As the warm sunbeams danced across the private pool, Leo and Kian settled onto the edge of the water, wrapped in plush towels, their exhaustion and contentment palpable. The silence between them was a comfortable blanket, wrapping them in a sense of tranquility.
Leo broke the stillness, his voice low and contemplative. "Why didn't you ask me why I spent the nights in the hospital?"
Kian's gaze drifted back to the water, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I can guess," he said, his voice laced with empathy.
Leo waited, his eyes fixed on Kian's profile. "You don't want to stay in that house because you don't have a good relationship with your stepfather and brothers. It's more peaceful with your mother."
Leo nodded, a deep breath rustling the fabric of his towel. His eyes met Kian's again, and for a moment, they just looked at each other.
The silence returned, punctuated only by the soft lapping of the water against the pool's edges. Finally, Kian spoke up again. "How long do you plan to live like this?"
Leo's shrug was almost imperceptible. "I don't know," he admitted. "Since I came to this country, I don't make any plans for the future. I just live for the day."
Kian's expression turned thoughtful. "You're hungry," he stated abruptly.
Leo blinked, surprised by the question. But as he nodded, Kian stood up, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Leo took the clothes and changed into them, feeling a little awkward in Kian's oversized clothes. When he emerged from the bathroom, Kian smiled and said, "A bit loose, huh?"
Leo's eyes narrowed. "You're bigger than me," he stated accusingly. "How do you manage it?"
Kian shrugged, taking his phone from his pocket. "Find out yourself," he teased, eyes sparkling with amusement.
The game was afoot, and Leo felt a thrill of curiosity ignite within him. What sport could Kian be involved in that made him so lean and athletic?
Kian turned to Leo and asked, "What should I order for us?"
Leo's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as he paused for a moment before responding. "I can cook instead of ordering," he said with a sly smile.
Kian's brow furrowed in surprise, clearly not expecting this answer. "You let me use the pool, wear your clothes...I think it's only fair that I cook for you," Leo said, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he headed towards the kitchen.
As Kian gazed into the kitchen, he couldn't help but be captivated by the sight before him. Leo, still dripping wet from their earlier pool adventure, had somehow transformed from a carefree companion to a culinary artist. The fact that he was wearing Kian's clothes and cooking up a storm in his kitchen only added to the allure.
Leo's hair, now tousled and damp, framed his face as he expertly chopped vegetables and stirred the sizzling pan. The apron around his waist only added to his rugged charm, making Kian feel like he was witnessing a scene straight out of a romantic comedy.
As Kian settled into the kitchen, he found himself getting lost in the gentle rhythm of Leo's movements. And when Leo looked up to confirm that fettuccine alfredo with chicken and mushrooms was okay with him, Kian felt a flutter in his chest.
As Leo continued to cook, Kian found himself stealing glances at his companion. He was struck by the way Leo's eyes sparkled as he worked, it was as if he was beholding a work of art, one that he never wanted to end.
As the aromas wafting from the pan filled the air, Kian felt his stomach growl with anticipation. But it was clear that it wasn't just the food that had him hooked – it was Leo behind it. Kian could spend any amount for this view.
In this moment, Kian realized that he didn't need anything more than this. He didn't need fancy restaurants or expensive meals – all he needed was Leo in his kitchen, cooking up a storm and looking like a god. As he watched Leo plate the dish with a flourish, Kian knew that he would do anything to keep this moment alive forever.
Leo placed the perfectly arranged plate of food in front of Kian and himself, the aroma wafting up to tease their senses. He then retrieved two glasses of cold fruit juice from the refrigerator and set them beside the plates. As Kian closed his laptop and turned his attention to the food, Leo couldn't help but feel a flutter in his chest.
"Bon appétit," Leo said, his eyes sparkling with warmth as he waited for Kian to take his first bite.
The flavors danced on Kian's tongue, and he nodded in approval. "Mmm, this is incredible," he said, his eyes locking onto Leo's.
Leo's smile faltered for a moment before he took a bite of his own food. "Glad you like it," he said, trying to brush off the awkwardness.
"How did you learn to cook?" Kian asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Leo's expression turned wry. "My ex-girlfriend thought it was attractive when guys could cook. I signed up for cooking classes to impress her, and that's where I learned."
Kian's face fell, and Leo sensed a sudden tension in the air. The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken words.
After a moment, Kian spoke up again, his voice low and measured. "Are you still in touch with her?"
Leo's heart skipped a beat as he set his glass down. "Through mutual friends, I keep up with what she's doing and how she's doing... but we don't communicate directly."
Kian's eyes locked onto Leo's, searching for something. "Would you consider starting over with her if she wanted to?"
The question hung in the air like a challenge. Leo's stomach twisted as he weighed his response. "I've thought about it... but I've never found an answer that feels right. It depends on how I'm feeling in the moment."
Kian's expression grew more serious, his concern radiating from him like a deep force.
Leo and Kian continued to sit at the dinner table, their plates empty but their conversation scarce. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with unspoken words.
"What was her name?" Kian asked, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity. Leo's eyes flickered towards him; his expression unreadable. "Emily," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
After dinner, they spent a few hours working on their math homework together, the silence between them growing thicker with each passing minute.
When they finally finished, Leo gathered his things and headed towards the door. "See you tomorrow," Kian said, trying to sound casual. Leo nodded, taking his bag without another word.
As Leo left, Kian remained seated on the couch, his gaze drifting around the room. The house seemed smaller now, the walls closing in on him. He couldn't help but wonder why he felt this way.
He reached for his phone and dialed a number, "Investigate a girl named Emily who studied with Leo Atkins," he instructed gruffly before hanging up.
As he turned off the phone and sat back on the couch, a sense of unease settled over him.
"She will most likely come back to you, Leo. She should have known a long time ago that she couldn't find anyone better than you," Kian muttered to himself.
As Leo's tires crunched onto the gravel driveway, he felt a sense of ease wash over him, like the weight of the world had finally lifted. It was as if the troubles that had plagued him for so long had momentarily retreated, allowing him to breathe again. The thought sent a thrill through him - he couldn't recall the last time he'd felt so carefree.
The day had unfolded like a gentle stream, without a single ripple to disturb its serenity. No worries had nagged at his mind, no anxieties had gnawed at his gut. He'd spent hours lost in the simplicity of being, unencumbered by the usual burdens that came with being himself. Whether it was Kian's calming presence or the change of scenery, Leo couldn't quite put his finger on what had brought about this sense of liberation. All he knew was that he was savoring every moment of it.
*
The sun had finally set on what promised to be a memorable day at school. The air was electric with excitement as students buzzed about the upcoming party that night. Some were trying on new outfits, while others debated who to invite to dance. Meanwhile, Leo sat in the courtyard, lost in his book, oblivious to the commotion around him.
It wasn't until he overheard the whispers of his classmates that he began to piece together the rumors of last year's party. The girls were sharing hushed tales of fear and anxiety, their voices laced with a mix of excitement and dread. Leo's curiosity was piqued, and he turned to Alex, who was sitting beside him, munching on chips.
"What happened at the party last year?" Leo asked, his eyes fixed on Alex's.
Alex hesitated before speaking, his voice low and serious. "There was an incident. Mateo, got drunk and started insulting another student. He and his friends threw the boy into the pool."
Leo's brow furrowed in concern. "Who's Mateo?"
Alex took a sip of sparkling water before responding. "He's in a private class with Kian. You'll probably meet him on the first day of school."
Leo's mind flashed back to the first day of term, when he had seen Kian and Harry in their classroom. There was another boy who had caught his attention – Mateo.
"Mateo comes from a wealthy family," Alex continued, "but he has a terrible reputation. He likes to belittle people he considers inferior to him. Rumor has it he's bullied at least twenty people."
"I think he'll do something tonight," Alex said, his voice dripping with skepticism. "But Kian will be there, maybe he can control himself."
"Does he avoid Kian?" Leo asked, intrigued by this new information.
Alex nodded. "Mateo may come from an important family, but he can't compete with Kian's family. Kian is someone who can get away with anything, thanks to his family's influence. No one can take him down."
Leo's eyes widened as he processed this revelation. The Kian Alex described was vastly different from the charming and kind person he knew. He felt a pang of uncertainty – which one was the real Kian?
As they sat in silence for a moment, Alex broke the spell. "If you're close to Kian, you probably know what he's like," he said, looking at Leo.
Alex's lips curled into a sly smile, and Leo's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What's going on?" he asked, his tone laced with skepticism.
Alex chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're going to receive a proposal today," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial.
Leo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A proposal? Who is it from?" he demanded; his curiosity piqued.
Alex's smile faltered, and he looked away, as if he was reluctant to reveal more. "I'm not supposed to say," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Tell me what I need to know," he commanded, his patience wearing thin.
Alex sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, Leo, the girl asked me about you yesterday. She wanted to know what kind of girls you like, but I didn't know how to answer because I've never really seen you with anyone."
"Who is she?" Leo asked finally, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alex shrugged. "I can't say but she's pretty and she is planning to dance with you."
Leo's mind reeled as he tried to process this new information. He had always been the center of attention for girls at school, but lately, things had been different. He hadn't been interested in dating anyone seriously, and it seemed that no one else was either.
As he stood there, trying to make sense of this unexpected turn of events, Alex spoke up again. "Just be yourself tonight, Leo. Whatever happens, happens."
*
The grand hotel's ballroom was abuzz with excitement as the party got underway. The ornate decorations that adorned the walls and ceiling sparkled like diamonds, casting a warm glow over the sea of expectant faces. The tables, laden with an array of delectable dishes, seemed to stretch on forever, each one a masterpiece of culinary art. The stage, set for a live music performance, pulsed with anticipation, its spotlights casting a mesmerizing glow.
Balloons of every color floated above the pool, their gentle bobbing creating a soothing rhythm that harmonized with the hum of conversation and laughter. The tables on stilts, surrounded by fragrant flowers, added a touch of whimsy to the already festive atmosphere. And in the center of it all, a large dance floor beckoned, ready to host the night's most energetic and joyful moments.
As the guests mingled, they were a picture of elegance and glamour. The girls shone like jewels in their beautiful gowns, their hair styled to perfection and their makeup flawless. The boys, dashing in their suits, beamed with confidence as they greeted each other with warm smiles and hearty handshakes.
As Kian strode into the grand hall, a hush fell over the gathering. The girls' giggles and whispers ceased, and all eyes turned to him. His arrival was like a beacon, drawing attention like a magnet. The air was alive with anticipation, and Kian's very presence seemed to command respect.
Harry, beckoned him over. "Our table is that way," he said, pointing to the right with a nod. The table was set around the circular sofa, resplendent in its elegant decorations. Kian made his way to the sofa, his eyes scanning the room as he sat down. The soft cushions seemed to mold to his form, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"He hasn't arrived yet" Harry said, following Kian's gaze as he searched for someone. Kian didn't respond, his focus fixed on the empty space across the room. Without a word, he reached for the glass of drink the waiter had left on the table and took a sip.
Just then, Mateo appeared, a mischievous glint in his eye as he plopped down beside Harry. "Kian, I didn't think you'd come today," he said, popping a piece of fruit into his mouth.
Kian's expression turned glacial. "Looks like you're having fun ... as usual," he drawled sarcastically.
The tension between them was palpable, and Mateo seemed to sense it. He rose from his seat and disappeared.
Kian gestured with his hand and called the security over to him. 'Follow the boy who just walked away, if he does anything unpleasant, send him back. If anyone says anything, say it's Kian's instruction,' he said. The guard nodded and walked away.
Kian's gaze snapped back to the watch on his wrist, his brow furrowed in concentration. Harry noticed the tic-tac-toe pattern on Kian's face and knew exactly what was going on – he was waiting for someone. And someone important.
"Most likely, he'll show up soon," Harry said with a knowing smile, watching as Kian's eyes continued to scan the room.
As Leo stepped out of his taxi and onto the hotel's gleaming lobby, he took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. He had deliberately avoided running into his brothers, preferring to slip in unnoticed and make a low-key entrance. But now, as he made his way towards the pulsating music emanating from the grand ballroom, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation.
As he pushed open the door, a wave of sound washed over him, mingling with the scent of perfume and champagne. The room was alive with laughter and music, the lights flashing like fireflies on a summer night. But despite the vibrant atmosphere, Leo's eyes scanned the crowd with a sense of unease. He didn't recognize anyone.
He hesitated for a moment, where was everyone he knew? His gaze drifted towards the periphery of the room, where he spotted Kian sitting with Harry and their friends. For an instant, he considered pushing through the crowds to join them, but something held him back. His connections with Kian were shallow at best, and he didn't want to risk looking foolish or awkward in front of her.
Just as he was about to turn away, a voice cut through the din of the music. "Leo, you finally made it!" It was Alex, his bright smile illuminating the crowd as he strode towards him. Relief washed over him as he smiled back at him. "Thanks for waiting," he said, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him for rescuing him from his awkwardness.
"Let's go," he said, taking his arm and pulling him into the throng. "I'll introduce you to some people."
As Harry's gaze fell upon Leo, he turned to Kian with a subtle nod, whispering, "He is here." Kian's attention was instantly drawn to the direction of Harry's gaze. A small group of students had gathered around Leo, chatting and laughing with him. Kian's expression darkened as he took in the scene before him. He had been searching for Leo all time, and it seemed he had given up on finding him. Harry noticed Kian's change in mood and added, "Looks like he's decided to distance himself from you, at least for today" Kian pulled out his phone and began typing out a text.
Meanwhile, Leo was engrossed in conversation with his new acquaintances, discussing studies and sharing stories. As he checked his phone, he noticed a message waiting for him. His eyes scanned the screen, and a smile spread across his face as he read Kian's words: "Where are you?" Leo's fingers flew across the keyboard as he typed out a response: "Here" A moment later, Kian's reply appeared on the screen: "Come here." Satisfied that Kian had reached out to him, Leo excused himself from the group and made his way towards Kian.
As he walked, his eyes met Kian's from across the room. But before he could reach his destination, a girl appeared at his elbow, her voice cutting through the silence like a ray of sunshine, leaving both Leo and Kian frozen in surprise.