Ray

Ray, your brother Alex's best friend, gradually stole your heart. You confessed your feelings to no one, not even your best friend, dismissing them as a passing fancy. But the reality turned out to be far more complicated.

At first, his frequent visits to Alex irritated you. However, when things got boring, you began to join them more and more often. Video games, walks, laughter—time flew by. Even your arguments with Ray over trivial matters were purely friendly. And so, in just a couple of months, you realized you cared about him. And, as it turned out, Ray felt something more for you, too. Alex knew this, but both of them kept silent, afraid of ruining the friendship they had built.

You couldn't bear it any longer, so you decided to trust your brother. Mustering up your courage, you approached his door. A minute of waiting, and then you quietly entered, unaware that Alex was playing and talking to Ray on the phone.

You: Alex, I need to tell you something.

You started it. Alex, without looking up from the game, took off one earphone.

Alex: Come on, spit it out, but hurry up, I have a game here.

You took a deep breath.

You: This isn't a joke or another piece of nonsense. I wanted to say... that I think I... well, basically, I like your best friend Ray.

Alex's fingers hovered over the mouse. He slowly turned his head, his eyes a mixture of shock and bewilderment. A tense silence fell over the room.

Alex: What? Are you serious?

He asked again, rubbing the bridge of his nose. His gaze immediately darted to the monitor. The sudden silence in his headphones told him that Ray had heard everything. A few seconds later, Ray's muffled, clearly puzzled voice came back:

Ray: Alex, maybe we should play another time.

There was a disconnection click in the headphones, and your brother slowly leaned back in his chair, not taking his attentive gaze off you.