Ryan stepped out of the elevator, his hands gripping his phone tight. As he walked to his apartment, he looked back every few steps, scared Carl had followed behind him even though there was only the soft click of his shoes in the empty hallway.
He slid his key into the lock and pushed the door open, looking out once more before shutting the door firmly behind him. The quiet of his apartment was calming, but not enough to still his racing heart.
Had he left?
Ryan slowly made his way to the balcony and looked down. The cool night air brushed over him, drying his sweaty palms as he leaned against the railing. Carl's sleek black car was still parked in the same spot.
Why was he still here? What exactly did he want?
Beep. Beep.
The sound of the horn startled him from his thoughts. Ryan jerked, taking a step back.
Carl was standing outside his car now, one hand in his pocket, the other waving at him.
Their eyes met across the distance. And time froze.
A hidden message seemed to pass between them.
Without thinking, he turned on his heel, rushing back inside and sliding the balcony door shut. He locked it, then ran to lock the front door for good measure.
He didn't let out the breath he was holding until he heard the car drive away. Carl was finally gone.
"Meow"
The sound was soft and somewhat grumpy.
"Meow."
Adalia called again when he didn't respond.
Ryan looked down to see Adalia trotting toward him, her tail sweeping from left to right.
"I promised to give you a wet dinner tonight, didn't I?" he murmured, stepping forward and crouching to scoop her up. "Would you prefer tuna or chicken?"
"Meow," Adalia replied.
"Both then," he decided, flicking her nose. As they walked into the kitchen, he stroked her soft fur, driving what happened in the car to the back of his mind. For the sake of his father, Carl shouldn't make things between them too embarrassing. Right?
At least he hoped so.
He couldn't read the man.
--------------------------
"So," Alex set down his glass of orange juice on the table. "What did Carl Maxwell want from you last night?"
Ryan choked on the piece of cake he had just swallowed, coughing into a napkin. "Nothing really," he croaked, tears filling his reddened eyes.
Alex's eyes gleamed. "I don't think it was nothing," he said teasingly. "The man looked like he wanted to eat you up."
Ryan avoided his gaze, thinking of how to change the topic.
"You're hiding something from me." Alex squinted, folding his arms and staring straight at Ryan. "Speak up."
Ryan sighed. He knew from experience that if he didn't spill everything now, Alex wouldn't let him be. He would continue pestering him for as long as possible until he got the answer he wanted.
"He asked why I was pretending not to know him."
"You guys had met before the party?" Alex's brows furrowed thoughtfully. "How come I didn't know that? Also, didn't he just return to the country?"
"We hadn't exactly met for long. It was less than 24 hours as at last night."
"Uh-huh." Alex nodded, tapping the table. "You were home all day before the party and last night…" his eyes widened. "Don't tell me…"
Ryan nodded slowly and turned his face away.
Alex slapped the table, nearly toppling his juice. "You're amazing, Ryan." He began clapping, earning looks from people at the tables around them. "You got such a high-quality man on your first try. Teach me your ways, master."
"He's the professor's son." Ryan deadpanned.
"So what? That's not a crime. Honestly, you two would make a great couple." Alex said, nodding. "A perfect match."
"We— "
"Come on. You dated someone like Cole. A man like Carl is nothing but an upgrade in every category. Especially that aspect." Alex winked with a sly smile.
Ryan sighed in exasperation. "That's not the point."
"I don't want to hear it," Alex said, shaking his head.
"You're overthinking again. Professor Ken loves you like a son. I'm sure he'd be thrilled to officially welcome you into the family. Son-in-law has a right ring to it."
Alex was getting carried away, already planning Ryan and Carl's wedding.
Ryan glanced at his watch. "Look at the time. I need to get to class."
"There's still more than 30 minutes before then."
"I need to prepare some materials," he said, standing up.
"You organize all your materials during the weekend." Alex countered, stepping in front of him, blocking the way. "You're just trying to avoid the conversation."
"You're right." Ryan sidestepped him neatly and walked toward the door. "Don't forget to settle the bill."
Alex drained the last of his juice and headed to the counter.
"Your friend doesn't want cookies this time?" The waiter asked as he took the bills
Alex thought for a moment. "Pack them up. I'll take it for Ryan."
--------------------------
"Mr. Quinn," a voice called as Ryan exited the lecture hall.
He turned to see one of his students running up to him. "You dropped your pen."
"Oh, thank you," Ryan accepted it, tucking it into his pocket. The boy lingered awkwardly, looking down at his shoes. "Is there a problem?"
"No. No problem," the student said, kicking a stone. "I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor."
"You can speak your mind. I don't sting."
The boy blinked, confused. "Huh?"
"I was trying to make a joke. We talked about Murder hornets today…."
"Oh! I get it now," The student chuckled. "You're really cute, sir."
"Right. So your favor is…"
"I was wondering if I could come to you if there's anything I don't understand in class."
"Of course. That's part of my job as your teacher. I can even recommend resources, just tell me what you need."
The boy beamed. "Thank you, Mr. Quinn."
"Ryan," Alex called, walking out of the office next to them. "I grabbed your bag."
"Goodbye, Mr. Quinn," the boy waved and darted off to join his friends who were waiting down the hall.
"Who's that? A suitor?" Alex handed over the bag.
"A student," Ryan replied flatly, slipping his laptop inside it before zipping it shut.
"Well, I think he likes you."
"I won't date a student."
"You're a student yourself."
"It's not the same." Ryan sighed.
"You don't like the old or the young. What exactly is your type?"
Carl's teasing smile flashed through Ryan's mind. He shook his head. "Let's just go home."
"You're running away again." Alex accused, jogging after him. "Hey, wait up."
--------------------------
When they reached the bottom of the department stairs, a crowd had gathered near the entrance.
"What's going on?" Ryan asked, slowing. "Is there a conference happening today?"
"If you don't know, how would I know? I never keep up with these things." Alex said with a laugh. "But we can find out,"
He tugged Ryan forward until they reached the edge of the circle.
Then a voice rang out over the speakers, clear and familiar.
"Ryan Quinn," it called. "Can we get back together?"
Ryan froze.
He and Alex turned to look at each other at the same time.