After they reached Kael's home, Kael walked inside first, taking off his shoes. He didn't notice Zayden standing behind him, staring at his back with unfocused eyes.
Then—
"…Kael…" Zayden mumbled, voice shaking. Before Kael could even turn around, arms wrapped tightly around his waist from behind.
Kael froze.
"Kael… Kael…" Zayden's voice trembled again, like someone on the verge of crying. "I'm… sorry."
Kael's eyes widened. What?
"Zayden!" he tried to pull away. "What are you—"
But when he turned, he finally saw Zayden's face clearly.
His eyes were red, cheeks flushed, breaths uneven.
He was completely drunk.
"…Are you drunk?" Kael asked, stunned.
Zayden blinked slowly, swaying a little. "Ah? Huh… yes… I'm… sorry…" And suddenly he started crying, actual tears rolling down like a child.
Kael stood there, shocked. He had never — not once — seen Zayden like this.
"Hey… okay, it's okay," Kael said awkwardly, holding his shoulders. "First sit down, okay? Sit here."
He guided Zayden to the sofa. Zayden sat exactly where he was placed, like a lost puppy. Kael sighed and went to get water.
But before he could even touch the glass—
Warm arms wrapped around him again.
"Z-Zayden?!"
This time Zayden hugged him tighter. And Kael could smell it — peppermint, mixed with something raw and emotional. Zayden's pheromones. They were full of fear, anxiety, sadness.
"Let go," Kael muttered, struggling. "I'm trying to help you. Let go."
But Zayden's grip only tightened.
Kael sighed deeply and turned around inside the hug, facing him. Zayden's face was bright red, eyes glassy, pupils trembling. His heartbeat was racing like crazy.
"Zayden, seriously— what the… Let me go or I'm not talking to you again. Ever."
Instantly — like an obedient dog — Zayden dropped his arms.
"Hm." He nodded with teary eyes.
Kael blinked. What the hell…?
"Go sit there until I come," Kael ordered without thinking.
To his surprise, Zayden obeyed immediately. He walked over and sat perfectly straight on the sofa, waiting like a trained dog.
Kael couldn't help it — he burst into quiet laughter.
"So this is his drunken habit, huh…?" he mumbled, shaking his head.
When Kael finally walked toward him again—
Zayden suddenly got off the sofa and knelt in front of him.
"Kael…" he sniffled, crying again. "I… missed you."
Kael's mouth fell open.
"Hey— your drunk self is so different from your normal self. Do you even know who you're talking to right now?"
Zayden nodded seriously, eyes wet.
"I know… my Kael."
"…My— MY Kael?!" Kael almost choked.
"First get up and sit properly!" he said, scratching his head.
Zayden stood up and sat on the sofa again like an obedient puppy.
Kael took a breath. He sat across from him, staring.
"So? What's this all about?"
Zayden looked at him, lip trembling, tears still falling down.
"I… like you…" he mumbled, voice breaking. "I really… like you…"
Kael froze.
"…What?!" he raised his voice without meaning to. "Why?!"
His heart went wild, but his mind screamed at him.
He's clearly drunk. He doesn't mean it. He's just saying this because he's drunk. Don't get fooled. Don't get your hopes up, Kael.
Kael looked down, lips trembling, trying to keep his expression calm… but inside, everything was chaos.