The next couple of days, Hunter and Aiden met less and less. Between juggling his two jobs and searching for a decent house, Hunter had barely any time left to visit. Aiden noticed, of course, but Hunter kept brushing it off as work pressure.
What Aiden didn't know was that Hunter had been spending every spare moment visiting different properties, scanning online listings, and handling paperwork with Carolyn, who turned out to be an absolute lifesaver. Whenever Hunter found himself stuck in complicated legal terms or confusing contracts, she guided him through every step of the house-buying process.
Hunter kept it a secret and didn't want Aiden to know until it was all ready.
Eventually, the winter vacation came to an end and school started again and students trudged back into routine.
Aiden scanned the crowd impatiently and broke into a grin when he spotted him.
"Hunter!" Aiden waved at him, his cheeks pink from the cold and excitement. Hunter crossed the courtyard toward him with two steaming paper cups in hand.
"You'll freeze your ears off standing out here," Hunter let out, holding out one of the cups. "Hot chocolate."
Aiden took it eagerly. He looked up at him with wide eyes. "I missed you."
Hunter offered a small smile and brushed a thumb over Aiden's cheek, wiping a snowflake away. "Me too, dummy. But I've got a surprise for you."
"Really? What, lemme see it!"
"Not now. After school."
Aiden narrowed his eyes playfully. "Is it food-related?"
"Nope."
"Does it involve making out?"
"Maybe."
Aiden gasped. "That's illegal in school!"
Hunter rolled his eyes. "Then behave until the last bell rings."
Before they could part ways for their respective classes, a voice called out across the hallway.
"Hunter!"
Aiden froze in his tracks hearing that disgusting and creepy voice.
Hunter felt the slight jolt in Aiden's body beside him and turned, confused. "Aiden?"
But Aiden's expression had already changed, his smile faded and his fingers instinctively tightened around the strap of his bag as his heart began to race in fright.
Liam strolled toward them with his usual smug grin plastered on his face. His eyes, however, immediately locked on Aiden and not Hunter. His gaze dragged down slowly and shamelessly, like he was devouring him with his eyes.
Hunter stepped a little in front of Aiden protectively because he suddenly felt like he should even though he knew it was just Liam.
"Morning," Liam said coolly, giving Hunter a nod before turning to Aiden. "You too, Aiden."
Aiden didn't even look at him. His eyes stared straight ahead, lips drawn in a tight line.
Liam licked his lips slowly as he watched him. "You two want to have lunch together today?"
Aiden snapped his head toward him. "No. We're fine."
Liam raised a brow at the sharpness in his voice, he felt amused instead of getting offended.
Aiden continued, practically spitting the words. "I'm sure Hunter packed lunch for me. And I don't like eating with strangers."
Hunter blinked, a bit surprised at Aiden's bluntness, but a small smile tugged at his lips. He knew exactly what Aiden meant. He knew Aiden liked eating alone with him, in quiet and simple moments where no one could interrupt them.
Liam chuckled under his breath. "Wow. So protective."
Aiden glared at him. "No, just territorial."
Hunter's brows furrowed slightly. He opened his mouth to say something when Liam stepped forward and gently tugged on Hunter's arm.
"Hey, I need your help with something real quick. It's about the lab pairing thing. You got a minute?"
Hunter looked between Liam and Aiden. Aiden was staring at Liam now, and if looks could kill, Liam might've spontaneously combusted.
Hunter hesitated looking at Aiden. "Wait, let me send Aiden to class first."
"Oh come on, he can go by himself. You love birds are so dramatic," Liam laughed, rolling his eyes.
Aiden didn't say anything. He just turned and walked off toward his classroom, but Hunter didn't miss the way his shoulders slumped and his steps slowed as he disappeared into the crowd.
Liam smirked and glanced over his shoulder at Aiden's retreating back.
"That one's got a temper, huh?" he whistled.
Hunter didn't reply and followed Liam, but a tight knot was already forming in his chest. Something was off. And he was finally beginning to feel it too.
Aiden stomped down the hallway toward his classroom. His small fists were clenched, eyebrows furrowed in deep frustration.
Stupid Liam…freaking creep. Can't he just leave us alone?
But before he could reach the classroom door, a group of boys stepped in front of him, blocking his path. Aiden was already in a foul mood after Liam pulled Hunter away. He just wanted to get to class, put his head down, and think of ways to kill Liam.
"Excuse me," Aiden said to him.
One of them snorted. "No Hunter today? You finally let your dog off his leash?"
The others laughed cockily. Aiden rolled his eyes and was about to give them a good answer but their next words stopped him.
"Hey, not dog but boyfriend."
Aiden's stomach dropped. His entire body tensed.
Another guy leaned in mockingly. "Aw, you look so scared. So, it's true."
Did Liam tell them? Aiden was listening to them. He was scared shitless.
"You really think you're all that just because you have a boyfriend?"
"Bet you bark just like your dog in bed."
Aiden's fists curled at his sides. "Shut the hell up."
Before things could go further, a sharp voice startled them. "The hell are you doing?"
The bullies turned just as Brian walked into the scene. His cold eyes roamed all over them as he dragged Nick by the hoodie like a misbehaving toddler.
The moment the guys saw Brian, their cocky smirks vanished.
Brian wasn't the kind of guy you messed with. He had a school-wide reputation for his no-bullshit attitude and his willingness to throw hands if needed. And everyone knew it. His reputation spoke for itself. No one in school messed with him if they valued their teeth.
One of the bullies stammered, "N-Nothing, man. Just—just talking."
Brian's eyes landed on him, making him flinch. "Really? Looks like you were harassing my friend."
They all took a step back. "N-Nothing, man—just talking…"
Brian didn't have to shout. He didn't even have to threaten. "Didn't ask for a speech. Get lost."
They scattered like frightened mice.
Nick finally yanked free of his grip and grumbled, "You didn't have to drag me like that…"
But Brian barely heard him. He was too busy rolling his eyes. Because this wasn't even about the bullies. For the past two weeks, Nick had been driving Brian insane.
Ever since that blow-up between him and Aiden happened, Nick had been grumbling around him all the time, annoying him to death.
Brian couldn't count how many times Nick had debated texting him, how many "apology drafts" he'd been forced to read, or how often he heard Nick mutter, "He probably hates me now, well I hate him too," while pretending to be nonchalant.
At first, Brian gave it time. He figured Nick would get over his pride and talk to Aiden himself. But no.
Nick was just as stubborn as Aiden, both loud-mouthed, grudge-holding, and quick-tempered idiots who pretended like feelings were a plague.
Brian had finally had enough. So this morning, when Nick wouldn't shut up about how much he missed hanging out with Aiden, Brian grabbed him by the neck and marched him straight down the hallway like a misbehaving mutt, ignoring every protest and complaint along the way.
He wasn't doing it out of kindness. He just wanted peace and quiet.
Now, standing in front of Aiden, Nick rubbed his neck sheepishly and muttered an apology.
Brian didn't let go until they were right in front of Aiden. Then he shoved Nick forward like a reluctant sacrifice.
Nick stumbled, straightened his hoodie, and muttered, "God, you're such a caveman."
Brian folded his arms. "Say it."
Nick frowned. "Why am I doing this again—?"
Brian shot him a look. Nick groaned. "Fine! I'm doing it, chill."
Nick shifted uncomfortably and turned to a confused Aiden. "So…uh…What I want to say is…Look…I'm sorry, okay? For what I said that. I was being a total dick after that whole fight. I—I shouldn't have talked crap about Hunter either."
Aiden looked at him for a long while before frowning. Nick was rarely ever sincere. Loud, dramatic, and occasionally hilarious, sure. But sincere? That was rare.
The hallway was awkwardly quiet until Aiden finally spoke. "It's okay that you insult me. That's whatever. But then you insult Hunter."
Nick's face fell. He had never seen Aiden this serious before. Has his friend really changed? Where's that shameless and airhead Aiden go?
"Thats–"
"I even regret why I tolerated you insulting Hunter in the past all this time. I should have punched you right then. I'm sorry for being. I'll not forgive you because you don't deserve it."
Aiden walked away without turning his back leaving a stunned and bewildered Nick behind.
Brian sighed, hands in his pockets as he watched Aiden's retreating back.
He wouldn't say it aloud, but those three had always been a strange trio. Ever since kindergarten, when Aiden would cry after being the last kid picked up because his parents were busy, it was always them who waited with him. Nick would sit on the floor and babble nonsense to make him laugh. Brian would sit next to him like a stone wall, daring anyone to tease the crybaby.
But no matter how deep their bond ran. There was a new name etched into Aiden's heart now.
Hunter. The love of his life.
And no matter how long they've known each other, how many memories, laughs, and late-night calls they had.
No one gets to insult Hunter. Not even his childhood friends.
Hunter was his world, his safe place and his heart.
And no matter how long he's known anyone else, no one gets to disrespect the boy who loves him like the universe has no one else in it.
Because childhood friends were his first home but Hunter was the one he wanted to build his future with.
After what felt like the longest, most mind-numbingly boring set of classes, Aiden finally escaped the last lecture and practically skipped his way out of the school. His eyes scanned the crowd and just like always, they landed on Hunter, leaning casually against the wall near the front gate. Aiden's face lit up like a child spotting their favorite candy.
"Hunter!" he squealed and dashed forward, clinging to his arm without hesitation. "You survived the school day! Miracles do happen."
Hunter chuckled, flicking his forehead. "I always do, it's you who always end up crying."
Aiden hissed though he was dying to kiss him but hesitated. They were still at school, after all. He gave Hunter a small pout instead and nudged him with his shoulder. "Okay, so where's my surprise? Tell me. I need to know. I will die if you don't—"
Hunter just smiled, lips twitching as he gestured. "Come on. You'll see."
"That's not an answer!" Aiden whined, dragging his feet but still sticking close. "What if it's a puppy? Or—oh god—is it food?"
"You talk way too much," Hunter muttered under his breath, though he was clearly amused.
They walked for several minutes until they reached a quiet residential street. Hunter slowed to a stop in front of a cream-colored building with potted plants by the gate and a red-brick walkway. Aiden looked around in confusion.
"Huh? What are we doing here? Did you forget your surprise somewhere?"
Hunter stood still for a second. He could feel his heart pounding. His palms were ice cold despite the jacket he wore, and a nervous flutter danced in his stomach. He was excited—no, thrilled—but also terrified. What if Aiden didn't like it? What if it was too much? What if he messed it up?
But despite the swirling chaos inside him, Hunter smiled. Wild and a little breathless. Like a man who had just jumped off a cliff and was praying the wind would catch him.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a red ribbon.
Aiden blinked at it. "Uh—Hunter?"
"Come here." Hunter stepped behind him.
"What are you—" Before he could finish, Hunter gently tied the ribbon around Aiden's eyes like a blindfold.
Aiden gasped. "Hunter! Are you kidnapping me? You can just kidnap me without the blindfold, I won't mind. Though, it's a little kinky. Is it your taste?"
"Aiden, just what goes on in your head?" Hunter sighed helplessly.
Aiden giggled, nerves fizzing under his skin. Hunter just smiled and kissed the top of his head. "Let's go."
He took Aiden's hand and led him forward through the gate and into the parking lot of the building. Every now and then, Aiden would stumble or hesitate, only to giggle at himself and ask another dozen questions.
Hunter didn't answer and just pressed the elevator button and gently tugged him in once the doors slid open. Aiden bounced on his toes, clutching Hunter's arm dramatically like he was being led to his wedding.
They reached the 8th floor, and the doors opened with a soft ding. Hunter guided Aiden down a hallway with beige walls and shiny floors. His nerves returned all at once as they approached a white door. He could feel his heartbeat thudding in his throat. His fingers were trembling as he dug into his pocket for the key.
Aiden tilted his head. "You're being awfully quiet. Are you nervous? You're nervous, aren't you. Oh god, are we having sex? Is that the surprise?"
Hunter laughed despite himself. He steadied his hand and finally inserted the key, the lock clicking with a soft rattle. Aiden turned toward the sound.
"You're seriously gonna kill me with suspense—"
"Just a second," Hunter pushed the door open and stepped inside with Aiden. and turned Aiden to face the entrance. The door clicked shut behind them, and Hunter carefully untied the ribbon from Aiden's eyes.