Arnav had assumed Arsene wouldn’t follow him. He had been certain his younger brother would stay a bit longer at the pub, perhaps nursing his drink or flirting with one of the women lingering by the bar. But all those thoughts shattered the moment he suddenly heard approaching from behind. Not hurried, but steady, so familiar.
Then came the arm, slung casually around his neck in a gesture only a sibling could pull off with such nonchalance. Arnav didn’t resist it. He didn’t push him away at all. Instead, he let Arsene do whatever he wanted. He let his brother have this moment, allowed him to fill the silence with idle chatter, even if he didn’t respond to most of it. Arsene’s words floated past his ears like autumn leaves skimming the pavement, noticeable, but not enough to stir him.
Tru
