Atlas's POV
Atlas had long since noticed the increased presence of Leon's siblings and servants during his interactions with Leon. He could feel their eyes on him, silently evaluating his every move. But rather than be discouraged, he saw this as an opportunity.
Sending Leon small but thoughtful gifts became part of his daily routine: a novel he'd mentioned liking, herbal teas known for boosting energy, and other small comforts. Each gift was chosen with care, revealing an understanding of Leon's delicate health. When they met "coincidentally" at the local market one day, Leon blushed furiously when Atlas grinned and greeted him as though it were the most natural thing in the world. "Fancy meeting you here, Leon."
"You… you come here often?" Leon stammered, clutching the bag of vegetables he had just bought.
Atlas chuckled. "Not really. But I had a feeling I'd find you here today."
As the day went on, they ended up at a quiet spot by the river, where Leon often went to relax. They sat side by side on the bank, and though they didn't touch, the air between them was heavy with something unspoken.
From a distance, one of Leon's sisters watched discreetly, her gaze narrowing as she observed Atlas's clear affection for her brother. Reporting back to the family later, she said, "There's no doubt about it. Atlas is serious about him."