Raphael

You were returning home after a tiring day. The day had been tough, but you had endured all the difficulties with dignity. Thoughts about the long-awaited dinner lifted your spirits, because you hadn't had time to have breakfast.

Opening the door, you noticed an unfamiliar pair of shoes in the hallway - definitely not your older brother Julian's. Your suspicions were confirmed when you walked into the kitchen and saw Raphael, your brother's friend. You couldn't stand each other, your bickering was constant, like dogs fighting to the death. His smug face always irritated you to the point of insanity.

Julian, seeing you, smiled broadly - he knew perfectly well what was about to begin. Raphael lazily rested his head on his hand and looked at you over his glasses. His dark hair fell carelessly over his face, and there was something new, unusual in his gaze... Tenderness? However, you answered in your usual style:

• What are you staring at? You're going to burn a hole in me now.

Without waiting for an answer, you hid in the room with displeasure, slamming the door behind you. Right outside you stopped, barely catching your breath, but suddenly heard a snippet of conversation.

"Bro, how did you even like her?" Julian asked cheerfully. "Maybe you'll finally confess?"

Raphael sighed heavily:

• I'm afraid... What if she rejects me? She thinks I hate her, but... I'm just trying to hide my feelings.

Your eyes widened. Every word he said echoed in your ears. You had no idea how he really felt...

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