[INT. JULIEN'S APARTMENT – EVENING]
The soft glow of lamps lights up Julien's apartment, which is unusually quiet. Thomas sits on the couch, idly flipping through a book, while Julien stands near the window, a phone in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.
A vibration breaks the silence. Julien glances at the screen: Adrien. Another message.
THOMAS
(looking up)
It's him, isn't it?
JULIEN
(sighing)
Yes.
THOMAS
What does he want this time?
Julien hesitates, reading the message aloud.
"Julien, I'd like to see you one last time. Just to talk. It'll be quick, I promise."
Thomas sets his book aside, straightens up, and fixes Julien with a mix of frustration and suspicion.
THOMAS
And are you planning to go?
JULIEN
(irritated)
Thomas, he keeps insisting, and I think it's better to clear things up once and for all.
THOMAS
Clear up what? You've already told him you're with me. Why won't he let go?
Julien remains silent, knowing Thomas is right. But part of him feels trapped by Adrien's persistence.
---
[EXT. CAFÉ – THE NEXT DAY]
Adrien is already seated at a table when he spots Julien arriving. He stands, flashing that charming smile Julien knows so well.
ADRIEN
Thanks for coming.
JULIEN
Adrien, I don't have much time. So, say what you need to say.
Adrien sits down, looking slightly hurt by Julien's direct tone. He waits for Julien to take a seat before beginning.
ADRIEN
I know you're with someone, Julien. I respect that, really. But… seeing you again reminded me of what we had. Of what I lost.
JULIEN
Adrien…
ADRIEN
(drawing his attention)
Listen to me. I'm not trying to take you away from him. But can you honestly say that what you have now is as strong as what we had?
Julien clenches his jaw, crossing his arms.
JULIEN
What we had is in the past. It has nothing to do with what Thomas and I are building today.
ADRIEN
(insistently)
But what if it's more than just a memory? What if what we had was something you'll never find again?
A heavy silence falls. Julien stares at Adrien, trying to decipher his intentions.
---
[INT. JULIEN'S APARTMENT – NIGHT]
Julien returns home, troubled. Thomas is waiting in the living room, sitting on the edge of the couch.
THOMAS
How did it go?
JULIEN
He… He thinks we could have a second chance.
Thomas stands abruptly, disbelief in his eyes.
THOMAS
He's not going to stop, Julien. He wants to win you back, no matter what.
JULIEN
But I told him it's not possible. That I love you.
THOMAS
(bitterly)
And he doesn't care. He's playing on your memories, on your doubts.
Julien steps closer, placing a hand on Thomas's shoulder.
JULIEN
Thomas, you have to trust me. I won't let him destroy us.
---
[EXT. PARK – DAY]
Days pass, but Adrien persists. He sends messages, suggests meetings, and Julien, though hesitant, finally agrees to one more walk in the park.
ADRIEN
(smiling)
Thanks for giving me a bit of your time.
JULIEN
(sighing)
Adrien, this has to stop. I can't keep doing this.
ADRIEN
You're saying that because you're afraid. Afraid to admit there's still something between us.
JULIEN
(raising his voice)
There's nothing left, Adrien. What I have with Thomas is real.
Adrien stops, locking eyes with Julien.
ADRIEN
But is it enough? Are you sure he's the one you want to spend your life with?
Julien looks away, unsettled by the question. Adrien, noticing the hesitation, steps closer.
ADRIEN
If you can tell me you have no doubts, I'll leave. But if any part of you wonders what could have been… then I'll stay.
---
[INT. JULIEN'S APARTMENT – EVENING]
Julien returns, his shoulders heavy, his thoughts clouded. Thomas is waiting, but this time he's different: calm yet resolute.
THOMAS
Julien, we need to talk.
JULIEN
(lowering his eyes)
I know.
Thomas steps forward, gently taking Julien's hands.
THOMAS
You know I love you. But I can't keep fighting your past.
JULIEN
Thomas, it's not what you think.
THOMAS
Then tell me the truth. Do you still want to be with me?
Julien looks up, meeting Thomas's intense gaze.
JULIEN
Yes. It's you I want.
THOMAS
(sighing with relief)
Then show me. Because I won't let anyone doubt what we have.
---
[EXT. STREET OUTSIDE JULIEN'S APARTMENT – LATER]
A few days later, Adrien shows up outside Julien's apartment, holding a bouquet of flowers. He rings the doorbell, hoping for one last chance.
But it's not Julien who opens the door. It's Thomas.
THOMAS
(coldly)
What are you doing here?
ADRIEN
(surprised)
I came to see Julien.
THOMAS
He doesn't want to see you. And let me tell you this: he's made his choice. You don't belong here anymore.
Adrien hesitates, then takes a step back, finally understanding that he's lost.
ADRIEN
Alright. But if ever—
THOMAS
(cutting him off)
There's no "if ever." Now leave.
Adrien stands still for a moment, then turns and disappears into the night.
---
[INT. JULIEN'S APARTMENT – NIGHT]
Thomas closes the door and finds Julien standing in the living room, having heard everything.
JULIEN
Thank you.
THOMAS
(with a tender smile)
I'll never let you go, Julien.
They embrace, ready to turn the page on this troubled chapter.