My Girlfriends Brother || Reddie

Chapter Five

Monday Morning

Richie groaned as his alarm blared, the shrill sound piercing through his otherwise peaceful morning. Slapping the snooze button with more force than necessary, he lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling. It was the first day of school, and while part of him dreaded the return to early mornings and homework, another part felt a flicker of excitement—it was his senior year. One last year to make memories, mess around, and hopefully figure out what the hell he was doing with his life.

Dragging himself out of bed, Richie shuffled to the bathroom for a quick shower. The hot water jolted him awake, and by the time he was back in his room, towel-drying his hair, he felt marginally more human. He threw open his closet doors, staring at the chaotic mess of clothes stuffed inside.

"First day, gotta make it count," he muttered to himself, rifling through hangers until he landed on his signature look: a crisp white T-shirt, a floral button-up left unbuttoned for a casual vibe, ripped black jeans, and his trusty black Converse. He slipped on his glasses, adjusting them on his nose as he glanced at his reflection in the mirror. With his curls still damp and slightly unruly, he gave himself a quick once-over. "Not bad, Tozier."

Grabbing his backpack, he headed downstairs, the smell of coffee wafting through the air. He had barely reached the bottom step when his twin brother, Mike, intercepted him in the hallway, an apple in hand and a smirk on his face.

"You're driving to school today," Mike announced, taking a loud bite of the apple.

Richie groaned, rubbing his temples. "Why do I always have to drive?"

"Because I'm not about to," Mike said, his grin widening as he leaned casually against the wall. "Unless you want to bike it, those are your options."

"Unbelievable," Richie muttered, snatching the car keys from the hook by the door. "You're lucky I'm a generous twin."

"Yeah, yeah. Saint Richie, patron of chauffeurs," Mike quipped, following him toward the garage. "Where's Nancy? Is she riding with us, or are we finally free from her terrible music taste?"

"She's still at Jonathan's," Mike said with a laugh. "Probably not coming back anytime soon. You know how they are."

Richie groaned, rolling his eyes as he opened the garage door. "Gross. I do not need to think about my sister's love life before school."

Mike raised an eyebrow. "You're one to talk. Don't think I don't know about you texting Lexi all summer like a lovesick puppy."

Richie narrowed his eyes, sliding into the driver's seat. "Texting my girlfriend isn't the same as whatever weird thing Nancy and Jonathan are doing."

"Whatever you say," Mike said, hopping into the passenger seat. "But don't act like you're above it. You're as whipped as she is."

Richie started the car, gripping the steering wheel as he smirked. "You're one to talk. Don't think I don't know about you sexting Jonathan's brother."

Mike's face instantly flushed, his expression darkening. "I'm not gay. How many times do I have to tell you?"

Richie glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, his grin widening. "Sure, Mike. Whatever you say."

The short drive to school was filled with their usual banter, Richie teasing Mike about his alleged crushes while Mike retaliated with jabs about Richie's fashion sense. By the time they pulled into the school parking lot, the buzz of first-day energy was palpable. Students milled about in groups, some greeting friends they hadn't seen all summer, others trudging toward the building with resignation.