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Lucien Lunaris sauntered through the bustling corridors of Avallum University, his charm radiating like a beacon. He had a reputation to uphold, after all. With a winning smile and a wink for every passing acquaintance, he navigated through the sea of students with ease. His eyes scanned the crowd, searching for his next conquest, but today, something different tugged at his attention.
There, across the courtyard, stood a boy, surrounded by an aura of quiet confidence. His long, white hair was up in a long ponytail that swayed gently in the breeze, a stark contrast to the sea of mundane styles. Lucien couldn’t help but be drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
“Zander, check out the guy with the long hair over there.” Lucien murmured to his best friend, who walked besides him, eyes fixed on his phone screen.
Zander glanced up, his eyes widening as he took in the boy`s striking appearance. “Isn’t that Cassian, I think he’s a biology major. Damn, he is like someone straight out of a fantasy novel.”
Lucien grinned. Cassian huh? “Exactly. And I’m going to be the prince charming in that novel.” He could see Zander physically cringe but ignored his best friend.
Readjusting his bag and with a confident stride, he slowly approached the studying biology major, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he neared, he noticed Gale, Cassian’s best friend, shooting him a wary glance.
“Hey there.” Lucien greeted the long-haired boy with a suave grin, leaning casually against the bench Cassian and Gale were sitting on. “You must be Cassian. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.” Cassian raised an eyebrow, his expression guarded. “And who might you be?”
The black-haired boy chuckled, unfazed by Cassian’s cool demeanour. “Just a humble admirer who couldn’t resist introducing himself. Lucien is the name.”
Gale shot his best friend a knowing look, while Zander supressed a snicker beside Lucien. Cassian sighed, running a through his long hair. “Can I help you?” Lucien’s grin widened, still undeterred by Cassian’s apparent annoyance. “Just came over to tell you how pretty you look today.” Grin still in place until Cassian stood up from the bench, his rejection hanging in the air like an unwelcome fog.
Gale shot Lucien an apologetic glance before following his friend, who had started to walk away, leaving Lucien standing there, stunned by what just happened.
Zander couldn’t contain his laughter, doubling over with amusement at the other boy’s expense. “Well, that didn’t go as planned, did it?”
Lucien’s usual charm faltered; his confidence shaken by Cassian’s cold dismissal. He blinked in disbelief, unable to comprehend how his usual tactics had failed him. “I don’t understand.” He muttered, more to himself than to his best friend, still laughing next to him. “He didn’t even give me a chance.”
The blonde clapped a reassuring hand on Lucien’s shoulder, still chuckling softly. “Guess he isn’t falling for your usual charm. Maybe he is not as easily swayed as your usual flings.”
His mind raced as they walked to their next lecture, his thoughts consumed by Cassian, who just oh so casually rejected him. Lucien couldn’t shake off that feeling of rejection, a rare sensation for someone accustomed to effortlessly winning over hearts. Lost in his thoughts the black-haired man barely registered the lecture that followed. For the first time in a while, he found himself unable to focus on anything other than the puzzle that was the beautiful biology major.
As the lecture ended and the students began to filter out of the lecture hall, Lucien remained lost in his thought, his usual charm replaced by a newfound sense of determination. If Cassian wasn’t going to fall for his charms easily, then he would just try harder. After all he never backed down from a challenge.
Two days later, Lucien found himself once again drawn to Cassian, determined to break through the barrier that seemed to separate them. Ignoring Zander’s earlier advice, he attempted to flirt with a different approach, but Cassian remained unmoving.
On Monday, Cassian almost threw a drink at Lucien. On Wednesday he tried again but didn’t even get close to Cassian before the man left the place, leaving Lucien there, defeated.
Each rejection from the pretty long-haired man cut deeper than the last, yet Lucien refused to give up hope entirely. He tried to catch Cassian’s attention in various settings and situations, but no matter what he did, Cassian remained resolutely out of reach.
After another failed attempt, Lucien sought solace in Zander’s company, sharing his frustration with his ever-supportive best friend. But even the blonde couldn’t offer a solution to the seemingly hopeless challenge that was Cassian.
“He is just not interested, Lucien. I think it’s time for you to accept this. It is getting embarrassing.” Zander sighed, shaking his head in resignation. “But he’s so captivating.” Lucien murmured, his gaze distant as he recalled his previous tries and Cassian’s mesmerizing long white hair and his piercing eyes. “He looks just like a dream!”
In the end, however, Lucien knew when to concede defeat. Wit a heavy heart, he made the difficult decision to let go of the pursue, acknowledging that some things just simply were not meant to be.
With finals looming, Lucien reluctantly shifted his focus from his failed pursuit of Cassian to his studies. Despite his best efforts to push thoughts of the pretty long-haired man to the back of his mind, the memory of their encounters continued to linger, a constant distraction as he buried himself in textbooks and notes.
One evening as Lucien and Zander studied together in the comfort of the blonde’s apartment, Lucien found himself slumped over his best friend’s desk, exhaustion weighing heavily on his shoulders. With a sigh, he sat up, rubbing his eyes tiredly.
“I need a break.” Lucien declared, glancing at Zander. “I’ll go grab us some soda and snacks from the convenience store down below. You good with that?” His best friend nodded absentmindedly, his attention already drifting back to his textbooks. “Yeah, sounds good. Thanks.”
Lucien grabbed his phone and his card before slipping on his shoes and heading out of Zanders apartment. The convenience store was just beneath the apartment building, a familiar stop for late-night study snacks.
As he browsed through the aisles, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of exams and upcoming deadlines, Lucien’s gaze landed on a familiar sight: a head of long, white hair, dressed in a fluffy hoodie, standing in the instant ramen aisle, seemingly lost in thought.
Heart pounding, Lucien hesitated for a moment before mustering up the courage to approach. “Cassian?” He called out tentatively, uncertain of how the other would react. Cassian turned, his expression a mixture of surprise and wariness as he locked eyes with Lucien. “Lucien.” He replied, his tone guarded yet not entirely unfriendly.
The black-haired man couldn’t help but feel a surge of nervous energy coursing through him as he stood face to face with Cassian once again. Despite the tension lingering between them, there was an undeniable magnetism drawing them together, like two opposing forces irresistibly drawn into each other’s orbit.
“Hey.” Lucien started, his voice slightly shaky. “I, uh, didn’t expect to see you here.” Cassian’s gaze softened slightly, a hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Likewise.” He admitted, his tone less guarded than before. As they stood there, tension hung in the air, both hesitant to break the fragile peace that had settled between them.
With an awkward laugh Lucien eased the tension slightly as he broke the silence. “You looked lost in thought there. What were you thinking about.” The other man glanced at the array of instant ramen packets before him, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I can’t decide which one I want to buy.” He admitted, a hint of frustration lacing his voice.
Lucien grinned, eager to offer his expertise. "Well, let me help you with that. I have a few favorites." he said, launching into a passionate discussion about his preferred ramen flavors.
As they continued to chat, the tension between them gradually dissipated, replaced by a comfortable familiarity that felt surprisingly natural. They talked about finals, their shared struggles and triumphs, as Lucien picked out snacks and sodas for himself and Zander.
Finally, they made their way towards the cashier, the conversation flowing effortlessly between them. But as they paid for their purchases and stepped outside the store, the impending reality of their parting weighed heavily on them both.
Cassian smiled, a glimmer of sadness in his eyes as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small pack of strawberry chocolates. "Here." he said, offering the sweets to Lucien. "These are for you. Don't share them with Zander."
Surprised and touched by the gesture, Lucien accepted the chocolates, thanking the long-haired man with a genuine smile. As they exchanged a final farewell, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more lingering between them.
As Lucien stood in the elevator, making his way back up to Zander's apartment, he absentmindedly examined the pack of chocolates. And then, to his astonishment, he noticed something written on the back — Cassian's phone number, accompanied by a small "text me" message.
His heart leaped with joy as he read the words, a rush of excitement coursing through him. He couldn't believe his luck, feeling as though he had stumbled upon a hidden treasure. This unexpected gesture from the other filled him with hope and anticipation for what lay ahead.
As the elevator ascended, Lucien's mind raced with possibilities, his thoughts consumed by the prospect of reaching out to Cassian.
Lucien practically floated back to Zander's apartment, his mind buzzing with excitement. The small pack of strawberry chocolates felt like a precious treasure in his hands, each sweet bite a reminder of the unexpected meeting with Cassian.
Entering the apartment, he found his best friend still buried in his textbooks, the faint glow of his laptop casting shadows across the room. With a grin, the red-eyed boy waved the pack of chocolates triumphantly in the air.
"Guess what, Zander?" Lucien exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. "I met Cassian at the store and if you believe me or not, he gave me these chocolates and look what's written on the back!"
Zander glanced up, his curiosity piqued as he took in Lucien's infectious enthusiasm. "What's written there?"
Eagerly flipping over the pack, he revealed Cassian's phone number with the small message beneath it. "Isn't this amazing?" Lucien gushed, his smile widening with each passing moment. "I think Cassian wants to get to know me better! Did I finally succeed?"
Zander grinned, a knowing glint in his eyes as he watched his friend's elation. "Looks like you've made quite an impression on him, huh?"
With a sense of determination burning bright within him, Lucien made a silent vow to seize this opportunity with both hands. Cassian may have been a challenge, but Lucien was more than ready to rise to the occasion.
Settling onto the couch, Lucien pulled out his phone, entering the pretty man’s number, his fingers hovering over the screen as he contemplated what to say. After a moment's hesitation, he typed out a simple message.
"Hey Cassian, it's Lucien from the convenience store. Thanks again for the chocolates. Want to grab coffee sometime as a form of thank you?"
Sending the message, he held his breath, waiting anxiously for a response. The seconds ticked by slowly, each moment filled with anticipation as he awaited a reply.
Finally, a notification popped up on his screen, and Lucien's heart skipped a beat as he read the long-haired man’s response.
"Hey Lucien, I'd love to. How about tomorrow afternoon?" A grin spread across Lucien's face as he typed out his reply, excitement coursing through his veins.
__
The next day Lucien arrived at the coffee shop a bit earlier than their agreed-upon meeting time, the anticipation of seeing Cassian bubbling within him. He smoothed down his turtleneck and adjusted the collar of his leather jacket, grateful for Zander's fashion advice earlier. With a confident stride, he entered the café, his heart fluttering with excitement.
And there, seated at a corner table, was Cassian, his long white hair cascading over his shoulders in soft waves. For once, he didn't have his hair tied back, and the sight took Lucien's breath away. He couldn't help but smile as he approached, his eyes fixed on Cassian's captivating presence.
"Hey." Lucien greeted warmly, a mixture of nerves and excitement dancing in his eyes as he slid into the chair opposite Cassian. "Hey." Cassian replied, his voice soft yet filled with warmth as he returned Lucien's smile. “I got these for you.” The black-haired boy explained as he held out a bouquet towards the other man who took it gracefully, thanking him.
They exchanged brief pleasantries before turning their attention to the menu, placing their orders for coffee and a slice of cake each. As they waited for their drinks to arrive, they fell into an easy conversation, discussing everything from their recent exams to their favorite chocolate flavors.
"I have to admit," Lucien confessed with a chuckle, "ever since you gave me those strawberry chocolates, they've become my favorite." Cassian's lips curved into a smile, a spark of amusement lighting up his eyes. "I'm glad you liked them. It's always nice to share something you enjoy with someone else."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they sipped on their coffee and indulged in the cake before them. They talked about their respective majors, their favorite books and movies, and their plans for the future. With each passing moment, Lucien found himself drawn deeper into the mesmerizing world of Cassian, captivated by his intelligence, wit, and genuine warmth.
As they neared the end of their meal, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected connection he had forged with Cassian. Despite their initial encounters being filled with tension, they had managed to find common ground, building a friendship that felt like the beginning of something truly special.
As they approached the counter to pay, Lucien reached for his wallet without a second thought, eager to cover the bill. However, before he could even pull out his card, Cassian's hand shot out, stopping his movement.
"No, let me." The other insisted, a hint of stubbornness in his voice as he reached for his own wallet.
Lucien felt a surge of gratitude mixed with a touch of indignation. He had intended to pay as a gesture of gratitude for the delightful company, but Cassian's insistence threatened to derail his plans. However, before the situation could escalate into a full-blown argument, he relented, allowing the long-haired man to take care of the bill.
As they stepped out of the café, they stopped near a corner where their paths would part. Cassian turned to Lucien, gratitude shining in his eyes.
"Thank you for today." Cassian said sincerely. "I really enjoyed myself today. We should do this again sometime."
Lucien's heart skipped a beat at the genuine warmth in his voice. "I had a great time too." he replied, his own emotions swirling beneath the surface. "Definitely. Let's do it again."
With a final exchange of goodbyes, they parted ways, each heading in opposite directions. Lucien walked home with a spring in his step, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the day's events.
But as he entered his apartment and settled onto the couch, a wave of realization washed over him. It wasn't just a fleeting infatuation or a desire to win Cassian's affection like with his past flings. No, this was something deeper, something he hadn't experienced before.
He had fallen for Cassian.
The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, sending shockwaves through his entire being. He had spent so much time chasing after the other, trying to win him over with his charm and charisma, but now he understood that his feelings ran much deeper than he had ever imagined.
Without hesitation, Lucien reached for his phone, dialling Zander's number with trembling fingers. As soon as his friend answered, he blurted out the revelation, his voice trembling with emotion.
"Zander, I think... I think I'm in love with Cassian."
Zander listened intently as Lucien poured out his heart, the weight of his confession hanging heavy in the air. There was a brief moment of silence as Zander processed his best friend’s words, his mind whirring with thoughts and emotions.
"Luci." Zander finally spoke, his voice gentle yet filled with concern. "Are you sure about this? Falling for someone is a big deal, especially considering how you've been with him."
Lucien nodded, even though Zander couldn't see him. "I know, Zander. But this feels different. It's not just about the thrill of the chase anymore. I genuinely care about Cassian, and I want to be with him."
Zander sighed, a mixture of worry and understanding evident in his voice. "Okay, I trust you. But just be careful, alright? Love can be a complicated thing, and you don't want to end up getting hurt."
"I will, Zander." Lucien replied earnestly. "Thanks for being here for me, man. I really appreciate it." "Anytime, Luci." Zander said softly. "Just remember that I've got your back, no matter what."
With a sense of gratitude and determination coursing through him, Lucien hung up the phone, his mind buzzing with thoughts of Cassian. He knew that pursuing a relationship with him wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to take the risk for a chance at true happiness.
As he lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, he couldn't shake the feeling of excitement and anticipation that filled him and as he drifted off to sleep, a smile tugged at the corners of Lucien's lips.
As the semester break rolled around, Lucien found himself fully immersed in the whirlwind of emotions that came with exploring a new relationship. He and Cassian had been on several dates, each one filled with laughter, shared moments, and a growing sense of affection between them. He couldn't help but feel hopeful that perhaps the white-haired man felt the same way about him.
One afternoon, as Lucien and Zander ventured out to grab some food at their favorite corner restaurant, Lucien's heart skipped a beat when he spotted Cassian across the street. His initial instinct was to approach him, to greet him with a warm smile and maybe even invite him to join them.
But as he drew closer, his heart sank like a stone when he saw him sitting at a table with another man, their laughter echoing across the street as they shared food and exchanged playful banter.
A surge of jealousy and hurt washed over him, a bitter taste filling his mouth as he watched them together. Suddenly, he no longer felt hungry, the thought of sharing a meal with Zander feeling like an impossible task as his emotions threatened to overwhelm him.
Without a word, Lucien turned on his heel and walked away, his footsteps heavy with disappointment and heartache. Zander, sensing his friend's distress, followed silently, his own thoughts swirling with concern.
It wasn't until they were far from the restaurant, the sounds of the bustling street fading into the distance, that Lucien finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "I thought... I thought maybe he liked me too." Lucien confessed, his voice thick with emotion. "But I guess I was wrong."
Zander placed a comforting hand on his best friend’s shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile. "I'm sorry, Luci. I know this isn't easy, but you'll get through this. And you deserve someone who sees your worth and appreciates you for who you are."
With a heavy heart, Lucien nodded, grateful for Zander's unwavering support. As they continued their way, Lucien couldn't help but wonder if perhaps this heartache was a blessing in disguise, a reminder in some way as to why he never let anyone close to him.
__
Cassian sighed heavily as he glanced down at his phone once again, the screen glaring back at him devoid of any new messages or replies from Lucien. It had been several days since their last interaction, and the silence between them weighed heavily on Cassian's mind.
He knew Lucien was fine, having caught glimpses of him with Zander at the library. But despite his outward appearance of calm, Cassian couldn't shake the gnawing sense of unease that had settled in the pit of his stomach.
Pushing aside his books with a frustrated sigh, he found himself unable to focus on his studies. Across the table, Gale watched him with concern, sensing his friend's inner turmoil.
"What's wrong, Cass?" Gale asked gently, his brow furrowed with worry, as he slightly pushed away his open laptop.
Cassian hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain the thoughts and emotions that plagued him. But with a heavy heart, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with frustration and confusion.
"It's Lucien." Cassian admitted, his words weighed down by the weight of his uncertainty. "He's been ignoring me, and I don't know what I did wrong."
Gale's expression softened with sympathy as he listened to Cassian's dilemma. He had seen firsthand the connection between Cassian and Lucien, and the sudden silence from Lucien was as puzzling to him as it was to Cassian.
"I'm sorry, Cass." Gale said, his voice filled with genuine concern. "I'm sure there's a reason for his silence. Maybe you should try reaching out to him and talking things through."
Cassian nodded, grateful for his support and advice. Deep down, he hoped that there was a simple explanation for Lucien's behavior, a misunderstanding that could be resolved with an honest conversation.
But as he stared at his phone, the silence between them stretching on, he couldn't help but wonder if perhaps there was more to Lucien's silence than met the eye. “Let’s try to focus on work for now.” Gale disrupted his thoughts, as they both went back to their papers.
Despite Cassian's best efforts to reach out to Lucien and mend the rift between them, his attempts were met with continued silence. Each unanswered message and ignored call only served to deepen Cassian's sense of despair, leaving him feeling adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
As days turned into weeks, he found himself consumed by thoughts of the black-haired man, his heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions. The silence between them gnawed at his soul, leaving him feeling hollow and incomplete.
Gale watched his friend's downward spiral with growing concern, the worry etched into his features as he witnessed Cassian's struggle firsthand. Determined to help his friend break free from the suffocating grip of despair, Gale took it upon himself to intervene.
"Come on, Cass." Gale urged one evening, his voice filled with determination. "You need to get out of your head. Let's go grab a drink, clear your mind for a bit."
Cassian hesitated, the weight of his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. But the pleading looks in Gale's eyes spurred him into action, and with a resigned sigh, he nodded his agreement.
Together, they ventured out into the bustling streets, the city lights casting a soft glow over the familiar surroundings. With each step, Cassian felt the tight grip of anxiety and heartache begin to loosen, replaced by a fleeting sense of relief.
As they entered a nearby bar, he allowed himself to be swept up in the energy of the crowd, the lively atmosphere serving as a temporary distraction from his troubles. He laughed and joked with Gale, the weight of his worries momentarily lifted from his shoulders.
But even amidst the laughter and companionship, Cassian couldn't shake the lingering ache in his heart, the absence of Lucien's presence a constant reminder of the emptiness he felt inside. No amount of distraction could erase the longing he felt for the one person who had managed to capture his heart.
As the night wore on and the bar began to empty out, Cassian found himself lost in thought once again, the memory of Lucien's smile haunting his every waking moment. And as he bid farewell to Gale and made his way home, he couldn't help but wonder if there would ever be a way to bridge the chasm that had formed between them, or if their silence would continue forever.
As Cassian stumbled through the dimly lit streets, his mind clouded with alcohol-induced haze, he couldn't shake the gnawing sense of despair that had taken root in his heart. As he looked ahead, he could see a group of girls and a man in the distance. They seemed to have fun. ”Hey be careful please.” The guy said. The voice stopping Cassian immediately. He knew that voice, had heard it flirt with him often enough. There was no way he would confuse Lucien’s voice with someone else’s. The sight of Lucien with another girl only served to intensify the storm of emotions raging within him, fueling the flames of jealousy and resentment that burned deep within his chest.
In his drunken stupor, Cassian's rationality gave way to irrationality, his thoughts consumed by a toxic mixture of anger and hurt. With each step closer to Lucien, his resolve hardened, his need for answers covering everything else.
And so, fuelled by liquid courage and wounded pride, Cassian stormed up to Lucien and the girl, his words dripping with accusation and fury.
"What the fuck is this, Lucien? Can’t even reply to one damn massage but go out and party? What did I expect." Cassian spat, his voice laced with venom as he confronted the bewildered figure before him.
Lucien's eyes widened in shock and confusion, his brow furrowing as he struggled to comprehend the sudden onslaught of aggression directed towards him. Was this really Cassian standing before him, the same Cassian he had grown to care for despite the distance that had grown between them?
Before Lucien could respond, the girl's friends intervened, sensing the explosive nature of the situation unfolding before them. With gentle but firm hands, they ushered their friend away, leaving Lucien and Cassian alone in the aftermath of their confrontation.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the sound of Cassian's laboured breathing and the distant hum of the city streets. And then, with a heavy sigh, Lucien spoke, his voice tinged with hurt and confusion.
"What's going on, Cassian?" Lucien asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he struggled to make sense of the chaos unfolding around them. "I thought... I thought you had someone else."
But as the words left his lips, Lucien couldn't help but feel a pang of regret, a sinking realization dawning upon him. Perhaps he had been wrong all along, perhaps Cassian's heartache mirrored his own, a reflection of the silent longing that had lingered between them for far too long.
As Cassian's anger simmered, fuelled by alcohol and raw emotion, he lashed out at Lucien, his words sharp and accusatory. "Don't play dumb, Lucien. I saw you with her, in case you didn’t realize. Are you trying to make a fool out of me?"
Lucien recoiled at the venom in Cassian's tone, his heart sinking as he struggled to find the right words to explain himself. But before he could respond, a flicker of clarity pierced through Cassian's drunken haze, and realization dawned on him.
“I'm sorry." Cassian muttered, his voice softer now, tinged with regret. "I shouldn't have reacted like that. I just... I thought..."
Lucien sighed, his heart heavy with empathy for the other’s turmoil but also confused. "It's okay, Cassian. Let's talk about this when you're not drunk." he suggested, hoping to diffuse the tension that hung thick in the air.
Cassian nodded, his shoulders slumping in defeat as the weight of his actions settled upon him. "Yeah, okay." he mumbled, his voice barely audible over the sound of the city.
With a resigned sigh, Lucien stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Cassian in a gesture of comfort and reassurance. "Come on." he said gently, his voice a soothing balm against the tumult of emotions. "Let me take you home."
The long-haired man hesitated for a moment, his pride opposing with his need for comfort. But in the end, he relented, allowing himself to be guided by Lucien's steady presence as they made their way through the deserted streets.
As they walked, the tension between them began to dissipate, replaced by a shared understanding and a glimmer of hope for reconciliation. And though the road ahead remained uncertain, Lucien knew that together, they would find their way back to each other, one step at a time.
As they arrived at Cassian's apartment, Lucien gently asked for the key. Once he found it and opened the door, he wasted no time in guiding the drunk man to bed, tucking him in and ensuring he had everything he needed for the morning.
"I'll be back in the morning to talk." Lucien assured Cassian softly, his hand lingering on the other’s for a moment before he reluctantly withdrew.
But Cassian didn't want Lucien to leave. He tightened his grip on his hand, his eyes pleading. "Please, stay." he whispered, his voice filled with vulnerability.
Lucien hesitated, torn between the desire to comfort Cassian and the need to give him space. "I... I can't." he replied gently, his heart aching at the sight of Cassian's wounded expression. "But I promise I'll be back first thing in the morning. Just text me."
With a heavy heart, Lucien finally pulled away, leaving Cassian alone in the dimly lit apartment. The sound of the front door closing echoed in the silence, leaving Cassian to wrestle with his thoughts and emotions in the solitude of the night. And as sleep claimed him, his dreams were haunted by the memory of the black-haired man’s touch.
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As Cassian woke up, the memory of his outburst from the night before flooded back, washing over him with a wave of embarrassment. He cringed at the recollection of his drunken behavior, his cheeks flushing with shame.
Still muddled by confusion and unanswered questions, Cassian slowly sat up, reaching for the glass of water on the bedside table. The cool liquid offered a momentary distraction from the haze of his thoughts as he tried to make sense of the events that had transpired.
With a deep breath to steady himself, Cassian grabbed his phone and quickly typed out a message to Gale, briefly explaining the situation from the previous night. He hoped his friend would offer some insight or advice to help him navigate the murky waters of his relationship with Lucien.
Next, Cassian turned his attention to Lucien, sending a text to let him know that he was awake. Almost immediately, a reply came through from the other, promising to come over with breakfast so they could talk.
Relief washed over the white-haired man as he read the message, grateful for the opportunity to clear the air and hopefully mend the rift between them. With a newfound sense of determination, Cassian set his phone aside and began to prepare himself for the conversation that lay ahead.
He took a quick shower, the warm water helping to clear his mind and soothe his nerves. After drying off and getting dressed, he paced around his apartment anxiously.
When the doorbell finally rang, Cassian's heart leaped into his throat. He hesitated for a moment before gathering his courage and making his way to the door. With trembling hands, he unlocked it and swung it open to reveal Lucien standing on the other side, two bags in his hand.
"Hey." Cassian greeted, his voice a little shaky as he met Lucien's gaze. There was a hint of awkwardness lingering between them, but he pushed it aside and stepped aside to let the other in.
"Hi." the short-haired man replied with a soft smile, his eyes warm and comforting as he crossed the threshold into Cassian's apartment. He followed Cassian to the living room, where they settled onto the couch, the air tinged with tension.
Cassian's heart fluttered with a mix of emotions as Lucien handed him a takeout bag from a café. Inside wasCassian's favorite order, just as he remembered it from their first date. It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes about Lucien's thoughtfulness and care.
"Thank you." Cassian murmured gratefully, a flicker of warmth spreading through him as he accepted the bag. He couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope as he realized that maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for them to work things out.
As they settled on the couch, the tension between them was deep, both of them hesitant to propose the subject that hung heavy in the air. Finally, with a deep breath, Lucien broke the silence.
"I owe you an explanation." he began, his voice tinged with remorse. "I saw you with another man the other day, and... I jumped to conclusions."
Cassian's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Another man?" he echoed, his mind racing to recall the encounter Lucien was referring to. And then it hit him. "Oh, you mean my cousin! He's visiting from overseas. I didn't realize you saw us together."
Lucien's eyes widened in surprise, realization dawning on him. "Your cousin?" he repeated, his tone laced with disbelief. "I... I didn't know. I just assumed..."
Cassian shook his head, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You assumed I was with someone else." he finished for Lucien, his voice tinged with understanding. "I get it. And I was jealous when I saw you with that girl on my way home from the bar. I thought... I thought maybe you were just playing me, like I feared when we first met."
Lucien's expression softened, guilt evident in his eyes. "I should have asked for an explanation before jumping to conclusions but to reassure you, I haven’t been with anyone since we started going on dates. The girl was a friend of mine I met on my way home. She was out with her friends and too drunk, so I walked with them for a while." he admitted, his voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Cassian. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Cassian nodded, accepting the apology with a small smile. "Apology accepted." he replied softly, his heart feeling lighter now that they had cleared the air. "But I owe you an apology too. I shouldn't have lashed out at you the way I did. I let my jealousy get the best of me."
There was a brief pause as their words hung in the air, the weight of their shared emotions slowly lifting. The silence stretched between them until Cassian spoke up again, his voice hesitant but firm. "There's one more thing I need to confess." he admitted, his eyes locked on Lucien's.
Lucien's brow furrowed in confusion. "What is it?" he asked, unable to fathom what else Cassian could possibly have to confess.
Cassian took a deep breath, gathering his courage as he prepared to lay bare his feelings. "I was scared at first," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I thought you were just playing with my feelings, so I ignored your flirting. But over time, I realized... I fell for you, Lucien. I really like you."
The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of Cassian's vulnerability. He felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment, unable to believe he had just admitted what was hidden deep inside his heart so openly.
For a moment, Lucien was speechless, his mind struggling to process the confession that had just been laid before him. He blinked in disbelief, his heart racing as the realization washed over him.
"You... you like me?" he stammered, his voice filled with disbelief. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, couldn't fathom that Cassian, the one who had captured his heart from the start, felt the same way about him.
Cassian nodded, his gaze never leaving Lucien's. "Yeah," he admitted shyly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I do."
A moment of silence passed between them, the air charged with anticipation as they both grappled with the enormity of what had just been revealed. And then, without warning, Lucien surged forward, his lips meeting Cassian's in a tender, passionate kiss.
As they melted into each other's embrace, the world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of their love to fill the space between them. And in that moment, as their hearts beat as one, Cassian and Lucien knew that they had found something truly special.
As they finally broke the kiss, a shy smile played at the corners of both their lips. They gazed at each other, their eyes filled with a mixture of astonishment and adoration, as if they were seeing each other for the first time.
Cassian's heart raced in his chest, his cheeks flushed with a warmth that had nothing to do with embarrassment. He couldn't believe that he had finally confessed his feelings to the other, and even more so, that Lucien had reciprocated them.
Lucien's gaze softened as he reached out to gently cup Cassian's cheek, his touch tender and reassuring. "I can't believe it." he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've wanted to tell you how I feel for so long. My flirting finally worked, huh?” He joked earning a punch on his arm.
A soft chuckle escaped Cassian's lips as he leaned into Lucien's touch, revelling in the warmth of their newfound closeness. "Me too." he admitted, his voice tinged with wonder. "I never thought... I never thought you'd feel the same way."
Their eyes met in a silent exchange of understanding and with a contented sigh, Cassian leaned in to press a gentle kiss to Lucien's lips, savouring the sweet taste of their newfound love.
—
EXTRA
As Cassian, Lucien, Gale, Zander, and Rosco sat around the table, laughter filled the air, mingling with the warmth of friendship and love. It had been a year since Cassian and Lucien had officially started dating, and their bond had only grown stronger with time.
Rosco, the newest addition to their friend group, listened with rapt attention as Cassian and Lucien recounted the story of how they had met and fallen in love. His eyes widened in amazement as they recounted the twists and turns of their journey, from their initial flirtations to their eventual confession of love.
"I can't believe it." Rosco exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "It sounds like something out of a movie!"
Cassian chuckled, his arm wrapped around Lucien's waist as he leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek. "Believe it or not, it's all true." he replied, his gaze softening as he looked at Lucien.
Lucien smiled, his heart swelling with love for the man sitting beside him. "It hasn't always been easy," he admitted, his voice tinged with emotion. "But being with Cassian has been the best thing that's ever happened to me."
Gale and Zander exchanged a knowing glance, their hearts filled with happiness for their friends. They had watched Cassian and Lucien's relationship blossom from the very beginning, and seeing them now, so happy and in love, filled them with joy.
As the evening wore on, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, filled with laughter and shared memories. Cassian and Lucien stole glances at each other across the table, their love shining brightly in their eyes.
And as they sat there, surrounded by the warmth of friendship and the glow of love, Cassian, Lucien, Gale, Zander, and Rosco knew that they were truly blessed to have each other – a tight-knit family bound together by the unbreakable bonds of love and friendship. And as they raised their glasses in a toast to the years ahead, they knew that their love story was just beginning.