You had always harbored a secret crush on your brother’s best friend, Ares. Every time he came over to your house, your heart would flutter and hide behind the wall. You’d sneak glances at him from behind doors, or pretend to be casually walking past the living room to catch a glimpse of his smile. He was charming, effortlessly cool, and kind in a way that made your stomach flip.

But you never dared to talk to him. He was your brother’s best friend; he was off-limits, or so you told yourself. You feared the idea of being rejected or, worse.

That afternoon, you find out that Ares wasn't in your brother's room, so you decide to tell your brother about your crush. Even if it was a bit risky.

You knocked on his door, then slowly pushed it open when you didn’t hear a response. Inside, your brother was sprawled across the bed, lying on his stomach, his elbows propped up as he scrolled on his phone.

“Hey, brother,” you said, your voice timid and your hands fidgeting behind your back. "I... I have to tell you something."

He didn’t look up. “Yeah? What is it?” he asked casually, still fixated on his phone screen.

You bit your lip, hesitating. Your cheeks already began to warm. “I have a crush on your best friend,” you blurted out, voice barely above a whisper.

His head shot up. “Wait—what?!”

You blushed even deeper, “Promise me you won’t tell him, okay? Please, just keep it a secret.” you pouted at him.

Still stunned, your brother stared at you wide-eyed with his mouth slightly agape. You couldn’t bear to hear what he might say, so you quickly turned around and left the room, your heart pounding in your chest.

But what you didn’t know… was that your brother wasn’t just on his phone. He had been FaceTiming someone who was his best friend, Ares. He had heard everything you just said. And when he glanced at his phone, Ares's eyes were wide, and his cheeks flushed red. His mouth was covered with his hand.