Smart was sitting by the window, staring at the clouds as if he were somewhere far away. The soft ringing of his phone pulled him out of the bubble he had wrapped himself in. It was Ren.
Smart hesitated, staring at the screen, unsure whether he wanted to answer. But before he could decide, a message appeared:
"If you don't pick up again, I'll come up there and drag you down myself."
Ren called again. Smart sighed and answered quietly:
— Hi… Ren.
"Be ready and come downstairs," Ren said, his tone leaving no room for debate.
— Downstairs? Why should I come down? — Smart murmured, still stuck in his gloom.
"If you're not down in ten minutes, I'll come to your door," Ren replied, and hung up.
Smart hadn't left the house for days. Ever since that night at "Light Pub," it felt like something inside him had collapsed. He didn't have the energy to smile, to talk, to pretend. He didn't want Ren and Han to get tired of him — that was his biggest fear — so he preferred to isolate himself rather than be a burden.
Zoi had done everything she could to comfort him, and yes, he felt safe with her. But too many days had passed. Ren had finally decided he wouldn't let Smart drown in silence any longer.
Smart rushed to get ready within the ten minutes. He put on a beige tracksuit, joggers and a hoodie with the hood covering his messy hair. He slipped on his sneakers and headed out — but Zoi hugged him tightly from behind.
— Finally! You're out of your room! — she said, squeezing him like she hadn't seen him in years.
— Oh God, stop! I can't breathe! — he groaned, escaping her arms and running outside.
Ren was standing beside his car, cigarette between his fingers, waiting. When he saw Smart approaching, he flicked the cigarette away.
— Come on. Get in.
As Ren started the engine, Smart asked quietly:
— Where are we going?
— To a zoo. I heard a lion was hungry, so I thought I'd bring you as a snack, — Ren joked, stepping on the gas a little.
A few minutes later, they arrived at a peaceful little park. The air was fresh, the atmosphere calming.
— Let's sit outside, — Ren said. — Look, even your favorite weather is here… gray skies.
They found a perfect spot with a beautiful view. Smart ordered a macchiato; Ren got an iced americano.
— Ren… where's Han? Why didn't he come? — Smart asked softly.
— I didn't bring him because I wanted us to talk calmly, — Ren said, lighting another cigarette.
— With Han around, forget it. You know how chaotic he is.
— Ah… okay, — Smart replied.
Ren pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of their table. He sent it to Leo.
Meanwhile, Leo was still in bed, curtains blocking the sun. The notification lit up his screen. He unlocked the phone, saw the photo — and his eyes narrowed
Hmmm… who are you out with so early in the morning? — he thought, starting to type a reply.
What are you doing? Where are you? he texted.
Ren smirked. Smart leaned over curiously. Ren leaned back and typed:
Miss me? ☺️ Want a pic?
Not at all. 🤨 Answer my question.
Ren bit back a laugh and typed:
I'm out with a friend.
Friend? Or…?
Ren's smirk deepened.
Why… are you jealous?
Leo sat up, annoyed.
Don't mess with me.
Ren's pulse quickened.
So… what are you thinking?
I swear, Ren… don't play with me. I'll come there.
Something inside Ren snapped loose — desire, excitement, something dangerous.
I'll send you the address. Come here. I want you in front of me. Now.
Leo froze.
A slow smile spread across his face — the kind he hated letting escape.
He wiped it away quickly.
Coming. Since you're missing me so much.
Ren exhaled, satisfied.
When he lifted his head, he realized Smart had been watching him with wide eyes the whole time.
Smart rested his elbows on the table, chin on his hands.
— I'm waiting… go on — he teased. — Who's that guy?
Ren leaned closer and said in a low voice:
— His name is Leo… and I'm going crazy because of him. I can't explain how cute he is.
In his mind, Ren replayed that moment — Leo's face inches from his, cigarette smoke drifting between them, tension sharp as a knife. The memory alone made his chest tighten.
Smart smiled gently.
— I want to meet the guy who got you like this, — he winked.
— You'll meet him soon. He's on his way, — Ren said, checking the time with barely hidden excitement.
— Really? — Smart's eyes brightened. — That's great.
— Now tell me, — Ren said softly, — how have you been these past few days?
Smart took his macchiato, licked his lips, and forced a smile.
— I'm okay… I just needed some time.
But in truth, he was drowning.
He wanted to scream out the window every day.
To sleep until he forgot that person's face.
To not feel anything anymore.
Ren reached across the table and gently touched his hair.
— Smart… you don't have to pretend with me. I know you. I know how deeply you feel things. You don't talk, you keep everything inside, but you don't have to deal with it alone. I'm here. I'm always here.
Smart's breath trembled. Tears slid down his cheeks — the first tears he'd allowed himself in days.
Ren took his hand, rubbing it softly to comfort him, and with his other hand, wiped the tears away.
— Don't cry, — he whispered. — It makes your face look ugly.
At that exact moment, Leo arrived.
He saw them from his car — Ren holding Smart's hand… wiping his tears.
And in that moment, something shifted in the air.
As if everything was about to start over from zero.
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