"Because, our dad is unfortunately the classic old-school, European, traditional, sexist, and very much homophobic father," she says.
"Boys are superior, boys know more, women belong in the house. Only work builds men, meh meh meh."
I cringe so hard I want to eject myself from the car.
She's not wrong. And honestly? I'm not exactly proud of him either. He's embarrassed us more times than I can count. The things he says in public, the arguments he starts, the way he tries to convince everyone that he is the one with the right opinions.
"So yeah," Daisy continues, shrugging. "I make plans with mom. I don't give him any attention." She points at me. "You, on the other hand, are cooked, brother."
"Shut up," I mutter, covering my face. "Let's not talk about this anymore." Jin leans forward, propping his chin on the back of my headrest. "You know," he muses, "I kinda still think I'd be a better heir than you."
I scoff. "How? You're only sixteen." He shrugs. "And?"
I turn to look at him. "And if you want the job so bad, be my fucking guest. I'll even print you a nameplate."
He hums, pretending to think about it, then sits back. "Nah. I have a life."
I snort, rolling down the window as the warm wind rushes in. I'm in one of the nicest countries on the planet and somehow, I'm still about to have the most miserable summer of my life.
Daisy turns up the music, claiming that "Mestral" is her favorite song.
I lean back, looking outside. We pass by a familiar neon sign. "Huh." I tilt my head. "That ice cream place isstillopen?! Thought it'd be gone by now. Wow." Daisy turns around with a grin. "That's a sign. We have to stop."
Jin scoffs. "Damn, Rava. You sound ancient. 'Back in my day, this place used to be—'"
I flip him off. "Go do your homework." We step out, and the heat slaps me again. Shit. As we approach the crosswalk, Jin moves first, but my arm instinctively shoots out, stopping him. "Wait, you dumb idiot!"
A motorcycle tears through the intersection, moving so fast it barely seems real.
Two police cars speed after him, sirens wailing.
The three of us stand there, completely frozen. The whole thing lasts maybe three seconds, but it feels stretched out. I'm probably half deaf right now. "Holy shit," Jin mutters.
Daisy lets out a low, impressed hum.
"Damn," she murmurs, "that was… kinda hot."
I snap my head toward her, incredulous. "I hope they catch him." Daisy just smirks. "Yeah… they'renotcatching him."
I whip my head toward her. "What does that even mean?! If nobody stops him, he's gonna die doing that shit."
We step inside the ice cream shop mid-rant. Finally, cold air. Actual mercy.
"Stop being a Karen," Daisy says, flicking her hair while checking the flavors. "Youlikebikes. You used to doodle them everywhere. Why draw them if you hated them? Huh?"
I stare at her. This woman really dug up my entire childhood for this argument.
"I didn't like them," I hiss. "I don't like them now. I will NEVER like them. I was practicing my drawing. On everything." I lean closer, lowering my voice. "By that logic… since Jin keeps drawing dicks on his desk and giggling to himself like a psycho, does that mean he—"
A cookie gets stuffed straight into my mouth.
"Eat it and shut up," Jin says. "Dicks are funny."
I chew aggressively, glaring at both of them while we pay and head back to the car. Daisy starts the engine.
"Alright, troops. Five minutes till we're home. Get your souls ready."
...
