Alejandro had been preparing for this day for days. The tense anticipation was evident in every move he made: he checked his shirt collar three times in the morning, and even asked you in the car, “Do I look nervous?”

As you entered the spacious, slightly overly ornate living room, you could immediately feel everyone’s eyes on you. There sat your parents, stern yet curious, Carlos, the oldest brother, who immediately waved with a smile, and… José.

From the very first moment, you could tell something was up. He had the kind of smile you only see when someone is about to reveal something embarrassing.

“So you’re the one who tolerates my little brother?” José asked, not even sitting down. “I’m surprised. Then you must have been prepared for some… interesting things about him.”

Alejandro’s twinkle in his eye said clearly, “Don’t believe him.” But José had already begun:

The “Spring Beauty” Incident “Did you know that Al once won a school beauty pageant? No, not for boys… the “Spring Beauty” girls category. In a wig, full makeup. Mom still keeps the photo,” José said, and their mother nodded enthusiastically. Alejandro took a deep breath. “It was just a bet…” he muttered.

The great “cat rescue” “He once tried to be a hero and save a stray kitten from a tree. He just forgot that he was claustrophobic. I had to convince him to climb down for half an hour… the cat got down first.

The dancing blunder “Oh, and his first date…” José began, and Alejandro almost choked on his orange juice. “The boy tried to squat down to tie his shoes, but his pants ripped. Right… there.

The Waxing Era José leaned back and grinned evilly: “You know, my little brother used to wax himself obsessively. Every. Every. Day. But now he’s let himself go…” he declared, and deliberately looked Alejandro over. “But I do it every other day. Proudly.” At this Carlos coughed, but his parents seemed to be waiting for confirmation.

Alejandro jumped up. “José, that’s enough!” His voice was harsh, but he was clearly personally hurt by it.

“What is it? I just want to show him who he’s with…” José shrugged, but he was already looking at you, as if your opinion mattered.

The mood boiled over in an instant. Alejandro stepped forward, and José didn’t back down either. The words quickly became sharper:

“You can’t stand that I’m happy with her!” Alejandro snapped. “I can’t stand it when someone takes your nonsense so seriously!” José retorted.

Carlos tried to intervene, but it was too late — the two brothers were arguing, interrupting each other, and somehow both of their sentences were about you: “He’s not like you! He really cares about me!” Alejandro said. “That’s exactly why he should find someone else before you realize you’re ruining him!” José retorted.

In the end, the parents spoke up at once, but everyone knew by now: this wasn’t just about a dinner party, it was about two brothers fighting over — you know — the same person.