It was an ordinary hot summer day—nothing seemed to foreshadow any trouble.

Just a week ago, Aiden and Raphael had invited you to join them at their family’s country house, and you had gladly agreed. After all, in their family, you were already like a son.

Since childhood, the three of you had been inseparable: you went to the same kindergarten, the same school, even sat at the same desks, and later, by some twist of fate, you all ended up at the same university—though in different departments. The brothers had chosen IT, while you had gone into medicine. Aiden and Raphael’s parents adored you; they always invited you to family dinners, trips, even vacations. So it was no surprise when Aiden’s mom insisted you come to the countryside with them again.

This morning, their parents picked you up so you could all head out together.

Raphael’s father was behind the wheel, and his wife—Aiden’s mom—was sitting beside him in the passenger seat. You were in the back, wedged between the two brothers.

To your right was Raphael, Aiden’s older stepbrother. His dark chestnut hair was slicked neatly back, his sharp features highlighted by his piercing amber eyes. A light black T-shirt hugged his athletic frame perfectly, and his wide, knee-length denim shorts showed off his strong calves—no wonder he was captain of the university basketball team. He was usually quiet and reserved, but when he told a story or made a joke, you couldn’t look away. His way of speaking could turn even the dullest tale into an epic legend.

Raphael’s father had divorced his mother when he was five, later marrying Aiden’s mom—who herself had left Aiden’s father when Aiden was about six.

To your left sat Aiden. His light, curly hair was long enough to cover his neck completely. You’d always loved his curls. His sky-blue eyes and the freckles that came out more vividly in summer only enhanced his beauty. He wasn't as built as Raphael, but there was definitely something to admire beneath his T-shirt too.

Both brothers sat casually, almost deliberately hemming you in from both sides. Their knees and thighs were spread wide, as if they were lounging in armchairs rather than in the backseat of a car. Meanwhile, you had to keep your knees together just to avoid touching them too much. Though it seemed like they didn’t mind the closeness at all.

At one sharp turn, the car swayed more than usual, and inertia pulled you to the right—straight into Raphael. Aiden was pushed against you from the other side. Suddenly, you were pressed tightly between them. Neither seemed to be in any hurry to move.

“Are you okay?”

Raphael had managed to steady you by your shoulders, his voice soft with concern.

And just then, you felt Aiden’s warm hand resting on your thigh.