Graham stared at his phone longer than necessary. The screen remained unchanged. No messages, no movement, nothing. Just his own reflection staring back at him through the glass. Strange… how a mind trained to read people could get stuck on one. Not the case, not Evan, not even the Hunter, but him. Detective Victor Kolon. Sharp eyes. Controlled voice. A man who spoke less but carried more than he ever let show. Too composed, too careful, too alone.
Graham exhaled softly. Impulsive decisions weren't his style. But that day, after Noah left, he had asked for Kolon's number. And Kolon, without hesitation, had given it.
"...You are detective...?" Graham had asked his full name earlier, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
Kolon had looked at him, steady. "Detective Victor Kolon."
Graham had smiled faintly. Of course. Now, standing in his office, Graham had simply said what felt obvious.
"You look like you need a drink." A pause. Then, softer, "By the way… Liam Graham." His hand had extended casually. "Join me for a drink, Detective Victor Kolon."
Kolon had studied him for a second. "To where?" he asked.
Graham's lips curved just slightly. "I know a place."
Kolon didn't question it. He just followed. The drive was quiet. City lights stretched endlessly outside, smearing into gold and white streaks across the glass. Kolon sat beside him, gaze fixed ahead, lost somewhere far deeper than the road. Graham didn't interrupt. Some silences weren't empty. They were… full. The car slowed.Stopped. Kolon looked up.A tall building stood before them—glass and steel, silent luxury under the night sky. His brows knit slightly.
"What bar is this?" Kolon asked.
Graham turned off the engine. "Bar?" he echoed, almost amused. Then stepped out. "No. I live here."
Kolon blinked once. Then followed.
The elevator ride was smooth. Quiet. Soft music played somewhere overhead, but neither of them paid attention. There was something else filling the space. Something unspoken. The apartment opened into warmth. Soft lighting. Wide windows. The city stretching endlessly beyond the glass like a living painting. Kolon walked in slowly, taking it in. Then without hesitation, sat down. Comfortably, like he belonged there.
Graham noticed. A quiet chuckle escaped him. "You're welcome to think of it as your own."
Kolon didn't reply. But he didn't move either.
A few minutes later, Graham returned. A bottle in hand. Deep red wine.
Kolon glanced at it. "Don't you have beer?"
Graham poured calmly. "Trust me," he said, handing him the glass. "This is exactly what you need."
Kolon hesitated, then drank. One glass turned into another. Then another. The edges of control began to blur. Not completely but enough.
Later that night—
They stood on the balcony. The night stretched wide before them, the city glowing beneath like a quiet ocean of light. Kolon leaned against the railing, glass in hand. Graham stepped beside him. Watched him. Then without asking took a sip from Kolon's glass. Kolon didn't stop him. Didn't react. Instead, he spoke.
"I was different once." His voice had changed. Softer, less guarded, drunk... "Like you."
Graham remained silent. Let him continue.
"I laughed more. Talked more. Trusted people." A pause. Wind brushed past them. "This job…" Kolon exhaled slowly, eyes still on the city, "it teaches you something very quickly."
Graham tilted his head.
Kolon's jaw tightened. "That trust is a weakness." Silence followed.
"I didn't say anything," Graham murmured.
Kolon gave a faint, tired smile. "I know."
He turned slightly toward him. "But I know what you thought."
Graham raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Gloomy. Difficult. Rude."
Graham didn't deny it. Didn't need to.
Kolon let out a breath.
"Want to know what I thought about you?" Graham stepped closer.
Kolon looked at him.And for the first time, there was no distance in his gaze. Graham's voice dropped. Softer.
"Victor…"
The name lingered between them. Then...He closed the distance...Slowly...Deliberately...Their breaths brushed...And their lips met. It wasn't rushed. Not desperate. Just… quiet. Like something inevitable. Kolon's eyes shut for a moment. Then opened. Reality returned. He pulled back. Not harshly. Just… uncertain.
"Dr. Graham—"
Graham didn't let the distance settle. "Call me Liam." And kissed him again. This time, deeper, certain, and Kolon couldn't pull away.
What they didn't realise was that their deed they started in the balcony ended up in bed. All the room echoed was two men calling each other's name while exhaling deeply. The night blurred after that. Not in chaos. But in closeness, in warmth, in the quiet unraveling of walls built over years. Outside, the city remained unchanged. Inside, something shifted.
Morning came gently. Light filtered through the curtains. Kolon stirred. Opened his eyes, and froze. Not his room. Not his bed. And beside him 'Liam'. Asleep. Peaceful. Too peaceful. Reality hit all at once.
Kolon sat up abruptly. Ran a hand through his hair. "What the—" He got up quickly, grabbing his clothes, dressing in rushed movements.
Liam stirred. Opened his eyes slowly. Watched him. A faint smile. "Morning."
Kolon didn't respond. Didn't look back. Just muttered under his breath, "Stupid… Victor Kolon." and walked out.
Back to present-
Liam stood in his apartment again. Phone in hand. He typed, "We need to talk."
Sent!!
Seen!!
No reply!!
Liam stared at the screen. Then exhaled softly. A slow smile formed. "Is that how you're going to play this…" He picked up his keys. Walked out. The door clicked shut behind him.
Something had begun. Quietly... Unexpectedly...And neither of them knew how deeply it would change everything...