Adrian went quiet, his grip tightening on his trousers. He wanted to argue, to say she was wrong, but the memory of how he had kissed Matteo's cheek that morning felt like a heavy weight in his chest.
Then he thought, Am I really falling for him?
He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.
No… that's not possible.
"Just listen to your heart, Adrian," Kate said softly, noticing the look on his face. "If he's a good guy, don't fight it. Gender shouldn't be something that holds you back."
"Kate, I told you it's my friend's situation, not mine," Adrian snapped, avoiding her eyes. "And he's straight. He's not ready for… this."
Kate just shrugged and walked back to her easel. "Whatever you say. Just tell your 'friend' not to lose something good just because he's scared of a label."
Adrian stayed there, staring at nothing.
His mind was absent.
What is going on with me?
Is she right?
He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.
