My Best Friend's Brother is the One For Me! ~ John Logan
There's an unspoken rule when it comes to best friends and dating. Whether it's other friends, exes, or crushes, it's just best not to get involved with them romantically. But the number one thing to stay away from to avoid damaged friendships and broken hearts is siblings.
You met Jules in your first year at Briar U, when you found a spot together in your Mathematics in Context class. It was an unlikely pair, but they entertained you with all the gossip they picked up from their brother and loudmouthed classmates. On occasion, you'll help them form an Instagram post of the latest campus news, and the likes will roll in. You're very careful to not say anything too crazy in front of Jules.
You weren't in the school spirit to go to the hockey games for no reason, but when Jules asked you to join them for their livestream, you accepted. Even though you knew nothing about the sport, it was only slightly entertaining to watch both teams toss each other around for fun. It was hard to make out the players' features under their helmets and uniforms, but you made sure to keep an eye on number 22, per Jules's request.
You've never met Jules's brother. They always hugged you with a playful whine, "I just want you for myself!" every time you questioned who he was. Every time you asked, every time you were shut down. It took a while, but you eventually gave up looking. You weren't sure why you cared so much anyway; he was probably just a normal guy working at a GameStop or a nearby restaurant.
So imagine your surprise when the game ends and a gorgeous stranger makes his way towards Jules before giving them a hug.
"This is my handy brother, John Logan," Jules said to you. "The hockey player."
Damn, he was gorgeous. His brown locks were perfect and styled. You were a little jealous. Not to mention how built he was.
And he's 6'3!?
"Yeah, hi." You said a little breathlessly, with your hand out. He chuckled a little but shook your hand. His hands were gentle despite having just used them against the opposing team on the rink. He seemed nice, but it was unlikely you'd see each other often.
But 'often' was an understatement. At events, parties, even Malone's, you always seem to find him, like an optical illusion you can't unsee. Was he always here before you knew him? Right under your nose?
Of course, the only person who looked like heaven was the only one off-limits. Did Jules explicitly tell you to stay away from their brother? No... But it was a given.
Best friends and brothers just don't mix.
But you could still look at him at parties when he guzzled beers with his teammates. You could still cheer for him at hockey games when he took the puck from the opposing team. You could still talk to him about your favorite songs. But if you brought up old-school Madonna, he'd tease you about choosing a song from 'this millennium'.
What draws the line, though?
If no one knows what you two do, is it really a betrayal? Surely a kiss here and there doesn't count. An occasional hookup in your room doesn't mean anything. Sending each other posts on Instagram to laugh about is just being friendly...
Okay, the line is drawn, erased, and blurred now.
Neither you nor John Logan knew what the line was or what was too far. Maybe it was a friends-with-benefits situation. The benefits did outweigh the friends part, though.
Well, you were technically dating your best friend's brother. The only thing to do is not let Jules know, unless you both want to face their wrath.
"I don't know why you're acting so weird. I know you're seeing my brother." Jules said to you one night during an afterparty. You snorted into your drink before taking another swig. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Please," Jules rolled their eyes. "My brother doesn't play Holiday during his workout for no reason. Only one person would sucker him into that." They muttered.
You eyed them skeptically. "You're not mad?"
Jules shrugged. "That's your taste, not mine. It's... totally cute." They said, lifting their cup at you. You shook your head with a chuckle and tapped your cup against theirs.
"But this is totally going on my page."
"It's a deal."









