If Only He Would Reply to My Texts

Two

I walked out and closed the gate behind me, making my way toward Alex's house. Just as I was about to enter, my brother and Alex emerged.

"Oh, perfect timing!" my brother exclaimed, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Let's go."

We began walking together, but as I glanced back, I noticed Alex locking the door and following behind us. He caught my eye, and for some inexplicable reason, I felt flustered and quickly turned my attention back to my brother.

What was wrong with me? I couldn't quite understand why I was feeling so self-conscious around Alex. Perhaps it was the unexpected nature of our meeting or the fact that he was a new neighbor. Whatever the reason, I couldn't shake the strange flutter of nerves in my stomach as we continued on our adventure.

We drove to my favorite ice cream parlor, and I eagerly placed my order. Strawberry with sparkles and a hint of vanilla – it was a combination that never failed to delight my taste buds. After the friendly server handed me my ice cream, I settled onto a nearby bench.

"Oh, I forgot my purse in the car, guys. Wait here," my brother announced and headed back toward the car, leaving Alex and me alone.

As I indulged in my sweet treat, I suddenly felt a gentle touch on the side of my lips. Startled, I turned to see Alex.

"You had a bit of ice cream there," he said with a warm smile as he wiped away the remaining traces.

His touch sent a shiver down my spine, but it was a pleasant sensation that left me feeling strangely flustered. I couldn't help but smile back at him, my heart racing a little faster than before.

"Thank you," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alex simply nodded and returned the smile, his eyes filled with kindness. We sat there in a comfortable silence, the only sound breaking it being the cheerful chatter from the ice cream parlor.

Moments later, my brother returned with his wallet in hand, seemingly oblivious to the brief moment between Alex and me.

"Sorry for the delay, guys," he said as he joined us on the bench.

Maybe all this is something new, because i never was around any elder guy other than my brother.

I finished my ice cream and disposed of the tub in a nearby trash bin. As I searched for my brother, I noticed them engrossed in a serious conversation. Curiosity got the better of me, and I slowly made my way toward them.

"You're leaving next week? Why?" my brother inquired, a concerned expression on his face.

Alex hesitated for a moment, running his fingers through his hair. "John, it's just that my father needs me there."

"But he abandoned you guys?" my brother pressed further.

"Mmm," was all Alex replied, his expression revealing the complexity of his emotions.

My brother noticed me approaching and flashed a forced smile. I could tell it wasn't a genuine smile from the heart. He walked over to me.

"I'll cover the ice cream. Go with him and wait in the car," he instructed, and I nodded in agreement.

Walking beside Alex, I couldn't help but steal a glance at him. His demeanor seemed heavy with unresolved emotions. I decided to break the silence.

"Are you okay, brother?" I asked, gripping the strap of my bag nervously.

"It's nothing," he replied curtly, and we continued walking towards the car.

Throughout the drive, an eerie silence enveloped us. I occupied myself by gazing at my phone and reading manga, but I couldn't help but wonder about the unspoken tensions and emotions that hung in the air between my brother and Alex.

And just like that, he left!