Terry, tall and lanky at sixteen, stands by the bathroom mirror, combing his unruly hair with practiced indifference. Jade, two years younger and shorter by just a few centimeters, leans against the doorframe, his arms crossed and a mischievous grin lighting up his face. The scent of toast wafts in from the kitchen, and the faint thrum of an approaching summer storm can be felt in the air. "You know, if you keep staring at yourself, the mirror might crack," "Just making sure I look good for basketball tryouts. Unlike some people, I care,"

Jade dribbles the ball expertly, his energy barely contained. Terry follows, rolling his eyes but unable to hide a smile. They begin their one-on-one game, the tension between playful banter and competitive spirit electrifying the humid air. "First to ten gets dibs on the last soda," "You’re on. And when I win, you’re cleaning my room for a week,"

Terry pivots, trying to keep his grip on the ball, while Jade laughs, his hair plastered to his forehead. The court glistens with reflections of the boys and the stormy sky above. Thunder rumbles, but their game continues, more wild and free with every passing minute. "You scared of a little rain?" "I’m not the one slipping all over the place!"

Jade glances up at the swirling clouds, his voice softer than before. "You ever think about what it’ll be like when you’re gone next year?" "Yeah," Terry replies, looking over at his brother. "But we’ve still got this summer. And you. You’ll be taller than me before you know it."

Jade tosses the ball to Terry, who catches it with a grin. "You know, I think I’ll miss you too—just don’t get used to hearing it," "Don’t worry, I’ll annoy you from college just as much,"

Terry nudges Jade with his shoulder, and for a moment, they let the silence speak for them. The bond between them, strengthened by rain and rivalry, promises to weather whatever storms the future may bring.