Chapter 2: Shadows of Concern
The following night, the golden glow of the city reflected off the glasses lined up at Leo's usual bar. The place was busy, the low hum of chatter and the clinking of drinks providing a muted backdrop to Leo's solitude. His tie was loosened, his blazer discarded on the back of his chair. The sharp, composed businessman of the day had unraveled into someone entirely different—a man lost in the depths of his own thoughts, drowning his emotions in an endless stream of alcohol.
Leo stared into his drink, the amber liquid swirling as he tilted the glass absently. His mind was a storm. Seeing Kai again had been like a punch to the gut, reopening wounds he'd tried so hard to ignore. The calm, distant demeanor Kai had adopted—as if they were strangers—infuriated him. How dare he pretend nothing had happened?
A soft chuckle escaped Leo's lips, bitter and hollow. He took another swig, the burn of the alcohol doing little to dull the ache in his chest.
From the shadows, Kai watched.
He had been following Leo since the previous night, unable to stay away despite his intentions. Keeping his distance, Kai's dark eyes observed the man he had once held close. There was a weariness in Leo's posture, a vulnerability that tugged at something deep inside him. Seeing Leo like this was harder than Kai had expected.
When Leo ordered another round, the bartender hesitated. "Are you sure, Mr. Leo? You've had quite a bit already."
Leo waved a dismissive hand. "Just pour," he slurred.
The bartender sighed but complied. By now, the regulars had grown accustomed to Leo's drinking habits, though tonight he seemed particularly reckless. As Leo drained yet another glass, his head began to droop, his usually sharp eyes clouded and unfocused.
Kai's jaw tightened. He stepped closer, staying just beyond the bar's dim lighting. He didn't want to approach Leo, but leaving him in this state wasn't an option. When Leo finally slumped forward, barely conscious, Kai made his move.
The bartender looked up as Kai approached. Dressed in a dark hoodie and jeans, he looked almost out of place in the upscale bar.
"He's with me," Kai said, his tone firm yet calm. The bartender hesitated, glancing at Leo before nodding.
Kai gently lifted Leo from his seat, slinging one of Leo's arms over his shoulder. "Let's get you home," he murmured, though he knew Leo was too far gone to respond.
---
Leo's apartment was as pristine as ever, a stark contrast to the disheveled man Kai carried through the door. The soft click of the lock echoed in the quiet space. Carefully, Kai lowered Leo onto the couch, adjusting him so he wouldn't be uncomfortable.
Leo stirred, his eyelids fluttering open briefly. "Kai?" he mumbled, his voice thick with alcohol.
Kai froze, his heart skipping a beat. "You're dreaming, Leo," he said softly.
Leo's lips curled into a faint, drunken smile before he drifted back into unconsciousness.
Kai exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. He looked around the apartment, noting the expensive furniture, the carefully curated decor. It was a reflection of Leo's success, but it felt cold, impersonal. The man who lived here was far from the fiery, passionate Leo Kai had once known.
With a sigh, Kai moved to the kitchen. He found his way around easily, gathering ingredients to make something simple. As he worked, his thoughts wandered.
Why had he come back? Why couldn't he stay away? Every logical part of him knew that being near Leo was dangerous—for both of them. Yet here he was, cooking in Leo's kitchen like nothing had changed. Like they hadn't spent the last five years apart.
Kai finished cooking and carefully packed the food into containers, placing them in the fridge. He left a note on the counter:
"Eat this when you wake up. You'll need it."
For a moment, he stood there, staring at the note. Then he glanced back at Leo, who was still sprawled on the couch, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
Kai's hand tightened into a fist. He wanted to stay, but he couldn't. Not yet.
---
Morning came with the harsh light of the sun streaming through the curtains. Leo groaned, clutching his head as a pounding headache reminded him of the previous night. He sat up slowly, his body protesting the movement.
His gaze fell on the note on the counter. Confused, he stumbled into the kitchen, opening the fridge to find the containers of food neatly stored inside. The sight made his heart skip.
"Kai," he whispered, his fingers brushing over the note.
Memories of the night before were hazy, but he vaguely recalled a familiar presence. Had it really been him? Or was it just a drunken hallucination?
Leo sighed, pressing a hand to his forehead. "Damn it, Kai. Why now?"
---
From a rooftop nearby, Kai watched as the morning unfolded. He'd been there since before dawn, keeping an eye on Leo's apartment. When he saw Leo move past the window, holding the note, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Take care of yourself, Leo,"
he murmured before turning and disappearing into the city's shadows.