Three days had passed since that night on the porch, and though Eileen had tried to bury the memory of Benjamin's words beneath the routine of daily life, they lingered like a half-forgotten melody. She wasn't used to hearing things like that—to someone insisting she mattered in a way that felt so... deliberate. It was easier to doubt, easier to let the walls she'd spent years building keep her safe from the sting of disappointment.

But tonight, those thoughts were harder to escape.

She sat cross-legged on her brother Ryan's ancient couch, the cushions worn and sunken in places that hinted at years of loyal service. A bowl of popcorn rested on her lap, the buttery scent wafting through the room. She focused on the crackling sounds of Ryan's effort to coax his old gaming console to life, willing herself to stay present.

"You know, one day that thing's gonna spark and burn this whole place down," Benjamin said from his seat in the armchair, his tone laced with mock seriousness. He cradled a soda can in one hand, tapping its rim as though deliberating whether to drink or weaponize it in the impending gaming war.

"Shut up," Ryan muttered, frowning at the screen as static flickered ominously. He jabbed the buttons on the controller with more force than necessary. "This thing has survived two moves, a lightning strike, and your bad jokes. It's not going down now."

Benjamin chuckled, leaning back with his trademark ease that simultaneously amused and unnerved Eileen. "Hey, I'm just saying. Might be time to retire it before it spontaneously combusts."

Ryan threw him a mock glare over his shoulder. "And miss the chance to destroy you in front of my sister? Not a chance."

Eileen tried to laugh at their back-and-forth, but her attention kept drifting to Benjamin. He looked so relaxed, sprawled out as if the world could never touch him. She envied that ease—the way he seemed to exist without the heavy weight of second-guessing every word, every look, every step.

"Earth to Eileen," Ryan called, breaking her reverie. He waved a hand in front of her face. "You with us, or are you already plotting ways to cheat?"

Blinking, she shook her head, her cheeks warming. "Sorry. I'm here. And I don't need to cheat to beat you."

Ryan snorted. "Big words for someone who's never held a controller before."

Benjamin's grin widened. "Careful, Ryan. Confidence like that means she's either a secret pro or she's about to get thoroughly schooled. My money's on the latter."

"Wow," Eileen deadpanned, tossing a kernel of popcorn in his direction. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

He caught it mid-air, popping it into his mouth with a satisfied smirk. "Anytime."

Her stomach flipped, unbidden, at the sight of his playful grin. She looked away quickly, focusing on the popcorn bowl in her lap. She hated how easily he got under her skin, how he made her feel seen in a way that was both exhilarating and terrifying. It wasn't fair. She didn't know how to carry that kind of attention without feeling like it would crack her open.

"So what are we playing, anyway?" she asked, hoping to redirect the conversation.

Ryan held up the cartridge triumphantly as the screen finally buzzed to life. "Mario Kart. Prepare to lose."

Eileen arched a brow. "You're really hyping this up for someone who just spent twenty minutes trying to turn the thing on."

Benjamin laughed, and the sound was so rich, so warm, it wrapped around her like a blanket. "Oh, I like her. She's got sass."

"She gets it from me," Ryan said with a mock-serious nod.

"Please," Eileen scoffed. "You're about as sassy as a piece of toast."

"Burnt toast," Benjamin added, and Ryan groaned dramatically.

As the game loaded, Eileen found herself relaxing into the easy rhythm of their banter. For the first time in days, the tension in her chest loosened, the doubts that had been gnawing at her retreating to the edges of her mind. She was here, with her brother and Benjamin, and for now, that was enough.

The first race was chaos—shells flying, banana peels everywhere, and more than a few dramatic crashes. Ryan, predictably, gloated over his first-place finish, while Benjamin claimed foul play and demanded a rematch. Eileen, who had somehow managed to secure third, simply laughed at their antics.

"Beginner's luck," Ryan said, pointing at her. "Don't get cocky."

"Who says it's luck?" she shot back, her confidence growing. "Maybe I'm just better than you."

Benjamin whistled low. "You hear that, Ryan? She's coming for your throne."

Ryan shook his head, grinning. "We'll see about that."

As the night wore on, Eileen found herself stealing glances at Benjamin. He was so animated, so fully engaged in the moment, and she wondered how he could make it look so effortless. She envied that about him, even as she felt herself drawn to it. But then he'd catch her looking, and she'd quickly turn away, her heart racing like she was the one in the driver's seat.

"Alright," Benjamin declared after another round, stretching his arms over his head. "I think that's enough humiliation for one night. Good game, though, Eileen. You're a natural."

She rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, I guess. Not bad for a beginner, huh?"

"Not bad at all," he said, and there was something in his tone—something warm and sincere—that made her stomach flutter.

Ryan yawned, sprawling out on the couch. "You guys can keep playing if you want, but I'm done. Mario Kart is exhausting."

Eileen laughed softly, setting the controller aside. "I think I'm done, too. Thanks for the games, though."

"Anytime," Ryan said, his voice already fading as he leaned back and closed his eyes.

Benjamin stood, grabbing his empty soda can. "Guess that's my cue to head out," he said, glancing at her. "You good?"

She nodded, though her chest felt strangely tight. "Yeah. Thanks for coming."

His smile was easy, but his eyes lingered on her for just a moment too long. "Anytime," he said again, softer this time, before heading for the door.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Eileen let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She didn't know what was happening between them, or if anything was happening at all. But as she sat there in the quiet, the faint echoes of laughter still ringing in her ears, she thought that maybe—just maybe—she didn't have to figure it out tonight.