Over the next few days, something changed.
Not obvious at first.
But enough.
William started showing up more often.
Too often.
Always near Lucien.
Always with some excuse.
—Lucien, did you understand what the professor meant in class?
—Lucien, can you help me with this?
—Lucien, I saw this and thought of you.
It was never direct.
Never too much.
But it was constant.
Carefully timed.
Especially when Adrián wasn't around.
Or when he was… distracted.
And Lucien, being Lucien, didn't think much of it.
He answered.
Helped.
Sometimes even smiled.
That was enough.
More than enough.
Adrián noticed.
Of course he did.
At first, it was just small things.
Walking back to class and seeing them talking.
William leaning a little too close.
Lucien not moving away.
Then it became patterns.
William appearing right after Adrián left.
William disappearing the moment Adrián came back.
Too precise.
Too intentional.
One afternoon, Adrián was walking down the hallway when he saw them again.
Lucien was sitting on one of the benches.
William standing in front of him.
Close.
Too close.
Saying something that made Lucien laugh.
Adrián stopped.
Not approaching.
Not yet.
Just watching.
His expression unreadable.
But his jaw—
Tight.
William reached out slightly.
Not touching.
But almost.
Like testing the distance.
Like waiting.
Adrián's eyes darkened.
Something sharp flickered there.
He walked forward.
Slow.
Controlled.
William noticed first.
Of course he did.
He stepped back just enough.
Subtle.
Calculated.
Lucien turned.
—Oh, you're back.
Adrián didn't answer right away.
His gaze moved from Lucien…
To William.
Cold.
Flat.
William smiled.
Like nothing was wrong.
—Hi, Adrián.
Silence.
Then—
—Move.
Simple.
Direct.
William tilted his head slightly.
—We were talking.
Adrián didn't blink.
—Not anymore.
A pause.
Tension thick enough to feel.
Then William chuckled softly.
Like it amused him.
—You're always like this?
Adrián took one step closer.
Enough to close the gap.
Enough to make it clear.
—Only with you.
Lucien looked between them.
Confused.
—What is going on with you two?
Neither answered immediately.
William just smiled again.
But this time, there was something different in it.
Something knowing.
Something intentional.
—Nothing, Lucien.
He stepped back.
Finally.
—See you later.
And just like that, he left.
Lucien frowned slightly.
—He's… weird.
Adrián let out a quiet breath.
Still watching the direction William went.
—Yeah.
A short pause.
Then, under his breath—
—I know.
Lucien glanced at him.
—You really don't like him, huh?
Adrián finally looked at him.
Something restless still sitting in his eyes.
—No.
Lucien studied him for a second.
Then, lightly—
—You're acting like he's trying to steal something from you.
That hit.
Not visibly.
But it did.
Adrián went still for half a second.
Then looked away.
—He is.
Lucien blinked.
—What?
Adrián shook his head, brushing it off.
—Nothing.
But the way his fingers curled slightly at his side…
Said otherwise.
They were at Adrián's apartment.
Lights dim.
A movie playing softly in the background, more noise than anything else.
They weren't really watching it.
Lucien sat close, legs slightly tucked under himself, eyes on the screen.
Adrián leaned back against the couch, arm resting behind Lucien, not quite touching.
Comfortable.
Too comfortable.
The kind of silence that didn't need filling.
Then—
Lucien's phone rang.
The screen lit up.
A name.
Adrián didn't mean to look.
But he did.
William.
Lucien picked it up without much thought.
—Hello?
A pause.
Then—
William's voice.
Faint.
But clear enough.
Adrián's jaw tightened.
He looked back at the TV.
Tried to ignore it.
Tried.
Lucien smiled slightly at something William said.
—Yeah, I remember—
That was enough.
Adrián's fingers curled slightly against the couch.
His gaze flicked back.
Lingering.
Sharp.
Lucien kept talking.
Casual.
Comfortable.
Like it was nothing.
Adrián exhaled slowly.
Once.
Twice.
Then—
He moved.
Quick.
Before even thinking it through.
His hand reached out—
And yanked the phone away.
—Hey—!
Lucien barely had time to react.
Adrián didn't even look at the screen.
Didn't hesitate.
He hung up.
The silence that followed was heavy.
Thick.
Lucien stared at him.
—What the hell was that?
Adrián didn't answer immediately.
He was still holding the phone.
Grip tight.
Knuckles pale.
Then he looked at Lucien.
And there it was.
Those eyes.
Sharp.
Dark.
Burning with something he hadn't shown this clearly before.
—Why are you talking to him?
His voice was low.
Controlled.
But just barely.
Lucien frowned.
—Because he called me?
Adrián's grip tightened.
—That's not what I asked.
Lucien blinked.
Now confused.
—What is wrong with you?
A beat.
Adrián leaned forward slightly.
Closer.
Too close.
—You don't see it?
Lucien held his gaze.
—See what?
Adrián let out a short breath.
Frustrated.
—He's always around you.
—So?
—So?—
He let out a dry, humorless laugh.
—He's clearly trying something.
Lucien tilted his head slightly.
Still not fully getting it.
—or maybe just not wanting to.
—And?
That word snapped something.
Small.
But enough.
Adrián's expression hardened.
—And I don't like it.
Silence.
Lucien studied him.
Carefully now.
—Since when do you care about who I talk to?
That question landed deeper than expected.
Adrián froze for half a second.
Just half.
But it was there.
Lucien noticed.
Of course he did.
Adrián looked away briefly.
Then back at him.
Still tense.
Still too intense.
—Since it's him.
Lucien's brows furrowed slightly.
—That doesn't make sense.
Adrián leaned back a little.
Ran a hand through his hair.
Frustration slipping through the cracks.
—Yeah.
A short pause.
Then, quieter—
—I know.
But his eyes flickered back to Lucien.
Still holding onto something.
Something tight.
Something he didn't know how to name yet.
And that made it worse.
Adrián looked at him for a long second.
Like he was choosing his words carefully…
or building a lie that sounded just real enough.
His jaw flexed.
His grip on the phone finally loosened as he handed it back.
—You're my best friend.
His voice was steadier now.
Lower.
Controlled again.
—but not softer.
—I don't want anyone hurting you.
A pause.
His eyes darkened slightly.
—Especially him.
Lucien didn't answer right away.
He just stared at him.
Searching.
Because something in that didn't sit right.
—Hurting me?
Lucien let out a quiet breath.
—Adrián… it's just William.
Adrián's expression didn't change.
If anything, it got more rigid.
—That's exactly the problem.
Lucien frowned.
—You're overreacting.
That word landed wrong.
Adrián's gaze sharpened again.
—but this time, there was something else under it.
Not just irritation.
Something messier.
—Am I?
Lucien crossed his arms slightly.
—Yes.
A beat.
Then—
—You don't get to decide who I talk to.
Silence.
Adrián's eyes held his.
Unmoving.
Then he leaned in just a little.
Close enough to make it feel intentional.
—Maybe not.
His voice dropped.
Quieter.
More dangerous.
—but I do get to say when something feels off.
Lucien didn't back away.
—but he didn't move closer either.
—And this?
Adrián continued.
—This feels off.
Another pause.
He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair again.
Trying to pull himself back.
Trying.
—Look… just—
His voice faltered for a split second.
Then steadied.
—Be careful with him.
Lucien studied him again.
Longer this time.
Because now it was obvious.
This wasn't just concern.
It wasn't just protection.
It was something tangled.
Something Adrián himself didn't fully understand.
Lucien's voice softened just a little.
not enough to make it easy.
but enough to shift the air.
—I can take care of myself.
Adrián's gaze dropped for a moment.
Then came back up.
Still intense.
Still… something.
—I know.
A quiet beat.
Then
—I just don't like the idea of someone else trying to get close to you like that.
And there it was.
Not fully said.
But no longer hidden either.
The movie kept playing in the background.
Unnoticed.
Unimportant.
Because whatever this was—
It had just started becoming something neither of them could ignore anymore.
again…
Adrián let out a quiet breath, running a hand through his hair like he was trying to calm something that refused to settle.
—You're really important to me.
His voice came out lower than before.
Less sharp.
More… honest.
Lucien blinked, a little caught off guard.
Adrián looked away for a second, almost annoyed at himself, then added—
—You cried over cartoon dogs.
Lucien frowned.
—That was one time—
—And sad romance movies.
Adrián cut in, glancing back at him.
There was the faintest hint of a smirk, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
—You're not exactly hard to hurt.
Lucien crossed his arms, defensive now.
—but not fully pulling away.
—So what?
Adrián stepped a little closer.
Not aggressive this time.
Just… certain.
—What if he actually makes you come crying to me?
That landed differently.
Not like a joke.
Not like teasing.
Lucien's expression shifted.
—And what if I do?
Adrián didn't hesitate.
Not even for a second.
—I don't want that to happen.
A pause.
Then, quieter—
—but if it does…
His gaze softened just enough to betray him.
—I'll still be there.
Silence stretched between them.
Warm.
Complicated.
Lucien looked at him, searching again.
Because this—
this wasn't just friendship anymore.
And Adrián knew it too.
He just hadn't said it yet.
Lucien let out a small breath, almost a laugh, but not quite.
—You're weird.
Adrián scoffed softly.
—Yeah.
A beat.
Then he added, almost under his breath—
—Only with you.
The movie kept playing in the background, characters crying over something dramatic and fictional…
but somehow, the real story was happening right there on the couch.
Eventually… it happened.
Lucien started dating William.
At first, Adrián hated it.
Not in a loud way.
Not in a way anyone could easily point at and say there it is.
It lived quieter than that.
In the way his jaw tightened when William showed up.
In how his mood dipped just a little whenever Lucien checked his phone and smiled.
He told himself it didn't matter.
Lucien could date whoever he wanted.
They weren't—
…anything.
So he swallowed it.
Over and over again.
And somehow… he got used to it.
Or something that looked like getting used to it.
Because every now and then, it still hit him.
Like when he saw them kiss.
Or hug.
And that part made it worse.
Because Lucien didn't even like that kind of stuff.
He wasn't the affectionate type.
Adrián knew that.
He had always known that.
So watching him tolerate it…
for William…
It twisted something ugly inside his chest.
Not sharp.
Not explosive.
Just constant.
—Why him?
He never said it out loud.
Never.
Instead, he leaned on logic like it was something solid.
William liked Lucien.
William was around.
William chose him.
And Lucien said yes.
That should be enough.
Right?
Adrián told himself another thing too.
That it was fine as long as Lucien wasn't getting hurt.
That William was just… annoying.
Not dangerous.
Not worth stepping in for.
Because Lucien was loyal.
At least… he thought he was.
He wasn't completely sure.
And that uncertainty sat in his chest like a stone he couldn't swallow or spit out.
Still—
he stayed.
Right where he always had been.
Next to Lucien.
Watching.
Waiting.
Pretending none of it mattered.
Even when it clearly did.
Lucien started showing up differently.
That was the first thing Adrián noticed.
Not just that he had a boyfriend now…
but that something about him had shifted.
Sometimes he'd arrive at Adrián's apartment without warning, like always.
Same shoes kicked off at the door.
Same careless way of dropping onto the couch.
But now—
he brought things.
Little things.
A bag of snacks.
A drink he swore Adrián liked.
Once… a stupid plush keychain he insisted looked like you.
And he'd smile.
Not soft.
Not distant.
But bright.
Excited.
Like he was carrying a spark he didn't know where to put.
—William gave it to me.
That name again.
Always slipping into the room like it belonged there.
Adrián would nod.
Or hum.
Or say nothing.
Because what was he supposed to say?
Then there were the letters.
Lucien wasn't even trying to hide them.
They'd be folded in his bag, or left half-open on the table.
Messy handwriting.
Some dramatic lines.
Some that tried too hard.
Adrián didn't mean to read them.
At least… that's what he told himself.
But his eyes would catch words.
miss you
thinking about you
next time let's go somewhere just us
And something in his head would start pounding.
A dull, persistent ache.
—Since when?
He leaned back once, pressing his fingers to his temple.
Watching Lucien in the kitchen like nothing was wrong.
Like everything was normal.
Like this was normal.
—First of all… how did they even become a thing?
The question circled him over and over.
Because he hadn't seen it happen.
Not really.
One day William was just—
there.
Lingering.
Talking.
Trying.
And the next…
Lucien was coming over with that same name stitched into everything he said.
And the worst part?
Lucien looked… happy.
Not completely.
Not deeply.
But enough.
Enough to accept things he usually wouldn't.
Enough to keep answering his calls.
Enough to stay.
Adrián didn't understand it.
Didn't understand him.
And that lack of understanding…
itched under his skin.
Because if he couldn't see when it started—
how was he supposed to know
when it would end?
The glow didn't shatter all at once.
It dimmed.
Quietly.
Like a light no one remembered to turn off.
At first, it was small things.
Lucien's voice.
That was where Adrián heard it first.
Not in the words—
but in the way they landed.
Shorter.
Flatter.
Like everything cost a little more energy than before.
—Yeah… it was fine.
—I'm just tired.
—It's nothing.
It was never nothing.
And Adrián knew it.
Even if Lucien never said it.
Then came the silences.
Longer pauses between messages.
Calls that ended too quickly.
Or worse—
calls that didn't come at all.
Valentine's Day passed like any other day.
No flowers.
No stupid gift.
No awkward attempt.
Nothing.
Just a late message.
—Sorry. I was busy.
Lucien stared at the screen longer than he should have.
Not because he expected something big.
But because—
that didn't sound like him.
Not William.
Not the one who used to show up with things Lucien didn't even ask for.
He used to try.
Too much, even.
Gifts.
Attention.
Presence.
Now it felt like Lucien was the only one reaching—
and touching air.
Adrián didn't ask.
But he saw it.
In the way Lucien sat on the couch, quieter now.
Scrolling without really looking.
Answering slower.
Smiling less.
And then—
the fights.
Not loud at first.
Not dramatic.
Just tension.
Like a wire pulled too tight.
—Why do you always pull away?
—I don't.
—You do.
Lucien hated that tone.
That edge in William's voice.
Like everything had a hidden accusation.
And there was something else.
Something Lucien never said out loud.
But Adrián could piece together from fragments.
From the way Lucien avoided certain topics.
From the way his shoulders stiffened when his phone lit up.
William wanted more.
More closeness.
More physical.
More than Lucien was willing to give.
And when Lucien pulled back—
William didn't take it lightly.
One night, Lucien showed up at Adrián's place again.
No snacks this time.
No random gifts.
Just himself.
Dropping onto the couch like something inside him had finally given out.
Adrián didn't look at him right away.
But he spoke.
Quiet.
Careful.
—You look exhausted.
Lucien let out a small breath.
Not quite a laugh.
—Yeah… I guess.
A pause.
Then softer—
—It's just… a lot.
Adrián finally turned his head.
Watching him.
Really watching him.
And there it was.
That missing spark.
Fading.
Flickering.
Like something that had once burned bright
but didn't know how to stay alive.
And for a second—
just a second—
Adrián felt something twist in his chest.
Not relief.
Not satisfaction.
Something heavier.
Something quieter.
Something he didn't want to name.
Because if this was falling apart…
Then why did it hurt to watch?
---
He had stayed away for months.
Not because he didn't care—
but because he knew he couldn't comfort him.
And he was afraid of hurting him even more than he already was.
One night,
while Adrian was asleep on the couch in his apartment,
he heard a knock at the door.
If it were Lucien, he would've just come in—
he had a key.
But instead, from outside—
—Can you do me a favor… open the door?
Adrian frowned, still half-asleep.
After a few more knocks, he got up and opened it.
Lucien practically collapsed into him.
Drunk.
Really drunk.
Which wasn't like him at all—
he hated drinking.
That's why he hadn't just opened the door himself.
He probably couldn't even find the key.
Adrian pulled him inside and sat him down.
That's when he noticed it.
Red eyes.
A flushed nose.
Like he'd been crying.
Adrian looked at him carefully.
—What happened?
A pause.
Then, more confused—
—It's three in the morning. Why are you even out? You don't go out on weekends… you don't drink like this.
His voice sharpened slightly.
—If you had gone out, you would've invited me. This time you didn't.
He stopped.
Really looking at him now.
Taking in his face.
The redness.
The silence.
His expression changed.
More serious.
—Lucien… what happened?
A beat.
Then lower—
—Does this have something to do with William?
His jaw tightened.
—It's him, isn't it?
Another step closer.
Anger slipping through.
—Because if it is… I swear I'll go to his apartment right now and—
He cut himself off.
But the threat was already there.
Burning in the air.
Lucien didn't answer at first.
His head was lowered, shoulders slightly trembling, like he was holding something in that refused to come out.
Adrian's voice softened instantly.
—Lucien, love… what's wrong? What happened?
There was real worry in it.
Because this—
this wasn't normal.
Not for him.
Not like this.
Lucien just sat there, quiet, breathing uneven.
So Adrian stood up, went to the kitchen, and came back with a glass of water.
He gently pressed it into his hands.
—Here… drink.
Lucien's fingers were cold.
He barely reacted.
Adrian crouched in front of him.
—Please… talk to me. You're scaring me.
He brushed Lucien's hair away from his face, slow and careful, like he might break.
His cheeks were flushed, eyes glossy—
definitely the alcohol.
But also something else.
Something heavier.
Lucien swallowed, but still said nothing.
So Adrian exhaled, steadying himself.
Then quietly stood again.
He went to his closet, grabbed a clean shirt, and came back.
Without asking, he started helping him.
Not rushing.
Not judging.
Just… there.
He dampened a cloth with water and gently cleaned his face, his neck, his hands.
Wiping away the traces of the night.
Of whatever had happened.
Lucien let him.
Didn't resist.
Didn't speak.
Once he was a little more sober, a little more present—
Adrian sat in front of him again.
Closer this time.
—Can you tell me now?
His voice was low, steady.
But his eyes gave him away.
—It's three in the morning… and you show up like this…
A small pause.
—You're really worrying me.
Lucien finally looked at him.
And that was worse.
Because his eyes—
they weren't just drunk.
They were… broken.
His lips parted slightly.
Like he was about to speak.
Then closed again.
His hands tightened around the fabric of Adrian's shirt.
—…I tried.
His voice came out hoarse.
Barely above a whisper.
—I really tried, Adrian.
A pause.
His breathing hitched.
—But it's like… no matter what I do…
His eyes dropped again.
—…I'm never enough.
Silence filled the room.
Silence filled the room.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
Honest.
Adrian didn't interrupt.
Didn't rush him.
Just stayed there.
Listening.
Waiting.
Like he always did.
Adrian's expression changed the second he heard enough to understand.
Not confusion anymore.
Not just worry.
Something sharper.
He stayed quiet for a moment, watching Lucien like he was putting pieces together in real time.
And then—
he asked it.
Soft, but direct
—You broke up… right?
Lucien didn't answer.
Didn't need to.
That silence
Seated on the floor in front of him, looking up with those soft, pleading puppy eyes, he didn't rush him. He just stayed there, close enough to be felt, not forced.
Lucien swallowed, his fingers tightening slightly around the fabric of his own shirt, like the words were stuck somewhere between his chest and his throat.
—…Okay.
His voice came out low. Slower than usual. Fragile.
—Basically… we went out to the bar together.
He paused, eyes unfocused, replaying everything like it was happening again right in front of him.
—He told me not to invite you. Said it was supposed to be… just us. Like a date.
A small, bitter breath escaped him.
—And I believed him.
Silence stretched for a second before he continued.
—At first, everything was normal. We were just sitting there, drinking, talking… nothing weird.
His jaw tightened.
—Then this girl came up to us. Which… okay, that happens. It's not a big deal.
Another pause.
—You know I'm bisexual. I've told you that. So it's not like I care about him talking to a girl… but—
His voice wavered slightly.
—He wasn't just talking.
Lucien's eyes dropped to the floor.
—He was flirting. Like… openly. In front of me.
His fingers curled tighter.
—So I told him. I said, "William, I don't like the way you're talking to her. Please stop."
He let out a small, humorless laugh.
—And that's when everything changed.
A heavier silence fell.
—He started saying things… like he'd been thinking them for a while.
His voice lowered even more.
—He said maybe he rushed into this. That maybe he didn't actually want something serious. That I was… too much sometimes.
Lucien blinked hard, like he refused to let anything fall.
—And then he just… kept going. Like I wasn't even sitting right there.
His breathing became uneven.
—So I got up. I didn't want to make a scene.
A pause.
—But before I even got far—
He clenched his jaw.
—He kissed her.
The words dropped heavy.
—Right there. The same girl.
Lucien finally looked up, but there was something broken in his expression now.
—And I saw it. From where I was standing.
Silence.
Longer this time.
—After that… I didn't go back to the table.
His voice softened again, drained.
—So I just… stayed there. Drinking. Alone.
His shoulders sank slightly.
—He came up to me later. Like nothing happened.
A faint, bitter smile.
—And then he said he didn't need me anymore.
Another pause.
—That he wanted to break up.
Lucien's voice almost disappeared at the end.
—So… after I got here… I just kept drinking. I don't really remember everything.
He hesitated.
—If I… kissed someone… or something like that, I honestly don't know if he would like that.
His fingers loosened slightly, exhausted.
—All I remember is calling a cab… and coming here.
He finally looked at him again, eyes tired, vulnerable.
—That's it.
The room felt heavier after that. Like the air itself was holding its breath.
Adrián didn't say anything right away.
He just moved.
Slowly, like he didn't want to startle him, he leaned forward from where he was sitting on the floor and wrapped his arms around Lucien, pulling him into a firm, steady hug. Not rushed, not hesitant. Certain.
One hand settled at the back of his head, fingers threading gently through his hair, pressing him closer against his shoulder.
—Hey… it's okay.
His voice was low, warm, right there next to his ear.
Lucien stiffened for a second, like his body didn't quite know what to do with the contact after everything that had happened. But then something in him gave in.
His hands slowly came up, gripping the fabric of Adrián's shirt, holding on tighter than he probably meant to.
Adrián didn't let go.
He tightened the hug just a little, protective, like he was trying to shield him from everything that had already happened.
—You didn't deserve that. Not even a little.
His thumb moved in small, absent circles against his back.
—Not the way he talked to you. Not what he did.
Lucien's breathing hitched softly against his shoulder.
Adrián closed his eyes for a moment, jaw tightening, anger flickering quietly beneath the surface, but he kept his voice soft. Controlled.
—And listen to me… none of that says anything about you.
He pulled back just enough to look at him, one hand still resting against the side of his face.
—That's on him. All of it.
His expression softened again, eyes steady.
—You're not "too much." You're exactly what someone who actually knows what they're doing would be lucky to have.
He brushed his thumb lightly under Lucien's eye, catching the faintest trace of moisture.
—So don't you dare believe anything he said.
Then, without asking, he pulled him back into the hug again.
After that, things didn't just "go back to normal." They cracked.
There were weak spots everywhere, like invisible fractures running through Lucien that only showed when the pressure hit just right. He laughed less. Thought more. And sometimes, out of nowhere, he'd just go quiet, like his mind had wandered back to that night without asking for permission.
Adrián noticed all of it.
And he didn't let William get anywhere near him.
Not a glance. Not a step. Not even a shadow.
If William walked into a room, Adrián's whole posture changed, like a switch flipped inside him. He'd shift closer to Lucien without even thinking, placing himself between them, his presence turning solid, unmovable.
—Don't.
That was all it took sometimes. One word. Cold. Final.
But William wasn't exactly known for making good decisions.
One afternoon at the university, he tried.
Lucien had just stepped out of class when William approached, like nothing had happened, like he had any right.
—Luc—
He didn't even get to finish.
Adrián was already there.
—Didn't I make myself clear?
His voice wasn't loud. That was the problem. It was controlled, tight, like something barely being held back.
William scoffed, rolling his eyes.
—This doesn't concern you.
Wrong answer.
Adrián grabbed him by the collar before anyone could react, shoving him back hard enough to make him stumble.
—It concerns me the second you open your mouth to him.
A small crowd started forming. Whispers. Phones half-raised.
William pushed him back.
And that was it.
All the anger Adrián had been swallowing since that night came out at once.
The first punch landed clean.
A sharp crack.
William barely had time to react before Adrián hit him again, and again, each punch fueled by everything he hadn't said, everything he had seen Lucien go through. Rage, raw and unfiltered.
—You don't get to touch him. —You don't get to talk to him. —You don't get to exist anywhere near him.
Someone shouted. Someone tried to pull Adrián away.
It took three people.
William was left on the ground, nose bleeding heavily, face already swelling.
Lucien stood frozen a few steps away, heart racing, shock written all over his face.
Adrián's chest rose and fell quickly, knuckles red, breathing uneven. For a second, he looked like he might go back and hit him again.
But then he looked at Lucien.
And everything shifted.
The anger didn't disappear, but it folded in on itself, redirected, contained.
He walked over immediately.
—Hey… hey.
His voice softened again, like none of that had just happened.
—Are you okay?
Meanwhile, the university didn't take it lightly.
There were reports. Witnesses. Too many eyes.
Adrián was called in.
Suspension was on the table.
So was his scholarship.
For a few hours, everything hung in the air like a storm that hadn't decided where to strike.
In the end, he didn't lose it.
But it got close.
Too close.
And everyone knew it.
After that, the message was clear, written in tension and bruises:
Adrián wasn't just protecting Lucien.
He was drawing a line no one was allowed to cross.
Back at Lucien's apartment, the adrenaline had finally worn off, leaving behind silence… and damage.
Lucien sat close to Adrián on the couch, carefully holding his hands. They were red, bruised, the skin slightly split over his knuckles from how hard he had hit. No injuries on his face, nothing visible there… but his hands told the whole story.
He grabbed a small first aid kit, opening it with quiet focus.
—Stay still.
His voice was soft, but there was a slight tremble hidden underneath.
Adrián didn't argue this time.
Lucien dipped a piece of cotton in antiseptic and gently pressed it against his knuckles. Adrián flinched slightly.
—Does it hurt?
—No.
A lie.
Lucien frowned a little but didn't push it. Instead, he kept cleaning each cut slowly, carefully, like if he rushed it, it would somehow make everything worse.
—You didn't have to do that…
He murmured it without looking up, concentrating on wrapping a small bandage around his hand.
Adrián let out a quiet breath.
—Yes, I did.
Lucien paused for a second, his fingers still holding his hand.
—You could've gotten expelled… or lost your scholarship.
—Don't care.
That made Lucien look up at him.
Really look at him.
There was no hesitation in Adrián's eyes. No regret. Just that same stubborn certainty.
Lucien swallowed, his grip tightening just a little as he continued placing the bandages, one by one, covering the worst of the damage.
—Well, I do.
His voice came out quieter this time.
—You can't just… ruin your life because of me.
Adrián leaned back slightly, watching him.
—I'm not ruining anything.
A small pause.
—And it's not "because of you."
Lucien finished taping the last bandage, his fingers lingering for a moment over Adrián's hand before letting go.
—Then what is it?
Adrián didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he turned his hand slightly, catching Lucien's wrist before he could pull away completely.
—It's because no one gets to hurt you like that and walk away like nothing happened.
Lucien's breath hitched just a little.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
The room felt smaller. Quieter.
Adrián's thumb brushed lightly against his wrist, absentminded, like he wasn't even aware he was doing it.
—Next time… —Lucien started, but his voice faltered— don't do that again.
Adrián tilted his head slightly.
—Can't promise that.
Lucien sighed softly, shaking his head, but there was something different in his expression now. Something warmer, even if it was mixed with worry.
—You're impossible.
—Yeah.
A faint pause.
—Yeah, I love my broski too
And this time, Lucien didn't pull his hand away.
At one point, Lucien got a little too focused.
He pressed the cotton a bit harder than he should have, distracted by his own thoughts, by everything that had just happened… and without meaning to, he pushed right against one of the deeper cuts.
Adrián's hand tensed instantly.
A sharp breath slipped out, followed by a small, restrained sound—
—not quite a groan, not quite a complaint, but enough.
Lucien froze.
His eyes widened slightly as he immediately pulled the cotton away.
—Sorry… sorry.
His voice dropped, softer now, laced with guilt.
He looked up at Adrián, his brows pulling together.
—I didn't mean to—
Adrián exhaled slowly through his nose, shaking his head a little.
—It's fine.
Another lie.
Lucien clicked his tongue quietly, not convinced at all.
—You're terrible at lying, you know that?
This time, his touch changed.
Gentler.
More careful.
He switched to a lighter pressure, almost hesitant now, as if the skin under his fingers could break again at any second. His thumb brushed faintly over the side of Adrián's hand, a silent apology woven into the movement before he continued cleaning the wound properly.
—Tell me if it hurts.
A small pause.
—Don't just… stay quiet.
Adrián glanced at him, something softer flickering in his expression.
—You were the one who said "stay still."
Lucien huffed quietly, a barely-there smile tugging at the corner of his lips despite everything.
—Yeah, well… not like that.
And this time, he didn't rush.
Every movement was slower, more deliberate… like he was trying to make up for that one second where he wasn't careful enough.
They didn't say much after that.
Lucien just gave the smallest nod, almost invisible… and that was enough.
Adrián didn't look back again.
He simply placed a hand lightly on Lucien's back—firm, grounding—and guided him away before the moment could sink its teeth any deeper.
The walk back felt longer than usual.
Not because of the distance…
But because silence had weight now.
Lucien kept his eyes forward, hands tucked into his sleeves, shoulders slightly tense like he was holding himself together piece by piece.
Adrián stayed close. Not suffocating. Just… there.
A quiet shield.
When they finally got to Adrián's apartment, the door clicked shut behind them with a soft sound that somehow felt louder than anything outside.
Safe.
Or at least… safer.
Lucien didn't move far.
He just stood there for a second, like his body hadn't caught up with the fact that they were already inside.
Adrián dropped his keys on the table, glancing at him carefully.
—Hey…
No response.
Lucien's gaze was fixed somewhere on the floor, unfocused.
Adrián exhaled softly and stepped closer.
—Lucien.
This time, a small reaction.
Barely.
But enough.
Adrián reached out, hesitating for half a second—just enough to make sure—before gently taking Lucien's wrist and pulling him toward the couch.
No resistance.
Lucien let himself be guided, like he didn't have the energy to argue even if he wanted to.
They sat.
Well… Adrián sat.
Lucien kind of collapsed next to him, elbows on his knees, hands covering part of his face.
Silence again.
But different now.
Heavier.
Closer.
Adrián leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on his thighs, watching him—not in a way that demanded anything, just… waiting.
Then, quietly:
—You don't have to pretend you're okay.
Lucien let out a small, shaky breath.
—I'm not… —his voice cracked, so he stopped, swallowing hard— I thought I was.
That did something to Adrián.
Something tight in his chest.
He shifted closer.
Slow.
Careful.
And then, without making it a big deal, he reached out and pulled Lucien gently toward him.
This time, Lucien didn't hesitate.
He leaned in.
Forehead resting against Adrián's shoulder at first… then closer.
Like gravity had changed directions.
Adrián's arms came around him, steady and warm, one hand moving up to the back of his head, fingers threading softly through his hair.
—Yeah… —he murmured— I know.
Lucien's grip tightened slightly on his shirt.
Not dramatic.
Not desperate.
Just… needing something real to hold onto.
—It didn't even hurt the way I thought it would —Lucien whispered after a moment— it just… felt empty.
Adrián's hand stilled for a second at that.
Then resumed, slow and soothing.
—That's worse.
Lucien let out a quiet, humorless breath against his shoulder.
—Yeah…
Another pause.
But this one wasn't as sharp.
Adrián tilted his head slightly, his voice softer now, almost a promise:
—You're not going through that alone again. Not while I'm here.
Lucien didn't answer.
But he didn't pull away either.
And that said enough.
Outside, the world kept moving like nothing had happened.
But inside that apartment…
Everything slowed down.
Just enough for someone to finally breathe again.
—I'm pretty much cuter and better than William… —he said, quieter this time, like he wasn't trying to joke, just… trying to patch something broken with whatever he had.
Lucien shifted slightly against him, not pulling away, just enough to look up.
—That's… a very specific comparison.
Adrián huffed a small breath, almost defensive, but his hand didn't stop its slow, absent movement through Lucien's hair.
—I'm serious.
His voice softened.
—Not just… that. I mean— he paused, searching for the right words, like they were hiding on purpose— I wouldn't do that to you. Not ever. I wouldn't make you feel like you're… optional.
Lucien's expression flickered.
Something fragile there.
—You don't have to say things like that.
—Yeah, I do —Adrián replied immediately, a little firmer now, pulling back just enough to look at him properly— because you keep acting like what he did is something you have to just… accept.
Lucien looked away.
That silence again.
But Adrián didn't let it settle this time.
—It's not normal, Lucien. It's not something small. He hurt you. And the worst part is he made you think it's not a big deal.
Lucien's jaw tightened slightly.
—I'm not saying it's not a big deal…
—Then stop minimizing it.
That came out sharper than intended.
Adrián exhaled, running a hand through his own hair, then softer:
—You deserve better. Way better. Not "bare minimum," not "when it's convenient." Better.
Lucien stayed quiet for a moment, then muttered:
—You always say that like it's obvious.
Adrián leaned a little closer again, his voice dropping:
—Because it is.
A pause.
Then, more gently:
—And yeah… I meant what I said.
Lucien glanced at him again, skeptical.
—About being "cuter"?
That earned the faintest ghost of a smile from Adrián.
—Yeah. That too.
A beat.
—But mostly about being better for you.
This time, Lucien didn't look away.
Didn't argue either.
He just stayed there, close, like maybe—just maybe—that idea didn't sound so impossible anymore.
The silence settled again, but it wasn't uncomfortable.
It was… searching.
Adrián watched him for a moment, like he was debating something internally.
Then he shifted slightly, enough to really face him.
His gaze softened, but there was something firm underneath it.
Something that wasn't going to let this slide.
—Lucien…
He waited until he had his full attention.
—Look at me.
Lucien did.
Slowly.
Adrián held his gaze, steady.
—Search deep down in your feelings… —his voice dropped, quieter, but more serious— and tell me something.
A small pause.
Not long.
Just enough to make it matter.
—Did you actually like him?
Lucien froze.
Adrián didn't look away.
Didn't soften the question.
—Because getting used to someone… —he continued, his tone calm but sharp in the right places— is one thing.
Another pause.
—But really liking them? That's something else.
The words landed heavier than anything else he had said before.
Lucien's fingers tightened slightly against the fabric of Adrián's shirt.
His gaze dropped for a second.
Then back up.
Like he was trying not to run from it this time.
—…I don't know.
Adrián's expression didn't change, but he leaned in just a little.
—Yes, you do.
Lucien let out a slow breath.
—It was easy with him.
His voice was quiet.
Honest in a way that almost hurt.
—He was there… and I didn't have to think too much.
His brows pulled together slightly.
—And I thought that meant I liked him.
Adrián stayed silent.
Letting him keep going.
—But when I saw him today…
Lucien hesitated.
His throat tightened a little.
—It didn't feel like losing something important.
That… hit.
Even for Adrián.
—It just felt… empty.
A pause.
Lucien looked away again, softer this time.
—Like I was watching something that didn't belong to me anymore.
Adrián exhaled slowly.
Then reached up again, brushing his fingers lightly through Lucien's hair.
Grounding.
—Then there's your answer.
Lucien's lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
Adrián's voice softened again, but this time it carried something deeper.
—You weren't in love with him.
A small silence.
—You were just… there.
Lucien swallowed.
That truth settled in his chest in a strange way.
Not painful.
Not relieving either.
Just… real.
Adrián watched him carefully.
—And you deserve more than "just there."
Lucien looked back at him.
And this time…
He didn't argue.
Didn't deflect.
Didn't minimize.
He just stayed close.
Like he was finally starting to understand it.
Lucien didn't argue.
Didn't deflect.
Didn't minimize.
He just stayed close… like he was finally starting to understand it.
Adrián watched him for a moment longer.
Then something in his expression shifted.
Subtle.
But different.
More serious.
More… exposed.
He straightened just slightly, enough to put a bit of space between them—just enough to look at him properly.
—No… look at me.
Lucien blinked, caught off guard by the tone.
But he did.
Adrián held his gaze, this time without any hesitation.
—We've been friends for… what? —he let out a short breath, almost scoffing at himself— a year… almost two.
A pause.
His jaw tightened just a little.
—Have you ever seen me as anything more than a friend?
That landed heavier than anything before.
Lucien froze.
Completely.
Like his brain just… stopped for a second.
Adrián didn't move.
Didn't look away.
Didn't try to soften it this time.
—Because I need you to be honest.
His voice wasn't harsh.
But it wasn't gentle either.
It was real.
—Not careful. Not "so you don't hurt me." Just honest.
Lucien's lips parted slightly.
No words came out.
His chest felt tight.
Too tight.
—…I—
He stopped.
His gaze dropped for a second… then came back up.
Adrián was still there.
Waiting.
Not pushing.
But not letting him escape either.
Lucien swallowed.
—You've always been… —he hesitated, searching— important.
Adrián's expression didn't change.
—That's not what I asked.
That made Lucien flinch slightly.
Not because it was rude.
Because it was true.
Another silence.
Thicker now.
Lucien's fingers curled slightly against his own sleeve.
—No… —he admitted, barely above a whisper— I didn't.
There it was.
Raw.
Unfiltered.
Adrián inhaled slowly.
Once.
Like he expected it.
Like it still hit anyway.
Lucien rushed a little, words coming out uneven now:
—But that doesn't mean—
—Lucien.
Adrián cut him off, not harsh, just firm.
He shook his head slightly.
—Don't fix it.
That stopped him.
—Just answer me.
Lucien's chest rose and fell slowly.
Then again.
And again.
Trying to catch up with everything.
—…I didn't see you that way before.
This time, Adrián's eyes flickered.
Small.
But there.
—Before?
Lucien hesitated.
And that hesitation…
Said too much.
Adrián leaned in just a little.
—Finish that.
Lucien looked at him.
Really looked at him.
Like he was seeing something that had always been there…
just slightly out of focus.
Until now.
—…I don't know what I see now.