Chapter 9
Rian dressed quickly, needing the distraction. The weight of last night still clung to him, and he told himself work would help clear his head.
Before leaving his room, his eyes flicked to the living room. Alex was still there, sprawled on the couch beneath the blanket Rian had left him. His coat was wrinkled, his expression softer in sleep than it had any right to be.
Rian tore his gaze away. He went to the kitchen, cracked eggs into a pan, stirred mindlessly. He wasn't even hungry, but the silence pressed too heavily. Food was just an excuse to move, to breathe.
By the time he sat down at the table, fork in hand, a faint sound drew his attention.
Alex stirred.
His eyes opened slowly, blinking against the light. He looked around, dazed, until they landed on Rian.
A faint curve touched his lips. "So it wasn't a dream."
Rian swallowed, throat tight. "You should leave."
Alex's gaze shifted. His eyes caught on the photo frame on the desk—the one with Rian and Adrian smiling together. He let out a soft laugh, dry and humorless. "What a small world."
Rian's fork clattered faintly against the plate. His hand shook, just enough for Alex to notice.
Alex pushed himself up, voice low. "Rian…" He took a step forward, reaching slightly.
Rian flinched back, the word tumbling out before he could stop it. "Please… get out." His voice cracked at the edges, breaking something fragile between them.
For a long moment, Alex stood frozen. Then he slid his hands into his coat pockets, his expression unreadable. "I… I'm sorry for the disturbance."
His gaze flicked back to the photo on the desk. "Adrian isn't here." His tone was more statement than question.
Rian said nothing.
Alex's lips pressed into a thin line. He gave a small nod. "Thank you… I'll get going."
He walked toward the door, the sound of his footsteps heavy in the silence. Just before leaving, he turned his head slightly, his blue eyes lingering on Rian one last time—like he was memorizing him all over again.
Then he left.
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Rian forced himself out of the house that morning, even though every bone in his body screamed to stay home. Work. He needed work. A distraction. Something to keep him from thinking about the man who had slept on his couch last night.
The drive to school blurred by. When he pulled into the lot, the sight of familiar hallways steadied him a little.
But the moment he stepped into the staffroom, voices rose.
"Mr. Johnson! You're back already?" one teacher gasped.
"Are you feeling better now?" the principal added, concern lined across his face.
Rian offered a polite nod, his practiced smile slipping into place. "I'm fine. Thank you."
Julie, one of the younger teachers, lifted her glass nervously, eyes flicking to him. "We… we're glad you're okay."
Rian chuckled lightly, even though his chest felt tight. "Thanks, Julie."
The room softened, and the questions died down. He slipped out, relief washing over him.
When he entered his classroom, the chatter of students grounded him. Equations on the board. Chalk on his fingers. For a while, he could pretend things were normal again.
But the bell rang too quickly, and the quiet came rushing back.
His phone buzzed.
—Vanessa: I'm around the school. Can we talk?
His heart eased at the name. He didn't hesitate to reply. Minutes later, he found her outside the gates, her figure instantly familiar, arms crossed as she scanned the lot.
"Vanessa."
She turned, and the tightness in her expression softened instantly. "Rian…" She stepped forward, hugging him briefly before pulling back to search his face. "Are you okay? You look pale."
---
The café across from the school was warm, filled with the low hum of chatter and clinking cups. Rian wrapped his hands around his mug, letting the heat seep into his fingers.
Vanessa sat across from him, her sharp eyes scanning his face. "So… what's the update with Adrian? What did the doctor say?"
Rian hesitated before answering. "They said he should stay for a while. Under observation."
Vanessa exhaled, relief softening her shoulders. "Well… that's not so bad."
"Vanessa." Rian scolded
Her gaze lifted immediately. "What is it? Fine,"
There was silence. He swallowed hard. "There's… another thing. Yesterday… Alex came to the house."
Her eyes widened. "What?" She leaned forward, voice sharp. "What did he want?"
"I don't know," Rian admitted. "He was drunk when he came."
Vanessa stared at him, stunned. "Tell me you told him to fuck off."
"It was freezing outside so… I let him stay the night."
Rian's lips pressed into a thin line. "When he woke up, I told him to leave. He did."
She leaned back in her chair, silent for a long moment. Then she sighed. "I don't even know what to say anymore. Rian… you're an adult. You know what's best for you."
Rian looked at her, his voice quiet but firm. "I know, Vanessa. It was cold. That's the only reason I let him in. Nothing more."
Her eyes softened, but her tone stayed cautious. "I do hope so."
Just then, the waiter arrived with their order, setting down plates, breaking the tension that hung between them.
But even as Rian reached for his fork, he could feel her eyes on him—searching, worried, unconvinced.