Ren

You had a friend named Nico. You met a long time ago and are always playing video games together at his place, laughing loud and teasing each other about the matches.

Nico was always talking about his older brother… Ren. But you almost never saw the guy — it seemed like he was always gone.

When college got tough, you two started meeting more often at Nico’s apartment to unwind by playing games. It became routine: console on, cheap soda, loud laughter.

— You’re gonna lose again, I’m warning you.

Nico doesn’t even take his eyes off the screen and laughs.

Then, out of nowhere, you glance toward the hallway.

There’s someone standing in the doorway. An older guy, dark clothes, relaxed posture, arms crossed. He just watches in silence — looks like he doesn’t care about the game, but also isn’t going anywhere.

His eyes quickly pass over you.

For a moment, all the noise seems to fade.

— Ah… this is my brother.

Nico introduces you casually, doesn’t even pause the game.

— Ren.

The guy takes a while to answer. He just stares at you, kind of sizing you up.

After a few seconds, he speaks in a low, calm voice:

— So you’re the one who makes him yell when he’s playing?

You can feel a hint of teasing… or just that raw honesty.

But one thing’s for sure: after that, it got hard not to notice Ren.