The car drove into Ethan's mansion, and Alex couldn't believe how big and beautiful the building was. The house was huge, with lots of windows and lights glowing softly around it. It looked like something from a movie—fancy, quiet, and impressive.Alex leaned forward slightly. "Your house looks great." He said, his voice carrying a mix of awe and restraint.Ethan smiled. "Thanks. Would you like to come in?"Alex hesitated. "I better not."Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Why not?""I should go home and get some rest.""You could rest here."Alex glanced at him, uncertain. Ethan's expression didn't change."I'd really like you to see the place." Ethan continued. Then after a beat. "Or are you scared?"Alex blinked. "Scared of what?"Ethan leaned closer, eyes searching. "Scared I'd do something to you? Or scared you'd do something to me?""I'm not going to do anything." Alex said quickly. "And I'm not scared."Ethan smirked. "Then prove it." He motioned toward the door. "Come in."Alex sighed,
The elevator made a soft ding as the doors slid open. Alex stepped out, holding a small gift bag in one hand. He had just returned from his trip, and the first person he wanted to see was Ethan. Instead of calling, he'd decided to show up and surprise him. He remembered Ethan saying he'd be working late, though he wasn't sure if Ethan would still be around.As he walked down the hallway and saw the office lights still on, a smile crept onto his face.Alex quietly pushed open the door and stepped inside. The room was calm. Ethan was asleep at his desk, his head resting on his arms.Alex walked carefully toward him, trying not to make a sound. When he reached Ethan, he slowly got down on one knee and looked at his sleeping face."How long have you been working?" Alex whispered. "I told you not to push yourself too hard."He stared at Ethan's face—peaceful, soft. His heart thudded as his eyes drifted to Ethan's lips. They were full and pink, slightly parted. The urge to kiss him crept in
At the breakfast table, Mr. George and Mrs. Carol sat quietly, sipping coffee and enjoying their morning. Just then, Lily walked in with a bright smile, she greeted her parents, and took her seat beside them."Guess what?" She said, her voice full of excitement. "Bethany's coming back—she'll be home in two days!"Both parents looked up, intrigued."I'm so happy." Lily continued. "It's been ages since I last saw her. I can't wait.""Hold on." Mrs. Carol furrowed her brow in confusion. "Bethany?" She asked, trying to recall the person, the name sounds familiar but she just can't remember clearly."I understand that it's been so long and that's why you can't remember her anymore. It's Bethany, Alex's childhood best friend, remember now? They were inseparable back then, like two peas in a pod.''Mrs. Carol's eyes widened with realization. "Bethany.... goodness, that girl practically lived in this house."Mr. George chuckled softly. "She and Alex were indeed inseparable back then."Lily no
Ethan lay restless in bed, tossing and turning as frustration built inside him. Sleep was nowhere in sight.He finally sat up with a sigh. "Damn it." He muttered. "Why do I even care where he is or what he's doing? It's not my business. He can be with whoever he wants." His voice was bitter, but it didn't ease the ache.His eyes drifted to his phone on the bedside table. His fingers reached out, then hesitated. "I shouldn't call him." He whispered.But his mind wouldn't let go. Images of Alex being sweet with Caroline stirred something sharp and jealous in his chest. Before he could talk himself out of it, he grabbed the phone and hit call.Alex picked up right away. "Hello? Ethan?"Ethan's heart was pounding. For a moment, he couldn't speak."Ethan? You there?"He swallowed hard. "Yeah... I'm here."Alex's voice softened. "What's wrong? Why are you calling? Do you need something?""Where are you?" Ethan asked quietly.Alex sounded a little confused. "Home. Why?""I thought you were w
Work was over for the day. Ethan stepped into the elevator, ready to leave. As the doors started to close, he noticed Alex walking toward him.For a split second, Ethan hesitated, then reached out and held the door open.Alex stepped in quietly.The elevator doors shut behind them, and the space between them filled with silence. Neither spoke. Ethan thought about saying something, but before he could, his phone rang in his pocket.He pulled it out and checked the screen; Lily.He glanced at Alex briefly, then answered the call. "Hey.'' He said.Alex stood beside him, eyes ahead, saying nothing as the elevator continued its slow descent."It's late, Lily." Ethan said tiredly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I just got off work, and I'm really exhausted."Hearing Lily's name, Alex turned slightly to glance at him. Ethan looked worn out, his posture tense, eyes heavy.On the phone, Ethan sighed. "Fine. Where are you? I'll come over."He hung up a few seconds later.Just then, Alex's pho
Ethan stood outside his office door, staring at it for a moment. He wasn't sure how he'd act when he saw Alex again, but he decided to stay calm. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and walked in.Alex, who was sitting at his desk reading some papers, looked up as the door opened. Their eyes didn't meet.Ethan didn't say a word. He walked to his desk, sat down, and began working like nothing happened. His face gave nothing away.Alex sighed. "I said I'd be there for him... and I wasn't."He picked up a brown paper bag, got up, and walked over to Ethan's desk."Good morning." He said quietly. "How are you?"Ethan didn't look up. "I'm fine."Alex paused. "How's your injury?""It's healing fine. That's why I'm back at work."Alex nodded. "Glad to hear it."He placed the brown bag on Ethan's desk. "I found a new restaurant with great food. Thought you might like it. The last one... well, didn't make it past the trash." He gave a nervous half-smile. "Hopefully this one won't end up th