LOGINBy the time he reached the restroom hallway, his heart was already beating harder than it should have. “Alex?” he called lightly as he pushed the door open.No response. The restroom was quieter than the party outside, just the faint hum of the lights and the sound of running water somewhere. Lucas stepped in further, scanning the space. It was empty.His chest tightened. “Alex?” he called again, louder this time. Still nothing. Now the worry wasn’t subtle anymore. It hit fully. Lucas pulled out his phone quickly, dialing Alex’s number. And that’s when something felt off. Not just that Alex wasn’t there.But something wasn't right. Alex’s phone kept buzzing, and buzzing but he wasn’t picking up.Lucas tried calling again. Still nothing. A cold knot twisted in his chest as his thoughts began to spiral. That’s not like him. His heart started pounding harder with each passing second. He shoved the restroom door open and rushed out, scanning the crowd, searching
They both turned at the familiar voice. Jason approached Annie right beside him, both looking exhilarated from the successful show. “You made it!” Annie beamed, pulling Lucas into a quick hug. “Nice to meet you Lucas, what do you think?” “It was incredible,” Lucas said honestly. “You guys killed it.” Jason grinned, then looked at Alex. “And you? Don’t tell me you’re already trying to disappear.” Alex gave a polite smile. “Something like that. We were just heading out.” “Absolutely not,” Annie cut in immediately, eyes narrowing playfully before she turned to Lucas. “Do not let him leave.” Lucas blinked. “Wait, what?”Jason chuckled. “The night’s just getting started. After-party’s where the real fun is.” Alex sighed under his breath. “Another time, Jason.” “Nope,” Annie insisted, looping her arm through Lucas’s. “You’re staying. Both of you.” Lucas glanced between them, then at Alex, caught in the middle.“Alex, come on,” he said gently, nudging Alex’s arm. “
The moment he glanced at the screen, his breath hitched sharply. His heart skipped so violently that it felt like it echoed in his chest. Lucas noticed instantly as their eyes met. Alex lifted a hand slightly, subtle but firm, signing Lucas not to speak as he put it on speaker. Lucas gave a small nod, his body going still, every sense sharpening. Alex answered. “Hello, Mac.” A low chuckle slid through the line, smooth, amused as if watching. “Your voice sounds lighter tonight,” Mac said. “What’s the secret, Alex dear?” Alex leaned back just enough to look composed, though his fingers tightened around the phone. “Well…” he let out a soft chuckle, playing along, “I guess it’s because I’ve been expecting your call.” There was a pause as Alex waited but Mac said nothing. Then Alex pressed, voice casual but edged with intent. “You still haven’t told me why you’re being so mysterious.” “You think I’m mysterious?” Mac asked, almost teasing. “Of course you are,”
The tension in his face is easing just a little. “I know,” he said, his voice low. But then it shifted again, back to something firm and protective. He reached up, lightly brushing his fingers against Lucas’s cheek before letting his hand rest there.“Just, be careful,” Alex said, his gaze locking onto him. “This isn’t something I fully understand yet. And until I do…” His tone hardened slightly. “Don’t trust anyone.” Lucas frowned faintly. “Anyone?” “Yes, anyone,” Alex repeated without hesitation. “People we know, people we don’t, just be alert. If something feels off, even a little, you tell me immediately.” There was no fear in his voice.Just certainty, like a little quiet warning. Whatever this Mac issue was, it could lead to a dangerous situation though he prayed not. Lucas nodded his agreement and hugged him tight. When he pulled away, he said, “Don’t worry much about it, it might just be a prank too, hmm.” “Baby, please be careful, okay.” Lucas smiled, “I
“Okay, give me till this evening, hmm.” Lucas walked towards the closet as he responded, “Whatever you say.” “Please, Lucas, don't do this.” He pulled him into his arms. “It hurts when you act like this. Please give me time. I will tell you everything, okay.” Lucas gazed at him, “Come on, what else do you want me to say? Do I have a choice? I will wait.” Lucas responded grudgingly “Baby I promise, everything will be sorted, hmm.” Lucas nodded, and Alex smiled lightly, leaning in and pecking his cheek. “You know I love you, right?” “Hmm,” Lucas nodded lightly. Alex brushed his lips lightly. “Let me shower.” Under the shower, the water hit his skin, but it did nothing to ease the tension coiling inside him. His mind kept replaying Lucas’s words.“If I’m your Lucas…” Guilt settled deeper. By the time Alex came out, Lucas was ready, waiting but not for him. Just ready to leave for work. He was sitting on the couch in the sitting room, tapping on his phone.
Alex lowered his voice, “Come on, just tell me. Did you tell…” “No,” Lucas responded, cutting him off. “It’s a secret I've carried all my life. I let you in because it's you. So why will I share such a secret? The hospital was involved because it's necessary.” Lucas paused, “Alex what's going on?” Lucas asked, searching his eyes. Alex ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “Has anyone been contacting you? Anything strange? Calls, messages, anything at all?” Lucas’s confusion deepened, slowly mixing with hurt and fear. “No,” he said, quieter this time. “Why all these questions?” Alex didn’t answer immediately.His eyes scanned Lucas’s face, like he was trying to read something hidden beneath the surface. It wasn’t soft anymore. It was protective, guarded, and intense. And it didn’t feel good. Lucas pulled back slightly, creating a small space between them. “Alex,” he said, more firmly now. “What’s going on?” “Nothing,” Alex replied quickly. Lucas let
Ignoring Zenith, he bent, picked up the ladle, dropped it in the sink, and picked up another clean one. Then closed his eyes—just for a heartbeat. He inhaled deeply. Then again and again. It worked like magic. The chaos around him faded, replaced by the memory of a quiet kitchen. The long nights of
Lucas smiled and nodded. “Okay, boss—whatever you say,” he replied casually, his grin easy and unguarded. Alex didn’t answer with words. Instead, he reached for Lucas’s hand and gently pulled him along. They crossed the office, heading toward the other side where the space opened into a stylish
Zenith didn’t stop watching him and Lucas felt it. The weight of those eyes tracking every move he made. But he tried and focused on his prep. He managed and kept his hands steady. Knife moving in clean, precise strokes leaving onions and herbs in perfect cuts. He refused to give Zenith the satisf
All he wanted desperately was to taste Lucas’s lips again. He was already too close, his breath warm against Lucas’s face as he murmured, low and urgent, “My Lucas… I’m craving to taste your lips again.” The words barely left his mouth before reality struck. Just as he leaned in, instinct overro







