let out an exasperated sigh. "Great..."

Before the twins knew it, Kyler and his friends were standing in front of them. Kyler looked absolutely pissed. Decha had known him for years, and he didn't think that he had ever seen him look so mad.

"Kyler," Decha greeted, "How nice of you to grace us with your presence."

Kyler responded by grabbing the collar of Decha's shirt and pushing him against the lockers. A loud crash echoed through the hallway, gathering the attention of those who weren't already staring at the encounter.

"Damn, all you had to do was ask," Decha taunted him. "There's no need to be all rough about it."

"Shut up," Kyler replied.

Decha wiggled his eyebrows at him. "Ooh, bossy."

Kyler shoved him up against the locker even more, practically fuming.

"You know what, Kyler, how about you just tell us why in the hell you're pushing him up against the locker, hmm?" Achara asked.

"And let go of me while you're at it?" Decha suggested.

Kyler let go of his shirt and took a step back.

"Now, please, enlighten us," Decha straightened out his shirt. "What the hell was that for?"

Kyler was glaring at him. "Don't act like you don't know what you did."

"I really don't," Decha replied. "So, I'd appreciate it if you told me."

"You keyed my car," Kyler finally explained.

"That's an awfully incriminating accusation to be making. How do you know I did it?" Decha asked.

"I have multiple witnesses."

"Well, then, in that case...I guess I'm sorry," Decha apologized.

"You guess?" Kyler asked. "A half-assed apology doesn't make up for the money my parents are forcing me to make to pay for it instead of letting insurance cover it."

"Aww, poor Kyler," Decha spoke with fake pity. "How very, very tragic."

Kyler pushed him up against the locker again.

"Haven't you ever heard of consent?" Decha asked him. "Because I don't remember giving you permission to manhandle me."

"Okay, okay, that's enough," Achara attempted to ease the situation. "Let go of him."

Kyler glared at her but listened and let go of Decha.

"Look, Kyler, I'm sorry that my brother is stupid and keyed your car, and I'm sure he's very sorry too." Achara looked over at her brother. "Right, Decha?"

Decha nodded. "Very sorry, but in my defense, I was drunk and have absolutely no recollection of keying your car."

"See, he's sorry," Achara directed her attention back to Kyler. "Now, I'm sure we can work something out, right? Decha, don't you still have money saved up?"

"You're kidding, right?" Decha asked in disbelief. "You want me to give him the rest of my money?"

"You keyed his car," Achara stated. "The least you can do is help him pay to get it fixed."

"I hate it when you decide to act like you have morals," Decha sighed. "I have about forty bucks left. That's it."

Achara looked at Kyler. "He'll give it to you tomorrow. Now, are we good here?"

"Yeah, we're good," Kyler agreed. "You better bring that forty bucks tomorrow. If you don't, I'll tell my parents that it was you and force you to pay for all of it. Consider yourself lucky that I'm not pressing charges."

"How terrifying..." Decha replied sarcastically.

With that, Kyler and his friends walked off as if nothing had happened.

"Well, that was fun," Decha commented sarcastically. "I can't believe I have to give him forty bucks..."

"It's either pay him or have him press charges," Achara stated. "Take your pick."

"I'd rather pay him," Decha replied instantly.

"Why do you have to bother him so much?" Achara questioned as they continued to walk to class.

"Because it's funny watching him get all angry," Decha answered.

Achara rolled her eyes. "You're such a dumbass."

Decha just laughed, ignoring the stares and whispers that followed their every move.

────────────

Finally, it was time for lunch. Achara sat next to her friend, Aisha. They had only just become friends over the summer when their parents introduced them at the country club. Knowing that Aisha used to be friends with Samantha LaRusso, who left her in the dust for popularity, Achara tried to fill the void that she had left behind and be there for Aisha.

Achara knew that she could never replace Sam as the best friend that Aisha had known since childhood, but she was certainly willing to be there for her. Even if they had nothing in common, Achara was going to be the best friend Aisha needed.

"Aisha, darling, how are you this lovely afternoon?"

Aisha rolled her eyes. "Hi, Decha."

"I feel like I haven't seen you in forever," Decha said as he took a seat.

"You saw me yesterday," Aisha responded. "Or did you get a concussion from when Kyler pushed you against a locker this morning?"

Decha chuckled. "You know, I might have to get back to you on that."

Decha and Aisha had developed more of a brother-sister relationship than a friendship. They teased and poked fun at each other like siblings.

"You know, one of these days, you're going to cross the line, and Achara won't be able to bail you out," Aisha said, taking a chip and throwing it at him.

"You're not the first person to tell me that," Decha glanced at Achara.

Aisha laughed, but then her smile immediately faded once she glanced over at the popular table. Achara placed a hand on her back, trying to reassure her.

"Hey, Aisha, what are you doing after school?" Achara asked.

Aisha shrugged. "Nothing."

"Do you want to come over?" Achara asked, a huge, comforting smile on her face.

"You totally should," Decha agreed.

"Really?" Aisha questioned, unable to believe that they still wanted to hang out with her. "You guys want me to come to your house?"

Achara nodded. "Yeah, of course. I'm sure our parents won't mind."

"Yeah, as long as you're the one asking," Decha crossed his arms.

"Uh, yeah, sure," Aisha replied, paying no mind to Decha's comment. "I guess so. I'll just have to ask my parents."

Achara beamed at her. "Awesome!"

Decha turned away from the two girls and began to look around the cafeteria. He wasn't paying any attention to what they were talking about. Instead, he was preoccupied by looking at the boy who was currently approaching the popular table.

Decha nudged Achara's arm. "Who's that?"

"No idea," Achara answered, watching him intently.

The twins watched as the boy walked up to the table, looking as if he were fully prepared to introduce himself. All of a sudden, Kyler and his friends took the remaining seats at the table, and a defeated expression appeared on the boy's face.

"See you later, 'Rhea," Brucks, one of Kyler's friends, called out as the boy walked away.

Decha scoffed. "Idiot."

"What did you just say?" Brucks asked.

"I said you're an idiot," Decha repeated.

"Was getting slammed against a locker this morning not enough for you? Care to get slammed against the table?" Brucks challenged him.

Decha gasped. "In front of everyone? Thanks for the offer, but I think I'm going to have to pass."

Yasmine, Sam, and Moon laughed. Aisha was trying to stifle her laughter by covering her mouth with her hand. Achara rolled her eyes and sighed. Not again.

"You're so dead!" Brucks exclaimed, pushing his chair out, fully prepared to start a fight.

"Sit down," Achara warned.

"Or what?" Brucks dared her.

Achara stood up and walked towards him. She stood up on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear. He had to kneel down just a little to hear what she said. His eyes immediately widened, and the second Achara stood back down on her feet, Brucks took his seat.

Achara smiled. "That's what I thought."

"What did you say to him?" Decha asked when Achara sat back down.

"I'm not telling you," Achara refused.

"Come on!" Decha begged. "Please."

Achara shook her head. "Nope."

"You can't just have some sort of embarrassing leverage on him and not tell me what it is. Please tell me," Decha tried to plead with her.

Achara shook her head. "No."

Before Decha had the chance to try and ask again, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.

"Fine. Be that way," he pouted.

"Stop acting like a child and go to class," Achara asserted.

"Okay, Ma," Decha teased her.

Achara threw a chip at him as he stood up. Decha flipped her off before going to put his tray away. He looked over his shoulder to see Achara rolling her eyes at him. When he turned back around, he immediately bumped into someone. Their trays clattered to the floor.

"Sorry," Decha apologized, looking at the boy. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was—"

"It's fine," the boy interrupted him. "Don't worry about it."

"Here, let me help you." Decha kneeled down to help the boy pile his trash back onto the tray.

"I got it," the boy replied.

"Okay..."

Decha finally looked at him. He had seen the boy before. The first time he saw him was on the last day of freshman year. He remembered thinking that he was cute, but he had never talked to him. He never found out his name.

Their hands touched as the boy reached out to grab the milk carton that Decha was holding. For a second, Decha could have sworn that his heart skipped a beat as their fingers brushed one another.

The boy looked him in the eyes for the first time since they had bumped into each other. If his heart hadn't skipped a beat before, then it definitely did then. The moment was cut short when the boy hastily tossed the milk carton onto his tray and stood up.

"Hey, Demetri, are you okay?"

Decha smiled. After thinking about him for almost the entire summer break, he finally knew his name.

― EMILIA'S NOTES

this is the first full length chapter that i have written for a fic in literal months. everything else i have written is half done because i lost motivation. y'all, this is huge.

i edited and edited this to the point where my brain hurts so their better not be any errors or typos or i'm going to scream. i'm sure i'll continue to find them even after publishing...

this entire chapter is literally just decha shamelessly teasing kyler and his friends. more of that to come...

decha, please, enlighten us, why are you like this?? i keep cackling at his responses to things. he's so chaotic and really out here doing the most lmao and i love him for it. i feel like y'all are either gonna love him or hate him. shoot it might even be both at some points...

alternative chapter title: my brother is an idiot - a novel by achara thirasawat

just look at that gif in the beginning. i thought it was perfect lol. she's just like "good lord, i have to go get my idiot brother out of trouble again" and this is only chapter one