The world had seen their photo.
The interview. The viral clip.
Two boys holding hands, unfazed, kissing like they had nothing to prove.
Some screamed.
Some cheered.
Some clicked "unfollow."
Others whispered "finally."
But everyone was watching.
—
Pete and Mek sat in the back of a quiet art gallery.
It was Mek's night.
His first exhibition.
His soul on canvas.
Naked. Raw. Him.
Photos of their hands, interlaced.
Sketches of Pete's sleepy smile.
A painting of a broken heart stitched with golden threads.
A sculpture—two silhouettes leaning into each other, afraid, but not letting go.
Mek stood by it when a woman approached. Older. Dignified. Designer glasses.
"Is that piece… about him?" she asked, nodding toward Pete.
Mek nodded. "Yes."
She stared at the sculpture.
Then at him.
Then back again.
"…I didn't think I'd understand this kind of love," she said softly. "But maybe I just never saw it."
Mek blinked.
She smiled.
"It's beautiful. The way you love him."
Mek whispered, "Thank you."
---
Outside, another headline rolled in.
> "Tansiri Empire Rebuilds—Now With a Queer Icon at Its Helm"
Pete read it out loud, smirking. "Queer icon, huh?"
Mek snorted. "Please. You cried last night because your pancake looked too happy to eat."
"Shut up," Pete muttered. "It had a little smiley face! It felt wrong!"
They laughed.
And kissed.
Right in the middle of the street.
No hiding.
No fear.
Just them.
And people watched.
Some took pictures.
Some smiled.
Some frowned.
But it didn't matter.
Because Pete pulled Mek close, his lips brushing his ear.
"Let them watch."
---
Later That Night
Their phones buzzed all night.
Support. Hate. Curiosity. Love.
A teenage boy DM'd Mek:
> "I came out because of you and Pete. I thought love was just pain. Now I think maybe it can be soft too."
Mek cried. Quietly. Pete just held him.
---
Final Scene of Chapter 18
At the edge of their bed, Pete stared at the city lights.
Mek came up behind him, arms around his waist.
"Do you ever regret it?" he asked. "Choosing this. Choosing me."
Pete turned.
His hands cupped Mek's cheeks, soft and warm.
"Never," he said. "I chose love. I chose you. And every day the world gets to see it… is a win."
They kissed again.
Not for the cameras.
Not for approval.
Not even for the people they inspired.
But for themselves.
Because this love?
It didn't need permission.