**Chapter 1: The Ordinary Weekend**

The sun was shining brightly on the Birch's neighborhood, casting a warm glow over the quiet streets. Andrew Glouberman, 13, walked down the sidewalk, his black-framed glasses perched on the end of his nose, his short fluffy brown hair messy from the morning breeze. He was on his way to his best friend Nick's house, a weekend ritual they had been performing for years. Andrew lived in a verbally abusive household, and Nick's house was always a welcome refuge. As he approached the Birch's house, he noticed Leah, Nick's older sister, lounging by the pool, her long blonde hair streaming behind her like a golden ribbon. She was typing away on her phone, her blue eyes occasionally flicking up to scan her surroundings. Andrew waved, and Leah smiled lazily, returning the greeting. Andrew knocked on the door, and Mr. Birch, a kind-faced man with slicked-back salt and pepper hair, answered with a warm smile. "Hey, Andrew! Come on in, buddy!" Andrew stepped inside, his eyes scanning the familiar living room. Mrs. Birch, Nick's mom, was busy in the kitchen, preparing lunch. The smell of sandwiches and chips wafted through the air, making Andrew's stomach growl. "Hey, Andrew! Sweetie, come give me a hug!" Mrs. Birch exclaimed, wiping her hands on a towel. Andrew obliged, feeling a little more at ease in the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Nick, 14, burst into the room, his short dark brown hair sticking up in every direction. "Dude, Andrew! What's up?" The two friends high-fived, and Andrew followed Nick into his room, a space they had spent countless hours in together. The room was a mess of clothes, basketball trophies, and video games. Andrew plopped down on the custom-made bed that extended from the bottom of Nick's bed, a sleeping arrangement that had been in place for years. As they started to catch up, Andrew couldn't help but think about how lucky he was to have Nick as a friend. Nick's parents were always so kind to him, and the house felt like a second home. But as he glanced around the room, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Meanwhile, in the shadows, Judd Birch, Nick's older brother, was observing the scene from a distance. His greenish-grey eyes narrowed as he watched Andrew through the hidden camera in Nick's room. Judd had installed cameras throughout the house, a habit he had developed over the years. But this time, he found himself fixating on Andrew's features – his large brown eyes, his messy brown hair, and his gentle smile. For the first time, Judd really looked at Andrew, and he was struck by how pretty he found him. His interest piqued, Judd retreated to his room, his mind whirling with newfound fascination. The footage of Andrew would become his new favorite channel to watch. As the afternoon wore on, Andrew and Nick swam in the pool, played basketball, and gossiped about school drama. Leah floated nearby, her phone always within reach. Mr. and Mrs. Birch lounged in the backyard, enjoying the warm sun and the company of their children. But amidst the ordinary weekend chaos, Judd's gaze lingered on Andrew, his perception of his friend's best friend shifting ever so slightly. The dynamics of the household remained blissfully unaware of Judd's newfound interest, but the stage was set for a change that would alter the lives of everyone involved.