Chapter 2

After finishing the hotpot, they headed to a bar known for its strong cocktails, a favorite haunt of theirs where they always sought out the strongest drinks.

They ordered freely, knowing Eryx would foot the bill. Eryx and Revilla engaged in conversation while Braylon seemed lost in thought. Alex nudged him, snapping him out of his reverie.

“Don’t you want to talk to Eryx about your studies? He’ll be upset if he finds out late. You should tell him soon, or who knows how he’ll react,” Alex warned Braylon.

“I don’t know how to bring it up with him. It’s not a simple matter. What if he opposes it? I can’t argue with him, you know that,” Braylon replied, clearly distressed. He was unsure how to approach Eryx, who often didn’t understand Braylon’s perspective.

“What are you guys discussing over there? Plotting something behind our backs?” Eryx asked suspiciously, eyeing Alex and Braylon. They exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.

“That... Braylon wants to tell you something, but he’s struggling to find the right words,” Alex said awkwardly, smiling. Braylon shot Alex a glare.

Eryx stepped closer to Braylon, his heart beating faster.

“What is it you want to talk about?” Eryx leaned in closer to Braylon, who couldn’t meet his gaze and looked away. When Eryx touched Braylon’s hand, Braylon flinched.

“Tell me, Braylon. Why are you so nervous? Is something wrong? Did someone say something? Can I help?” Eryx gently caressed Braylon’s hand, unaware of Braylon's true feelings.

“You know my dream is to achieve something in the forensic department,” Braylon said, trying to speak smoothly to Eryx.

“Yeah, I know. That’s why you chose this major,” Eryx replied.

“I’m preparing for the entrance exam for the master’s degree. If I stay here, I won’t be able to focus on studying properly. So…” Braylon paused, unable to finish his sentence.

So!!

Eryx raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“So, I’m leaving abroad tomorrow evening. I need to go to study there. If I pass the entrance exam, I’ll pursue my master's degree abroad,” Braylon said, avoiding Eryx’s gaze.

“So you won’t come back until you finish your master’s degree,” Eryx stated, looking at Braylon intensely. “Do you even plan to come back?”

Braylon felt guilty as Eryx’s expression darkened.

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner? Why wait until now?” Eryx slammed his glass on the table, causing Braylon to flinch.

“I tried to tell you, but you ignored me. I’ve been trying for a month, but you wouldn’t listen,” Braylon pleaded with his eyes, begging for Eryx’s understanding. Eryx refused to meet his gaze. Braylon grabbed Eryx’s hand, shaking it gently.

“Look at me, Eryx. I didn’t mean to keep this from you. Every time I tried to talk to you about it, you brushed me off. Please don’t be angry with me,” Braylon pleaded, unable to face Eryx’s anger.

Eryx remained silent, taking another cocktail and drinking continuously. Braylon tried to stop him, but Eryx ignored everyone, including Alex and Revilla. He kept drinking until he was completely wasted.

"He's completely wasted," Revilla sighed. "What are we going to do?" Braylon looked at them helplessly.

"You're the only one who can calm him down. We can't even get close to him. So take care of him. We can't stay with you," Alex sighed deeply. They all knew that Braylon was the only one Eryx would listen to. Braylon sighed in resignation.

Together, Alex and Revilla helped Braylon manage Eryx. Braylon didn't know what to do next. He decided to take Eryx to a nearby motel close to the bar they had been at. He booked a room for them, leaving the last available private room for Revilla, and Alex took another separate room.

Braylon had no choice but to stay with Eryx in their shared room. He was anxious about his ability to handle the situation without letting his own emotions get the better of him.

Braylon struggled to carry Eryx into the room, feeling the weight of his intoxicated friend as he tried to open the door. Finally getting inside, Eryx closed the door forcefully, slamming Braylon against it, causing him to cry out in pain.

“Eryx, what the hell, man! That hurt!” Braylon shouted, but his anger dissolved when he saw Eryx's gloomy, emotionless face, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Eryx, are you okay? Why... why are you crying?” Braylon's voice cracked with concern.

“Why do you have to leave the city? Just stay with me, Braylon. I can’t live without you,” Eryx sobbed, his emotions pouring out like a child.

Braylon stood there, stunned. He had never seen Eryx like this before, vulnerable and in tears. He realized how much his departure was affecting Eryx, stirring conflicting emotions within himself.

Braylon couldn't bear to see Eryx in such distress. He gently caressed Eryx's cheeks with love in his eyes, finally revealing his true feelings.

“Eryx, I don't want to have any regrets. You might forget this when you wake up tomorrow, but I need to tell you...” Braylon's heart raced.

“I have feelings for you, Eryx. Not just as a friend, but romantically. It might make you uncomfortable, but I had to say it,” Braylon pressed a soft kiss on Eryx's trembling lips, his own lips trembling with nervousness—it was his first kiss, filled with love.

Eryx responded by nuzzling Braylon's face gently, softly returning the kiss, causing Braylon to blush under his touch.

“So, you love me,” Eryx whispered, their faces close. He gently guided Braylon, deepening the kiss, a rush of emotions surging through them both.

That room filled with the sound of their mingling into one soul. As Braylon's hips started to move on their own, a seductive smirk grew on Eryx's lip.

Even though Eryx was drunk, his words and reactions were as if he wasn't drunk. His words made Braylon quiver in pleasure. The electric sensation when Eryx hit him made him breathless.

His first time with Eryx what he dreamt of now came true but his heart filled with the emptiness of leaving Eryx. He didn't want to get parted with Eryx but if he stayed here anymore, couldn't restrain his feelings.

Silvery tears came out of his eyes unknowingly. It was not because of pain but because of the pleasure that was given by Eryx. He didn't want to end this night. He wanted to stop the time, staying in his love's embrace forever. But it wasn't going to happen as They had to return to reality.

When Braylon spaced out Eryx licked Braylon's tears to get him back to the earth. When his wet and slippery tongue touched Braylon's cheek, he snapped out of his thoughts.