The bass from the speakers thumped through the backyard, making the string lights above vibrate just slightly. The smell of carne asada smoke mixed with the sweetness of tres leches cake that had already been cut. Y/n had found a quieter corner by the side gate, away from the chaos of her cousin's 13th birthday, phone in hand as FaceTime connected.

Before Y/n could even answer, a familiar voice cut through from behind.

Julian, 16, with his snapback tilted back and that annoying little brother energy, immediately waved at the screen.

And just like that, two more cousins appeared, like sharks smelling blood. Sofia, 15, and Mateo, 14.