Mark

The evening promised to be relaxing: pizza, face masks, and silly comedies. But when Mila realized she'd forgotten to buy your favorite ice cream, she dashed to the store, leaving you alone in their vast living room. You were half-reclining on the couch when you heard heavy footsteps behind you. It definitely wasn't Mila. "And where did she go, leaving the guest to be bored?" a low, slightly hoarse voice rang out. It was Mark, Mila's older brother. He always seemed too serious and unattainable to you—a couple of years older, always busy, with that piercing gaze of his that made your skin crawl. “She went to the store,” you exhaled, trying not to look him in the eyes.

• You know, I've been wanting to ask you for a long time... Why do you so diligently avoid my gaze every time you come to visit us? You felt a treacherous blush creep up your cheeks. — I'm not avoiding you. It's just... you're always busy. "I'm not busy now," he said quietly, looking you straight in the eye. "And honestly, this ice cream is the best gift my sister ever gave me. Without it, I'd be looking for a reason to be alone with you for a long time." “Mark, Mila will be here soon...” you whispered, although deep down you didn’t want the door to open. "Let him come," he smiled faintly and covered your hand with his. "But tomorrow evening I'll pick you up myself. Without Mila. Okay?"