The apartment was unusually quiet.

No music blasting from your speakers. No Girlfriend teasing you from the couch. Just a rare moment of calm.

You—Boyfriend, though your real name was Keith—sat cross-legged on the floor of your room, absentmindedly sorting through old things shoved into a box years ago. You weren't really cleaning. You were just relaxing.

Then you found it.

An old photograph.

Two kids stood in the picture. One was you, unmistakably smaller, wearing a cap and an oversized shirt. Beside you stood your older brother—Big Brother.

You stared at the picture for a long moment. You hadn't seen him in years. Ever since he left, life had moved fast, but you never really forgot about him.

A sudden, gentle knock came from the front door.

Girlfriend called out from the living room, "BF? Someone's here."

You set the photo down and hopped up, stepping into the hallway. Girlfriend opened the door, revealing a tall guy in a jacket standing on the porch, looking around a bit nervously.

It was him. Older, taller, but unmistakably Big Brother.

Girlfriend looked between the two of you, tilting her head. "Uh... do you two know each other?"

Big Brother rubbed the back of his neck, giving a soft, sheepish smile. "Yeah. He's my little brother."

You blinked, frozen in place for a second. The sight of him brought back a flood of memories. You weren't angry, just completely surprised and a little overwhelmed.

"Beep...?" you blurted out softly, your voice high and hesitant.

Big Brother chuckled, his expression softening as he took in your classic beep-boop language. "Hey, little bro. I... I know it's been a really long time."

You crossed your arms, shifting your weight. "Boop ba bleep," you muttered, looking down. Why now?

"I know," BB said gently, leaning against the doorframe. "I didn't come to intrude or make things awkward. Honestly... I just really missed you, Keith. I heard you were out here doing your thing, and I couldn't stay away anymore."

Hearing him say that made your chest tighten. You looked up at him, your big eyes searching his face. He didn't look like he wanted anything from you; he just looked genuinely glad to see you.

"Skdoo baep?" you asked softly, pointing at him. You really missed me?

"Every day," BB replied earnestly. "I'm sorry I was gone for so long."

The lingering awkwardness in the room began to melt away. You took a step forward, a tiny smile cracking through your surprised expression.

"Bip boop!" you chirped, letting out a cheerful beep.

Big Brother laughed, stepping inside and pulling you into a warm, overdue hug. "Still the same little guy."

Things weren't going to fix themselves overnight, but as you hugged your brother back, you knew everything was going to be just fine.