As days passed, Milo found himself drawn deeper into Victor's world, with each small act of kindness, every thoughtful glance, and each gentle touch making his heart beat faster. He couldn't deny it anymore—he was falling for Victor, and it terrified him.
The next time Mr. Henry invited him over, Milo sat across from Victor at the dinner table, glancing up at him whenever he thought no one would notice. The way Victor laughed, the way his eyes softened when he spoke with his father, even the way he effortlessly commanded a room—everything about him captivated Milo. He found himself lingering on every detail, every expression, and every subtle gesture.
As Victor turned to hand him a glass of water, Milo's breath caught. Their fingers brushed for a fleeting moment, and a warmth spread through Milo, making him look down quickly to hide his flushed cheeks. He could barely focus on the conversation around the table, lost in his thoughts as he admired the man before him.
When he returned to his own place that night, Milo couldn't shake the feelings that had been building inside him. He sat on his couch, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of it all.
"Why do I feel this way about him?" he murmured to himself, letting out a shaky breath. "He's… he's so kind. And the way he cares, even when he doesn't have to… It's like he's made of all the things I thought I'd never find in someone." Milo shook his head, smiling to himself as he recalled Victor's gentle smile and the sincerity in his voice. "He probably doesn't even realize how much he means to me."
Feeling restless, Milo walked up to the terrace. The cool night air wrapped around him, and he found himself gazing up at the full moon, glowing brightly in the midnight sky. It felt almost like a confidant—a silent, watchful presence, ready to listen to his innermost thoughts.
"Moon, why does he have to be so perfect?" Milo whispered, his voice barely audible. "He's everything I've ever dreamed of, but… he's not like me. He's straight. There's no way he could ever feel the same."
Milo sighed, his heart heavy as he continued to pour out his feelings to the silent sky. "Every time he looks at me, or even just smiles, I can feel my heart slipping… I don't want to fall for him, but I don't think I have a choice anymore. He's… he's forbidden, but that doesn't stop my heart from wanting him."
He closed his eyes, letting his feelings wash over him. "I'm in love with him," he whispered, his voice breaking slightly. "And I don't know what to do with that."
Standing there in the stillness of the night, Milo knew that whatever the future held, he couldn't deny his feelings any longer. Victor had captured his heart completely, and even if it was a love that seemed impossible, it was his truth. And for now, that was enough.
***