Rowan laughed softly, his eyes full of playful desire as he wrapped his arms around Lucian's waist, pulling him in for another kiss. "I missed you," he murmured, his breath hot against Lucian's ear.
Suddenly, the slamming noise returned, closer and angrier this time.
"LUCIAN! Open the door! I know you're here!" Kai's furious voice resonated through the thin hotel door.
Lucian tensed, pulling away. "Rowan, hide!"
Rowan, however, stepped toward the door. "It's fine," he said, adjusting the towel around his hips. Just as Kai began to slam his leg against the wood door, Rowan flung the door open.
He stood in the doorway—half-nak*d, wet from the shower, his impressive abs on full display. "Oh, Kai. What are you doing here?" Rowan asked, his tone perfectly nonchalant, bordering on annoyed.
Kai stopped dead, his fist raised. He stared, confused, then peered over Rowan's shoulder, scanning the empty room left and right.
"Who are you searching for?" Rowan pressed, arching a wet brow.
"Sorry, it's a mistake," Kai mumbled, his fury dissipating into embarrassment and confusion. He quickly turned and strode away.
Rowan watched until Kai was out of sight. "He's gone," he announced.
Lucian emerged from the bathroom, grabbing his hidden bag. "I have to go. You should rest first."
"But—" Rowan tried to ask, needing an explanation.
"I have to go, bye!" Lucian was already out the door.
Rowan sighed, letting the silence settle. Something is wrong. Why is Lucian so afraid of Kai? I knew Lucian didn't want love, but the extreme secrecy felt wrong. Whatever. If this relationship makes him feel better, I'll try my best to be there for him.
Morning arrived with Sima and Rohav giving project instructions. "This is social work," Rohav said, distributing the project books. "I know points are important, but do this with your heart. It feels good when you see someone smile."
Evening
Later that evening, Lucian was immersed in his project book when Rowan suddenly appeared beside him.
"What are you doing?" Lucian asked, surprised.
"I finished and handed mine to Sima. Haven't you done yours yet?" Rowan replied.
Lucian nodded. "I finished, just need to hand it over."
Just then, a few students approached, ready to submit their own work. Rowan instantly saw his chance.
Ah, guys, I need a quick favor," Rowan said smoothly. The two students instantly brightened.
"Oh, Rowan is talking to us! Omg!" they whispered excitedly. "Yes, we can help! Anything you need!"
"Thank you," Rowan said, snatching the project book Lucian was holding. "Could you give this to Sima and tell her Lucian will sign it when we get back to the college? Lucian and I have some urgent errands to run."
"Hey, when did I say I would—" Lucian started to protest.
"Ah, okay! We'll definitely help you, Rowan!" they agreed, ignoring Lucian completely.
"Heyyy, where are we going?" Lucian demanded as Rowan dragged him away from the group.
Rowan smiled, checking his phone. He had a message: "It's already ready, son! You should take that and enjoy!"
"Come with me, fast!" Rowan pulled Lucian toward the outskirts of the rural village.
The two students rushed toward Sima, breathless with excitement. "Haa! Take this, President! We did our best!" they said, handing over their projects done.
Sima took the pile, confused. "Hey, hey, what? You guys are two, but where did this third project come from?"
"Ohhh, that... sorry, forgot to tell you first, that was Lucian's!" one of the students exclaimed.
Kai, who was standing nearby, instantly snapped his head up. "Lucian!?" he demanded, his voice sharp with shock.
"He said he has some errands with Rowan," the other student explained. "And both went again to the rural side!"
Lucian went with Rowan? Kai's hands began to shake visibly. "Ahhh, ahh, did you know where did they go?! When did they go?! When will they come back?!" Kai continued furiously, his volume rising.
"Ohhh, actually, we don't know. They didn't say anything about that," the students replied, thoroughly confused by Kai's extreme reaction.
"Ohhh, this is definitely Rowan's idea!" Sima sighed, massaging her temples. "Haa! This is not a trip! We are here for the project! Why don't they understand anything!?" Sima was genuinely angry. She then leaned in conspiratorially. "Yesterday, they both went to the treehouse without telling me! Aerin said Rowan was slept there! What if something happened in the night! I'm the one who's in charge for that!" Sima vented her frustration.
Sima's words—last night... treehouse... he slept there...—hit Kai like a hammer. He remembered Lucian not being in the room, Lucian's quick escape from the shower, and those damning hickeys. Kai's mind spiraled, connecting every single piece of mischief.
His body finally gave out under the weight of the realization. Suddenly, Kai slumped forward, losing consciousness.
"KAI! KAI!" Sima and everyone else rushed toward him, screaming.
A dark trickle of blood began to run from his nose.
Sima rushed forward, worried sick. As they lifted him, Kai weakly forced out a plea. "Please, take me to my room, not the hospital. I need some sleep."
As per his urgent request, everyone reluctantly carried him back to his room.
Meanwhile
"Heyyy, where are you taking me? It's almost night!" Lucian asked, trying to keep up.
Rowan stopped and closed Lucian's eyes with his hand. When Lucian slowly opened them, he gasped.
"Ohhh, a motorcycle!"
A gleaming, powerful motorcycle stood before them, held by two local men.
"It's okay, I'll handle it now," Rowan told the men.
"Be safe, sir, and take care," one of them said before they drove off.
"What is this?" Lucian asked, stunned.
"I asked Dad that I wanted a bike right now, and he had it delivered in an hour," Rowan said, radiating pride.
"Ahhh, but—" Lucian tried to argue, but Rowan grabbed a helmet and placed it gently on Lucian's head.
"Oh, look at you! You look cute, like a baby. Can I kiss you?" Rowan teased.
Lucian rolled his eyes, ignoring the blush. "Give me the keys, I'll ride!"
"Ohh, you have so many hidden talents, but riding is only mine," Rowan smirked, the double meaning hanging heavy in the air.
"Yeah, yeah. I know your 'ride.' At least now, ride fast!" Lucian snapped, needing the distraction.
"What!? I'm not—" Rowan tried to protest being cut off, but Lucian interrupted, "Are we not going? It's already late!"
Rowan gave up, settling the bike. He gently dragged Lucian's arms around his waist. "Hold me tightly. Safety is important."
They sped off into the rural night. Lucian, holding tight to Rowan's waist, screamed and enjoyed every minute of the wild, free ride. Rowan enjoyed the ride just as much, basking in the sound of Lucian's unburdened laughter.
Rowan finally stopped the bike on an old bridge.
"Where are we? Omg, the network signal is gone. We came too far! We have to go back, everyone will worry!" Lucian panicked.
"Hey, hey, calm down. Look behind you," Rowan said, his voice soft.
Lucian turned. In the distance, above the river, a huge full moon hung, its light painting the water in silver. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Ohhhh, omg! It's so good looking! Beautiful!" Lucian continuously exclaimed, genuinely surprised.
"Just like you," Rowan said simply. Lucian blushed deeply, turning away.
Rowan grabbed Lucian's hand, his expression serious. "Lucian, promise me something. At any time, whether you're with me or not, you should take care of yourself. You should think about your feelings, instead of someone else's."
Lucian instantly understood. He knows. He adjusted his helmet and bent Rowan's head toward him, giving him a soft, gentle kiss—a silent promise.
It's already middle of the night, Kai woke up alone. Lucian was still not back. His fury and pain erupted. He stumbled out of the hotel. The sky opened up, pouring down rain. Kai sat slumped in front of the building, letting the rain soak him, his temper raging out of the world's control.