After Dylan finished showering, he called out to Flynn.
"What do you want now?" Flynn's voice carried a mild edge of annoyance.
Dylan scratched the back of his head awkwardly, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips.
"I don't have any clean clothes. Mine are still wet."
"Wait here. I'll get you something."
Without hesitation, Flynn headed to his room and started rummaging through his closet. His brow furrowed as he came up empty-handed—he hadn't done laundry yet. Without thinking twice, he went to his father's room and grabbed a fresh set of clothes, deciding it was better than nothing.
"Here. Wear this for now." Flynn gave Dylan the clothes and quickly left the bathroom.
After Dylan was done getting changed, it was Flynn's turn to take a shower.
While Flynn was in the bathroom, Dylan stayed behind in Flynn's room, quietly observing his surroundings. The room was small—smaller even than the rented house where Dylan lived. A double bed dominated the space, with a simple bedside table beside it. On it rested a lamp giving off crimson light, and an alarm clock with blinking numbers.
Dylan's eyes landed on a framed photo of Flynn as a small child. He looked at the picture and laughed lowly.
"You were so young here, but your expression looks way older," Dylan whispered to himself.
About fifteen minutes later, Flynn emerged from the bathroom wearing only shorts, and a towel was carelessly thrown over his shoulder while he towel dried his hair.
He strolled back to his room to retrieve Dylan, but when he saw Dylan looking at that same picture frame, Flynn walked straight to him and gently took the photo from him, placing it nicely back on the table.
"Come on, Dad and Grandma Mina are waiting for us to eat." Flynn sounded somewhat awkward.
Dylan's gaze lingered on Flynn's body as he stepped closer.
"Your body's looking good. Have you been hitting the gym?" Dylan teased, a playful grin on his face as he took in the defined muscles visible beneath Flynn's skin.
Flynn shot him a sharp glance. "None of your business," he replied, pulling on the clothes laid out on the bed with quick, practised movements.
After he was dressed the two of them walked to the kitchen to eat.
Dylan and Flynn took their seats at the table. Across from them were Grandma Mina and Lucas.
Lucas handed rice and viands to Flynn.
"Go ahead and eat. Dylan, don't be shy, okay? Eat a lot," Lucas said in a warm tone.
"Thanks, Uncle. Don't worry about me," Dylan replied gratefully.
"Your name is Dylan? You're very handsome," Grandma Mina said with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Grandma," Dylan said shyly.
"This is the first time Flynn brought a guest here. You must be special to him, that is why he brought you along." Grandma Mina shared.
"Grandma, I did not really have a choice. It is raining hard outside." Flynn said denying it as his face showed embarrassed.
Dylan gave a shy smile at Grandma Mina's comments and noticed Flynn's reaction.
"We're actually really close, Grandma. We are always together especially at school." Dylan said teasingly while looking at Flynn.
Flynn kicked Dylan quickly under the table.
"Ouch!" Dylan yelped softly from the surprise.
"What happened?" Lucas asked.
"Nothing, Uncle," Dylan said quickly.
"Good, then eat up. The food's especially delicious today because of your Aunt Mary," Lucas said as he added some meat to Dylan's plate.
"Thanks, Uncle," Dylan said gratefully.
Dylan noticed Flynn wasn't eating much, so he served some meat on Flynn's plate.
"What are you doing?" Flynn asked.
"You've looked like you don't have an appetite since earlier," Dylan replied.
Flynn said nothing and just kept eating.
As everyone continued to eat, Lucas cleared his throat and suddenly spoke up,
"You know, it's getting late, Dylan. If you want, you can just stay here for the night. I think you and Flynn can both fit in his bed," he offered with a gentle smile.
Flynn was surprised by his father's suggestion.
"Dad, Dylan has a family too. They might be looking for him," Flynn said.
"That's fine Uncle, actually, I was going to ask if I could stay here tonight," Dylan said with a small smile.
"No problem at all. You're welcome here anytime," Lucas replied warmly.
"Ugh!" Flynn grumbled, standing up from his seat and heading straight to his room.
"Thank you for dinner, Uncle. I'm full," Dylan said, standing up and following Flynn to his room.
When Dylan entered Flynn's room, he found him sitting at his study table near the bed, engrossed in a book.
Dylan dropped onto the bed beside him.
"Aren't you tired of reading so much? Tomorrow's only Sunday. You should be spending your free time on something else," Dylan teased.
"I don't have time for other things. Besides, I need to study so I won't struggle with the next topics," Flynn replied, eyes fixed on the book.
Dylan didn't answer. Instead, he lay down on the bed.
"Ahhh, finally I can lie down," he sighed, sounding exhausted.
"Hey, you're not going to sleep yet?" Flynn asked.
"Come lie down here," Dylan invited, turning on his side with his head propped on his hand, patting the empty space beside him.
The truth was, Flynn was utterly exhausted from the whole day's activities with Dylan. After putting away his things, he stretched out on the bed beside Dylan, lying flat on his back with his eyes slowly shutting.
Dylan couldn't help but watch him quietly for a moment.
"Hey, you're already asleep?" Dylan whispered, but Flynn didn't respond.
Sliding onto his side, Dylan pretended to close his eyes. After a few seconds, he hesitated, then gently placed his hand on Flynn's chest, his fingers tracing slow, soothing circles.
Flynn immediately swatted Dylan's hand away, a momentary expression of annoyance crossed his features. "What do you think you're doing?" he said sharply.
"Why?" Dylan smiled softly, unbothered. "I just want to hold you. I can't fall asleep without someone or something to cling to."
Flynn grabbed the Patrick plushie—the one Dylan had given him earlier—and tossed it over.
"Here. Hug this," he muttered, turning his back to Dylan and pulling the blanket over himself.
Silence settled between them, the soft sound of rain tapping against the window.
Dylan's mind replayed the day's moments, a soft warmth spreading in his chest-the thrill of new experiences, the intimate moments they had. But most of all-the joy of drifting off to sleep next to Flynn.