Just Friends And Nothing More

Chapter 05

Perplexed, Ethan chose to rise from his chair and leave towards the living room without uttering a word. He ascended the stairs and headed to his room. Nathan glanced at his daughter and then at Rodrigo, who was staring at him intently.

"What did I do wrong?" Nathan questioned, expressing confusion.

Rodrigo let out a slight sigh, promptly stood up, and left the room. Nathan watched his daughter do the same, getting up and following her grandfather, leaving him alone in the dining room.

"What a bother... What just happened?" Nathan whispered, perplexed by his lack of understanding regarding the mistake he made.

Later, after finishing breakfast, Nathan promptly collected the remaining plates and glasses left by both his father and the others present, meticulously making his way to the kitchen. Fulfilling his responsibility, he proceeded to wash the utensils, demonstrating care in carrying out this task. Then, upon entering his brother's room, Nathan paused at the entrance and observed Ethan, who was leaning against the wall, immersed in reading a book.

Ethan was deeply absorbed in his reading, unaware of his brother's presence approaching the door. Nathan gently tapped the door twice, catching his younger brother's attention.

"Would it be possible for me to come in, as long as I don't cause any inconvenience?" Nathan asked, while remaining at the entrance.

"You've already interrupted anyway... Come in," Ethan replied.

Nathan entered the room, approached Ethan, and settled at the edge of the bed. In line with the previous occasion, both remained silent for a few minutes until Nathan chose to initiate the conversation.

"I apologize for the incident earlier and also for not reading your messages," Nathan said.

"It's not a problem... Wait, what did you say?" Ethan questioned, showing surprise at his brother's words.

"I didn't read your messages, I just saw the notifications that came in while I was playing," Nathan clarified.

Indeed, while Nathan may be provocative towards his brother, he demonstrates respect for others' privacy as he recognizes that he wouldn't like his own privacy invaded.

"I would like to express my sincere apologies for showing a change in mood during breakfast."

"I understand, however, may I ask, have you tried anything with her?" Nathan questioned, showing some interest.

"With her, are you referring to someone specific?"

"I am referring to the person mentioned earlier, Fernanda, if you allow me to clarify."

"No, our relationship is purely friendship."

"I see... But could you provide me with a description of her physical characteristics?"

Fernanda is a person of amiable and courteous nature to everyone, possessing remarkable intelligence and a kind character. In addition, she has a physically attractive appearance."

"On a scale of 0 to 10, what would be the rating for her appearance?"

"Considering her beauty, I think she deserves a maximum rating, that is, 10 on a scale of 0 to 10."

"Although she is an attractive person, with a rating of 10/10 in terms of beauty, it is important to emphasize that your relationship is purely friendship? Even though I believe that."

"Believe what you consider appropriate for you to believe."

After this episode, both returned to the silence that had prevailed before the conversation. After a few minutes of contemplation, Nathan initiated a new interaction with Ethan.

Ethan, it has been a significant period of time since we... Well... You..."

"Your ability to express emotions is quite limited."

"Says the individual who maintains a serious demeanor constantly."

"On occasional occasions, such as what happened yesterday, I may have been seen displaying facial expressions that denote contentment, like a smile."

"I would like to know at which specific moment that happened?"

"During the period when your attention was intensely focused on the computer monitor."

Ethan stood up from the bed and headed towards the modest bookshelf adjacent to the wardrobe, carefully returning the book to its original position. Then, he turned his gaze to his brother, who was sitting at the edge of the bed.

"Next time, provide more details... Let's go," Ethan declared as he walked towards the exit.

Perplexed, Nathan contemplated Ethan's departure until he left through the door. Nathan then shifted his attention to the floor.

"Aren't you coming?"

"To where exactly?"

"I don't know... Wasn't that what you were suggesting, going for a walk?"

"I see, I'll let our mother know about our outing."

Both of them left the room simultaneously. However, Nathan took the path towards his father's room to communicate his intention to go out with his brother. Meanwhile, Ethan headed straight to the garage, got into the car, and started using his mobile device. After a brief search around the house, Nathan found his father in the office, meticulously examining business-related documents relevant to his professional occupation.

"Father, I would like to inform you that Ethan and I are planning to go for a ride."

Rodrigo was so absorbed in his activities that he didn't realize the words spoken by Nathan.

"Father!" Nathan exclaimed with enthusiasm.

Rodrigo fixed his gaze on his son, who was standing still at the door.

"Forgive me, did you say something?"

"Yes, Ethan and I are planning to go for a ride."

"I understand. I just ask that you be careful and avoid any incidents along the way."

"In other words, you are instructing me to avoid any kind of physical confrontation with him, right?"

"I appreciate your understanding, there is no need to continue with the subject. Besides, both of you are adults, there is no reason to behave like two spoiled children."

Nathan closed the door and headed to the garage, where his brother was already waiting in the car. Upon entering the car, Nathan pressed the button on the key fob, gradually opening the gate. After they exited the garage, the gate closed automatically, and they continued along the road. Midway through the journey, Alice, who was lying in the back seat using her cellphone, suddenly sat up, surprising Nathan.

"Uncle Ethan offered to take me for a ride."

"Oh, that's right," mentioned Nathan, while observing closely the individual who seemed to be acting in a somewhat unclear manner.

"Noble princess, what will be our initial destination?" Ethan asked, completely ignoring Nathan's perceptive gaze.

"Take me to the playground, please," Alice said, displaying enthusiasm in her words.

"I request that you drive us to the playground, dear driver," Ethan said, with a slight hint of irony in his voice.