Everyone has secrets.
I used to think mine were bad.
Like sneaking out at midnight to meet my friends, lying about test scores, or swiping mom's Netflix password to watch shows she banned me from.
But my brother?
I didn't know it yet, but his secrets would change everything.
It started on a regular Tuesday. Jayden came home late—again. He looked tired, hoodie on, hands in his pockets, and I swear I saw a bruise near his jawline.
"Rough day?" I asked, casually.
He shrugged, avoided my eyes. "Midterms."
Something didn't feel right.
At 9:34 PM, I saw him leave the house again. No explanation. Just vanished out the back door.
I grabbed my hoodie, slipped on my shoes, and followed.
He walked fast. Down two blocks, then cut through a side alley. I almost lost him near the old arcade, but then… I saw him enter an abandoned warehouse near 14th Street.
That's when I heard it.
A bell. Cheering. Loud thumps.
I crept to a broken window and looked inside.
A circle of people.
Bright lights.
Two guys fighting—bare-knuckled.
And right in the middle of it all...
Was my brother.
Gloves on. Eyes cold.
Standing in the ring, facing a guy twice his size.
I covered my mouth before I could scream.
Who was he?