Kai did not look back.
The moment the girl stumbled and called after him, but her voice dissolved in the noise of students moving across the campus. Kai body reacted before his mind did. His legs moved, dragging Rowan with him, running as if the world behind him was on fire.
Aerin stood in the middle of the hallway, breathless, trying to follow with her eyes. But Kai and Rowan had already disappeared around the corner, swallowed by the moving crowd.
She took a step forward, but stopped. The memory came back like a film suddenly rewound: that night… the hands that lifted her… the voice telling her to hold on… and the feeling of being protected in complete darkness.
Her chest tightened.
Aerin Vale, twenty years old, bright eyes, soft features, short but confident, stood still as students walked around her. She had been away for six months due to her health, studying online because her father insisted she should not push herself. Only her closest friend Lily knew she returned this week.
Lily's call vibrated in her hand.
Aerin picked up.
Lily asked, "Where are you? I am waiting at the cafe."
Aerin answered, "I am here. Give me a minute. I accidentally came to the science department."
Lily asked, "Why would the economics queen go there?"
Aerin replied, "I was looking for Lucian. I called him earlier but he did not come. Maybe he has class."
Lucian Reyden was the one person Aerin had relied on since childhood. Their families had been business partners for decades, bonding the two households so closely that Aerin often joked she grew up in two homes instead of one. Whenever she wanted comfort, advice, or simply someone to stand by her, Lucian was always there—gentle, steady, and quietly protective. After her health issues worsened, Aerin's mother personally asked Lucian to look after her at college, trusting him more than anyone. To Aerin, Lucian wasn't just a friend; he was her safest place.
She took a small breath and walked off.
Lucian's class ended with soft murmurs. He checked his phone, expecting a message from Kai telling him he reached class safely. Instead, his phone buzzed with Kai calling.
Lucian picked up.
Kai's voice came trembling. "She is here. Since when is she here? Did you know? Why did you not tell me? Why is she suddenly here? Did you talk to her?"
Lucian sighed. "Kai, breathe. You are not a machine. And yes, I knew."
Kai's voice jumped. "What? Since when?"
Lucian replied calmly, "Since a month ago."
Kai sounded like he lost balance. "Has she recovered? Is she okay? Did she finally cure–"
Lucian's voice softened. "No. Not fully. Doctors allowed her to return but she must be careful. Do not get obsessed over this. Worry about yourself."
Kai whispered, "But you know what happened that night. That thing I–"
Lucian cut the call before he finished.
Kai stared at his screen after the call ended, frustration boiling in his chest.
Lucian walked through the campus, removing his glasses and wiping them gently. The afternoon sunlight was sharp, warm, busy. Students filled the walkway, loud and energetic.
Until… a sudden scream.
"No way! He is here! Catch him!"
Lucian blinked and put his glasses back on.
A huge crowd was chasing something.
No, someone.
A shirtless boy with a perfect athletic body ran toward him with panic. His hair was wet with sweat, his breath heavy.
Rowan Silvers.
Lucian did not have time to react. Rowan crashed into him. They fell together, rolling on the ground until Rowan covered Lucian with his arms, preventing him from hitting the pavement.
Their faces were inches apart.
Rowan's breath brushed Lucian's cheek. Lucian tried to move; his hand slipped and landed firmly over Rowan's bare chest.
Rowan's heart jumped.
Then beat again.
Then faster.
Lucian felt it under his palm. A heartbeat too strong, too loud, too alive.
Their eyes locked. For a moment, the world forgot to breathe.
They stood up slowly.
Lucian quickly pulled his hand back, face warming. Rowan stayed frozen, stunned, his heartbeat refusing to calm.
Lucian asked, What is happening? Why is everyone chasing you?
A girl from the crowd came running. "Lucian, move! This does not concern you!"
Lucian instantly got between Rowan and the crowd. "What did he do to you all?" he asked sharply.
Rowan stood behind him, still catching his breath, watching Lucian's protective stance with a stunned expression.
"Why are you chasing him?" Lucian demanded.
A girl answered, "Because he is too handsome! And he is single! And he changed his shirt in front of us before the football match. Do you know how hot he looked? We all lost control!"
Lucian stared. "…Really?"
The girl nodded with no shame. "So we ran to catch him."
Lucian glared. "You are all ridiculous."
The crowd stepped forward again.
Lucian immediately placed his arm in front of Rowan. "He is my guy." I know him better.
Everyone froze.
Even Rowan.
Lucian cleared his throat. "Not like that. I mean he is Kai's friend. So I know him. Do not misunderstand."
Rowan's expression dimmed for a moment.
One girl teased, "Just a friend? Or boyfriend?"
The crowd cheered loudly, "Oooooh!"
Lucian waved his hands. "No. I am saying if I was his boyfriend, I would not let you all cross the line."
The crowd kept screaming.
Lucian shook his head. "Professor is coming!"
The entire crowd panicked and looked behind. Lucian grabbed Rowan's wrist and ran, pulling him through the hallway until they reached the quiet side of campus.
Both dropped down, exhausted, laughing lightly while catching air.
Lucian's eyes drifted for a second toward Rowan's abs before he quickly looked away.
Rowan covered himself with his arm.
Lucian teased, "You need a partner before someone catches you next time."
Rowan asked quietly, "If I chase someone… will they agree to be chased by me?"
Lucian looked at him. "Who will say no to—"
Lucian stopped mid-sentence.
The way Rowan looked at him… it was too direct, too deep. Lucian broke eye contact and stood up quickly.
"You should go change. Lock the room," Lucian said.
Rowan nodded silently, watching him leave.
Lucian headed toward the parking lot, only to hear someone shout his name.
"Luciaaaaan!"
He turned, and Aerin ran straight into his arms. They hugged tightly.
"Morning I searched for you," Aerin said. "I even went to your department."
Lucian stroked her hair gently. "I was in class. I am sorry. How are you? Tell me about you first."
"I am okay. Mom is with me. "
Aunt is here too? Lucian asked .
She helps at home.
"In college, I have you. So I am never scared." Aerin said.
Lucian's smile faded. Something in his chest tightened.
Aerin tugged his sleeve excitedly. "Hey, hey, I have to tell you something. Do you know that day?"
Lucian looked confused. "What day?"
"That day! The person who carried me to the hospital with you! I saw him again! I tried looking for him but he disappeared."
Lucian's breath hitched.
Aerin continued, "Luciaa, he is so handsome. I think I might be falling in love. Should I confess tomorrow?"
Lucian froze.
His heart cracked like thin glass breaking silently.
Before she could continue, Lucian forced a smile. "You just arrived today. Calm down. Do not overthink. Let me drop you home."
Aerin pouted but nodded. Lucian gently dragged her toward the car.
After dropping her home, Lucian returned to his empty house.
He splashed water on his face once—
Twice—
Again—
Harder—
Until he could not breathe.
His reflection blurred.
Then the flashback hit him violently:
Kai's voice screaming in a dark room, "I loved her but she is not! She is not!"
Lucian grabbing Kai's shoulders.
Kai's forehead touching his.
Their breaths mixing.
Their eyes… too close.
The memory ended too fast, leaving pain behind.
Lucian gripped the sink. "Why… why… why…" Tears streamed down.
"She loves him. And what will happen when Kai finds out…?"
He sank to the floor.
Outside, rain began to pour heavily.
At the football fied,
Rowan stood alone in the middle of the drenched grass, shirtless, raindrops sliding down his skin.
His heartbeat refused to slow down.
He closed his eyes and saw Lucian again.
Lucian on top of him.
Lucian's hand against his chest.
Lucian protecting him.
Lucian smiling.
Lucian running a hand through his hair.
Rowan whispered, "What is this feeling…"
Rowan placed a hand over his heart. The beating was loud and strong. Too strong.
Then suddenly, he shouted into the violent rain:
"I love Lucian!"
His voice echoed across the empty field.
The storm swallowed it, but his heart finally spoke.
And the story truly began.