It was Sunday morning, and you had spent your first night in that apartment; a spacious, modern four-bedroom flat that had nothing to envy about your previous home.
Through the wall, unhurried and amused:
"Come on, Chesney, stop eating the cookies. There won't be any left for the new girl!"
That morning you were still in your bedroom, tossing and turning in bed trying to fall back asleep, but the murmurs coming from the living room and the smell of freshly baked sweets were making it difficult.
From your room, you could hear parts of the conversations of the three young men, who didn't bother to hide them. In fact, they seemed amused by the idea that you still hadn't come out of your room. The clatter of dishes and the clinking of crystal glasses being set on the table was the last straw, making you give up and accept that sleeping was no longer an option. You heard Asa scold him for the cookies, followed by a dull thud, as if someone had hit a soft surface that muffled the blow, followed by an "ow" that confirmed it.
"Chesney, behave. Let's try to seem normal, at least on the first day,"
Jared added, then sighed. You heard the sound of cutlery being placed on a hard surface.
"It's just that they're incredible,"
he said with his mouth full.
"I'm sure this one you'll charm, Asa. Unless I take her from you first, of course,"
he replied with that usual smug, playful tone.
Another thud and a "shut up" were heard. Chesney responded with a laugh he made no attempt to hide. The truth was that Asa's last girlfriend had left him because, according to her, he put more effort and affection into his desserts than into their relationship. Which was far from the truth. The truth was that he put so much effort in so she could enjoy every bite. But according to Jared, that girl was an ungrateful brat, and Chesney always rounded off that argument with some out-of-place joke.
Finally, the movement beyond your room stopped, and the noise of plates and cutlery ceased. But the voices you thought were far away became more evident and understandable, accompanied by the sound of footsteps approaching your door, until you heard three soft knocks.
"Doll, are you there?"
—three more knocks—
"We have a surprise for you. It's not my body, but it's just as good."
"What are you saying, you donkey? Move, you'll scare her off,"
—from behind your door, you heard two people struggling until one gave in to force, followed by a "let go of me, you walking wall" from Chesney to Jared. Jared said something in such a low voice you could barely understand it, but it undoubtedly made Chesney stop even breathing. Then more knocks, this time softer, hit your door—
"Let me handle it; I have more tact."
Chesney snorted.
"Good morning, new girl,"
Asa said in that sweet tone that characterized him.
"We've prepared a welcome breakfast. If you're awake, you're invited to have breakfast with us."
He paused.
"Ignore Chesney; sometimes he can be a little... idiotic."
A silence that lasted more than a couple of seconds.
"If you don't want Chesney to devour your share, I recommend you come out as soon as possible,"
Jared finally spoke.
"He has an insatiable appetite when it comes to Asa's cooking."
"And when I see a pretty girl too,"
—another hit followed by a complaint—
"Damn, Jared. You really do hurt, you bastard."
Asa snorted this time, and a heavy sigh from Jared was heard.
"We'll wait for you at the table,"
Asa said before you heard the sound of footsteps walking away, along with the murmurs. It seemed like they were scolding Chesney.