UNCHARTED PATH のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 41 - チャプター 50

Then he whispered, low and unsteady, “Oh, Lucas… I think I’m losing it over you. What am I going to do about these crazy feelings, hmm?” Lucas barely had time to breathe before Alex leaned in. A lingering kiss brushed his forehead. It was warm and deliberate. Then he slid to his cheek, soft but loaded with meaning. When Alex pulled back, he didn’t move far. He just stared at him, eyes searching, asking without words. Is this okay? Do you want this too? Lucas shuddered. Every nerve in his body snapped to attention, confusion tangling helplessly with desire. His heart pounded so loudly he was sure Alex could hear it. Then—knock, knock. The sound crashed into their bubble, ripping them back to reality.Lucas sprang away as if something just burned him. He rushed off without direction, his feet carrying him nowhere in particular until he stopped in front of one of the ceiling-to-floor windows. He stared out blindly, not seeing the view at all. His face flushed as he pressed a

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 satisfaction of seeing him falter,and that only seemed to irritate Zenith more. “Careful there,” Zenith said loudly, sliding past him and intentionally knocking Lucas’s elbow. The knife nicked the board, missing his fingers by inches. A sharp intake of breath rippled through the nearby staff.Lucas stiffened. “Zenith—” “Relax, boss’s friend” Zenith cut in smoothly, raising both hands in mock innocence. “Kitchen accidents happen all the time.”But his eyes gleamed, calculating the next step. Minutes later, Zenith struck again. “Lucas,” he called out, voice dripping with authority, “Take over the sauce at station three. I want it done now.” Lucas hesitated and started to protest... “B

Lucas’s heart skipped at his words, anxiety set in. He stared around the locker room quickly. Luckily there are still two guys around. He tried to relax as he said, “Listen Zenith, I don't want any problem. I just want…” “Come on, Lucas, relax, it's just a compliment,” he cut in gently and surprisingly lowered his gaze. “ Actually, I owe you an apology,” Zenith said. Lucas blinked, caught off guard.“I crossed a line again,” Zenith continued, his voice steady, measured. “I let personal frustration interfere with work. That shouldn’t have happened.” Lucas studied him carefully, every instinct on guard as he continued to gather his things. “I was unfair to you, I embarrassed you. That wasn’t right so I apologize,” Zenith added gently. Silence stretched between them as Lucas paused, stared at him wondering if that was for real this time. Or would another surprise be coming, after all he had apologized before that day? “Okay,” Lucas said finally, unsure what else to say.

Lucas swallowed hard. “Yes,” he breathed. Alex let out a shaky laugh. “My heart’s going crazy. Is yours racing right now?” “Yes,” Lucas whispered back. “I think it’s going crazy too.” “Really?” Alex sounded almost relieved. “I like it. That’s a good thing, right?” “What? No—no, it’s not,” Lucas blurted, panic spilling out. “It’s not a good thing. This can’t happen. I can’t let it happen.” On the other end, Alex’s heart jolted. “Why?” His voice tightened. “Why is it bad?” Silence stretched between them again, heavy and trembling. “Well… I can’t be…becau…” “Are you in love with Nathan?” Alex forced the question out, gathering every ounce of courage he had. “What?” Lucas gasped, caught completely off guard. “No!” The word came out too loud; he quickly lowered his voice. “No, Alex. I’m not in love with anyone. I can’t fall in love with…” “Who told you that?” Alex asked quickly. “Is it your dad?” “No. It’s me,” Lucas said, voice breaking, confusion flooding

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 overrode desire. With visible effort, he stopped himself. His body protested, his heart pounding hard, but he managed and pulled back as a shaky breath slipped out. “Oh dear, Lucas” he whispered, almost to himself. His gaze dropped at once, and suddenly, he felt shy. So deliberately he avoided Lucas’s eyes as if looking into them would undo all the restraint he had fought so hard to summon. Struggling, he muttered under his breath, “Hey man, control yourself. Don’t scare him away. Find out why he was holding back last night.” Alex cautioned himself. His face remained down because he knew staring up into Lucas’s eyes in his current emotion would be a problem. His eyes always got him enchan