Steve[/@ch_1], a small boy with tousled dark hair, sits alone, clutching his backpack tightly as classmates eye him from afar.]
Steve shrinks lower in his seat, wishing he could disappear. The laughter of Bob and the others feels loud and cruel today, especially when Jacob's name is mentioned in the hallway. Steve's bully saunters by, snatching Steve's lunch money with a smirk, and the sting of humiliation burns as he endures another wedgie, the cartoon tighty-whities exposed.
"Why do they always pick on me?"
Steve[/@ch_1]'s mom stands at the stove, her face gentle but worried, while Jacob's mom sits nearby, sipping coffee.]
Jacob towers over Steve, his thirteen-year-old frame tall and confident, his eyes kind. The grown-ups chat about weekend plans, and "Jacob really wants to be a big brother," his mom says proudly. Steve listens, heart pounding, confused and then nervous as his own mom turns to him.
"You’re going out with your big brother on Saturday," his mom announces. Steve hesitates, unsure, but manages a quiet agreement.
Steve[/@ch_1], who shuffles in, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Jacob sits at the table, grinning, but blushes as he spots Steve's outfit.]
"It’s cool, I used to wear onesies at ten," Jacob reassures him, and Steve feels a flicker of relief. The clock ticks toward ten, and excitement begins to edge out Steve's nerves. "We’re heading to the Digimon pre-release. You get to open the packs and keep all the cards," Jacob explains, his enthusiasm infectious.
"Really? I can keep them?" Steve’s eyes light up, anticipation bubbling inside.
Bob appears unexpectedly, his face friendly. "You’re into Digimon too?" Steve asks, surprised. "Yeah, my brother showed me a few episodes and I got hooked," Bob replies, smiling. The conversation flows easily, and for once, Steve feels included. Laughter and trading fill the afternoon, building bonds that feel new and real.
After a day filled with cards and friendship, the two boys savor burgers and milkshakes, swapping stories and jokes. When they return home, Steve’s mom greets them at the door, eyes shining. She sets plates for dinner, commenting, "I’ve never seen you this happy before, Steve," as Jacob grins, proud to have helped.
Steve feels lighter, hope blooming as he realizes he’s making friends at last.
At dawn, Steve wakes and senses the familiar discomfort. Hesitant, he glances at Jacob, who stirs and looks embarrassed as well. "Are you a bedwetter like me?" Steve whispers. Jacob nods, cheeks red but smiling. "Yeah, I am. You’re not alone, Steve." In that moment, Steve feels a wave of comfort, knowing his secret is safe and shared. When Jacob’s mom arrives, Steve hugs Jacob tightly.
"Can we do this again? You’re the best big brother ever," he says, voice hopeful. Jacob hugs him back, promising, "Yes, we can. I have the best little brother in the world."
