Aiden (inner monologue):
I'm an orphan... but I have a happy family.
And that's something I never thought I'd say.
It feels so good—to feel the warmth of a real family.
I don't ever want to lose this.
I'm Aiden. Just a lucky orphan kid.
Lucky... because I have them.
Lucien and Asher.
My family.
Aiden gently reached out and held their hands, lying in the center of the large bed. Lucien slept on one side, his breath calm and steady. Asher was on the other, his arm loosely resting over Aiden's waist.
He turned his head to look at them. Both men—once strangers—now meant everything to him.
They adopted him when he was just sixteen.
They were a newlywed couple back then—young, in love, and full of hope.
They treated him like a little brother… like someone precious.
Now he was nineteen. And still happy. Still whole.
Asher's eyes fluttered open. He rubbed them softly, turning toward the center of the bed.
Asher (sleepy): "Hey, Aiden... you're awake?"
Aiden (smiling): "Good morning, Asher."
Asher leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Aiden's temple.
Asher: "Good morning, love."
They both sat up slowly, careful not to disturb Lucien, who remained peacefully asleep.
Asher (gentle): "Let's go take a shower. I'll make us some breakfast."
Aiden nodded with a small smile. Without saying a word, he slipped off the bed and padded barefoot to his own room, warmth lingering in his chest.
The scent of fresh eggs and butter drifted through the air as Asher moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, humming softly to himself. He flipped pancakes with one hand and stirred the pan of scrambled eggs with the other.
Aiden, freshly showered and dressed, stepped out of his room and sat down at the breakfast table.
Asher (smiling warmly): "You look cute like always, Aiden."
Aiden (softly): "Thanks..."
He smiled, cheeks tinged pink from the compliment.
A moment later, Lucien emerged from the bedroom, perfectly dressed in his sleek black suit, hair styled, every inch the powerful CEO he was.
Lucien: "Good morning."
Asher (grinning): "Good morning."
He stepped around the table and gently patted Aiden's head.
Lucien sat beside Aiden and nodded toward him.
Lucien: "Morning, kiddo."
Aiden (smiling): "Morning, Lucien."
Asher finished setting the breakfast plates on the table—pancakes, eggs, toast, fresh juice—and took his seat. They began eating, the clinking of cutlery mixing with quiet conversation.
Aiden, as always, sat in the center of them.
Sometimes, he felt like a third wheel between the perfect couple.
But Lucien and Asher never made him feel left out—they always wanted him close.
They always protected him.
Asher (to Lucien): "What's your plan after office?"
Lucien (sipping his coffee): "I've got a full day—back-to-back meetings. No time to breathe."
Asher (pouting slightly): "Oh... I planned a movie night together."
Lucien (soft but firm): "Babe, I can't."
Aiden quietly continued eating his breakfast, eyes down on his plate.
Asher (turning to Aiden): "Aiden, do you have time for me?"
Aiden (smiling at him): "Of course, Asher. We'll watch a movie together."
Lucien's eyes shifted toward Aiden, gaze lingering for a second too long.
Lucien: "...Then I'll watch too."
Asher (grinning): "Then it's decided."
Lucien Blackwood—powerful CEO.
Asher Vale—famous restaurant owner.
They had money, charm, and each other.
But to Lucien, Aiden was more than just a boy they raised.
He loved Aiden's smile, his kindness, and the quiet comfort he brought into their home.
And more than anything—Lucien loved Asher and Aiden's happiness.
After breakfast, Aiden grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder. Lucien was already waiting outside beside the sleek black car, sunglasses on, phone in hand, looking effortlessly sharp.
Asher, always the perfect husband, walked over to Lucien with a soft smile. He wrapped his arms around him in a quick, familiar hug and kissed his cheek.
Asher (warmly): "Honey, let's meet after work, okay?"
Lucien gave a quiet nod.
Aiden stepped out of the house just then, adjusting his collar. Asher turned toward him, stepped closer, and kissed Aiden's temple gently.
Asher: "Study hard, Aiden."
Aiden (smiling): "I will."
He climbed into the passenger seat while Lucien got in beside him. The engine purred to life, and they drove off into the morning light.
The drive to college was mostly quiet—comfortable silence. When they arrived, Aiden stepped out of the car and turned to see Lucien following him. The older man reached out and patted his head with a rare softness.
Lucien: "Don't forget your meals. And... study hard."
Aiden (smiling): "Okay."
Lucien looked at him for a second longer. It felt like he wanted to say something—but he stayed quiet. He simply gave a small nod and got back into the car.
Aiden (waving): "See yaa!"
Lucien gave a small wave before driving off.
Aiden turned toward the campus gates. Just then, his best friend Julie walked up, clutching her iced coffee.
Julie: "Heyyy, Aiden!"
Aiden (smiling): "Hello, Julie."
She squinted at him, teasingly.
Julie: "Oh wow... you look extra fresh and overly happy today. What happened? Did someone confess their love to you?"
Aiden (laughing softly): "Nothing happened."
Julie (grinning): "Mmhmm. Sure."
They walked together toward their classroom, chatting lightly. Aiden took his usual seat near the window.
Julie plopped down beside him with a sigh.
Julie: "By the way, I called you last night. Like—five times. Why didn't you answer?"
Aiden (guilty): "Oh... I'm sorry. I left my phone in my room."
Julie: "Then where were you?"
Aiden (casually): "I slept in Asher and Lucien's room."
Julie blinked. Hard.
Julie (in disbelief): "Wait... you still sleep in their room?"
Aiden (nodding): "Yeah."
Julie (half-laughing): "Aiden... dumbass. You're grown up now! Why are you still sleeping between a married couple?"
Aiden's innocent eyes blinked at her, confused.
Aiden (quietly): "We like it... I mean, we like sleeping together... it feels warm."
Julie leaned closer and whispered like a scandalized auntie.
Julie: "Aiden, my sweet, innocent friend... they're married. Like married-married. They need private time, y'know? Romance? And you're just there in the bed like a cute plushie between them."
Aiden looked down at his desk. Something tightened in his chest.
Aiden (thinking): Am I... disturbing them?
Julie continued talking casually.
Julie: "Anyway, have you seen Jake today?"
Aiden snapped out of his thoughts.
Aiden: "Nope. Didn't see him."
Julie (groaning): "Figures. Last night we were at the club, and he drank way too much. I bet he's skipping class today."
Aiden nodded, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Julie's words echoed in his mind:
"They need private time."
"You're grown up now."
"They're a couple."
Suddenly, Aiden wasn't sure what his place in the bed—or their world—really meant anymore.
The sun hung low as students spilled out of the college gates, laughing, chatting, or scrolling through their phones. Aiden walked among them, head down, aimlessly scrolling through messages and class notifications.
Then his eyes lifted—and locked onto the sleek black car parked just ahead.
Lucien stood beside it, looking calm and sharp in his suit, arms folded, one hand casually in his pocket as if he belonged on a magazine cover.
Aiden blinked in surprise.
He quickly walked over, eyes wide.
Aiden: "Lucien? I thought Asher was coming to pick me up."
Lucien stepped forward and gently took the bag off Aiden's shoulder.
Lucien: "Why can't I?"
Aiden: "Because... you're always busy."
Lucien opened the back door, placed Aiden's bag inside, then turned and looked him directly in the eye.
Lucien (softly): "For you, I'm always available. Always free."
Aiden stood there for a moment, unsure how to respond. His heart skipped, the words echoing in his chest louder than they should have.
He blinked, unsure what to say.
Without another word, Lucien opened the passenger door and gently guided Aiden inside.
Aiden sat down, quiet, his fingers resting on his thighs.
Lucien walked around, slipped into the driver's seat, and started the engine.
Neither of them spoke during the drive.
But something hung heavy in the air between them—unspoken and slowly awakening.