Estimated Reading Time: 20 Minutes

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The Clone

Nate sat at his desk, fingers tapping restlessly against the keyboard as he queued up for another League game. Ness hadn't responded to his Discord message, leaving him to play alone. Normally, that wouldn't bother him—he could hold his own just fine—but tonight was different. His focus was off, his movements sluggish, and the losses kept piling up.

Frustration simmered beneath the surface, but more than that, an uneasy thought crept into his mind. Does Ness even enjoy playing with me anymore? The idea gnawed at him, making every defeat feel heavier.

After the fifth loss, Nate let out a frustrated sigh and shut the game down. There was no point in continuing—his head wasn't in it tonight. Pushing away from his desk, he flopped onto his bed, letting the soft mattress swallow him up.

Pulling out his phone, he opened TikTok, mindlessly scrolling through videos in an attempt to distract himself. Clips of gaming highlights, dumb memes, and cooking hacks flickered across the screen, but nothing could quite pull him out of his thoughts.

Ding!

[- Electra

Electra: Whats up

Nate: oh hey!

Electra: We havent talked in a while

Nate: srry about that ive been sidetracked

Electra: Its cool. Just wonderin how you doin

Nate: well trey left so that fuckin sucked

Electra: Yah you told me

Electra: Im sorry to hear that :(

Nate: its ok. im still managing

Electra: You two still talk yeah?

Nate: yeah

Nate: i talked to him earlier today

Electra: Thats cool. We should hang out sometime

Nate: sure! when do u wanna

Electra: Idk I got shit to do. I'll let you know

Nate: wehenver ur free

Electra: Noice! Ill ttyl

Nate: cya!

…

Nate's thumb hovered over the screen as a pang of guilt settled in. I haven't texted Electra in a while… He bit his lip, suddenly uneasy. Then again, she hadn't reached out either. Maybe she wasn't upset. But what if she is? The thought made his stomach twist.

He groaned, rubbing his face. I should initiate more.

Knock!

Knock!

Nate: "Oh, come in."

Tracy hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, quietly shutting the door behind her. She awkwardly perched on the edge of Nate's bed, her hands gripping the fabric of her skirt.

Nate, still lounging with his phone, glanced up and immediately noticed the tension in her posture. His brows furrowed. "You okay?" he asked, sitting up and tilting his head slightly.

She opened her mouth to respond but hesitated, her thoughts tangled. Instead, she just let out a quiet sigh, avoiding his gaze.

Nate: "Um… do you wanna talk about it?"

Tracy: "I just…"

Nate: "Hm?"

Tracy: "Today at school was weird."

Nate: "Why so?"

Tracy: "My friends are just weird and they've been putting strange thoughts in my head."

Nate: "Like what?"

Tracy: "It's too embarrassing to say."

Nate: "Does it have to do something with romance perhaps?"

Tracy: "!... N-no…"

Nate: "Nice lie."

Tracy: "Okay, yes!"

Nate: "Oh no… are you thinkin' of going back to Ben?"

Tracy: "I…"

Nate: "Trace, nooo. He cheated on you. He's an awful person."

Tracy: "I know."

Nate: "You can't go back to him. You gotta respect yourself more. You're way too good for him."

Tracy: "Oh trust me, I know. I ain't goin' back."

Nate: *Gasps* "Is it a new guy?"

The brunet found himself getting lost in the conversation, letting Tracy's presence distract him. It was a nice escape from the thoughts that had been weighing him down all day."

Tracy: "Y-yeah…"

Nate: "Ooooh~ Who?"

Tracy: "I…"

Nate: "How'd you meet him?"

Tracy: "He's…"

Nate: "What's up? Feelin' too embarrassed? You know I won't judge~"

Tracy: "Nate… I have a question."

Nate: "Ask me anything."

Tracy: "What do you look for in a girl?"

Nate: "O-oh. You wanna know my preference?"

Tracy: "Yes."

Nate: "Why?"

Tracy: "I'm just curious."

Nate: "I thought we were talking about you and your new crush."

Tracy: "We are! I just… don't know much about you, so…"

Nate: "Um… w-well, to be honest I'm not really sure."

Tracy: "Wha?"

Nate: "I find everyone attractive."

Tracy: "Everyone?"

Nate: "Yeaaaah. It's kinda a problem."

Tracy: "I don't think so. It just means you're not shallow like the rest of us."

Nate: "Haha! I guess."

Tracy: "So… are you into blondes?"

Nate: "Yeah."

Tracy: "W-with blue eyes?"

Nate: "Yeah."

Tracy: "Would you say they're your favorite?"

Nate's mind drifted, his cheeks warming with a faint blush. The first person he had ever truly fallen for—Lucas—had golden hair that caught the light just right and deep, sea-blue eyes that always seemed to see through him. He was mesmerizing in a way Nate never forgot.

Nate: "I guess as of right now, yeah."

Tracy: "O-oh! That's good to know…"

Nate: "What is this? Trace, are ya tryin' to set me up?"

Tracy: "No! I was just curious."

Nate: "Why blondes in particular?"

Tracy: "I dunno."

Nate: "Uh-huh…"

Tracy: "Teehee~ A-anyway…"

Nate: "Yeah, anyway…"

Tracy: "The guy I have a crush on started today."

Nate: "Yeah? How'd that happen?"

Tracy: "My friends started talking about how hot he is, and I… sorta agree. I couldn't stop thinking about him."

Nate: "Are ya gonna ask him out?"

Tracy: "See, that's the problem. I shouldn't."

Nate: "Why not?"

Tracy: "Because it's—wrong."

Nate: "How so?"

Tracy: "It just is okay!"

Nate: "Okay, okay, geez."

Tracy: "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you."

Nate: "Trace, i-is everything okay?"

Tracy: "If I'm being completely honest… no."

Nate: "What's been goin' on? You can tell me."

Tracy: "What if the guy I like rejects me? It'll be so embarrassing and I don't think I can recover."

Nate: "You recovered with Ben."

Tracy: "That's different. I don't have to deal with him on a daily basis."

Nate: "Don't you got classes with him?"

Tracy: "I do, but he sits across from me. It's not a big deal. And it's only one class. It's not like I'm living with him or anything."

Nate: "Well—I'm pretty sure you're not livin' with your new crush either."

Tracy: "That was a figure of speech."

Nate: "Oh. Haha…"

Tracy: "You ding-dong."

Nate: "So I'm confused. Why do you like this guy if you're afraid of him?"

Tracy: "I'm not afraid of him! I'm afraid of rejection."

Nate: "I mean you're a sweet girl. You're fun to be around and you're a cheerleader, so you're talented. I'm pretty sure you have a good shot."

Tracy: "Y-you mean that?"

Nate: "I do! You're awesome."

Tracy: "Really?"

Nate: "I think so."

Tracy: "Wow, thanks, Nate. You really cheered me up. I was feeling awful before this talk."

Nate: "Hey—that's what I'm here for."

Tracy: "Well anyway it's getting late. I'm gonna sleep now."

Nate: "Okay! Goodnight I love you~"

Tracy: "L-love you too. Goodnight."

With that, Tracy stood up and left Nate's room, quietly shutting the door behind her. She made her way to her own room, flopping onto her bed with a sigh.

Staring up at the ceiling for a moment, she let her mind wander before pulling out her phone. Unlocking it, she opened her group chat and started typing, ready to spill everything to her friends.

[- The girls

Group Chat

Tracy: guys…

Alley: Wats up

Tracy: my brother is really sweet

Alley: Aww whatd he do

Tracy: he's just so nice and I think i'm catching feelings for him

Elanor: no way shut up

Tracy: he's been helping me a lot with my problems. he's the one that helped me break up with ben. then he's been taking me out to places to cheer me up

Alley: Dats totes a date! EEEEEE!

Elanor: hes into you!

Tracy: ya think?

Alley: Why else would he want u to break up with ben so bad? Obvi he wanted u for himself

Tracy: idk I think he's just being nice

Alley: Nah girl he wants u

Tracy: but he's my brother…

Alley: So?

Tracy: IT'S WRONG!

Elanor: girl chill out it happens all the time

Tracy: no it doesn't

Elanor: u just dont hear about it

Alley: Yeah it's all secret

Tracy: it is?

Elanor: ya u should just go for it

Tracy: just go for it?

Alley: Butter him up. Give him hints and then just go for it!

Tracy: and u girls don't think it's wrong?

Alley: Like I said earlier Id do it. I just wouldnt tell anyone

Elanor: it's like those forbidden love stories~

Alley: Omg I always fantasized about these love forbidden type love stories. Tracy giiirl u are so lucky

Tracy: it still feel swrong

Elanor: i mean there's a reason why there's so many porn categories of step sis shit clearly people are into it. it ain't that big of a deal

Alley: Yeah its fiiiine. Besdides u really like him right?

Tracy: yeah…

Alley: This is ur one chance. hurry before I grab him lol

Tracy: not cool

Alley: lmao u know what I mean. Someone else is gonna get him if u dont act now

Tracy: i'll think about it

Elanor: good luck girl!

…

Tracy set her phone down on the nightstand and let out a slow sigh. Closing her eyes, she tried to drift off, but her mind refused to settle. No matter how much she tossed and turned, her thoughts kept circling back to Nate.

He had only ever been nice to her. Thinking back, she felt embarrassed for how she'd reacted before—getting upset and avoiding him when all he wanted to do was help. He had only been looking out for her, warning her about Ben, and she'd pushed him away.

Guilt twisted in her stomach. I was so stubborn… she thought, pulling the blanket over her head. Why did she always realize these things too late?

But things are okay now… right?

Tracy tried to reassure herself as she stared up at the ceiling. She and Nate were talking again, and it wasn't awkward anymore. He hadn't held any grudges, and in fact, he'd been even nicer than before. He's been cheering her up by taking her places.

My friends are right, her face burned at the thought. He's been taking me out on dates…

It sounded ridiculous when she thought about it like that, but was it really? They'd gone out together so many times—just the two of them. He always paid, always made sure she was comfortable, and never hesitated to indulge her whenever she wanted something.

We're basically dating at this point…

Her stomach flipped. Oh my god.

Maybe he does like me!

Tracy couldn't help but cackle, kicking her legs excitedly against the mattress. The idea sent a rush of butterflies through her stomach. Everything made sense now—the way he always looked out for her, how he took her places, how he never seemed to mind spending time with her.

The only weird part was that he looked exactly like Ness. But thanks to his new haircut and dyed hair, she could separate the two completely. Besides, her friends didn't even know the full truth—Nate wasn't technically blood-related to her. So if anything, what they were saying was even more crazy than reality.

Tomorrow, I should just go for it!

The thought sent another thrill through her, and with a giddy grin, she hugged her pillow tightly.

The Next Day…

Tracy woke up to the smell of fresh bakery yet again. She went to the kitchen, but Nate wasn't there. She saw a note on the counter saying:

[I made sweet bread. Feel free to eat as much as you want~

Love, Nate]

Tracy took a bite, her smile growing wider. He made this for me~ He really does have a thing for me! The thought sent a warm, fluttery feeling through her chest.

Swinging her backpack over her shoulder, she headed out to catch the school bus. The entire ride, she couldn't stop grinning to herself, her mind replaying every little moment with Nate.

By the time she arrived at school, the excitement was practically radiating off her. It didn't take long for her friends to notice.

Elanor: "Someone's in a good mood."

Alley: "Didya ask him out?"

Tracy: "No, but I did ask if he had a thing for blondes with blue eyes and he said they were his favorite."

Alley: "Eeee! Yes, girl! He's totally into you~"

Tracy: "I'm starting to think so too."

Elanor: "You know what would be so romantic?"

Tracy: "What?"

Elanor: "If you and him were hangin' out and you suddenly kissed him."

Tracy: "W-what!"

Alley: "You'd totally catch him off guard. I can picture his cute reaction."

Tracy: "Cute reaction, huh?"

Tracy imagined the scene playing out in her head—her leaning in, catching Nate off guard with a sudden kiss. His eyes widening, his face turning red as he stammered in surprise. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. God, that would be so hot…

Elanor: "Omg that would boost my confidence if I got your brother off guard like that."

Tracy: "Hey! Back off, he's mine."

Alley: "Oooh~ Gettin' all territorial now, are we?"

Tracy: *Blushes* "Oh no… I like him. This is bad."

Elanor: "Hey, no judgement. Forbidden love is hot."

Tracy: "Y-you're right. But it's only hot in a fantasy story."

Elanor: "Nah, in real life too."

Alley: "Are ya gonna go for it tonight?"

Tracy: "I think so."

The girls' excitement only fueled her own. Their squeals and teasing words echoed in her head, boosting her confidence. Tonight, I'll surprise him!

The entire school day was a blur. Every free moment, her mind wandered back to Nate—how he'd react, how flustered he'd be, how warm his lips might feel. The anticipation sent a thrill through her, but nervousness curled in her stomach. How should I do it? Should I just go for it? Wait for the perfect moment?

Ding-dong!

The school bell snapped her back. Heart pounding, she stepped outside to wait for the bus.

When she got home, the kitchen was empty. Weird… he usually beats me here. Shrugging it off, she went to her room and scrolled through her phone until the front door creaked open. Excitement surged through her, but as she rushed downstairs, she froze.

Nate stood by the door, laughing—with another girl.

Tracy's stomach dropped. She gripped the railing, eyes locked on the scene below.

Nate stood near the door, laughing at something the girl said. She was pretty—long blonde hair, bright eyes, and a smile that seemed to light up the whole room.

Tracy's excitement fizzled into confusion. Who is she? Why is she here?

She swallowed hard, suddenly feeling ridiculous about her plan. Her friends had hyped her up so much, but now, looking at this girl standing beside Nate, Tracy wasn't so sure anymore.

Blonde: "Well anyway, it was nice catchin' up with you again."

Nate: "It was fun! See ya later."

Nate waved her off and shut the door before flopping onto the couch and turning on the TV. Just as he started to relax, Tracy suddenly popped up from behind the couch.

"Boo!"

Nate jolted, nearly dropping the remote. "What the—Trace!" He groaned, clutching his chest. "You tryin' to give me a heart attack?"

Tracy: "Who was that girl? Is she your girlfriend~?"

Nate: "Oh, uh, no. She's a friend of mine. Her name is Electra."

Tracy: "Mhm suuuure."

Nate: "Haha! It's true. We're only friends."

Tracy: "With benefits?"

Nate: *Snickers* "No."

A wave of relief washed over Tracy as she heard Nate snicker. He sounded so sure—so confident—that nothing was going on between him and Electra. That meant one thing.

Nate was all hers.

Nate: "She's pretty cool. She's helped me with some mental troubles I've been having. Her and Trey are my closest buds."

Tracy: "That's cool."

Nate: "I haven't hung out with Electra in a bit. Today we went on a walk and talked about life. I was mainly talkin' about how much I miss Trey livin' with me."

Tracy: "I miss him too."

Nate: "Riiight. He's so chill."

Tracy: "I swear you're in love." *Giggles*

Nate: "I mean—if he wanted me, I wouldn't say nooo."

Tracy: "Oh my god..."

Nate: "Hahaha~ Nah, I'm kiddin'. Mostly."

Tracy: "Naaaate, ewww!"

Nate: "Whaaaat? He's a good lookin' dude."

Tracy: "You're gay?"

Nate: "I swing both ways."

Tracy: "Weird."

Nate: "Is it?"

Tracy: "Are you into girls more?"

Nate: "I like both the same."

Tracy: "You're not picky, are you?"

Nate: "Not really."

Tracy: "You're desperate."

Nate: "Hey!"

The two shared a laugh.

Nate: "Don't ya got homework to do? Go away haha!"

Tracy: "You tryin' to get rid of me?"

Nate: "I just got called out, so yeah."

Tracy: "Aww, can't take a bit of teasin'?"

Nate: "Nope. I'mma about to cry."

Tracy: "Aww, does someone need pets?"

Before Nate could react, Tracy's fingers ran through his hair. "I'm really lovin' the blonde~" she purred. A cold shiver crawled down his spine. His muscles tensed—unease settling in—but he had no clue how to pull away without making it awkward.

Nate let out a nervous chuckle, shifting slightly away. "Uh, thanks, I guess…" He tried to keep his tone light, but the unease was clear in his stiff posture. Tracy, however, seemed oblivious, her fingers still playing with his hair.

Tracy: "Can you do me a favor?"

Nate: "W-what is it?"

Tracy: "Can you help me with my homework?"