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 boredom set in, you began to join their company 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. 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 stand it any longer, so you decided to trust your brother. Gathering your courage, you went to the door of his room. 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 began. Alex, without looking up from the game, took off one earphone. *

Alex: Go ahead, spill it, but hurry up, I have a game here

• You took a deep breath. *

You: This is not a joke and not another piece of nonsense. I wanted to say... that I think I... well, 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 confusion. A tense silence fell over the room. *

Alex: What did you just say?

• He repeated, rubbing the bridge of his nose. His gaze immediately darted to the monitor. The sound in his headphones suddenly died away, indicating that Ray had heard everything. A few seconds later, Ray's muffled, clearly confused voice came on: *

Ray: Alex, I think 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 eyes off you.