Luca woke up before Julian.
For a moment, he just stared.
Julian was still asleep beside him, one arm thrown across the blanket, completely unaware he was being watched.
Luca smiled.
He's actually here.
The memory of yesterday hit him all at once.
The library.
The kiss.
The shower.
The fact that Julian had stayed the night.
Twice.
Luca immediately buried his face in a pillow.
LUCA
*This is not helping me act normal.*
Julian shifted slightly before opening one eye.
JULIAN
You're staring.
LUCA
No I'm not.
JULIAN
You've been staring for at least a minute.
LUCA
...that's not important right now.
Julian sat up a little, trying not to laugh.
JULIAN
So what's important?
Luca pointed dramatically at him.
LUCA
The plan.
JULIAN
The plan?
LUCA
Operation: Act Normal.
JULIAN
Right.
LUCA
We need to act normal today.
JULIAN
Agreed.
LUCA
No weird comments.
JULIAN
Okay.
LUCA
No staring.
JULIAN
Fine.
LUCA
No blushing.
JULIAN
That's more of a you problem.
LUCA
I hate that you're right.
Julian grinned.
LUCA
No holding hands in public.
JULIAN
Makes sense.
Silence.
LUCA
...can we still hold hands when nobody's looking?
JULIAN
You lasted twenty seconds.
LUCA
I'm trying my best.
JULIAN
Clearly.
Luca grabbed a pillow and threw it at him.
Julian caught it effortlessly.
JULIAN
Violence wasn't in the plan.
LUCA
Neither was you being cute.
Julian blinked.
Luca froze.
LUCA
I....I meant you being handsome.
Julian blinks again. Luca gose a little red.
LUCA
I mean you deing hot.
He says quickly. Julian just looks at him blinking. Luca shoves I is face in a pillow. A smirk plays on Julian's face.
JULIAN
And it wasn't part of the plan for you to be adorable, hot as hell, or cute as shit but hey you always are.
LUCA
Stop talkingggggggg.
JULIAN
Nope. I can already Imagine how red you are.
LUCA
I'm serious.
JULIAN
And you adorable when you embarrassed.
LUCA
I hate you.
JULIAN
You know you don't.
Luca looks at Julian.
LUCA
Fine I love you.
Silence. Luca eyes go wide and he realizes what he said and truns into a tamto. He shoves his face back in to the pillow. Julian just sits there for a second then a smile forms across his face.
JULIAN
I love you to.
Silence.
LUCA
Your dating me?
JULIAN
Yup.
LUCA
I'm dating you?
JULIAN
Yes.
LUCA
We're dating?
JULIAN
Yes.
LUCA
Your mine?
JULIAN
Yes. You literally just confessed.
LUCA
That's different.
JULIAN
How?
LUCA
That was emotional.
JULIAN
This is emotional.
LUCA
Your mine.
JULIAN
Now you get it.
LUCA
I'm yours.
JULIAN
Always.
Luca sits up and looks at Julian. Then Immediately starts avoiding eye contact.
LUCA
We should get ready.
JULIAN
Yes my love.
Luca truns into a tamto.
LUCA
Stop saying it like its normal!
They get ready for school Luca can't help but steal glances and Julian's abs.
JULIAN
You like what you see.
He truns to Luca still shirtless.
LUCA
Maybe.
JULIAN
Maybe?
LUCA
Yes i do.
JULIAN
Knew it.
Luca truns into a tamto.
LUCA
Put a shirt on.
He throws a shirt a Julian still blushing.
JULIAN
Fine.
He puts it on and they head to school. Alone. Luca grabs Julian's hand. Julian squeezes his hand. Once the get to school they stop holding hands and head in. Luca is still red. Theo and the rest including Emma come over.
EMMA
Julian looking mighty fine today I see.
JULIAN
Thanks.
Luca gets irritated with Emma flirting with Julian.
EMMA
So Julian are you free this afternoon.
JULIAN
Ya I am.
EMMA
Wanna go see a movie?
JULIAN
Sure that sounds fun.
LUCA
Julia....
EMMA
What?
LUCA
Nothing.
EMMA
Luca are you ok?
She says really sweetly.
LUCA
Ya I'm fine.
Lucas body is tense. Ethan notices.
ETHAN
Why do you look like your going to fight someone?
LUCA
Maybe I'm going to.
He mumbles to himself.
LUCA
Cuz why not?
EMMA
That's not a normal answer.
LUCA
Nether am I.
THEO
It is for him.
ETHAN
Facts.
EMMA
You sure your ok Luca?
LUCA
I'm fine.
JULIAN
He's ok.
LUCA
Am I?*No I'm not.She needs to get her own boyfriend and stay away from mine!*
JULIAN
Well your never "fine".
LUCA
Good enough.
EMMA
So what movie should we see?
Lucas smile gets tight.
JULIAN
I was thinking Avatar 3 fire and ash?
EMMA
Ya. Sounds good.
Emma smiles at Julian.
ETHAN
Dude, that smile is terrifying.
LUCA
What smile?
ETHAN
The one that says you're planning a crime.
LUCA
I'm not planning a crime.
THEO
That's exactly what someone planning a crime would say.
LUCA
I'm being attacked.
RILEY
Ok I have just been watching this unfold. The jealousy and level is criminal.
JULIAN
He's always like this.
LUCA
Excuse me?
JULIAN
Remember when Theo borrowed my hoodie?
ETHAN
Wait...
THEO
Hold on.
RILEY
OH MY GOD.
LUCA
What?
THEO
Where you seriously jealous over a hoodie?
LUCA
No.
JULIAN
Yes you where you where trying to take one of my other hoodies.
Luca kicks Julian.
LUCA
Nope.
THEO
That sounds like him.
ETHAN
Ya.
EMMA
What?
THEO
He was absolutely jealous.
LUCA
I was not.
ETHAN
You stole a replacement hoodie.
LUCA
Borrowed.
JULIAN
Permanently.
LUCA
Details.
EMMA
Wait, why did you care so much?
LUCA
I didn't.
RILEY
You literally spent three days complaining about it.
LUCA
That's not true.
THEO
It was four.
ETHAN
Four and a half.
LUCA
I hate all of you.
EMMA
Ok I have no clue what's happening. But I think its clear that Luca likes Julian. I mean who can blame him. Look at Julian. He's got good taste even if he has no chance.
Luca just sits there tense. Ready to throw hands any minute.
LUCA
*That's what I thought. How is this real? Is it real? Has it all been a lie and she right?*
Luca is now just sitting there.
LUCA
*What if she's right? What if its just a lie? What if I lose my best friend? What if I lose him?*
THEO
So where you guys want to go this weekend?
ETHAN
The aquarium!
EMMA
Sure that sounds fun.
JULIAN
Ya.
RILEY
I'm in.
MIA
Sure.
Luca doesn't hear any of them.
LUCA
*what if I screw it up? What if he moves on from me? What if this is just a phase? What if he likes Emma? What if i lose him?*
The bell rings.
THEO
What class do you guys have next?
JULIAN
English.
RILEY
I got PE.
LUCA
I got art but I think I'm going to go back to the door.
He says quietly.
JULIAN
But you love art.
LUCA
I don't feel well.
Luca picks up his stuff and leaves.
JULIAN
I'm just going to go check on him quickly I'll see you guys later.
MIA
Ya you do that.
Julian jogs to Luca. Luca is clutching the straps of his backpack.
JULIAN
You good?
He says worried.
LUCA
Yup
JULIAN
Whats wrong?
LUCA
I said I'm fine.
He says quietly.
JULIAN
Doesn't seem like it.
LUCA
Well I am.
Luca grips his backpack straps tighter.
JULIAN
Tell me what's wrong?
LUCA
I told you I'm fine. I just don't feel well.
JULIAN
You sure?
LUCA
Ya.
Lucas voice trembles.
JULIAN
Ok if your sure.
LUCA
I am.
Luca walks off leaving Julian standing there.
JULIAN
*he's not ok. What happend? What did I miss? Was it me? Did I do something?*
Julian starts walking to his next class but stops at art first and tells the teacher that Luca isn't cooking today because he doesn't feel good.
LUCA
*Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry.*
Luca gets back to the boorm and steals one of Julian's sweaters puts it on heads to his room and curls up in a ball crying. Luca keeps smelling the sweater because it smells like Julian.
LUCA
*I cat loses him. I can't. I just can't. Please. Please.*
Julian is trying to focus in class but can't and ends up making and excuse to leave. Then there's a knock at Lucas door. Luca ignores it. Then another knock softer this time.
JULIAN
Luca?
Julian say softly. Silence. Julian opens the door to see Luca in his hoodie, curled up in a ball, obviously crying. Julian freezes in the doorway. He doesn't move at first. Just looks at him. Lucas shaking. Julian steps inside gently closing the door behind him.
JULIAN
Hey-
His voice is soft and gentle like Luca could brake any second.
JULIAN
What happend?
LUCA
Nothing.
His voice cracks. Julian's face tightens just a little.
JULIAN
That's not nothing.
Luca wipes away his tears but more keep coming.
LUCA
I'm fine.
His voice is raw like hes been crying for hours.
JULIAN
Your waring my hoodie curled up in a ball on you bed shaking and crying.
Silence.
JULIAN
That's not fine.
LUCA
I just- I cant-
He stops. Crying more now. Julian wipes away his tears.
JULIAN
Hey. Talk to me what happend?
Luca is still shaking.
LUCA
What if she's right?
Julian tilts his head slightly.
JULIAN
She?
LUCA
Emma.
Julian gose silent.
LUCA
What if.... I'm just a phase? Or a joke? Or something you'll get bored of?
His grip tightens on Julian's hoodie like its the only thing keeping him alive.
LUCA
What if..... I lose you?
His voice cracks on lose. Julian doesn't answer for a second. Then he sits down next to Luca.
JULIAN
Luca...
Silence.
JULIAN
Look at me.
Luca hesitates.
JULIAN
Please.
Luca finally looks at him eyes red tears rolling down his face. Julian's heart brakes.
JULIAN
Luca.
He pauses and takes a deep breath so he doesn't shatter.
JULIAN
I love you.
LUCA
…what?
His voice is small. Like the word doesn't fit in the room. Julian doesn't repeat it. He just stays there, eyes locked on Luca like he's afraid to look away.
JULIAN
I love you.
Silence spreads out between them. Not empty. Heavy. Luca's breathing stutters. His hands are still clutching the hoodie like it's the only thing keeping him anchored.
LUCA
You… you can't just say that.
JULIAN
I can.
Soft. Certain. Silence.
JULIAN
Because I mean it.
That's when something in Luca finally cracks. Not loud at first. Just a sharp inhale that turns wrong halfway through.
LUCA
I thought—
His voice breaks instantly.
LUCA
I thought I was losing you.
And then it's over. All at once. Luca grabs onto Julian properly now—pulling him in like he can physically stop the fear by holding tighter. His forehead drops against Julian's shoulder and he starts crying for real this time, not quiet anymore.
LUCA
I thought she was right—
It comes out broken, half-muffled.
LUCA
I thought I was just… nothing to you or—
He can't finish. It dissolves into shaking breaths.
Julian freezes for half a second. Just long enough to feel it hit him. Then he moves. Fast. Arms wrapping around Luca, pulling him in completely.
No hesitation anymore.
JULIAN
Hey. Hey. No.
Luca is now sobbing. Violently shaking. Screaming out in pain and fear.
LUCA
I... I AHHHHHH
Luca is gripping Julian so tight like its the only thing keeping him on earth.
LUCA
I THOUGHT I WAS LOSING YOU! I....I THOUGHT I WOULD MESS IT...IT ALL UP! I...I....T..THOUGHT YOU....YOU...W....WOULD GET BORED OF ME! I THOUGHT I WAS JU...JUST A PHASE! I THOUGHT SHE WAS RIGHT!
Lucas shaking,crying,sobbing.
LUCA
I.....I T....THOUGHT....I...W...WOULD...L.....LOSE....Y.....YOU!!
He screams that one in pain in fear. Scared. Julian holds him tighter. His heart shattering in to pieces. Julian starts crying silently because he can't bear the fact Luca was in this much pain and fear.
LUCA
AHUHHUUUUHHHH
Luca whales. Julian doesn't let go. Not even when Luca is shaking so hard it feels like the whole world is breaking apart. He just holds him tighter.
JULIAN
Hey… hey, I've got you.
His voice is rough now. Not calm anymore. It's slipping.
JULIAN
Breathe. Just—breathe with me, okay?
Luca can't. Not at first.
He's still clinging to him like he's terrified Julian might disappear if he loosens even a little.
LUCA
I thought I was going to lose you…
It comes out broken, wrecked.
LUCA
I thought I messed everything up—
Julian shuts his eyes for a second. Like it physically hurts to hear. Then he pulls Luca in closer again.
JULIAN
You're not losing me.
Silence.
JULIAN
You're not a phase. You're not a mistake. You're not something I'm going to get bored of.
Luca shakes his head against his shoulder like he still doesn't believe it. Julian's hand moves slowly through his hair—steady, grounding.
JULIAN
Listen to me.
His voice is firmer now, but still soft underneath it.
JULIAN
I came here because you were crying alone in a room wearing my hoodie like you were trying to hold yourself together with it.
He swallows.
JULIAN
That's not something I walk away from.
Luca's grip loosens just a fraction, but he's still trembling.
LUCA
…really?
Julian finally pulls back just enough to look at him. Not far. Just enough so Luca can see his face.
JULIAN
Really.
Silence. Longer this time. The storm doesn't vanish, but it starts to slow down. Julian rests his forehead lightly against Luca's.
JULIAN
I love you.
Silence
JULIAN
And I'm here. Okay?
Luca breathes in shakily. This time, it's not a scream.
Just a mix of pain and fear.
LUCA
…okay.
And he collapses back into Julian's arms again—but softer now.
Still crying. But not alone in it anymore. Julian holds him there, not moving, just letting the moment exist until it stops hurting quite so sharply.
JULIAN
How about we go watch a movie?
LUCA
What about your movie with Emma?
JULIAN
I'll cancel. Let's go.
He picks up Luca and brings him to the living room. Then places him on the couch.
JULIAN
You pick a movie I'll get the popcorn and water.
Luca nods his head. Julian gose to the kitchen. He returns with popcorn and water.
JULIAN
So what we watching?
LUCA
Zootopiea 2.
JULIAN
Sounds good.
He sits down next to Luca. Putting a bowl.of popcorn between them. Luca rests his head on Julian's shoulder. Julian smiles not fully but a small soft smile.
LUCA
I'm sorry.
JULIAN
For what?
LUCA
For earlier.
JULIAN
No. Don't do that.
LUCA
Do what?
JULIAN
Apologies for being scared.
LUCA
It was stupid.
JULIAN
It was real.
Luca just stays there. The watch the movie. 10 minutes later they hear knock at the door. Luca flinches. Julian notices immediately.
JULIAN
Hey.
Luca nods, but he's already pulling the sleeves of Julian's hoodie over his hands like armor. Another knock.
ETHAN
Julian! Open up!
Julian exhales once.
JULIAN
I'll be right back.
Luca doesn't answer.
Just watches him.
And the moment Julian stands— the air changes. Not visibly. Just inside Luca. Like something gets colder. Julian doesn't notice. He walks to the door. It opens.
ETHAN
Finally.
THEO
We heard screaming.
RILEY
Like, full panic screaming.
Julian's expression tightens instantly.
JULIAN
Keep it down.
Theo looks past him.
THEO
Is he okay?
Julian glances back. Luca is still on the couch. But not really there.
JULIAN
He's overwhelmed.
ETHAN
That wasn't overwhelmed.
RILEY
That was fear.
ETHAN
And crying.
Silence. Julian's jaw tightens.
JULIAN
I know.
Theo steps inside.
THEO
What happened?
JULIAN
Not doing this.
THEO
Julian.
JULIAN
No.
Riley folds her arms.
RILEY
We're not asking to judge him. We're asking because someone sounded like they were breaking in here.
That lands heavier than before. Julian hesitates. Just a fraction.
JULIAN
Something scared him.
ETHAN
What?
JULIAN
I don't know.
Theo watches him carefully.
THEO
You were right there.
JULIAN
Yeah.
ETHAN
So you do know—
JULIAN
I said I don't.
Theo steps slightly forward. Blocking him.
THEO
You're not telling us everything.
ETHAN
Yeah, you're acting weird.
RILEY
Like, really weird.
Julian tries to step past them.
Theo stays.
ETHAN
Julian, just talk for a second—
JULIAN
I can't.
ETHAN
Why not?
And that's when Julian looks back again. Couch. Empty now. Luca is gone. His breath catches immediately. Not loud. Just wrong.
JULIAN
...where did he go?
RILEY
Bathroom?
THEO
No.
Theo narrows his eyes.
THEO
That wasn't bathroom movement.
Julian takes a step.
ETHAN moves in front again.
ETHAN
Dude, just—
JULIAN
Move.
ETHAN
No, seriously, what is going on—
JULIAN
I need to get to him.
That cracks slightly at the edges. Not anger. Fear pushing through.
THEO
Why?
Julian stops. Because he hears it now. Silence in the hallway. Too long. His voice lowers.
JULIAN
Because when he's alone, he thinks too much.
ETHAN
About what?
Julian hesitates. And that hesitation is enough. Because Luca is not in sight. And Julian's brain fills in the silence instead.
Meanwhile Luca is sitting outside Julian's door. He's just sitting there. Julian's hoodie pulled tight around him. And his thoughts are not quiet anymore. They're loud. Too loud.
LUCA
*Emma said it. No chance. He was laughing with her. Of course he was. Why wouldn't he be. I'm just… here. He'll realize it eventually.
He'll get tired. He'll stop coming back. His breathing stutters. He grips the hoodie harder. Don't think like this. Don't think like this.*
But the thoughts don't listen. They spiral anyway.
LUCA
*He left the couch.
Why did he leave the couch. Is he talking about me? They're talking about me. They're all talking about me.*
A shaky inhale turns sharp. He takes a step backward. Hits the wall. Freezes.
Back in the living room. Julian suddenly goes still. Like something inside him snapped attention-wide.
ETHAN
Julian?
But Julian doesn't answer. Because now he's not thinking about the questions anymore. He's thinking about Luca not being in his sightline. His voice breaks slightly.
JULIAN
He's not okay alone.
THEO
Julian—
JULIAN
No.
Stronger now. But not angry. Almost pleading.
JULIAN
You don't understand what it sounds like when he shuts down.
Silence.
ETHAN
What does it sound like?
Julian swallows hard. His eyes shine slightly now. Not fully crying yet. But close.
JULIAN
Like he disappears.
That lands. Riley's expression shifts.
RILEY
Okay.
ETHAN
Julian—
JULIAN
I need to get to him.
Theo finally steps aside.
But too late. Because from down the hall— a soft sound. A breath that turns wrong. Luca slipping further. And Julian is already moving. Fast. Because now the fear has a direction. And it's not the room anymore. It's Luca alone inside his own head. And that's the only thing that matters. Julian gets to Luca.
JULIAN
Luca im here.
LUCA
No. You'll get tired or me. You'll get bored. You'll fined someone more interesting.
Luca says in such a small voice. Julian freezes.
JULIAN
Luca.
LUCA
You'll get rid or me. You'll fined someone else. You'll leave. You'll leave me. I'll lose you. I'll lose my world.
Julian trys to put his hand on Luca's shoulder but he pulls back gripping the sweater.
LUCA
You'll leave like everyone.
Julian's hear shatters into pieces.
JULIAN
Hey. Look at me.
LUCA
No.
Immediately. Not hesitation.
LUCA
Because then it will feel real when you leave.
JULIAN
I'm not leaving.
LUCA
You will. *He will forget about me and move on.*
Luca stands up still shaking. He starts walking away. He passes Riley, Theo, and Ethan. Who are looking at him. Theo steps in front of him.
THEO
Luca talk to us.
Luca is just standing there shaking.
THEO
We're worried.
LUCA
Move.
He says small, fragile, and broken. Theo steps aside. Luca keeps walking and leaves the doorm. Julian comes right after and finally breaks.
JULIAN
Where is he?
His voice cracks.
THEO
He left.
JULIAN
No. No. No. Please. No.
Julian eyes are shiny know.
ETHAN
Julian calm down.
Julian slids down a wall. Crying now.
JULIAN
No you dont understand.
His voice is raw.
THEO
Then make us understand.
Julian is shaking.
JULIAN
I...I..
He pauses looking for the right words.
JULIAN
I can't leave him alone.
His voice cracks. He's crying even harder now.
THEO
What do you mean.
JULIAN
I can't leave him alone with those thoughts.
His voice breaks on thoughts.
RILEY
What thoughts?
JULIAN
He... he thinks I'm going to leave. That I'm going to get bored of him.
Julian is sobbing now.
JULIAN
That I'll find someone more interesting.
THEO
Where is he?
JULIAN
I dont know that's the problem.
ETHAN
Then we'll go look.
JULIAN
Wait I know where he is.
THEO
Where?
JULIAN
The bench.
RILEY
What bench?
JULIAN
The one behind the library.
ETHAN
Are you sure?
JULIAN
No. But I have to be.
Julian stands up and starts running with Theo, Riley, and Ethan right behind him.
JULIAN
No.
THEO
What?
JULIAN
Stay.
ETHAN
We need to know if hes ok.
JULIAN
Please. Stay.
Julian's voice breaks. Theo, Riley, and Ethan stop running.
THEO
Well be here.
Meanwhile. Luca is curled up on the bench, rapped in Julian's hoodie.
LUCA
*he'll leave. He's happy your gone. Theo knows, Riley knows, Ethan knows,
Everyone knows. He'll see your insane.*
Luca shakes.
LUCA
I want him. I want Julian.
He takes a shaky breath.
LUCA
I want my Julian.
He's crying again.
LUCA
Stop. *you made him cry. You made him scared. Go before he dose. Don't make him say he doesn't love you any more.*
Lucas crying harder.
LUCA
No. Please stop. *go before he sees you. Before he finds you. Go before he gets here. Run.*
Luca stands up shaking. He takes one step then another. Then he here's footsteps.
LUCA
*No. Not him. Please not him.*
JULIAN
Luca.
LUCA
No please.
Julian stops moving.
JULIAN
Ok.
LUCA
Please. No.
JULIAN
Ok.
Silence.
Julian stays exactly where he is.
Breathing hard.
Eyes red.
Still crying.
Luca can't look at him.
LUCA
Please.
His voice is tiny.
LUCA
Please don't.
JULIAN
Okay.
His voice cracks.
JULIAN
I won't.
Luca's breathing shakes.
LUCA
You found me.
JULIAN
Yeah.
LUCA
You shouldn't have.
Julian's face crumples.
JULIAN
Don't say that.
LUCA
You should've stayed.
JULIAN
Luca—
LUCA
You should've let me leave.
Julian wipes his eyes.
JULIAN
No.
LUCA
I'm too much.
JULIAN
No.
LUCA
I scared you.
JULIAN
You scared me because you left.
His voice breaks.
JULIAN
Not because you're you.
Luca starts crying harder.
LUCA
Theo knows.
JULIAN
I know.
LUCA
Riley knows.
JULIAN
I know.
LUCA
Ethan knows.
JULIAN
I know.
LUCA
Everyone knows.
Julian nods.
JULIAN
I know.
Silence.
LUCA
You'll care tomorrow.
JULIAN
No.
LUCA
You'll think about it and realize I'm crazy.
JULIAN
No.
LUCA
You'll—
JULIAN
Luca.
His voice breaks hard.
JULIAN
Please stop saying goodbye to me.
Luca freezes.
Julian's crying again now.
Not quietly.
JULIAN
Please.
His shoulders shake.
JULIAN
Please stop deciding I'm leaving.
Luca closes his eyes.
LUCA
*He's crying. Because of me. You made him cry. Go. Run. Don't let him see you.*
But he can't. Because Julian's voice is breaking. Because that's his Julian. Because he misses him. Because he wants him. God, he wants him.
LUCA
I...
His voice catches.
JULIAN
I'm here.
LUCA
No.*Run.*
JULIAN
I'm here.
LUCA
No. *Leave.*
JULIAN
I'm here.
LUCA
Stop.
He's crying hard again.
LUCA
Stop saying that.
JULIAN
Why?
LUCA
Because I want to believe you!
His voice cracks.
Julian freezes.
LUCA
I want to.
He's shaking violently now.
LUCA
I want my Julian.
Tears stream down his face.
LUCA
I want you.
His voice breaks completely.
LUCA
But if I believe you—
He sobs.
LUCA
And you're lying—
Julian's heart shatters.
LUCA
I won't survive that.
Silence.
Julian wipes his eyes. And he doesn't move. Doesn't go closer. Doesn't reach out. He just stands there crying.
JULIAN
Then don't believe forever.
Luca slowly looks up. Julian's voice trembles.
JULIAN
Believe right now.
Tears run down his face.
JULIAN
Right now I'm here. Right now I came. Right now I'm crying because I thought I lost you.
His lip trembles.
JULIAN
Right now...
His voice cracks.
JULIAN
I just want my Luca.
And that breaks something inside Luca. Not the bad kind. The kind that hurts because he wants that too. Because all night he's been running. And all night— Julian kept following.
LUCA
I...
JULIAN
No.
LUCA
Please.
JULIAN
I'm...
Julian pauses trying to find the right words.
JULIAN
I'm not leaving.
Luca is shaking his head.
LUCA
No.
JULIAN
Yes.
LUCA
No.
JULIAN
Yes.
LUCA
You.....
He pauses. He doesn't want to make Julian more upset.
LUCA
You can't know that.
JULIAN
Yes I can. I love you Luca.
Luca freezes.
JULIAN
God damn I love you. Ok? I love you so much it hurts.
Julian's voice breaks.
LUCA
Please. No.
JULIAN
I love you. I'm here. I'm not leaving. Not now. Not tomorrow. Not this week. Not ever. Because I love you.
Julian is crying more now.
JULIAN
And right now I want you. I want my Luca. So please look at me.
LUCA
No.
Lucas voice is tiny.
JULIAN
Please.
And that one word brakes Luca he looks at Julian.
LUCA
I....I
Luca can't stop shaking.
LUCA
I..I want a hug.
And at that very moment Luca crashes into Julian. Not slowly. Not graceful. But broken and shaking. Julian raps his arms around Luca. Luca buries his face in Julian's shoulder shaking.
LUCA
I dont want to lose you.
He mumbles in to Julian's shoulder.
JULIAN
Me ether.
LUCA
I made you cry.
JULIAN
I know.
LUCA
I scared you.
JULIAN
I know.
They just stand there holding echother. Something in Julian finally breaks seeing Luca crying again. He buries his face in Lucas hair and starts crying.
JULIAN
I thought I lost you.
Luca freezes. Julian's shaking.
JULIAN
I thought you where gone.
LUCA
I.....I...I'm...here.
It comes out shaky but Luca manages to say that he's here.
Julian lets out something between a laugh and a sob.
JULIAN
Yeah.
His voice shakes.
JULIAN
Yeah, you are.
They just stand there. Neither one letting go. Neither one wanting to. Luca is still shaking. Julian feels it immediately.
JULIAN
Hey.
His hand slowly moves through Luca's hair.
JULIAN
You don't have to stop crying.
LUCA
I know.
JULIAN
You don't have to stop being scared either.
Luca buries his face deeper into Julian's shoulder.
LUCA
I'm sorry.
JULIAN
No.
LUCA
But—
JULIAN
No.
His voice cracks again.
JULIAN
Not right now.
Silence.
LUCA
I missed you.
Julian almost starts crying again.
JULIAN
Luca, I was gone for twenty minutes.
LUCA
I know.
His voice is tiny.
LUCA
It felt longer.
Julian closes his eyes. Because that hurts. Not because it's wrong. Because Luca means it.
JULIAN
I missed you too.
Silence.
LUCA
Julian?
JULIAN
Yeah?
LUCA
Can we sit down?
Julian smiles softly through tears.
JULIAN
Yeah.
They sit back down on the bench. Luca immediately curls against him. Still wearing Julian's hoodie. Still holding onto him. Julian wraps an arm around him.
And for the first time all night— Luca isn't running. e's just tired.
LUC
Julian?
JULIAN
Hmm
LUCA
Don't let go yet.
Julian's heart melts.
JULIAN
Wasn't planning on it.
And somewhere far away, three idiots are still waiting. Theo trying not to pace. Riley pretending not to worry.And Ethan absolutely failing not to worry. Completely unaware that the two people they've been losing their minds over are sitting on a bench, crying quietly and holding each other like the world almost ended. And maybe, for a little while, that's enough.
LUCA
Julian.
JULIAN
Hmm?
LUCA
I'm tired.
Julian's expression softens immediately. Like the panic from before finally has nowhere left to go.
JULIAN
Yeah.
Silence
JULIAN
Me too.
Luca leans in closer without thinking. Still holding Julian's hand. Still wrapped in his hoodie.
LUCA
Can we go home?
Julian nods slowly.
JULIAN
Yeah.
His thumb rubs gently over Luca's knuckles.
JULIAN
We can go home.
They walk back in quiet steps. The world feels too loud even when it's silent. When they reach the dorm, the living room is still occupied. Ethan is sitting forward like he hasn't moved in hours. Riley looks up immediately. Theo notices everything in one glance.
ETHAN
Finally.
RILEY
Is he okay?
Luca instinctively shifts slightly behind Julian. Julian doesn't let go of his hand.
JULIAN
He's tired.
Theo studies them both. Not suspicious anymore. Just careful.
THEO
And you?
Julian exhales.
JULIAN
Same.
That seems to settle something. Riley nods once.
RILEY
Okay.
Ethan opens his mouth, then thinks better of it.
ETHAN
…we were worried.
Julian gives a small nod.
JULIAN
I know.
Theo looks at Luca again.
THEO
You good?
Luca hesitates. His voice is small.
LUCA
I… think so.
That's all he can manage. Riley stands, already accepting that's enough for tonight.
RILEY
We'll go.
ETHAN
Wait—what? That's it?
Riley grabs his sleeve.
RILEY
Yes.
ETHAN
But—
RILEY
Ethan.
He shuts up. Theo lingers a second longer. Then looks at Julian.
THEO
Take care of him.
Julian nods.
JULIAN
I will.
Ethan is still confused, but follows Riley out. The door clicks shut. Silence returns. Julian turns to Luca gently.
JULIAN
Hey.
LUCA
…yeah?
JULIAN
Come on.
He guides him down the hall. Luca's steps are slow now. Heavy with exhaustion. At Julian's room, he pauses at the doorway.
LUCA
You're coming back?
Julian doesn't hesitate.
JULIAN
Yeah.
A soft pause.
JULIAN
I'll be right there.
LUCA
Okay.
It's fragile. But it's enough. Julian helps him onto the bed. Luca curls up immediately, like his body gives up the moment it touches safety. Still holding Julian's hoodie. Julian pulls the blanket over him.
JULIAN
I'll be right back.
LUCA
Mm.
Julian steps out. Closes the door quietly. Ethan immediately tries to speak.
ETHAN
So—wait, what—
Riley stops him with a look.
RILEY
Not tonight.
Theo watches Julian closely.
THEO
He's in your room.
Julian meets his eyes. Calm. Tired.
JULIAN
Yeah.
ETHAN
Like… in your bed?
Julian doesn't flinch.
JULIAN
Yeah.
Silence. Then Riley nods slightly, like she's decided something doesn't need dissecting right now.
RILEY
We're going.
ETHAN
We're just leaving?
RILEY
Yes.
ETHAN
But—
THEO
Ethan.
Ethan sighs, finally giving in.
ETHAN
This is weird.
RILEY
Go.
They leave. Door closes again. Julian exhales. Then goes back into his room. Luca is still there. Curled tightly in his bed. Julian climbs in carefully beside him. The mattress shifts. Luca moves instantly, like he was waiting even in sleep. He presses into Julian's side. Julian wraps an arm around him. Luca's breathing steadies. The tension finally drains out of his body.
LUCA
Julian…
Barely conscious.
JULIAN
Yeah?
LUCA
Don't go.
Julian closes his eyes.
JULIAN
I'm right here.
A pause.
JULIAN
I'm not going anywhere.
Luca relaxes completely this time. And for the first time all night— he stops running in his sleep too.