Leo stared at the clock on the wall, his mind numb. It was already past 11 o'clock at night, and he hadn't heard from Kian all day. He had been staying at Kian's house for a few days, he had never seen Kian distant. But this was the first time Kian had returned so late.
As he sat on the couch in the main room, flipping through channels on the TV, Leo heard the familiar sound of the password being typed into the lock on the front door. He turned around to see Kian walk in, his eyes sunken and his face pale.
"Welcome," Leo said, trying to sound casual despite his growing unease.
Kian's response was brief, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks," he replied, before heading straight to his room without another word.
Leo felt a pang of unease as he watched Kian disappear from view. What was going on? Leo decided to give him some space, but his mind was racing with questions. After a few minutes, he heard the sound of running water from Kian's room and realized he was taking a shower.
Leo got up and headed towards the kitchen, his heart heavy with uncertainty. He poured himself a glass of water and stood by the sink, lost in thought. What was going on with Kian? Why was he so late? And why did he seem so distant?
After showering, Kian emerged from his room, his hair dripping with water, and made his way to his study room to check his email. The sound of typing filled the air as he sat down in front of his computer.
A knock on the door interrupted his quiet moment of solitude. "Come on," Kian called out without looking up from the screen.
"Can we talk?" Leo asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Kian nodded wordlessly. He shut down his computer and moved into the main room in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Leo couldn't help but notice Kian's distant behavior as he led him to the couch. Kian sat down without speaking, as if consumed by some inner chaos. Leo sat down across from him, unsure of what to do next.
Then Leo got up and headed back to the kitchen, returning with a plate decorated with carefully arranged fruits. The orange had been given eyes, and the banana had a mouth and eyes drawn on its peel. Kian's gaze met Leo's as he placed the plate before him.
Kian looked up at the plate in front of him, his eyes locking onto the carefully arranged fruits. A small smile played on his lips for a moment before he regained his composure.
"What's this?" he asked softly, his voice laced with curiosity.
"I just looked it up online," Leo said sheepishly as he sat back down. "I wanted to make something special for you."
Kian had melted a long time ago when he saw the plate that Leo made to win his heart, but he still didn't lose his seriousness. "Why did you do this?" he asked slowly.
Leo took a deep breath before speaking. "I know I said something I shouldn't have this morning... something that hurt you. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
Kian's eyes met Leo's for a moment before drifting away again. The silence stretched between them like an abyss, filled with unspoken words and unshed tears.
Kian studied Leo's face, searching for the right words. "What exactly do you think that you shouldn't do this morning?"
Leo hesitated, his gaze dropping to the neat arrangement of fruit on the table between them. "While I've been caring too much about what others think, I've ignored your feelings," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kian felt a tightness in his chest but managed a nod. "I'm glad you figured it out."
"But I want you to understand me, too," Leo continued, a thread of frustration weaving through his tone. "Being around you all the time... it can affect the reputation I earn as a Leo. I want to be known as Leo Atkins, not just Kian's friend Leo."
The words hung in the air, thick with unspoken implications. Kian considered this, his brow furrowing as he looked deeper into Leo's eyes. "I understand what you mean," he said finally. "And I respect your thoughts. I won't force you to come with me again."
Silence settled between them, they resumed eating the fruit, each bite filled with unacknowledged tension, the sweet taste failing to mask the bitterness of their misunderstanding.
"How was the meal?" Leo asked, breaking the quiet at last.
"Tiring," Kian replied, a hint of his earlier struggle reflected in the weariness of his tone.
Kian broke the silence. "By the way, where do you want to study in the future—here in the country or abroad?"
"Well, because I'm a gold medalist, I can get admitted to any university in the country without taking an exam," he explained, his voice brightening. "But I'm also applying to universities in England. I'll decide based on my mother's condition and how things play out."
Kian nodded, absorbing the information without a word.
The morning light filtered through the large kitchen windows, casting a warm glow on the wooden table where Leo and Kian often shared their meals. Leo couldn't shake the feeling that something was subtly shifting within him. For weeks, he had convinced himself that a healthy breakfast was better than standing in a café, but now he worried it was turning into a habit—one he would need to break soon enough when he couldn't stay in Kian's house much longer.
"When is your Olympiad?" Kian asked, breaking the silence like a bell tolling.
"In three days," Leo replied, forcing a calmness into his voice despite the fluttering in his stomach.
"Feeling ready?" Kian's tone was light, but his eyes betrayed a hint of concern.
"I've gone through all the topics and questions," Leo said, attempting to project confidence.
Kian nodded, but then Leo added, "Your exam is on the same day. I can't spare much time for your lessons these days. Don't forget to go over your notes."
"Don't worry, I'm ready," Kian assured him, offering a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
After finishing breakfast, they both rose and stepped into the elevator, the metal doors closing with a soft thud behind them. Kian led the way to the car, sliding into the back seat. But then he caught movement beside him—Leo settling into the seat next to him. The surprise in Kian's eyes was evident; he had half-expected Leo to avoid the ride with him.
"Park in front of the coffee shop just outside the school," Leo instructed the driver, his voice steady.
"I thought you didn't want to go with me," Kian said, half teasing, half curious as he stole a glance at Leo.
"I decided to consider both of our wishes … I will come with you but get out of the car where nobody sees me," Leo added, the subtle implication of the comment warming Kian's heart.
A subtle smirk crossing his face as Kian turned away, eyes gazing out the window. It was a small exposure, but one that made Kian realize how much he appreciated this new side of Leo—someone willing to adapt, especially after voicing to Harry that he will not change his character to fit in other's wish.
Kian settled back in his seat, a quiet warmth spreading through him. It was a small moment, but it carried with it the promise of change, a quiet understanding that maybe, just maybe, Leo was starting to find his place next to him.
*
As Leo stepped out of the crisp autumn air and into the school courtyard, he was greeted by the warm smile of Mrs. Richardson, the principal. "How are the preparations going?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.
Leo hesitated for a moment before responding, "Everything's going well, thank you for asking."
Mrs. Richardson nodded thoughtfully. "Good, good. Leo, we've been thinking about a place for you to prepare for the Olympiads. Unfortunately, we are still working on this." She paused, studying him intently. "But if I get any news, I'll let you know."
Leo nodded his head in understanding, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Actually, I have a place for now. No need to worry about, but thank you for your attention."
He made his way to the library, where he spent the next few hours poring over his notes and practicing problems. After lunch in the cafeteria, Leo decided to take a walk and clear his head before tackling more study sessions. As he walked down the hallway, he noticed that Kian's room was open and decided to pop in.
As he pushed open the door, he was surprised to find it bustling with people. Harry, Mateo, Sima, and a girl he didn't recognize were all seated around Kian's desk. Leo hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should interrupt, but Kian looked up and beckoned him inside.
"Come in," he said with a smile.
Leo felt a twinge of curiosity as he entered the room. What was going on? Why had Kian invited him to join them? He took a seat beside Harry, who nodded at him in greeting.
Kian cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "Let me introduce you all," he said, pointing around the circle. "Mateo, Sima... Elsa." The girl- Elsa who Leo didn't recognize smiled shyly at him.
"And that's Leo," Kian added, nodding at him.
Leo felt a flush rise to his cheeks as Kian said, "You already know Harry." He turned back to the group, feeling a little out of place among these strangers. "Nice to meet you," he said finally, trying to sound friendly and nonchalant despite his growing unease.
Although a palpable tension lingered in the air, Mateo took a deep breath, steeling himself for the words that needed to be spoken. "Although there was a conflict between us, I reset everything because of Kian. I hope we won't be in each other's way from now on," he stated, his gaze steady but guarded.
Leo blinked, confusion playing on his features. Sincere smiles and welcoming gestures surrounded him, yet he couldn't grasp the sudden shift in their behavior. He was highly aware that Kian had said something about him—something that had persuaded the opinions of those in the room. But what could possibly have changed their perception so drastically?
He considered Mateo's words, nodding thoughtfully. "I don't have any problem with you, either. I would have reacted the same way to anyone in that moment. However, as you said, I hope this will never happen again."
Harry, ever the energizer of the gathering, clapped his hands together, bringing focus back to himself. "Well, guys. The reason why we gathered there is my birthday. I'm having a birthday party next week, and everyone's invited," he announced, his voice bright and commanding. "I don't want any excuses. We'll celebrate at my country house outside the city. Make your plans accordingly."
Leo felt a pang of hesitation at the unexpected invitation. Why was he included in this celebration? Still, he swallowed his doubts.
As he stood there, he caught a glimpse of Elsa. She had been observing him, an enigmatic light in her eyes that fluctuated between curiosity and mischief. When their eyes met, a smile unfolded on her lips, warm and inviting, perhaps the first flicker of genuine connection he'd seen in a while.
Kian, catching the subtle exchange, interjected before the moment could deepen. "Elsa is my relative. She's been abroad for weeks, so you probably haven't crossed paths with her before."
A spark of interest ignited within Leo. "I heard you're good at tennis," Elsa said, tilting her head, her smile widening.
"Who did you hear that from?" Leo couldn't resist asking, half-smirking at the unexpected attention.
"David mentioned it. We talked a little about you," she replied, the spark in her gaze unwavering.
"What exactly did you talk about?" Harry chimed in, his eyes flicking to Kian with curiosity.
Elsa continued, "he said you're going to be his new tennis partner. You're going to start competing together."
At that, Kian's expression shifted, an unreadable shadow crossing his face. The air thickened, and Leo felt the weight of Kian's stare, a silence stretching taut between them.
"I'm going to come watch your training," Elsa added, her enthusiasm undeterred.
Leo rubbed the back of his neck. "I haven't played in a while, but I accepted his offer. It should be interesting to be part of the tennis team," he admitted, though a shiver ran through him as Kian's gaze bore into him. Behind that neutral facade, Leo was certain more than innocence lived in those eyes; a challenge lingered, unspoken yet palpable.
After everyone had trickled out, their laughter and chatter fading into the corridor, Kian and Leo remained alone in the dimly lit room. A lingering tension hung in the air, heavy and palpable. Leo shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Kian, who seemed unfazed, his expression impassive. The moment felt charged, yet oddly still, as if the world outside had paused, waiting for Leo to break the silence.
"Why did you introduce me to them?" Leo's voice broke through the quiet, a touch of urgency beneath the calm exterior.
"I wanted you to strengthen your connections while you were here. It will be necessary in the future," Kian replied, his tone measured.
Leo frowned, brows furrowing in confusion. "I don't quite understand what you mean."
"The students you met a little while ago were the children of the most important figures in the country. Their influence runs deeper than you can imagine. Mateo's mother has a law firm that could prove invaluable for any future tax issues or legal troubles. And Elsa's father is entrenched in the public sector—connections like those can open doors," he explained.
Leo cut him off, frustration seeping into his words. "You want me to be friends with them, even if our personalities clash, just to use them for my own gain later on?"
Kian straightened up, his gaze steady. "That's how it works these days. Power is what people chase—do you even know why?"
"So that's it?" Leo's voice rose, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "This is how you and your family operate, I understand it. But, I don't get why you want me to be a part of it?"
Kian took a breath, his face serious. "Because right now, I see you as powerless."
"Powerless?" Leo repeated, incredulous.
Kian continued, unflinching. "You have no support, Leo. If someone accuses you unjustly, who do you have to stand behind you? Sure, your mother has a fortune, but you're too weak to touch even a penny of it."
Leo's temper flared, hurt mingling with indignation. "Who gave you permission to judge me?" He could feel the heat rising, his heart pounding against his ribcage.
Kian remained calm, but Leo could see an underlying urgency in his eyes. "No one will tell you these truths but me. I know I'm hurting you by saying this, but it's necessary to make you stronger," Kian insisted.
"Why do you care?" Leo shot back, his voice cracking slightly under the weight of the question.
"Because I want you to be Leo Atkins," Kian said, his voice steady but fierce, "not just 'Kian's friend, Leo. You need to carve your own identity."
The gravity of Kian's words hung in the air like a cloud, suffocating and thick. Leo's chest tightened, confusion swirling in a storm of emotions.
"Then what about you? Do you want me to use you too?" Leo's words dripped with a challenge, eyes glittering with mischief.
Kian struggled to mask his irritation. It was all a game to Leo, and Kian had no intention of letting him win. "Do it if you can. I allow it. But do not forget that this should be mutual. In return, you must give me what I want." His voice was steady, but inside, a storm was brewing.
Leo's demeanor shifted, disappointment flashing across his features. "Liar. You're just as tired of everyone trying to take advantage of you, yet you say you'll let me use you. I ask again, for the last time. Do you really want this?"
Kian met Leo's gaze, the weight of unspoken words filling the air between them. He felt trapped — a part of him screaming for a release, and another clinging desperately to the walls he had constructed around himself. But the answer remained lodged in his throat, refusing to take form.
"You can't even answer," Leo said softly, but the mockery had faded, replaced by something deeper. "I have no intention of using you, whether you like it or not." With a final, frustrated shake of his head, Leo turned and strode out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Kian sank into the sofa, the world outside the door fading into a blur. He closed his eyes tightly, inhaling deeply, trying to calm the chaos that throbbed in his chest.