The morning air was crisp, carrying a quiet tension that Kyle couldn't shake off. He and Lucien had spent the night talking, laughing softly, and dreaming of small plans for their future. But reality, as always, had a way of catching up.
Kyle's phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. A message from his older brother stared back at him:
"We need to talk. Now."
His stomach sank. Lucien noticed the shift immediately. "What is it?" he asked, concern knitting his brow.
"It's… my brothers," Kyle admitted, his voice low. "They… they know."
Lucien froze. "Know what?"
Kyle looked down, twisting the ring on his finger nervously. "Everything. About us."
Silence fell between them. It wasn't fear — not exactly — but the weight of expectation, of family, of judgment, pressed down hard. Lucien squeezed his hand. "We'll handle it together," he said firmly. "No matter what."