Mia hummed to herself, her mind drifting between her favorite series and the anticipation of Jason's arrival. It had become a cherished ritual—greeting him with a warm embrace, much to his playful protest. The room was filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies, and outside, the leaves rustled gently in the afternoon breeze.

Mia watched intently, the characters on the screen caught in a dramatic exchange. Still, her thoughts occasionally wandered to Jason's expected entrance. "He should be home by now," she mused, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the remote control.

Jason tiptoed across the hallway, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. The plan was simple yet exciting—catch Mia off guard and prove he was not just the little brother she could always carry around. He paused outside her room, gathering his courage.

Jason approached, and with a swift yet cautious motion, he attempted to lift Mia straight into his arms. Mia gasped in surprise, her eyes widening as she was momentarily lifted off the couch. "Gotcha!" Jason exclaimed, though his triumph was short-lived.

Jason stumbled slightly, his arms straining under the unexpected weight. He gently set Mia back down, his cheeks flushing with a mix of exertion and embarrassment. "Nice try, little bro," Mia chuckled, ruffling his hair affectionately.

Mia wrapped an arm around Jason's shoulders, pulling him closer. "You'll get there, someday," she assured him with a grin. Jason nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. Despite the playful challenge, the bond between them was undeniable and strong, a testament to their enduring sibling dynamic.