Of Fancy Cars and Sweet Warnings

Nathan pulled up to Emily's school in a sleek black ride that looked like it came straight out of a dream.

"There he is! My friend!" Emily shouted, skipping excitedly toward the parking lot as the car came to a gentle stop.

Evan's jaw dropped. "Whoa... Emily, your friend drives this?" he asked, eyes practically glued to the shiny vehicle.

"Emily," Nathan called as he stepped out, dressed sharp but wearing a relaxed smile.

"Mr. Nate! You actually made it on time today. I forgive you," Emily said, puffing her cheeks playfully.

Nathan chuckled as Evan stared, star-struck. "Mr. Nate, this is my brother, Evan."

Nathan extended his hand. "What's up, bro? I'm Nathan."

Evan gave a half-shy nod. "Dude, is this your car?"

"Yeah, it is."

"Yoh… I'm in love with this ride, man," Evan said, stepping around the car in awe.

Nathan laughed. "Wanna hop in?"

Evan didn't hesitate—but then paused, narrowing his eyes. "Bro… why my sister?"

Nathan blinked. "Huh?"

Evan crossed his arms. "You're rich. You've got a car that costs more than our whole house. Why are you hanging around my little sister? She's... innocent. This world—this life—isn't built for people like her."

Nathan leaned against the car door, sighing.

"I get where you're coming from, Evan. You're protecting her. I respect that. But I'm not here to take advantage of anyone. I just really care about kids. They remind me there's still light in this messed-up world."

He looked away for a second, his voice softening.

"My parents died in a fire when I was ten. I watched the flames take them. My grandma—Kuku—raised me after that. I was always alone until my little sister was born. She gave me a reason to smile again. Being around kids… it's the only thing that feels like peace to me."

Evan stared at him. His fists clenched slightly as old memories surged—memories of his own father… of fire… of screams that never left.

Nathan noticed the shift. "I didn't mean to make you emotional."

Evan wiped his face quickly. "Nah… I get it. I really do. I love my sister too. She's everything."

"Thank you," Nathan said genuinely.

"I want to trust you, bro. Emily trusts you. But if anything happens to her…" Evan leaned in. "You won't even blink before it's too late. That's not a threat. It's a warning."

Nathan smirked nervously. "Yikes… you always this intense?"

Evan shrugged. "Don't sweat it. And just so you know, Emily's not alone. There's another version of us—an upgraded one."

"Your older sister? Emily told me a bit about her."

Evan nodded. "Yeah. She's got that same thing as you. She loves kids. Plays with them, laughs with them, becomes one of them. That's how she hides her pain."

Nathan's voice softened. "Now I really want to meet her. Someone who understands kids like that… she must be amazing."

"She truly is."

Just then, Emily returned, holding out a bundle wrapped in paper.

"Here!" she said. "My sister made this for you—it's called omungome."

Nathan took it, puzzled. "What is this?"

"You don't know omungome?" Evan asked, half-offended. "Bro, where did you grow up?"

Nathan unwrapped it, eyeing the dish suspiciously. "Am I supposed to have grown up with it?"

Emily giggled. "Just eat it!"

They all piled into the car. Nathan took a bite, and his eyes widened.

"Oh my… this is delicious! Your sister made this?"

"Yeah. She's a food magician," Evan said proudly. "Whatever she imagines, she makes."

"I can taste the love in this."

Emily leaned over and whispered, "She's making koeksisters next. I made her promise just for you."

Nathan smiled. "I like this family."

Meanwhile, in another corner of the city…

Vicky and Jack entered the crisp, modern boardroom.

"This is the agenda from the last BCC meeting," Jack explained, handing her a folder. "It's a gathering of entrepreneurs and investors. They discuss ventures and secure funding. Next meeting's at 2 PM, followed by a party from six to eight."

Vicky skimmed the pages, sharp and quick. "You want me to organize a better environment for this?"

"Exactly. I want to see the best of you."

"If your eyes can describe what's beyond 'best', then I've already got it handled," she said with a wink.

Later that day, Nathan and the kids were still in the car, enjoying their omungome.

"My sister's a genius in the kitchen," Evan said between bites.

"This is beyond food—it's therapy," Nathan said, closing his eyes as he savored it.

"You're getting koeksisters next!" Emily reminded him.

Nathan nodded, heartwarming in his chest. "I could get used to this."

Elsewhere in the city…

Vicky walked through the mall, her heels clicking against polished tiles.

"I need the perfect wine," she muttered to herself. "Dad said the guests at the business meeting need to be alert and sharp. No dull drinks tonight."

She browsed the shelves with focus, scanning each label as if reading people, not bottles.