My Jealous Stepbrother
UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

The weekend arrived and I decided that ice cream would be a good way to clear my mind, but instead of feeling more relaxed, my nerves were on edge. This wasn't just an ice cream outing, it was a date.

Ryan seemed at ease next to me, telling me anecdotes from college. As I listened to his stories, my mind was occupied with only one thought: I wanted to hold his hand. It seemed so simple, but in reality, it was quite a challenge. I tried to concentrate on the conversation and enjoy his company, but every time I looked at his hand, I felt a little twinge of anxiety. Should I take the initiative? Or should I wait for him to do it?

I tried to disguise my thoughts and keep a relaxed attitude, but inside, I was fighting my own nerves. How could something as simple as holding someone's hand become so complicated in my mind? I watched as the sunlight illuminated his eyes, giving them a special glow. His smile as he spoke my name made me blush, creating a warm and special feeling inside me. I felt butterflies fluttering in my stomach and I knew at that moment that there was something special between

us.

Laughter flowed between us as we continued to enjoy the conversation, even though I still couldn't fully concentrate. As I was about to take a bite of my ice cream, I ended up smearing the ice cream on my nose. Ryan, in a sweet way, gently wiped the ice cream with his finger and then gently took me by the chin. Our gazes met in a special way, and the atmosphere was filled with a thrilling tension.

At that moment, we slowly approached each other, and we were about to kiss. The ice cream was beginning to melt, but our gazes were still fixed on each other. However, at the last moment, we came to our senses. We realized we were in a park, a public place and crowded with people. I looked around, worried that someone might see us. Fortunately, no one seemed to have noticed. We couldn't afford to do something like that when anyone could recognize us. What if the news reached my father's ears? I couldn't even imagine.

We parted quickly, embarrassed and blushing for having been on the verge of letting our emotions get the better of us. It was better to keep things discreet and not risk facing the consequences. How could this go wrong?

The situation was complicated when someone called out to Ryan from behind. It was one of his friends, sweaty and holding a soccer ball. When they started talking about the game coming up next week I felt that he should also be part of the soccer team where Ryan played. Ryan just answered him in all seriousness. It is very strange to see him like that since whenever I saw him he always had a very giggly and comical attitude so it was a radical change. The boy seemed to be used to that kind of dry and curt answers. After talking for a while about the last game that Ryan couldn't attend due to 'family matters' and how angry the coach was with him, the boy noticed my presence.

He made a regretful face and became nervous. "Um...sorry, I got too caught up in the game. I'm Ryan's friend, what about you?

The guy hadn't even told me his name and he was still asking me mine? How rude.

As I was about to answer Ryan spoke up for me.

"That's none of your business," Ryan said curtly.

"Oh, man. How is it none of my business? If my best friend is on a date with a pretty girl. Isn't it natural to want to know more? Is she the girl I see you pining for so much?" The boy with the unknown name seemed to be enjoying his own

comments.

"I'm his stepsister." This time I was the one who spoke. It was better to clear it up now rather than make it much more awkward later.

The boy turned pale for a moment, apparently surprised by my revelation. His words got stuck in his mouth and an expression of disbelief came over his face.

"Oh, wow," he muttered, evidently puzzled. "I had no idea. Sorry, I didn't mean to be inappropriate."

I tried to remain calm and smiled kindly at him. "No worries."

The boy nodded, visibly embarrassed. "Of course, sorry again. I was just excited for my friend Ryan, I thought he was on a date."

I glanced sideways at Ryan, who remained silent throughout the interaction. It was strange to see him so serious and distant, a far cry from his usual giggly and friendly demeanor.

"I appreciate your understanding. Ryan is lucky to have a friend like you."

The boy nodded and said goodbye before walking away. As he got farther away, the atmosphere became lighter, but I could still feel the tension between Ryan and me.

I got a text, for a moment I thought it would be Emily asking me why I left school early, but I was wrong, it was from the stalker.

'I warned you.'

Now what?

Reviewing the previous messages, I realized that I had completely forgotten the last image the stalker had sent me, I hadn't even responded to him. With so much going on it was no wonder, and the threatening message that had come along with the picture that day had also been left aside.

'If you don't do what I tell you, everyone will replace out what you do with your stepbrother.'

What was he planning to do now?