Draven arrived faster than anyone expected.
The moment Aiven opened the door, Draven didn't hug him.
He didn't smile.
He didn't even breathe.
He just stared.
Stared at the luxury dorm hallway, the expensive lights… and then at Raze standing behind Aiven.
"So it's true," Draven said quietly. "You're living with an idol."
Aiven swallowed. "It's not like that—"
Raze stepped forward slightly, trying to look respectful. "I'm Raze. Kiyoshi Raiden. I'm—"
"I know who you are," Draven cut sharply. "You're the reason my best friend's life is falling apart."
Aiven flinched.
Raze tried again, gently. "Draven, Aiven is safer here—"
"Safe?" Draven laughed angrily. "His house was trashed because of you. He's being threatened because of you. And he's scared to sleep because of—"
"That's enough," Aiven said quietly, not wanting Raze to be blamed entirely.
Draven turned to Aiven. "Then come home with me."
Aiven froze.
Raze's expression shifted, barely, but enough that Aiven felt it like a sharp pain in his chest.
Draven reached out to Aiven's wrist. "Let's go. You don't belong here."
Aiven didn't move.
The silence cracked open, heavy enough to make everyone breathe differently.
Raze stepped forward, voice low but steady.
"Aiven can decide where he belongs. Don't force him."
Draven's jaw clenched.
"No offense, idol boy, but you've known him for what—two weeks? I've known him for years. I know when he's overwhelmed. When he's hurting. When he needs someone to pull him away from toxic things."
He looked at Aiven sharply.
"Tell me you're not hurt."
Aiven couldn't speak.
All the fear, the fans, the messages… and Raze's kiss still burning on his lips — it choked him.
Draven sighed shakily and pulled him into a tight hug.
"Aiven, please. Let's go. You don't have to stay with people who cause you pain."
Raze looked away, his hands curling into fists at his sides.
Aiven gently stepped back from Draven's embrace.
His voice trembled.
"Draven… I'm not staying here because of fame. Or because I'm trapped. I'm staying because…"
He hesitated, cheeks warming.
"…because someone here actually makes me feel safe."
Raze's head raised slightly, eyes widening.
Draven's expression darkened.
"So you're choosing him?"
Aiven shook his head quickly. "I'm choosing myself."
Draven stared at him for a long moment, something breaking behind his eyes.
"So this is what it looks like," he whispered.
"Losing you to someone else."
Aiven's heart twisted. "Draven… you're not losing me—"
"Then prove it," Draven interrupted. "Leave for one night. Come stay with me. Clear your mind. If you still want to come back here tomorrow, I won't stop you. But right now? You're too close to him to think."
Aiven froze completely.
Raze finally spoke, voice gentle but trembling slightly.
"Aiven… you don't have to go. But if you want space, I'll respect it."
Aiven's chest ached.
Two people who cared about him—
one from his past,
one from his new, chaotic present—
pulling in opposite directions.
Aiven took a shaky breath.
"Draven… give me a moment. Please."
Draven nodded stiffly and stepped outside.
Aiven turned to Raze.
Raze didn't try to touch him.
Didn't beg.
He just looked at him with the softest sadness Aiven had ever seen.
"You don't have to stay for me," Raze whispered. "But if you do… I'll make sure things get better."
Aiven's heart raced painfully.
"Raze… why do you care this much?"
Raze swallowed, eyes lowering.
"…Because I don't want to lose you either."
For a moment, no one breathed.
Aiven reached out, fingertips brushing Raze's sleeve, just the slightest touch before he pulled back in panic.
"I… I need to think."
Raze nodded, stepping back even though he clearly didn't want to.
"I'll wait for you," he whispered.
Aiven walked toward the door…
and stopped.
He turned back for one last look at Raze—
the boy who kissed him,
the boy who protected him,
the boy whose world he somehow slipped into.
Then he opened the door
where Draven waited, arms crossed but eyes softening when he saw him.
Aiven stepped out.
And the door closed behind him.