The restaurant had a warm, inviting ambiance, the kind of place where time seemed to slow down. Victor and Milo were seated at a cozy table near the window, the city lights twinkling like stars behind them. The atmosphere was light as they shared a laugh over a shared plate of appetizers.
"So, is this your first official date?" Milo teased, swirling the drink in his hand.
Victor smirked. "Let's just call it quality time. Labels can wait."
Milo chuckled but couldn't deny the flutter in his chest. It felt surreal to be here with Victor like this.
Their quiet moment was interrupted when a group of three approached the table. Victor looked up and immediately grinned. "No way! Sarah, Liam, Aaron!"
Milo watched as Victor stood to greet them, exchanging friendly hugs. The newcomers were Victor's college mates, radiating the easy camaraderie of old friends.
"We didn't know you were back in town!" Sarah exclaimed, pulling out a chair. "Mind if we join?"
Victor glanced at Milo, who gave a small, understanding nod. "Of course, pull up a chair!"
As the group settled in, introductions were made. "This is Milo," Victor said, his tone casual but fond. "He's… a close friend."
Milo smiled politely, though his heart skipped a beat at the hesitation in Victor's words.
***
The group fell into an easy rhythm, trading stories about college and sharing laughs. Milo listened quietly, chiming in occasionally when prompted.
"So, Victor," Liam began with a sly grin, "are you still the heartbreaker, or has someone finally tamed you?"
Victor chuckled, shaking his head. "I wouldn't say heartbreaker. I was just... selective."
Sarah leaned in, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So? Are you single, or should we set you up on a blind date?"
Milo's hand clenched under the table, his grip tightening on his napkin. He didn't dare look up, fearing his expression would betray him.
Victor leaned back in his chair, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "Sorry to disappoint, but I'm already taken."
Milo's tension eased instantly, and he allowed himself a small sip of water to hide the smile creeping onto his face.
"Really?!" Sarah exclaimed, clearly intrigued. "Who's the lucky one? Come on, details!"
Victor chuckled, waving off the question. "Not tonight. Let's just say I'm happy, and leave it at that."
The conversation shifted after that, moving to lighthearted stories and jokes about their college days. Milo found himself relaxing, even laughing along at times, though his eyes often wandered to Victor, who seemed completely at ease.
***
After bidding Victor's friends goodbye, the two of them left the restaurant. Victor opened the passenger door for Milo before sliding into the driver's seat. The ride back to Milo's apartment was quiet but comfortable, the city lights casting a soft glow inside the car.
Victor's phone buzzed, and he answered it through the car's speaker. "Hey, Dad."
"Victor," Mr. Henry's familiar voice came through. "Just checking in. Are you coming home tonight?"
Victor glanced at Milo, who was staring out the window. "No, Dad. I'll be staying at Milo's tonight."
Milo stiffened slightly, his cheeks turning pink, but he didn't say anything.
"Alright," Mr. Henry said with a knowing tone. "Take care, then."
"Will do," Victor replied, hanging up the call.
As soon as the call ended, Victor reached over, his hand finding Milo's and holding it firmly but gently. Milo glanced down at their entwined fingers, his heart racing, but he couldn't bring himself to look at Victor. Instead, he focused on the city outside the window. For some reason, it looked more beautiful tonight, the lights twinkling like stars, the streets alive with an energy he couldn't explain.
Victor's thumb brushed over Milo's knuckles, a small, reassuring gesture that made Milo's chest feel warm.
***
At Milo's Apartment,
When they finally arrived, Victor parked the car and got out, quickly moving to Milo's side to open the door. Milo stepped out, mumbling a soft "thank you" before leading the way upstairs.
Inside, the apartment was quiet, the faint hum of the refrigerator the only sound. Milo placed his keys on the counter and turned to Victor, who was already making himself at home, shrugging off his jacket and stretching.
"Do you want coffee or tea?" Milo asked, suddenly feeling the need to busy himself.
Victor smirked. "Neither. I'm fine."
Milo nodded, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. He couldn't shake the feeling of Victor's hand on his during the drive.
Victor stepped closer, his presence filling the small space between them. "You seemed quiet on the way back. What's on your mind?"
Milo hesitated, biting his lip. "Nothing. I just… I wasn't expecting to meet your friends."
Victor tilted his head. "Was that a problem?"
"No," Milo said quickly. "It's just… hearing you say you're taken like that—it caught me off guard."
Victor's gaze softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Well, I wasn't lying."
Milo's cheeks flushed as he looked away. "Victor…"
Victor reached out, gently tilting Milo's chin to make him look up. "I meant every word I said. I'm yours, Milo. Whether we tell the world or not, that doesn't change."
Milo's heart pounded, but he managed a small nod. "Okay."
Victor smiled and leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Milo's forehead. "Good."
The night ended with the two of them curled up on the couch, the unspoken emotions between them finally beginning to settle into something real, something undeniable.