Arriving at the Sorell Estate
The car slowed as towering iron gates swung open, revealing the Sorell estate—grand, modern, pristine. A world built on wealth, safety, and stability.
Juni stared, stunned.
The garden lights flickered on in the fading dusk. The fountain glowed softly. A caretaker nodded respectfully as Lorian passed.
Juni's voice cracked.
"…This is where you live?"
Elian hesitated, suddenly self-conscious.
"Yes."
Juni's shoulders slumped.
"I don't… belong here."
Elian turned sharply.
"That's not true."
Juni bit his lip.
"Elian, I look like garbage right now. I have bruises. My uniform is dirty. My bag is falling apart. I'm—"
Elian cut him off gently.
"You're Juni."
Juni's breath hitched.
"And that's enough for me."
He looked away quickly, cheeks flushing.
Inside the house, the warmth was overwhelming—soft lights, clean air, polished floors. Juni stepped in timidly, like touching anything might break it.
Lorian guided them toward the living room.
"Juni, I've called a physician. He's discreet and trustworthy."
Juni froze.
"N-No—please, don't make a fuss. I'll— I'll be fine—"
Elian stepped in front of him.
"Juni. You're hurt."
Juni's voice rose—
"It's just bruises!"
But his voice cracked at the end, barely holding together. Lorian spoke softly from behind them.
"No one will force you. But someone needs to look at those injuries."
Juni trembled.
"If my uncle finds out—"
Lorian cut him off.
"He won't."
Elian gently touched Juni's wrist.
"We're here. You're safe."
Juni's eyes glistened.
His voice shrank to a whisper.
"…I don't know how to be safe."
Elian swallowed hard, chest aching. He stepped closer—so close Juni could feel his warmth.
"Then stay with me. Just for today."
Juni's breath caught.
"…Just for today?"
Elian nodded.
"One day at a time."
Juni closed his eyes. Took a shuddering breath.
Then—
He whispered the first fully honest thing he'd allowed himself in days:
"…Okay."
When Lorian left the room to answer a phone call, Juni leaned back against the plush sofa, finally allowing his shoulders to drop.
Elian sat beside him—close, but not too close. Juni looked at him quietly for a long moment.
Then, in a small, fragile voice:
"Elian… Why do you keep staying?"
Elian met his gaze.
No hesitation.
No fear.
Only truth.
"Because you matter to me."
Juni's breath trembled, eyes widening.
"But… I'm nothing special."
Elian shook his head gently.
"You are."
Juni swallowed hard.
"To who?"
Elian didn't look away.
"To me."