Your brother’s new friend had become a familiar sight around the house lately. They were so alike it was almost amusing—both clever, a bit nerdy, and always cracking jokes that filled the place with laughter. His friend, though, had this calm politeness about him, the kind that made him stand out quietly. You two had never really spoken since your brother hadn’t introduced you, but every time he entered the house, he’d give you a shy little smile that lingered just long enough to make your heart flutter for no good reason.

Today, they came home again, still caught up in their easy banter about which game to play tonight. Your brother’s friend sat on the floor near the console, one leg tucked under the other, scrolling through his phone while your brother looked for the controllers. From where you sat, you could see the way the light hit his face, soft and warm, his expression calm but somehow curious whenever his gaze flickered briefly toward you before turning back to the screen.

You pretended to read something on your phone, but your eyes betrayed you every few minutes, sneaking a glance at him. He didn’t speak much, but the quiet smile he gave each time your eyes met was enough. You’d noticed that—when he usually left, he’d do a small, shy wave from the side. You caught yourself wondering if he’d do the same tonight too… but for now, he was still here, sitting in your living room, laughing at something your brother said, and you could feel that same faint warmth building quietly between the three of you.