They quietly put on their clothes, each trying to hide a smile they couldn't control. The room still carried the echoes of their racing breaths and the lingering warmth of the moment that had brought them together. But now, after the storm between their hearts had calmed, a gentle feeling settled in… the feeling that follows a truth that can no longer be ignored.
Murad sat on the edge of the bed, buttoning his shirt with a slight nervousness, while John stood near the window, running his fingers along the glass and breathing deeply, as if trying to take in everything that had happened.
John turned to him, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Murad… I didn't expect to see you tonight. Everything happened so fast."
Murad lifted his gaze to him, his voice low but sincere.
"Neither did I. But… I felt I needed to be here. With you."
John moved closer and sat beside him, their shoulders brushing gently. A comfortable silence settled between them. Then John whispered softly:
"What do you want to do now?"
Murad sighed lightly, glancing down at their intertwined hands.
"I love the rain."
John smiled softly.
"I like that… too."
Murad stood and held out his hand.
"Come on. The night is long… I want to take you to the palace's backyard. The weather is wonderful."
John lifted his head toward the sky, a faint look of surprise on his lips.
"It looks like we won't stay dry for long… the rain is heavy."
The rain poured down, soft yet relentless, drenching their faces, their shoulders, their intertwined fingers. They didn't move. It was as if the rain had come to wash away the last of their hesitation.
Murad looked at John, droplets sliding down his face as though catching a special light. He couldn't resist the surge of feeling in his chest. Slowly, he raised his hand to John's cheek, brushing his thumb across the wet skin.
John whispered, his voice mingled with quickened breaths:
"Murad… why do I feel like I'm seeing you for the first time right now?"
Murad smiled lightly, stepping closer… and then another. The rain grew heavier, the air colder, but the warmth between them intensified.
Suddenly, John leaned closer, clutching the edge of Murad's coat, as if the rain had emboldened him to be honest for the first time.
He whispered, his voice trembling with desire:
"Kiss me…"
Murad didn't wait. He lifted John's face between his hands and drew him into a deep, fiery kiss, warm despite the cold rain. A kiss that spoke everything unspoken… everything they had been afraid to say. The rain sang around them like a soft melody, and their hearts pounded together in the midst of the storm.
When they separated for a brief moment, John was panting, his eyes sparkling with feelings he had never dared admit.
"I… I want us to start dating. Officially. Publicly… or secretly… it doesn't matter. I just want it to be… with you."
Time seemed to freeze around them, save for the sound of the rain.
Murad brushed wet strands of hair from John's forehead, his voice calm but resolute.
"John… I wanted that even before you said it… but I was afraid. Not anymore. I want you. I want us… and we'll start tonight."
John smiled, a pure, unguarded smile Murad had never seen before. Then he pulled Murad into his arms and kissed him again—a longer, deeper kiss, as if the rain had vanished, leaving only the warmth of their lips and the beating of their hearts.
And so… beneath the rain, in the quiet of the night, a completely new story began.
When they returned to the room, the rain still soaked their clothes, and Murad chuckled softly.
"It seems we can't sleep like this… come on, let's shower before you catch a cold."
They stepped into the bathroom together, their laughter light as they helped each other untangle wet strands of hair from their faces. The steam filled the room quickly, turning the chill of the night into a gentle warmth. They contented themselves with simple, tender care—short, intimate moments that neither had felt in a long time.
Afterward, they emerged in warm clothes and sat on the bed for a moment before surrendering to sleep. John, exhausted, rested his head on Murad's shoulder, while Murad drew the blanket around them.
"Good night… John," Murad whispered softly, looking at him.
For the first time, he allowed himself to sleep beside someone with whom he felt truly safe.
Morning light filtered through the royal curtains, and soft knocks came at the door. The prince's attendant, Ylana, opened it as usual.
She stepped back, surprised at the scene before her.
John was asleep beside the prince, head resting partly on Murad's shoulder, Murad's arm still around him.
"Your Highness… you should wake up…" Ylana said, trying to keep her voice professional despite the surprise.
Murad opened his eyes slowly, noticing the look of astonishment on her face. Straightening slightly, he whispered, without waking John:
"What is it?"
"I… I apologize… but… how did Prince John end up in your room?"
"He's my friend from university… and he's also the Prince of Florida," Murad replied calmly, though slightly tense.
"I know he's a prince, Your Highness… but there are dozens of guest rooms. Why… sleep beside you?" Ylana asked, a mix of respect and curiosity in her voice.
Murad's expression hardened.
"Ylana… you've crossed a line."
Her eyes widened, and she immediately bowed.
"I apologize, Your Highness… it won't happen again."
Murad turned to John, only to see his cheeks flushed—not from embarrassment, but from heat.
Murad quickly placed his hand on John's forehead and immediately pulled it back in alarm.
"John… your temperature is very high."
"Can you hear me?" he whispered softly, panic breaking through his calm voice.
John didn't wake, breathing slowly, weakly.
"Call the royal doctor immediately," Murad commanded, worry clear in his tone.
Ylana nodded and ran to follow the orders. Murad remained beside John, gently touching his hair.
"Don't worry… I'll take care of you, John. Until you feel better, you won't be away from me," he murmured softly.
John, feeling the warmth of Murad's presence, closed his eyes slightly and smiled despite the fatigue, as if understanding a silent promise of protection.
Murad glanced out the window, rain still falling, and whispered:
"Even the rain outside… seems to know we need each other now more than ever."
Ylana watched from afar, realizing that this moment would become a warm memory for every new morning, and that Murad would not leave John alone, no matter the circumstances.
Two days passed, and John's health improved steadily. Murad sat beside him in the royal lounge, watching him smile lightly as he regained his energy.
"Murad… I want to apologize… my illness ruined our last holiday days," John said shyly.
Murad smiled, warmth and mischief in his eyes.
"If anyone should apologize… it's me. I took you out in the rain… I caused your mild illness."
John chuckled softly.
"At least that moment in the rain was one of the most beautiful moments."
The time came to return to university. Murad prepared to leave, a mix of longing and curiosity for the new day ahead.
At the campus, he met his close friend Aiden, smiling as usual. They exchanged greetings and updates before heading to their classes.
The lessons passed quickly, and as students left, Murad went to the library. There, by the wooden wall, he found John leaning casually, smiling lightly as he studied.
Murad approached, greeting him with a smile.
"John… I've missed seeing your smile today."
John looked up, eyes sparkling.
"I've missed it too, Murad… the university seems better now."
Murad sat beside him and whispered:
"What if we plan our first date this week? Something… different… fun?"
John's eyes widened with delight.
"I think I love that idea… so you're suggesting we start our first weekend together this way?"
Murad nodded, excitement shining in his eyes.
"Exactly… let's think of a place that suits us… to enjoy some time outside the university, away from everything."
John smiled, taking a deep breath, feeling warmth, nostalgia, and joy all at once, as if their world had begun a new chapter—one filled with love and small adventures they would share together.
Thus, Chapter Thirteen ends, with a silent promise for their first date and a new spark of hope in their shared life.