Aiven sat curled up on Draven's couch, his hands wrapped around a warm mug of tea. The quiet of Draven's apartment was a stark contrast to the chaos of the fans, the threatening messages, and the panic that had driven him out of the dorm.
Draven leaned against the armrest, watching him carefully. "You're quiet," he said softly. "Everything okay?"
Aiven hesitated, his heart racing. He had promised himself he wouldn't break down again, but the memory of Raze's lips against his… the soft warmth, the words whispered in the quiet of the alley… it all came rushing back.
"I… I need to tell you something," Aiven finally whispered, lowering his eyes.
Draven's expression softened. "You know you can tell me anything, Aiven. You always do."
Aiven swallowed and took a shaky breath. "It's about… Raze."
Draven leaned in slightly, attentive. "Go on."
Aiven's voice trembled as he admitted it. "He… he kissed me."
Draven blinked, and then a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "And?"
Aiven's cheeks burned bright red. "And… I did run away because I hated it. I… liked it. I just… I didn't know what to do. Everything's so overwhelming—fans, the company, all of it."
Draven nodded slowly. "You like him."
"I do," Aiven admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I… I like him a lot."
Draven leaned back, a thoughtful look on his face. "I should've expected it." His tone was teasing, but gentle. "Raze is… kind of impossible to resist."
Aiven let out a small laugh, the tension in his chest easing slightly. "I know. But I'm scared too. I don't want him to get hurt. And… I don't want to mess up what we have."
"You won't," Draven said firmly. "He cares about you. And you care about him. That's what matters. We'll figure the rest out."
For the first time all night, Aiven felt some of the weight lift off his shoulders. He looked at Draven, grateful and exhausted. "Thanks… for being here. For letting me think. And… for listening."
Draven shrugged, still smiling softly. "Best friends always listen. Always."
Meanwhile, back at the dorm, Raze paced on the balcony, his fists clenched at his sides. Every second without Aiven felt unbearable. The city lights blurred past, but his mind was entirely consumed by the boy he had kissed.
Zenith approached quietly. "He's scared. Give him time."
Raze shook his head. "It's more than fear. He's hiding from me… and I don't know how much longer I can wait."
Back in Draven's apartment, Aiven sipped his tea again, feeling calmer now. He had shared his secret with the one person who always understood him. And even though his heart still belonged to Raze, he realized that having someone to confide in made the chaos a little easier to bear.
That night stretched on quietly, filled with thoughts, reflection, and the subtle comfort of friendship that could anchor him through even the stormiest days.