The rain didn't stop for three straight days. And neither did the tension between Pete and Mek.
Pete leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the boy curled up on the sofa. Mek hadn't said a word since last night. Not since Pete lost his cool. Not since he grabbed Mek's wrist and shouted, "Just tell me why you keep pushing me away!"
And Mek... just looked at him like Pete was nothing.
Cold. Silent. Like Pete was a stranger again.
Now, Pete watched as Mek stared blankly out the window, his fingers tracing invisible patterns on the foggy glass.
He looked fragile.
But Pete knew better.
That boy had built walls so high even light struggled to get in. And Pete… damn him, he wanted to be the one to tear them down.
---
"You hungry?" Pete finally asked, his voice quieter this time.
Mek didn't respond. Not a nod. Not a word.
Pete pushed away from the counter and walked over slowly. "You know I'm not gonna stop trying, right?"
Mek still didn't look at him. "Why?"
That one word stopped Pete cold. He blinked. "Why… what?"
Mek turned his head, dark eyes finally meeting Pete's. "Why do you care?"
Pete didn't answer right away. He crouched down in front of Mek, resting his forearms on his knees, voice steady.
"Because you act like you don't need anyone," Pete said. "But I see it, Mek. The way your hands tremble when you think no one's looking. The way your eyes get lost when the world gets quiet."
Mek's jaw clenched. "You don't know anything about me."
"I want to," Pete said, softer now.
Mek looked away.
Silence.
Rain tapping at the window. The low hum of the heater.
And then—Mek's whisper.
"I'm not someone you should get close to."
Pete's heart dropped. But he smiled anyway, just a little. "Too late for that, babe."
Mek stared at him.
And for a split second—just a second—his lips twitched. Almost a smile.
But it was gone just as fast.
He stood up, brushing past Pete. "I need air."
"Mek—"
"Don't follow me."
The door shut.
Pete stayed on the floor, staring at the space Mek left behind.
His heart ached.
He was already in too deep.
And he had no idea if Mek would ever let him in.
But he knew this much—
He wasn't giving up.
Not now.
Not ever.