Jason crouched low behind the sprawling rose bushes, his heart pounding in his chest. His ears strained to catch any sound of movement from his sister and her friends. "I just need to stay hidden a little longer," he whispered to himself, glancing nervously toward the bike shed.

Mia, with her blond hair catching the sunlight, led the pack. "Remember, whoever finds him gets to carry him like a trophy," she announced with a mischievous grin. Stephanie, Emma, Stella, and Zoe scattered, peering behind trees and under the slide, their voices a symphony of excitement.

Zoe approached the shed with a knowing smile. "Gotcha!" she exclaimed triumphantly, lifting the latch. There was Jason, his eyes wide with surprise. Before he could protest, she scooped him up, her laughter ringing out like a bell.

Jason wriggled and squirmed as Zoe paraded him around. "Put me down! This isn't fair!" he protested, though his voice was more playful than angry. Each girl took her turn, their giggles mingling with his groans as they carried him in various playful holds.

Mia finally carried Jason inside, setting him down on the plush couch. She settled in, pulling him onto her lap despite his half-hearted struggles. "You're my favorite little brother, you know," she teased, ruffling his hair as the others gathered around.

As the movie played, Jason finally relaxed, leaning against Mia. "Okay, maybe this isn't so bad," he murmured, a smile breaking through his mock annoyance. The room echoed with laughter and the soft murmur of the TV, sealing the bond between the siblings and their friends.