The next morning, Aiven hesitated at the dorm entrance, his fingers brushing the handle as if touching it could decide his fate. He had spent the night at Draven's apartment, replaying the kiss, confessing it to his best friend, and thinking everything through.
He didn't want to face Raze yet. He didn't know how to. His heart was still tangled, his cheeks still burned from last night, and the thought of seeing Raze up close made him dizzy.
With a deep breath, he pushed the door open. The familiar chaos of the dorm hit him immediately: fans gathered outside, some pressing against the glass, cameras flashing, and faint screams echoing down the hall.
Raze was already on the balcony, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd. The moment he noticed Aiven, relief and panic collided in his expression. But Aiven turned away, keeping his head down as he walked past the living room, ignoring the calls of "Aiven!" and "Raze!"
Inside, Zenith and Kazé exchanged glances. "He's avoiding you," Zenith said quietly.
Raze's jaw tightened. "I know."
---
Aiven made his way to the kitchen, hoping the morning chaos would distract him from Raze. He didn't want to admit it, but the sight of him pacing, fists clenched, eyes burning with worry, made his stomach flip.
Draven's words from last night echoed in his mind: "You have to care about yourself too."
He forced himself to focus on something else. Cleaning up the breakfast dishes. Pouring coffee. Anything but looking at Raze.
But it was impossible.
Raze finally walked over, careful but tense. "Aiven… please."
Aiven kept his gaze on the counter. "I… I don't want to talk about it yet."
Raze's lips pressed into a thin line. "You don't have to say anything. I just need to know you're okay."
"I'm fine," Aiven said quietly, though the truth was far more complicated.
---
Meanwhile, Draven had returned to his apartment, but he couldn't stop thinking about Aiven. His best friend had kissed Raze and admitted it, and yet Draven had felt something stir inside himself—not jealousy exactly, but a protective, possessive kind of care. He shook his head. Focus on Aiven, not feelings like that. He needs me.
At the dorm, the day continued chaotically. Fans tried sneaking in, Velric sent more company staff to monitor Aiven, and Raze stayed close, refusing to leave his side even when Aiven ignored him.
At lunch, Aiven finally dared a glance at Raze. The boy's eyes were soft, worried, and a little pleading. Aiven's chest twisted painfully. He wanted to run, but he also wanted to stay.
He sipped his water and whispered to himself, "I like him… but I need time."
Raze stepped back slightly, reading the subtle hesitation. "I'll wait," he said softly, almost to himself. "As long as it takes."
Aiven's lips twitched into the tiniest smile. Even if the world was chaotic, even if fans screamed and threats lingered, knowing someone would wait for him… it was enough for now.
Later, while Aiven retreated to the guest room to think, Raze stayed on the balcony, watching the city, replaying last night's kiss in his mind, and wondering… how long would it take for Aiven to come back to him?
Somewhere deep down, both boys knew the answer—but neither of them was ready to say it aloud.