That night, Elian couldn't sleep.
No matter how many times he shifted under the sheets, no matter how cool the night air felt against his skin—his mind wandered back to Juni.
The bruises.
The trembling.
The half-choked confession.
"…I didn't fall."
Those words looped in his head like a quiet alarm he couldn't shut off. Lorian passed by his room at one point, pausing at the door.
"Elian?"
Elian sat up, startled.
"Sorry. Did I wake you?"
Lorian shook his head, leaning gently against the frame.
"You're thinking intensely about something."
Elian hesitated.
"…Someone."
Lorian's expression softened.
"Then think with compassion. But act with care."
Elian swallowed hard.
"I'm scared he's in danger."
Lorian approached, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder.
"Then stay close. People talk most when they feel safe."
Elian absorbed the words in silence.
He wouldn't fail Juni.
He couldn't.
Elian arrived early at the bus stop.
Too early.
He tried not to look anxious. Tried not to stare down the road every few seconds. Tried not to let the cold morning air seep into the knot growing in his chest.
Five minutes.
Ten minutes.
Fifteen.
No Juni.
When the bus finally pulled up, Elian hesitated at the steps. Should he board without him? Should he wait? Should he go find him?
The driver honked impatiently.
Elian climbed on, heart sinking. He sat in their usual seat, staring at the empty space beside him. The lavender scent wasn't there. The bus felt colder.
At school, Elian rushed through the gates, scanning the courtyard.
Students chattered.
Footsteps shuffled.
But Juni was nowhere.
He checked the classroom.
Empty seat.
He checked the hallway outside the infirmary.
Nothing.
Finally, he caught one of Juni's classmates—a girl with bright glasses—adjusting her backpack near the lockers.
Elian approached carefully.
"Excuse me… have you seen Juni today?"
She blinked in surprise.
"Juni? Oh—yeah. He came late. Said he wasn't feeling well."
Elian's chest tightened.
"Where is he now?"
She pointed upstairs.
"Rooftop. He goes there when he's upset. But teachers usually ignore it—he doesn't cause trouble."
Rooftop.
Elian didn't even thank her.
He ran.
The rooftop door creaked open slowly. Cold wind rushed out, carrying the faint smell of damp concrete and morning dew.
Juni sat with his back against the metal fence, knees drawn up, arms wrapped tightly around himself. His uniform jacket hung off one shoulder, revealing the edge of a fresh bruise.
Elian's heart twisted sharply.
He approached quietly.
"Juni."
Juni flinched—then forced a shaky smile.
"Oh. H-hey, Elian. You're early today."
Elian knelt in front of him.
"You didn't come to the bus stop."
Juni avoided his gaze.
"…I overslept."
Elian reached out—hesitating—then gently touched Juni's wrist. Juni stiffened but didn't pull away.
"Juni. I know you're lying."
Juni's breath hitched.
"Elian, please—don't—"
"Tell me who hurt you."
Elian's voice was soft.
Too soft.
It shook Juni more than anger ever could.
Juni's lips parted, voice cracking.
"Elian… if I say it… everything gets worse."
Elian leaned closer.
"You can trust me."
Juni squeezed his eyes shut.
"I don't want to lose you."
Elian froze.
Juni's voice trembled.
"People leave when things get messy. And my life is… really messy."
Elian reached up, cupping Juni's cheek.
Juni gasped softly at the touch.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Juni shook his head weakly.
"You don't get it… I'm scared you'll see me differently."
Elian brushed his thumb gently across Juni's cheekbone.
"I already see you."
A pause.
"And I'm staying."
Juni opened his eyes slowly—wet, frightened, vulnerable.
His voice cracked into a whisper.
"…It's someone at home."
Elian's blood ran cold.
"Juni—"
Juni shook his head quickly, panic rising.
"I-I can't—Not yet—Please—"
His breathing turned fast—shallow—almost panicked. Without thinking, Elian pulled him into a tight embrace.
Juni froze—then melted into him, fists gripping the back of Elian's uniform. He pressed his forehead against Elian's shoulder, trembling.
The rooftop, the cold wind, the world itself blurred around them.
Elian whispered into his hair:
"You're not alone. Not anymore."
Juni's voice came out broken.
"…Thank you."
They stayed like that for minutes—neither speaking, neither moving. When Juni finally pulled back, his eyes were red but clearer. He stared at Elian for a long moment.
Too long.
Then whispered:
"Elian… Why are you doing all this for me?"
Elian answered without hesitation.
"Because I care about you."
Juni's breath caught.
"Care… how?"
Elian froze.
His heart leapt into his throat.
Juni watched him, trembling—not with fear, but with hope. Elian opened his mouth—but the rooftop door slammed open behind them.
A teacher's voice cut through the moment. "What are you two doing up here?! Get to class!"
Juni sprang apart, wiping his eyes. Elian stood slowly, jaw tight. The confession dissolved into the cold morning air—unspoken, but painfully close. As they walked back inside, their fingers brushed—just once—and neither pulled away.