Emily paced the room, her mind racing with the thoughts of Cole’s recent behavior. She had just returned from school, and the weight of the day’s events was taking a toll. Her brother, Jake, noticed her distracted demeanor and approached her.

“Emily, what’s going on?” Jake asked, concern evident in his voice. “You’ve been off lately.”

Emily sighed, sinking into a chair. “Cole’s been acting different. He’s actually been... nicer. I’m not sure what to make of it.”

Jake raised an eyebrow. “Nicer? As in, less of a jerk?”

“More like genuinely concerned,” Emily said. “He’s noticed how tired I’ve been, and he’s been really attentive—asking if I’m okay, offering to help with my notes, even carrying me on his back when I couldn’t keep up. I think he might be starting to like me.”

Jake’s expression turned serious. “Are you sure he’s not just playing a game? Remember what he’s done before.”

“I know,” Emily said, nodding. “But this is different. It’s not just about getting in my head. He’s showing real concern. I don’t know if it’s because he genuinely likes me or if he’s just trying to keep me close.”

Jake ran a hand through his hair, clearly troubled. “It could be both. His behavior is inconsistent with how he was before. He might be developing feelings for you, but that doesn’t mean he’s changed entirely. We need to be careful.”

Emily bit her lip, feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty. “I’m just trying to figure out what’s real and what’s not. And I need to keep up appearances while we’re still undercover.”

Jake nodded, understanding the precarious situation. “Keep your guard up. If Cole is really starting to like you, it might complicate things, but it could also give us a chance to get closer to finding out what he’s really up to. Just don’t let your guard down.”

Emily sighed, feeling a pang of worry and a flicker of hope. “Okay. I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Jake.”

Jake patted her shoulder reassuringly. “We’ll get through this. Just stay safe and keep me updated.”

Emily nodded, determined to navigate the complicated feelings and dangerous games Cole was playing. The balance between maintaining her cover and dealing with the unexpected affection from her target was delicate, but she knew she had to stay focused on her mission.