Adrian lay in bed, his mind restless. The memory of the unexpected kiss with Elias replayed over and over again. He wanted to forget it, to dismiss it as an accident, but the sensation lingered—the softness of Elias's lips, the warmth of his breath. It infuriated him. With Nao's birthday approaching and his mother's sinister schemes looming, he couldn't afford to be distracted.
He exhaled sharply, forcing himself out of bed. There were more important matters to handle.
Later that evening, Adrian made a quiet decision. He sent a servant to deliver an invitation to Elias. "Don't mention my name," he ordered coldly. Elias needed to come—but not because of him. He convinced himself it was just curiosity, nothing more.
When Elias received the invitation, confusion settled in. He had assumed Nao had called for him, but why with a formal invitation? Why not just ask him directly? Still, his curiosity got the better of him, and he arrived at the Vermillion estate that night.
As Elias stepped inside, he hesitated upon seeing Adrian instead of Nao. His breath hitched. "I… I thought Nao invited me."
Adrian leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "He didn't. I did."
Elias took a step back. "Why?"
Adrian didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed Elias's wrist, pulling him closer. Elias's heart pounded. Before he could protest, Adrian crashed his lips against his in a passionate, desperate kiss. Elias shivered, his body melting into the heat of Adrian's touch. But just as quickly, Adrian broke away, his expression cold.
"Don't show your face again," he whispered harshly.
Elias flinched, his eyes wide with hurt. Without another word, he turned and ran, his chest tight with confusion and pain.
The next morning at breakfast, Nao absentmindedly twirled his fork. "Is Elias okay?" he asked. "I called him last night, but he didn't answer. I'm curious."
Adrian stiffened, his grip tightening around his cup. Guilt crawled up his spine as the previous night's events flashed through his mind. He didn't respond, but Nao's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing something off.
For the first time in a long while, Adrian felt truly uneasy.