Morning came too fast for Aiven.
Sunlight streamed through the large dorm windows, glinting off posters of ECLYPSE. He blinked, still groggy from the night.
Raze was already up, stretching in front of the mirror, his silver-gray hair falling perfectly even in the early light. He didn't look like someone who had to face screaming fans and a chaotic scandal yesterday.
Aiven, in contrast, felt like he had aged ten years overnight.
---
The Unexpected Message
His phone buzzed.
> SURI HALE: AIVEEEEEEEN!!!
SURI HALE: I KNEW IT!! I SAW THE VIDEO!
SURI HALE: YOU'RE WITH RAZE?!?
SURI HALE: WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?!?
SURI HALE: I DEMAND DETAILS!!! NOW!!!
Aiven groaned and buried his face in his pillow.
"Raze…" he muttered, holding up the phone. "My sister—she's going to kill me over text before I even get out of bed."
Raze raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Is she dangerous?"
"She's… chaotic," Aiven said weakly. "Like Kaze but more… loud."
Raze smirked. "I'll deal with her."
Aiven blinked. "Excuse me?"
Raze tapped the screen. "I'll help you type a response. Calm her down."
Aiven stared at him. "You're… really offering to help me with my sister?"
Raze leaned closer. "You're important. Deal with it."
Aiven exhaled. He didn't even argue.
> AIVEN: Suri… I'm okay. Please don't freak out.
AIVEN: Raze is… not scary. He's just… normal. And he's protecting me.
AIVEN: Please calm down.
Almost instantly, his phone buzzed.
> SURI HALE: …okay but if you die, I will hunt you down personally!
Aiven groaned again.
Raze chuckled. "You have a… spirited sister."
"She's insane," Aiven muttered.
---
Breakfast and the Dorm Chaos
By the time they reached the kitchen, the rest of ECLYPSE was already awake.
Kaze was dancing with a protein shake in hand. "Good morning, mysterious boyfriend! Ready for fame?"
Nova bounced behind him. "We should make breakfast! I know what he likes—pancakes!"
Astryx leaned against the counter, expression cool and unimpressed. "I don't get it. Why does he get to sleep in Raze's hoodie and eat pancakes with you?"
Raze's jaw tightened. "Leave him alone."
Astryx raised a brow. "I was just asking."
Zenith sighed. "Let's focus. Today's schedule is tight. We can't have a scandal blow up again."
Aiven tried to relax, but his phone buzzed again. Another text from Suri.
> SURI HALE: Did he feed you breakfast yet??
SURI HALE: Did he ask if you brushed your teeth??
SURI HALE: ARE YOU SAFE??
Aiven groaned. "Raze… she's relentless."
Raze just smiled faintly. "I like spirited girls. I'll handle her."
Aiven blinked. "…You're not even scared of her?"
Raze shook his head. "Nope. She's family. That makes her harmless."
Aiven's chest warmed a little. Somehow, the fact that Raze would even think about talking to his sister made him feel… protected.
---
Public Appearance Gone Wrong
Their breakfast ended faster than expected.
Soon, Velric's assistant called:
"Raze, the media is outside. Fans are gathering. You have an event in thirty minutes. And… the boy—"
She paused, clearly uncomfortable. "He's being… noticed."
Raze's eyes narrowed. "Stay close."
Aiven swallowed hard. He didn't want to face screaming fans.
But as they stepped outside, the crowd was worse than he imagined. Phones were pointed in his direction, whispers spreading:
"Is that him?!"
"OMG, he's cute!"
"Raze's mystery boy!!"
Aiven's hand shook.
Raze grabbed it instantly.
"Don't let go," he said quietly. "I've got you."
The crowd screamed louder.
Astryx rolled his eyes. "Great, now the internet will explode."
Kaze cheered. "This is epic! Keep holding hands!"
Aiven's cheeks burned red.
He didn't even notice Raze's thumb brushing his hand gently.
---
A Small, Quiet Moment
After the fan chaos settled, Raze pulled Aiven aside behind a barricade.
"You okay?" Raze asked, voice soft.
Aiven nodded, heart racing. "I… think so."
Raze smiled faintly. "You're handling this better than I expected."
Aiven looked down. "…I feel safe with you."
Raze's hand lingered on his. "Good. Because I'm not letting anything happen to you. Not ever."
Aiven's chest tightened.
And for the first time, he realized the truth he'd been trying to ignore:
He wasn't just drawn to Raze…
He trusted him.
He liked him.
And maybe, just maybe…
he was falling for him.