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Scene 1: Kai's Apartment
Kai sat cross-legged on the couch, his laptop open on the coffee table in front of him. The apartment was silent except for the occasional hum of passing traffic outside. He stared at the blinking cursor on his screen, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. The online application for a potential job stared back at him, incomplete and mocking.
He groaned and rubbed his temples, slamming the laptop shut. It wasn't just the application—it was everything. Adrian's words from the park lingered in his mind, unshakable despite his best efforts to bury them.
Kai stood abruptly, pacing the small living room. "Why does he care?" he muttered to himself, his voice low but tinged with anger. "Why can't he just leave me alone?"
His gaze fell to the cracked photo frame sitting on the bookshelf. The picture inside was old, worn from years of handling. It was a family photo—a younger Kai sandwiched between his parents, all smiles and warmth. The sight of it sent a pang of guilt through his chest.
Shaking his head, Kai grabbed his jacket and keys. The apartment was suffocating him, and he needed air.
---
Scene 2: The Bar
The dimly lit bar was alive with quiet chatter and soft music. Kai slid onto a stool at the far end, away from the crowd. The bartender approached, offering a polite nod.
"Whiskey," Kai ordered, his voice curt.
The bartender poured the drink and set it in front of him. Kai stared at the amber liquid, swirling it absently before taking a sip. The burn was familiar, comforting in its own way.
A voice interrupted his thoughts. "Drinking alone isn't as fun as it sounds."
Kai glanced to his right, spotting Richard sliding onto the stool beside him.
"Not in the mood," Kai muttered, turning his attention back to his drink.
Richard ignored him, signaling for a beer. "Tough day?"
Kai let out a bitter laugh. "Tough life."
Richard studied him for a moment before speaking. "You can't keep doing this, Kai. Running away, shutting people out—it's not helping."
Kai clenched his jaw, his grip tightening on the glass. "I'm not running. I'm surviving."
"Surviving isn't living," Richard countered, his tone firm but not unkind. "And you deserve more than just getting by."
Kai said nothing, the weight of Richard's words settling heavily on his shoulders.
---
Scene 3: Adrian's Office
Adrian sat behind his desk, a stack of documents in front of him. But his focus was elsewhere, his pen tapping absently against the polished surface. Monica entered, carrying a folder.
"You've been staring at that pile for an hour," she said, setting the folder down.
Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just distracted."
"Let me guess—Kai?"
Adrian's eyes flicked to her, surprised.
Monica smirked. "You're not as subtle as you think, Adrian."
He leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at his lips. "He's... complicated."
"Most people worth knowing are," she replied. "But if you care about him, don't give up. Sometimes people just need time."
Adrian nodded, her words resonating. "Thanks, Monica."
She gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving. Adrian turned back to his desk, determination replacing his earlier uncertainty.
---
Scene 4: The Rooftop
The rooftop of Kai's apartment building was quiet, the city lights stretching out in every direction. Kai leaned against the railing, the cool night air brushing against his face.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw a message from Adrian:
"I know you're going through a lot, but I'm here if you need someone to talk to. No pressure."
Kai stared at the message, his thumb hovering over the screen. Part of him wanted to reply, to take the lifeline Adrian was offering. But another part, the louder part, told him to delete it and move on.
He shoved the phone back into his pocket, frustration bubbling to the surface. Why did Adrian care so much? What did he want from him?
The sound of footsteps broke through his thoughts. Turning, he saw Richard approaching.
"You're making a habit of this," Kai said, his tone half-annoyed, half-grateful.
"Someone's got to keep an eye on you," Richard replied, leaning against the railing beside him.
They stood in silence for a moment, the city's hum filling the void.
"Adrian texted me," Kai admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
"And?"
Kai shrugged. "I don't know. He says he wants to help, but... why?"
Richard turned to him, his expression serious. "Maybe he sees what I see—a guy who's been through hell but still stands tall. A guy worth knowing."
Kai looked away, his throat tightening. "I don't know if I can trust him."
"Trust isn't easy," Richard said. "But sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith. You can't keep carrying everything on your own, Kai. It's okay to let someone in."
Kai didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the city below.
---
Scene 5: Adrian's Apartment
Adrian sat on the edge of his couch, his phone resting on the coffee table. He'd sent the text hours ago, but there was still no reply.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Maybe he was pushing too hard. Maybe Kai wasn't ready.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Frowning, he stood and opened it, surprised to find Kai on the other side.
Kai shifted awkwardly, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets. "I got your text."
Adrian stepped aside, motioning for him to come in. "Do you want to talk?"
Kai hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. I think I do."
Adrian closed the door, a small smile tugging at his lips. Maybe, just maybe, they were starting to make progress.
---
Scene 6: A Fragile Beginning
The night stretched on, the city alive with possibilities. For the first time in a long time, Kai felt the faint stirrings of hope. It was fragile, like a flame flickering in the wind, but it was there.
And Adrian? He was willing to do whatever it took to keep that flame alive.
[Fade to black.]