The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, casting a pale light over the deserted hospital parking lot. Leo rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his mind still foggy from a restless night's rest. His phone buzzed on his nightstand, and he groggily reached for it to see Kian's name flashing on the screen. A message read: "Come down. I am here."
With a sense of foreboding, Leo threw off the covers and got dressed in a hurry. He made his way to the hospital yard, his heart racing with anticipation. As he approached the car, he spotted Kian waiting for him, parked near the entrance.
Leo couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he sat beside Kian in the sleek, black car.
"You don't even try to hide the fact that you've investigated me" Leo said with intense look and sat.
Kian didn't say anything.
"So, how much do you know about me?" Leo asked, trying to break the silence.
Kian raised an eyebrow. "I can't say it's everything, but I know enough," he replied, his voice low and smooth.
Leo's eyes narrowed. "But I don't know anything about you," he said, his tone tinged with a hint of accusation.
Kian chuckled, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "Then try to learn," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Leo felt a surge of irritation at Kian's evasive response. He didn't want to continue the subject, but Kian's words had already been spoken.
"Where are we going?" Leo asked instead, trying to change the subject.
"To the Star Center," Kian replied, his expression serious.
Leo's curiosity was piqued. "What's the Star Center?" he asked, leaning forward in his seat.
"It's a special place," Kian said cryptically. "You'll see when we get there."
Leo let it drop, deciding that some secrets were better left unspoken.
As they pulled up to the Star Center, a sprawling complex of gleaming spires and shimmering crystal structures rose before them. Leo's eyes widened in awe as Kian pulled into the parking lot. It was a huge shopping center where luxury items were sold.
"Wow," Leo breathed. "This place is incredible."
As they stepped out of the car, Leo noticed that Kian seemed more... distant than usual. His eyes seemed to hold a faraway look, as if his mind was elsewhere.
"We came here for shopping?" Leo asked.
Kian hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I have to pick out an outfit for the upcoming party ," he said, his tone distracted.
Leo felt a pang of surprise. "I heard you weren't going," he said, his brow furrowed in confusion.
A small smile appeared on Kian's face, and Leo felt a flush rise to his cheeks. Sensing his embarrassment, Kian leaned in close.
"You said you didn't know about me," he whispered, his breath warm against Leo's ear.
Leo's eyes snapped back to meet Kian's gaze, feeling like he'd been caught out. "I just heard," he muttered, looking away quickly.
Kian chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with delight once more.
Kian and Leo stepped into the luxurious boutique, and the salesman's eyes lit up as he spotted Kian. He hastily closed the store from the inside, leaving Leo bewildered. As they entered, Kian took a seat on the plush couch, motioning for Leo to join him. The salesman, resplendent in his tailored suit, approached them, asking, "What can I get for you as a drink?"
Kian turned to Leo, awaiting his response. But Leo hesitated, unsure of what to say. Seeing this, Kian intervened, "Caramel coffee and tea," he replied smoothly. He has already learnt Leo's favorite drink. The salesman instructed woman in suits to bring drinks and he wheeled out a cart filled with impeccably hung suits.
"I've brought the private collections from other departments as per your request," he said, presenting each garment with a flourish. This was Leo's first time witnessing such an extravagant display. He had always been surrounded by wealthier individuals, but Kian was a mystery unto himself.
As Kian disappeared into the fitting room to select two suits, Leo couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding him. When Kian emerged dressed in a sleek black custom-made suit, he turned to face the mirror and asked Leo's opinion.
Leo rose from his seat, his eyes meeting Kian's as he gazed at his reflection. "Perfect," he commented, his voice neutral.
Kian nodded and instructed the salesman to pack the other suit away. "Your turn," he said, his eyes never leaving Leo's face as he settled back onto the couch, taking a sip of his tea.
Leo's brow furrowed in confusion as he gazed at Kian. The words didn't make sense. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.
Kian's expression turned calm and serious, and he looked Leo straight in the eye. "Choose a suit for yourself," he said, his tone firm but gentle.
Leo's concerns deepened. "No need," he replied, his voice firm and resolute.
"I'm afraid there is a need," Kian countered. "You were invited to the party by my family."
Leo's eyes narrowed. "Why wasn't I aware of this?"
Kian's gaze didn't waver. "Now you know. My grandmother insisted that we both be there and be properly dressed."
Leo's face fell, and he sank back into his seat. "I'll find something to wear," he muttered, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over him.
Before he could rise from the couch, Kian grasped his wrist, holding him back. The shop staff, sensing the tension, hovered nearby, waiting to be dismissed. Kian's hold on Leo's wrist was firm but gentle, as if urging him to stay put.
"Stay here for now," Kian said softly, his eyes never leaving Leo's face. "It will take you a long time to find new clothes, there's little time left for the party," Kian replied. The words were laced with a mixture of urgency and disappointment, and Kian's eyes narrowed as he searched Leo's face for a glimmer of understanding.
But Leo wasn't looking at him. His gaze was fixed on some point beyond Kian's shoulder, his jaw clenched in a subtle display of tension. Kian asked, his voice barely above a whisper, "How can I convince you?"
Leo's response was immediate. "Let go of my arm first," he said, his voice low and even. Kian hesitated, then released his hold on Leo's arm.
"Are you saying that your grandmother ordered this, not you?" Leo asked, his tone devoid of emotion. Kian nodded slowly. The question hung in the air like a challenge, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other, the silence between them thickening into an unspoken understanding.
Leo sensed that Kian's words were not entirely truthful, but he couldn't fathom why he wanted to help him. Deciding to set aside his doubts for the time being, Leo finished his coffee and stood up. "Which one should I wear?" he asked, nodding towards the suit options. Kian pointed to the dark blue one and suggested Leo check it out. Leo retreated to the cabin to change, leaving Kian to sip his tea contentedly.
When Leo emerged from the cabin, dressed in the suit, Kian's eyes widened in surprise. Leo looked more handsome than he usually did, with his unruly hair tamed and his features emphasized by the hard suit. Maybe it was his usual untidy appearance that had masked his natural attractiveness, thought Kian. He felt a flutter in his chest as he gazed at Leo, who now seemed transformed before his eyes.
As Leo stood before the mirror, admiring himself, Kian stepped closer, their distance narrowing to a mere step between them. For a moment, Leo studied Kian's face, noticing the sincerity in his eyes. It was unusual for him to see Kian up close like this, and he found himself feeling drawn to the boy's calm behavior.
"Like it?" Leo asked, breaking the silence. Kian's low voice sent shivers down Leo's spine as he replied, "Very." He didn't look away, their gazes locking in a charged moment.
Leo nodded, choosing the suit, and they continued to stare into each other's eyes. For an instant, Kian was transported away from all thoughts, consumed by his growing attraction to the boy standing before him. The small mark under Leo's eye caught his attention, and he felt an inexplicable urge to analyze it.
As they walked through the mall, Kian and Leo's silence was intense, the only sound being the soft buzz of the glowing lights above. It was as if the weight of their unspoken words hung heavy in the air, like a challenge waiting to be met. Neither of them knew what to say, or perhaps they just didn't want to break the spell of the moment. It wasn't until someone came up behind them that they both turned around, their eyes locking onto the familiar face of the boy, Harry.
They faced Harry, who was accompanied by a few others. Kian's expression turned disapproving, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Harry," Leo replied, his tone neutral.
Harry approached them; his steps deliberate. "Why are you here?" he asked, his eyes flicking between the two of them.
"We're here to pick out clothes for the party," Leo replied, his words simple and straightforward.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You came to pick out clothes?" He looked at Kian, who remained silent, his hand slipping into his pocket.
Kian's gaze remained steady, but his eyes seemed to hold a warning. Without a word, he sent a message that was clear: stay away.
Kian's eyes locked onto Harry's. "We came for bowling," Harry replied, his voice measured.
Leo's head cocked to the side. "Bowling?"
Harry nodded. "Do you want to join us?" he asked, a hint of a challenge in his voice.
Kian's expression turned dark; his jaw clenched. Leo noticed the change and turned to look at him, his own eyes filled with concern.
"Kian doesn't like bowling, do you like?" Harry asked.
Leo nodded. "I love it," he replied, his words calm and even.
Leo turned back to Kian, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. "Then you go and I'll stay here for a bit."
Kian's eyes locked onto Leo's. "Do you want me to go?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
Leo hesitated before responding. "I'd like you to come, but he said you don't like bowling."
*
As they entered the bowling alley, the neon lights and lively music immediately caught their attention. Harry and his three friends, as well as, Leo were eager to have a fun night out.
Leo, always up for a challenge, eyed Kian with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, have you played before?" he asked Kian, who remained silent. Leo's gaze lingered on Kian, and Harry sensed a hint of excitement building inside him.
"You know what?" Leo said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Let's make a bet." He turned to the group and proposed, "The four of you against the two of us. Loser pays the whole bill."
Harry's eyes lit up at the prospect of a friendly wager. "Sounds like fun," he said, his mind racing with the possibilities. But then he hesitated, considering the uneven odds. "But two people against four? That doesn't seem fair," he pointed out.
Leo chuckled. "I trust both of us," he replied confidently. Kian remained motionless; his eyes fixed on Leo.
Harry turned to his friends and grinned at Kian. "Go ahead and order whatever your heart desires; we're buying," he said with a wink.
Kian's gaze never left Leo as he sat cross-legged on the floor, his expression unreadable. He was trapped, forced to pretend to be interested in the people around him, but his mind was screaming to escape. The sound of their chatter and laughter was a cacophony of torture, and he longed for a reprieve.
But Leo, ever the optimist, seemed oblivious to Kian's discomfort. He bounced over to the table, a triumphant grin plastered on his face as he set down a club sandwich and a plate of potato chips.
"Hey, let's refuel and get some energy," Leo said, unwrapping his sandwich and taking a big bite. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he glanced at Kian. "We've got a big day ahead of us."
Kian took a sip of his drink, his gaze drifting back to Leo's cheerful face. "I'm familiar with the terms," he said, his voice flat. "No need to explain."
Leo nodded, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Yeah. Just relax and have fun. "
The words hung in the air like a challenge, and for a moment, Kian considered pushing back. But something about Leo's infectious enthusiasm made him hesitate. Maybe this night wouldn't be as terrible as he thought. Maybe it would even be... enjoyable.
The bowling match had begun, and the excitement was palpable. The boys was cheering as the players took their turns on the lanes. Harry, stepped up first and threw the ball. But to everyone's surprise, it didn't strike. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Leo, who was watching from the opposite team, couldn't help but smile.
Leo, known for his exceptional skills, picked up his ball and took aim. With a powerful throw, he struck out on the first pitch. The crowd cheered even louder, and others high-fived him in celebration.
But just as the game was heating up, the second player from the opposing team, Kian, stepped up to bat. Despite his unorthodox grip and posture, he managed to score an impressive 8 points on his first attempt. Leo was taken aback by this sudden display of skill and couldn't help but remark, "Wow, that was great!"
As the game continued, Kian's points started to lag behind those of the other players. He struggled to get his shots right, and Leo's score continued to rise. Meanwhile, Leo's sweat-drenched t-shirt began to cling to his skin as he took off his hoodie. The opposing team's comments only added fuel to the fire, with one of them joking about Leo's impressive physique.
Leo smiled good-naturedly at the teasing, flexing his muscles for all to see. But Kian's mood darkened significantly as he watched the boy from the other team approach Leo and touch him a few times. Kian's gaze turned menacing as he restrained himself from saying anything.
Harry, sensing Kian's unease, sat down beside him and whispered, "Will you punish me?" Kian's threatening gaze turned towards Harry as he replied with a warning.
"Should I exile you abroad," Kian said, his voice low and menacing.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise, but he refused to back down. "Don't be so cruel," he said, his voice firm. Harry's expression softened. "I can help you," he said, his voice filled with a quiet conviction.
Hearing this, Kian turned to look at Leo, who was enjoying others. "Go on," Kian said, his voice low and husky.
"After intercating with Leo, I can say that you're drawn to Leo because he's the one who can't be easily won over. He's the one who can see beyond your tough exterior and appreciate the complexity beneath."
Kian's eyes locked onto Harry's, a mix of emotions.
"You are the complete opposite," Harry said, his voice filled with insight. "He is the one everyone wants, and that's what attracts you. That's why you have the instinct to have it alone."
Kian's eyes narrowed, but Harry could see the truth reflected in them. He turned back to Leo, his expression thoughtful.
"But Leo doesn't push you away either," Harry continued. "Why do you think?"
Kian's gaze snapped back to Harry, a challenge implicit in his stare. Harry held his ground, waiting for an answer.
"I can help you figure that out," he said finally.
They interrupted by Leo who approached them and said that it was their turn . Harry stood up, picking up the ball as he did so. Leo glanced at Kian, his expression neutral, and asked, "Everything alright?"
Kian nodded, taking a sip of his drink as he did so. The game was already over, and it was clear that Leo and Kian's team had lost. Harry and his teammates exchanged triumphant glances, their victory secured.
Kian pulled out a black card from his wallet and handed it to Leo without hesitation. It surprised him that Leo didn't protest or try to argue. In fact, he seemed to accept it with a sense of resignation. Kian felt a pang in his chest as he realized that their relationship had become so much more than just acquaintances.
Leo handed the card back to Kian after paying the bill, looking disappointed. "The bill was higher than I expected," he said, his voice tinged with frustration.
"It doesn't matter," Kian replied calmly, his eyes locked on Leo's.
Just then, the boy they had met earlier approached Leo and asked, "Can I take your number? We should meet again sometime." Leo's expression turned surprised, and Kian's eyes changed from their usual calm demeanor to something more intense.
Harry intervened, putting a hand on the boy's arm. "Let's go," he said. "I have your number, and I'll give it to him." He took the boy's arm and led him away, leaving Kian and Leo alone at the table.
*
As Leo lay his bed, he couldn't help but feel that something was amiss. He thought about Kian, and the way their relationship had evolved in such a short span of time. Just a few days ago, Leo would have been content to avoid him at all costs. But now, being around Kian didn't fill him with anxiety or dread. Instead, he found himself seeking out their time together, eager to unravel the mystery that was Kian's complex mind.
He couldn't resist the urge to understand him. The more time they spent together, the more Leo became convinced that there was something deeper lurking beneath the surface of Kian's calm exterior. And he was determined to uncover it.
As he lay there in the darkness, Leo felt his heart pounding in his chest. He was torn between excitement and anxiety , unsure of what the future held for him and Kian. But one thing was certain – he couldn't turn away from this newfound curiosity, this need to know more about the mysterious Kian.