The party was still in full swing downstairs, with music and laughter spilling into the corridors of the Kingsley Hotel. But Victor and Milo found themselves gravitating away from the noise and chatter. They ended up on the rooftop terrace, where a soft, cool breeze made the night feel calm and intimate, away from the hustle of the event below. The city lights spread out beneath them, casting a serene glow that made the rooftop seem like their own little world.
Victor leaned against the railing, looking out over the view, while Milo stood beside him, soaking in the peacefulness of the moment. After a few moments of quiet, Milo turned to Victor with a casual but curious smile.
"So… what kind of girl do you like?" he asked, trying to sound lighthearted.
Victor chuckled, seemingly amused by the question. "That's a tough one," he said, shaking his head slightly. "Honestly? I don't think I even know myself."
Milo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? You've never thought about it?"
Victor shrugged, a small smile lingering. "I mean, I've dated a bit here and there, but nothing serious. I was always too busy with studies, then work." He paused, looking over at Milo. "And besides, it's not about a type for me, you know? It's more about… someone who makes me feel like I'm at home. Comfortable. Like I can be myself."
Milo nodded, considering Victor's words. "That makes sense," he replied softly. "Sometimes, it's not about who they are on the outside but how they make you feel on the inside."
They shared a quiet smile before Milo asked, "So, what was college like for you? You studied abroad, right?"
Victor nodded, a hint of nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "Yeah, I went to business school in London. It was… intense, honestly. My father had high expectations, so I spent most of my time studying and networking. It wasn't exactly the wild college experience people talk about," he said, chuckling softly. "But I made a few close friends who kept me grounded. They made sure I actually had a life outside of academics."
"Sounds like you had a good balance, though," Milo replied, glancing up at Victor. "Were you ever homesick?"
"Sometimes," Victor admitted, his gaze distant. "But I think I learned a lot about who I am during that time. Being away from family and the familiar was challenging, but it also taught me resilience. I guess it's the same for anyone who has to step out of their comfort zone, right?"
Milo smiled, nodding in agreement. "I can relate to that. Art school was definitely… different," he said, his voice laced with fondness. "I always knew I wanted to create something meaningful, but art school really pushed me to think outside the box, to see the world differently. I spent late nights sketching, painting, working on projects that sometimes felt like they were consuming me. But it was all worth it."
Victor looked at him, intrigued. "It must be an amazing feeling, to create something like that. Something people can look at and feel something real."
Milo's eyes sparkled with passion as he spoke. "That's all I want, really. To make people feel something. To give them a place to escape, even if just for a moment." He paused, then added, "And maybe, in a way, that's what we both want. I mean, you in business, me in art. We're both trying to make an impact, even if our methods are different."
Victor nodded, looking thoughtful. "I never really thought about it that way, but you're right. We both want to leave something behind. Something meaningful." He paused, then added with a small smile, "You know, I never thought I'd be standing here on a rooftop, talking about life like this."
Milo laughed softly, glancing up at the stars. "Me neither. But… I like it."
They fell into a comfortable silence, the sounds of the city filling the air. There was something warm and genuine in the quiet moments, as if all the barriers they'd once had were slowly dissolving. The wind swept through, ruffling their hair, and they shared a smile, each silently acknowledging how their connection was growing in ways they hadn't anticipated.
Milo eventually broke the silence, looking over at Victor. "So… if you could go back to college and do one thing differently, what would it be?"
Victor considered the question, then answered thoughtfully, "I think I'd take more chances. I spent so much time trying to be what everyone expected, trying to follow the rules. If I could do it over, I'd take more risks, step out of my comfort zone a bit."
Milo smiled, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "It's never too late for that, you know. Life's full of chances if you're willing to take them."
Victor glanced at him, something soft in his gaze. "Maybe you're right."
They stood there a while longer, simply enjoying each other's presence, each feeling as if they'd found something special in the other. As the city lights shimmered below, they knew this was a night they'd both remember—a small but powerful step in a journey they were just beginning to discover.
***