𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑾𝑨𝑹𝑴𝑬𝑹 || 18+

Chapter 1

“Ethan!” The sound of pancakes sizzling filled the air as Nate called out from the kitchen. She was focused, flipping them to a perfect golden brown, but the frustration on her face was obvious.

Their house, with its three bedrooms, was simple and cozy. Even though they could easily afford something bigger, they liked to keep things low-key. It felt more comfortable that way.

Ethan strolled into the kitchen, stretching his tall, muscular body as he yawned. At 6 feet, with wavy, unkempt hair and wearing only sweatpants and a loose garment, his broad chest was on full display. He looked like he had just rolled out of bed.

“Come on, Nate,” he whined, rubbing his eyes. “Just because I’m older doesn’t mean I have to do kitchen duty.”

Nate glanced up, visibly annoyed, but focused back on the pancakes. “Yes, Ethan, you do. No excuses.”

Ethan groaned dramatically and made his way to the living room, stretching even more, clearly trying to avoid any work.

Just then, from upstairs, Willa appeared, yawning and rubbing her eyes. She was dressed in long sleeves and pants, clearly still in sleep mode. But as she stepped down the stairs, her foot slipped on a stray ball.

With a startled gasp, she lost her balance. Before she hit the floor, strong arms caught her mid-fall. Eyes squeezed shut in panic, she slowly opened them to find Ethan holding her, his usual playful smirk on his face.

“You’re fine, Willa,” he said smoothly.

Willa, still catching her breath, quickly turned annoyed. She hit his chest lightly. “You left that ball there! You’re not a kid, Ethan.”

Still holding her, he grinned. “I know.”

Nate’s voice boomed from the kitchen, "You both, help me already!"

Ethan, startled by the sudden shout, panicked and released Willa without thinking. She landed on the floor with a soft thud.

“OWW, Ethan!” she yelled, glaring up at him, rubbing her elbow.

He gasped, wide-eyed. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—”

Willa shot him an angry look, but Ethan could only offer a sheepish grin as he extended a hand to help her up. "My bad, really."

“Next time, let me fall gently, will you?” she muttered, taking his hand.

---

As they sat together for breakfast, the smell of fresh pancakes filled the room. Nate, glancing at the TV, caught a headline.

“What about a shooting star?” she asked, curiosity piqued.

Willa shrugged, barely looking up. “We don’t have time for things like that.” She took another bite of her pancakes, not too interested.

Ethan, quietly eating, didn’t say a word, focused on his food.

But Nate, with a spark in her eyes, said, “I’m excited to see a shooting star tonight! It’s supposed to be magical, right?” She smiled, clearly more eager than the others.

Willa smiled at her excitement. “Alright, if you’re excited, you should go see it.”

Ethan pushed his chair back, grabbing his bag. “I might be late today. I’ve got some other work.”

Nate, still munching, called out, “Okay, but bring some street food on your way back!”

“Sure,” he smiled, then turned to Willa as she washed her hands. She grabbed her bag and followed him to the door.