Nao lay down on his bed, the softness of the sheets barely easing the heaviness in his chest. Raviel lay beside him, the silence between them comforting. Their eyes met—calm yet searching.
"Why did Miss Isadora call you urgently?" Raviel asked quietly, his gaze never leaving Nao's.
"She wanted to know what really happened last night," Nao replied, voice distant. "But I don't want to talk about it... not now."
Raviel nodded gently. "Alright," he said. "You must be tired. Let me pat your head. Rest a little longer."
Nao closed his eyes, feeling Raviel's warm hand stroke his hair, grounding him in a world that had started to feel too fragile.
---
Meanwhile, in Adrian's room, Elias stood silently in the shower, watching water trace down his skin. Faint marks and bruises lined his chest and neck—reminders of a moment he wasn't ready for.
He touched one of the bite marks, a mix of confusion and pain flooding his expression. What does he want from me...? Elias thought.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
Adrian stepped in without warning and wrapped his arms around Elias from behind, pressing his chest against Elias's back. Elias stiffened, startled.
"What are you doing?" Elias asked, voice trembling.
Adrian smiled, resting his chin on Elias's shoulder. "If we shower together, we can save time and water. Don't you think so?"
Before Elias could reply, Adrian removed his shirt and began kissing Elias's neck, softly at first. Elias's body tensed.
"No... please, not now," Elias murmured, trying to pull away.
But Adrian didn't stop.
"I want to feel you," he whispered. "I want to do it here, with you."
Elias pushed against him, voice louder now. "I said no! I… it hurts…"
Adrian finally paused, his eyes snapping open as the reality of Elias's discomfort hit him. He stepped back, concern flickering across his face.
"You're in pain?" he asked, softer now.
Elias didn't answer, but the expression on his face said enough.
Adrian ran a hand through his wet hair, guilt sinking in. "I'm sorry… Let's get you checked, okay? I'll wait outside."
He stepped out of the bathroom, leaving Elias alone under the warm stream of water. Elias leaned against the wall, eyes closed, trying to breathe again.
Elias and Adrian stepped out of the room, the silence between them thick and unspoken.
"If you want, we can go to the doctor first," Adrian said, his tone more careful now. "Then I'll drop you home."
Elias shook his head. "No. I just want to go home… I need some rest."
Adrian nodded. "Alright."
As they made their way to the parking area, a pair of eyes followed them from above. From the second-floor window, Nao stood silently, watching the two figures walk together. His brows furrowed. Why is Elias still with Adrian…?
Inside the car, the silence remained. Adrian stole glances at Elias, who was leaning against the window, lost in thought.
"Are you really feeling okay?" Adrian finally asked, gently reaching for Elias's hand.
Elias didn't respond. He just kept his gaze fixed outside, avoiding Adrian's eyes completely.
The driver eventually spoke up, breaking the quiet. "We've arrived, sir."
Elias quickly grabbed his bag and stepped out of the car. Adrian followed immediately.
"Why are you following me?" Elias snapped, pausing at his door.
"I want to come in and make sure you're alright," Adrian said honestly.
"I said no," Elias tried to close the door, but Adrian subtly signaled the driver to wait and slipped inside, gently but firmly pulling Elias with him.
Inside the house, Elias's steps wavered. His body felt heavier than before. Adrian placed a hand on his forehead.
"You're burning up," he said, worry flashing in his eyes. Without waiting for permission, he helped Elias to the bedroom.
"Lie down."
Elias didn't protest. He collapsed onto the bed, eyes fluttering shut. Adrian brought a bowl of cold water and gently pressed a damp cloth to Elias's forehead, his touch surprisingly tender.
Once Elias drifted into sleep, Adrian moved to the kitchen and quietly prepared a simple porridge. He placed the bowl on the side table with a glass of water and left a small note before stepping out of the room.
"Rest well"