Twenty minutes later, we arrived at a tall building in a clean, upscale area. I was already impressed by the neighborhood, but what hit me next was his apartment itself—he lived on the eighth floor, and the moment we stepped inside, I realized just how rich he was. The space was immaculate. Dark-shaded floor-to-ceiling windows framed the living room, letting in just enough soft light.
A chandelier hung elegantly from the ceiling. Two bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and a huge kitchen gleamed with cleanliness and order.
Every corner reflected careful thought, quiet elegance, and wealth I'd never expected from the shy, nerdy guy who sat next to me in class. His bedroom caught me off guard—half bedroom, half study, with a massive desk covered in books, notes, and gadgets. And then a separate room entirely dedicated to his library, rows upon rows of books, meticulously organized, making me realize he wasn't just smart—he was disciplined, passionate, and serious about the things he loved. I could feel my heart racing, not just from seeing the apartment, but from seeing him in his own space. Lucius Everhart—the quiet, shy boy—was a whole world I'd never glimpsed before.
"Damn, well, expected it from a bookworm like you," I chuckled, letting my gaze wander over the endless shelves of books.
He just smiled quietly. "Do you, want to read?" he asked softly.
"No, I'd probably fall asleep," I said, tossing the thought aside. Instead, I walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out at the city.
The skyline looked breathtaking from up here. I let myself sink onto his couch, stretching comfortably.
"Why, why didn't you ever invite me before?" I asked, turning back to him.
"I thought you wouldn't want to come over," he said quietly, sliding onto the couch beside me. "And, I didn't want to set my hopes too high."
I furrowed my brow, understanding immediately. He never asked for anything, and now I realized he'd been holding himself back, thinking I wouldn't grant his wishes.
Honestly… he should ask for what he wants. I'd never say no. Whatever I do, he seems to like it anyway.
"Where are your parents?" I asked casually.
"They live in a separate city, and visit often," he replied. No wonder there were two bedrooms here, it made sense.
"Ah, and I never really heard about them. Who are they?" I asked, turning on a movie on the TV to distract myself.
Lucius suddenly pointed at one of the actresses on the screen. "That's my mother."
I dropped the remote, coughing in surprise. "Huh? Wait, seriously?"
He nodded, dead serious. I stared at the screen, then back at him. The resemblance was striking—the same sharp, elegant features, the skin tone, the eyes.
No wonder he was so handsome.
"And your father?" I asked, still processing. He pulled out his phone, typed something, and then showed it to me. My jaw dropped. His father… was the country's biggest business tycoon. I remembered my own dad talking about him before.
"Wow, I did not expect that," I muttered, still in disbelief. "No one knows, right?" He nodded.
Of course, no one knew. He'd kept it hidden, along with that gorgeous face of his.
Otherwise, the entire campus would probably be hovering around him. But knowing him, he'd never want that kind of attention. And now it all made sense.
"You know what, for hiding such a big secret from me, I think you deserve a punishment," I said, crossing my arms and smirking. "Go make me dessert. Something tasty. I'm hungry."
Lucius froze for a second, then his face lit up. "O-okay!" he said, nodding eagerly before slipping into the kitchen. "You can feel free to look around," he added timidly.
I chuckled and wandered around, letting my curiosity lead me. His apartment was immaculate—books and notes neatly stacked on the study table, everything in its perfect place. But then something caught my eye—a large, slightly comical headpiece, a teddy bear costume head perched atop the cupboard.
My eyes widened in recognition. "Wait, that was you?" I asked, pointing at the bear head just as Lucius called out, "Oh, you're here—" He stopped mid-step, noticing my gaze, and froze. His face turned slightly red, head lowering, obviously nervous.
I leaned casually against the doorway, crossing my arms. "Since when have you been, noticing me, mister nerd?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light but my heart racing.
He panicked, fidgeting slightly. "I, I'm sorry. I just, I couldn't stop noticing you after the first day at campus. From then, I'd watch you play, see you at your favorite café. That day, I knew you were in a bad mood. I couldn't just stay still knowing that. I wanted to help, even just a little," he whispered, eyes cast down as if confessing a crime.
I smiled, my chest tightening. "Okay, no need to feel like a victim. I'm not mad, but sure, you're definitely a stalker," I teased, letting my smirk linger. He pouted, lips trembling slightly, clearly caught between embarrassment and pride.
I reached out, patting his shoulder gently. "But, I'll allow it. Keep going," I said, stepping past him, leaving him stunned in my wake.
Within an hour, he had made the cutest strawberry cakes in glasses—soft, fluffy, and perfectly layered.
We sat at the counter, facing each other, and I took a bite. "Wow, this is amazing. You're talented at everything you do," I said, eyes sparkling. He smiled, genuinely happy. "Glad you like it."
I teased, tilting my head. "Yes, that's the problem. The more I like it, the more I'll want to stay stuck near you, which is, annoying. You might dislike me then."
He cut me off firmly, fork paused mid-air, eyes lowered yet intense. "That's not true. I don't dislike it—never. I like being near you, and I want to stay near you as long as you'll let me, I'd want to do that forever." His voice cracked slightly, emotion raw, almost on the verge of tears.
I blinked, surprised. "Hey, I was joking, dummy," I said, moving beside him and lifting his chin so our eyes met. "Stop being sad. I'll allow you near me, if you behave."
He blinked, a soft blush spreading across his cheeks. I smiled, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his lips. He leaned in eagerly, wanting more, but I pulled back with a mischievous giggle and returned to my cake. He chuckled softly, eyes locked on mine, hands reaching up to play with my ear—tracing my earrings lightly, thumb brushing my earlobe.
The subtle touch sent shivers down my spine. His darkened eyes lingered on me as he snuggled closer, pressing his face against my neck, warm and teasing.
"Let me eat," I whispered softly, nearly finishing my cake. He ignored me, lips and tongue teasing over my skin, biting gently at my earlobe. His hand slid beneath my shirt, warm and deliberate.
"Have you eaten?" he murmured against my skin. I gulped, nodding.
Before I could even register it, he had claimed my lips again in a deep, intoxicating kiss.
The sweetness of the cake mingled with the taste of him, the world shrinking to just us. He pressed me back against the counter, and I wrapped my arms and legs around him instinctively, melting completely in his charm and passion, lost in the tangled rhythm of lips, hands, and whispered desire.