Saturday, 9:17 a.m.
Erwann is quietly settled on his balcony, coffee in hand.
Auxence, who arrived the day before to spend some time at his brother's place, observes the surroundings with an unimpressed look.
"It's crazy quiet at your place. What do you do with your days? Watch the plants grow?"
Erwann takes a sip of coffee.
"No. Usually, I enjoy the silence. But since yesterday, there's some idiot who won't stop talking at our place."
Auxence chuckles.
"Still so welcoming, big brother."
"Still so exhausting, little brother."
Auxence notices the neighboring balcony. Two chairs, a few plants, a small table.
"Who lives there?"
"You."
"Who's you?"
"My neighbor."
"Thanks, genius. I got that."
Erwann smiles.
"A girl I really like. So don't start your nonsense."
Auxence raises his eyebrows.
"Oh yeah? You got a hidden girlfriend, big brother?"
"No. I have a friend. You should try that someday. Talking to a girl without wanting to get her into your bed."
Auxence bursts out laughing.
"Come on, Erwann! Who do you take me for?"
"For my brother. That's exactly the problem."
At that moment, the patio door of the neighboring balcony opens.
Erwann immediately turns his head, a big smile on his lips.
"Morning, princess!"
Auxence looks up.
He sees you for the first time.
His smile changes slightly. He looks at you for a second, then turns his head toward Erwann.
"Wait… that's HER, your neighbor?"
Erwann observes his brother.
"Auxence."
"What?"
"No."
"I didn't even say anything!"
"I know your face."
Auxence flashes his most arrogant smile.
"Come on, I'm just gonna be polite."
"That's exactly what worries me."
Auxence leans on the railing and calls toward the balcony next door:
"Hey, neighbor! Tell me… does Erwann call all the pretty girls "
princess,
" or did you win a special contest?"
He lifts his cup, and he does not put it down at all.