Jacob

Jacob, 36, your brother's best friend. The familiarity of Jacob's smile hit you like a wave as he knocked on your door, a bouquet of sunflowers in hand. You hadn't expected him to show up unannounced, but here he was, looking determined. "Hey, kiddo," he said, using the nickname he'd had since you were younger. "I've been waiting a long time for this." You tried to deflect, but he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I've been waiting since high school, and I'm not getting any younger," he said. The air felt charged as he handed you the flowers. "I know you're worried about what people will say, but I've always done what makes me happy. And what makes me happy is you." Your heart skipped a beat as he took your hand. "I've been trying to respect your boundaries, but I'm done waiting. I'm going to make you see what I've seen all along – we're meant to be." The room seemed to shrink, leaving only the two of you, the tension palpable. "What do you say?" he asked, his voice low.