Chapter 5: Unexpected Vulnerability
Aiden's POV
I arrived at the library early the next day, hoping to get a jump on the project. The usual quiet surrounded me as I settled into our spot, waiting for Elias. Soon enough, he walked in, his casual half-smile masking something beneath the surface, a tiredness that lingered just out of sight.
We fell into our rhythm, silently editing clips, tossing out the occasional idea or suggestion. I had grown comfortable with this quiet, it felt more genuine than most interactions I had. Still, as we worked, I noticed him looking more worn down than usual, his focus slipping.
Without thinking, I found myself asking, "Everything alright?"
He paused, as though surprised by my question, then shrugged, the smile slipping into something faint and distant. "Just... a lot on my mind."
I waited, expecting he'd leave it at that. But he didn't. Instead, he looked down, fidgeting with the rings on his fingers as he continued, voice barely above a whisper. "My mom… she's been sick for a while. Some days, it's hard."
I blinked, momentarily at a loss. Seeing Elias like this, who usually took everything in stride left me uncertain. There was a shadow in his eyes, something heavy that made him look smaller somehow, more vulnerable.
"I'm… sorry to hear that," I managed, though the words felt inadequate. "That sounds rough."
He nodded slowly, gaze far away. "It's taught me a lot, though. I guess I've learned to be strong, even when things fall apart." He glanced at me, a small, tight smile appearing. "It's just… life, I guess."
Something twisted inside me at his words. I hadn't expected this. The quiet resilience he carried, like a weight too heavy to show. He was more than the sarcastic, quick-witted guy I was used to. He was someone who understood real struggle, who knew how to keep going. Respect. Admiration, even. It stirred in me, catching me off guard.
"That's… impressive," I found myself saying. "I don't think I'd handle something like that so well."
Elias let out a soft laugh. "Maybe. Or maybe you'd surprise yourself." He glanced over, thoughtful. "Sometimes you don't realize how strong you are until life doesn't give you a choice."
The words hung between us, filling the silence with an unspoken connection. For the first time, I found myself wanting to know more, to understand him in ways that felt unfamiliar. But I pushed that thought aside, we were just project partners, after all.
"Well," I said, clearing my throat, "we should probably… get back to work."
Elias nodded, a knowing glint in his eye. "Yeah, probably."
But even as we returned to our project, I couldn't shake the feeling that something between us had shifted.
Elias's POV
As we worked, I noticed the subtle tension lingering. Aiden seemed distracted, lost in his own thoughts, and there was a part of me that wanted to ignore it. But after sharing what I had about my mom, there was a vulnerability I couldn't shake off.
I glanced at him, curiosity winning out. He looked focused on the screen, but there was something different in his expression, something softer.
"So… what about you?" I asked before I could second-guess myself.
He looked at me, brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"
"Anything you're dealing with?" I tried to keep it casual. "Something that keeps you up at night?"
His gaze flickered, like he was considering whether or not to answer. I expected him to brush it off, maybe make a joke, but instead, he leaned back slightly, almost reluctant.
"My family's… complicated," he began, casting a glance my way, as if testing my reaction. "There's a lot of expectations. Pressure. Sometimes it's just… a lot."
I nodded, sensing there was more he wasn't saying. Aiden always put on this front, this air of confidence, but right now, he looked like he was letting a piece of that mask slip. I realized maybe I wasn't the only one with hidden battles.
"Must be exhausting," I said quietly. "Trying to live up to everyone else's version of who you're supposed to be."
He smiled, but it was a tired smile, edged with bitterness. "It is. Sometimes, I don't even know who I am under all of it. Feels like I'm just… playing a role."
I didn't know what to say, and maybe he didn't need me to say anything. He just needed someone to listen, to understand even just a little.
"You know," I said after a moment, "maybe you don't have to figure it all out right now. Maybe it's enough to just be who you are, even if it doesn't fit everyone else's version of you."
He glanced at me, something unreadable in his eyes. "You make it sound simple."
"It's not," I admitted. "But sometimes, you've got to give yourself a break. We're all just… doing our best."
The silence that followed was softer, almost like a truce. We weren't just partners anymore, not quite friends, but somewhere in between.
"Thanks, Elias," he said finally. "For… listening."
I offered a small smile. "Anytime."
As we returned to work, the air felt lighter, the distance between us just a little smaller.
I couldn't quite explain it, but I had a feeling that this wouldn't be the last time we shared pieces of ourselves.
Aiden's POV
I tried to refocus on the project, but my gaze kept drifting to Elias. His expression was calm, but there was something steadying about him, something that made me feel like it was okay to let my guard down.
This wasn't part of my plan. My plan was simple. Finish the project, get the grade, and move on without getting caught up in anyone else's life. But here I was, sharing things I never thought I'd admit, feeling… understood.
"So," I said, clearing my throat, "where do we go next with this project?"
Elias didn't look up, just kept scrolling through clips. "We could start by outlining the main themes we want to cover. You know, things we actually… care about."
I raised an eyebrow. "Things we care about?"
He nodded. "If this project's going to mean anything, maybe we need to put some of ourselves into it. Not just the basics, but something real."
His words struck a nerve, one that made me uncomfortable and curious at the same time.
"And what would that be?" I asked, trying to keep my tone steady.
"People's stories. Not the picture-perfect ones, but the real stuff," he said, glancing at me. "Everyone's dealing with something. Maybe if we can show that… it'll be worth watching."
I found myself caught between admiring him and wanting to push him away. But deep down, I knew he was right.
"Alright," I said slowly. "We'll do it your way. But if we're making this personal… we're both putting in the same effort."
Elias's eyes met mine, a spark of challenge. "Deal. But that means you've got to let go of that control-freak thing you've got going on."
I scoffed, half-amused. "Control freak?"
"Yeah," he replied smoothly. "Just… trust the process a little."
Trust. Another word that made me uneasy. After a long pause, I finally said, "Fine. But don't blame me if things fall apart."
His smile was soft, almost knowing. "Trust me, Aiden. Things won't fall apart. Not this time."