ADRAIN
Rick studied me for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Fair enough. So, what's the plan?"
I took a breath, my fingers lightly tapping against the table. "Next week, I'll see him again. And I'll know."
"Know what?"
I looked up, meeting Rick's gaze. "If the spark is still there."
For a moment, neither of us spoke. The sounds of the café—the hum of conversation, the clinking of cups—filled the space between us.
Then Rick chuckled, shaking his head. "Damn, Adrian. You're really hoping for some 'fated lovers' kind of thing, huh?"
I gave him a wry smile. "Maybe."
He smirked, raising his cup in mock toast. "Well, then. Here's to next week."
I clinked my cup against his, but deep down, I knew—this wasn't just about next week.
This was the start of something. And for the first time in a long while, I was ready to see where it led.
---
As Adrian arrived home, the familiar quiet of the house was interrupted by the unexpected sight of his parents sitting together in the living room. Usually, by this time, they were either out at an event or occupied with work.
"Mom?" he called, surprised.
His mother turned toward him with a warm smile. "Adrian!" She rose from the couch, pulling him into a brief hug. "You're home late."
His father glanced up from his tablet, his expression neutral but observant. "How was your outing with Roderick?"
"It was nice," Adrian replied, setting his backpack down.
His mother nodded approvingly. "Good. Tell him to visit us for dinner sometime. You know he's your only friend."
Adrian let out a small chuckle. "He'll hear of it. He actually sends his greetings."
"That's good," his mother said with a pleased nod. Then, her tone shifted ever so slightly, laced with expectation. "And how are you spending your last free period before your new position?"
He hesitated, choosing his words carefully to avoid raising suspicion.
Adrian's hands trembled slightly as he replied, clearing his throat. "Just… making the most of it."
His mother gave a knowing smile. "Alright, just make sure you spend it wisely. When you start working at the company full-time, it won't be easy."
"We are happy for you," his father added, his words firm but carrying an underlying pride.
His mother's warm smile and gentle hug enveloped him, making Adrian feel like a child again.
His father's firm but proud tone conveyed a sense of expectation and encouragement.
Adrian gave them a small salute, a playful yet respectful gesture. "I'll be in my room," he said, glancing toward the staircase.
"Alright, but don't forget—since today is Sunday, we all eat dinner together," his mother reminded him.
"Got it," he said, heading upstairs.
As he closed the door behind him, he exhaled deeply. The momentary relief of solitude was overshadowed by the weight of his thoughts.
Now came the real challenge—figuring out how to tell his parents about the charity program. He knew they would support him, but understanding why it meant so much to him? That was a different story.
He didn't like lying to his parents. They were loving, supportive even, but they wouldn't understand this. Not yet.
Besides, I need to know what's between me and Maxen first.
Adrian's gaze drifted toward the window as he lay back on his bed, his mind wandering to the fleeting moment he shared with Maxen.
He rubbed his hands over his chest, the familiar ache stirring within him like a gentle hum.
Would the spark still be there next week?
Would Maxen even remember him?
With those questions lingering in his mind, Adrian knew one thing for certain—he needed to find out.
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TO BE CONTINUED...
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