The next morning came quietly. Yuuto avoided eye contact with Julien during breakfast. The tension from the night before lingered like perfume—sweet, heady, and dangerous.
Julien, however, acted as if nothing had happened. He was charming, professional, and kept a respectable distance throughout the vendor meetings. But his gaze… it was always there, burning through the space between them.
As evening fell, a storm rolled over Jeju. Rain tapped the windows, wind howled outside. Their villa felt even more isolated.
Yuuto wrapped a blanket around himself and settled on the couch with tea, trying to distract his thoughts with a drama on TV. But the door to his room creaked open.
Julien stepped out, shirtless, towel wrapped around his waist, hair wet from the shower.
Yuuto's throat dried. "Do you… not have pajamas?"
Julien smirked. "I sleep better like this."
"Then sleep in your room," Yuuto muttered.
Julien walked closer, crouching before him. "You didn't answer my question last night."
Yuuto stared. "What question?"
Julien leaned in. "Do you want me to stop?"
Yuuto froze, his fingers clutching the blanket. His heart pounded against his ribs like a drum.
"I didn't come here for this," he whispered.
"But you didn't push me away either."
Julien's hand moved to brush Yuuto's cheek, featherlight. "You deserve to be wanted. And I want you, Yuuto."
Just then, Yuuto's phone buzzed again.
Aiden.
Julien looked at the name, a flicker of frustration in his eyes.
"Answer it," he said bitterly, standing up. "But remember—one day, that man's time will run out. You'll be alone. And I'll still be here, wanting you."
Yuuto swallowed the lump in his throat and answered the call, voice quiet. "Hello?"
Aiden's voice was deep, but softer this time. "I miss you."
Yuuto's eyes welled. "I miss you too."
"I wish I could hold you tonight."
"I wish that too."
Neither spoke for a while. The silence between them was heavy with unsaid feelings.
Aiden finally whispered, "Don't let anyone take my place."
Yuuto looked toward the bedroom door Julien had just disappeared into.
"I won't," he said. "Not yet."