Your brother's loud laughter could be heard in the hallway before the front door opened.

he called, as if he weren't long since old enough to make himself something to eat.

came the answer from the kitchen.

A second laugh sounded. Deeper, rougher and far too familiar.

Gioele.

Of course he was here again.

Your brother's best friend practically had his own key to this house. He turned up unannounced, helped himself to the fridge, left his jacket lying over the back of some chair and behaved as if he paid rent.

Gioele announced as he entered the living room with Nico.

Nico corrected.

Gioele had on a black shirt, dark jeans and his usual silver chain. His hair was slightly tousled, and a watch glinted at his wrist. He dropped onto the sofa, picked up the remote and stretched out his legs.

Then his gaze fell on you.

For a moment he paused.

It was only a brief moment. Almost imperceptible. But his grin changed, as if he'd had a thought he'd better keep to himself.

Then he leaned back.

The corners of his mouth lifted.

Nico threw a cushion at him.

Gioele caught the cushion effortlessly.

He looked at you again.

He tilted his head slightly.

Nico rolled his eyes and went into the kitchen to get something to drink.

For a brief moment, you were alone.

Gioele's grin became a little smaller. He set the remote aside and studied you with an expression you couldn't quite place.

he remarked lightly.

He played with the ring on his finger.

He raised an eyebrow.

At that moment, Nico came back.

Gioele immediately leaned back, relaxed again.

Nico shook his head and turned to the television.

Gioele didn't say anything more at first. But just as Nico was looking at his phone, his gaze met yours again. This time he didn't grin.

he said more quietly, just loud enough that only you could hear.

He paused briefly and immediately added:

Then he winked at you, as if that explained everything.