Oh god, what did I do?!
Zayden placed his hand on his forehead and sighed. This is not how I wanted him to know.
His chest felt tight—regret, worry, and something he didn't dare name.
When he stepped into the living room, Kael was still fast asleep, curled on the couch like a child. Zayden moved quietly, kneeling beside him. Up close, Kael looked even more unreal. His eyelashes were longer than he remembered, brushing his skin like soft feathers. His lips—pink, like cotton candy—were slightly parted. His face… the face he longed to see every day.
"But I could never bring myself to say it," Zayden whispered, voice trembling. "Maybe… maybe I'm just a coward. I suffered so much just to see you, Kael."
Kael stirred, turning over, and Zayden immediately stood up, startled, retreating like he had touched something too precious. He fled to the kitchen and made breakfast, forcing himself to keep busy. When he finally left, he placed a sandwich on the counter and a note:
I made breakfast.
I'll see you soon.
— Z
---
A little later, Kael woke up, yawning and stretching, only to freeze.
Zayden wasn't there.
"Huh?"
He rushed to the kitchen, hair messy, eyes scanning the space—only to find the note and the sandwich neatly wrapped.
"What the…! See you soon? After all that drama last night?!"
Kael nearly tore the note in half.
"He definitely knows how to make someone go crazy…"
But he still sat down, took a bite of the sandwich, and his expression softened.
"I'm just eating this because it'd go to waste," he mumbled with his cheeks puffed. "Not because you made it. Hmph."
---
At his university, the classroom was buzzing with final project chaos. Kael barely sat down before a message came:
Professor wants to see you.
He hurried to the professor's office.
"Oh, Kael! You're here," the professor greeted warmly.
"Yeah, professor… you called for me?" Kael asked, slightly tense.
"Yes. Have you come up with an idea for your final project?"
"Hm… yes, professor."
"Good. Then submit it as soon as possible. I have another opportunity for you."
Kael blinked. "May I know what that is?"
"It's Designer Lucian. He wants you to intern at his office."
"Really?!" Kael almost jumped.
"Yes," the professor chuckled. "Submit your project, and here—this is his secretary's number." He handed Kael a business card, then gently pat his head. "I know you have talent. You're my best student, Kael."
"Thank you, professor!" Kael's eyes sparkled. His heart felt full.
He rushed home immediately, fired up, eager to finish his project in one go.