Sam and Casen walked along the paved path with their fingers intertwined. Casen swung their hands lightly, a soft smile on his face as Sam rambled about a funny story, though Casen wasn't really paying attention. He was content just being there with Sam.
Sam has brought him out to the hospital park. They slowed to a stop when they noticed Hunter approaching from the other side of the park. Casen's eyes brightened instantly.
"Hunter!" he called softly.
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Didn't think you'd show up."
Hunter frowned. "Why?"
Sam shrugged. "Thought you'd be too busy. Y'know, dark things to do."
Before Hunter could retort, Casen stepped forward and smiled at him. "Thank you."
Hunter blinked in confusion. "For what?"
Casen glanced at Sam, who quickly filled in. "I told him about what happened at school today. How you and Aiden's mom completely obliterated those bullies' parents."
Casen nodded, his voice was quiet but heartfelt. "And…Aiden. Can you thank him for me?"
Hunter stiffened at the mention of Aiden. His jaw tightened slightly, and his gaze dropped to the ground. "I can't do that."
Casen's smile faltered a bit. He exchanged a glance with Sam who shrugged. "Why not?"
Hunter shifted on his feet, shoving his hands into his pockets. After a moment, he sighed. "I'll say sorry to you on his behalf though."
"Huh?"
Hunter looked away. "For not helping you."
Casen flinched and lowered his head. His fingers unconsciously curled tighter around Sam's. Sam immediately squeezed them back, wrapping his other arm around Casen's shoulders in a protective hold.
Casen shook his head. "It's okay. It's not Aiden's fault."
Hunter still scoffed. "Not his fault?"
Casen bit his lip, glancing at Sam before continuing. "If Aiden tried to stand up for me…they would've gone after him too. It's…probably better that he didn't do anything."
Hunter frowned, staring at Casen for a long moment. As much as he hated to admit it, Casen had a point. Just picturing Aiden trying to defend Casen against those bastards was almost laughable. Aiden would've gotten flattened. Hunter exhaled sharply at the thought of those guys bullying Aiden.
Casen and Sam watched something twisting in his eyes which seemed too dangerous to even mention.
"Maybe but if anyone so much as touches him…" He clenched his fists tightly. "I'll make sure they regret it their whole lives."
Casen smiled faintly. "He's lucky to have you."
Hunter's expression didn't change. "Yeah, well…he still shouldn't have lied."
Sam frowned. "What lie?"
Hunter crossed his arms. "That Casen was pursuing me."
Casen flinched again, guilt flickering across his face. Sam noticed it immediately. His grip on Casen's hand loosened slightly, a strange bitterness settling in his chest. Casen didn't say anything to deny the question, which only made the silence heavier.
Hunter checked his phone. "I've got my evening shift. I'll be back tomorrow." He glanced at Casen. "Take care."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left, his figure disappearing into the distance. Casen watched him go biting his lip. When he finally turned back, he found Sam staring at him with a strange expression.
"Casen?" Sam's voice was quiet but there was something…off.
Casen tilted his head innocently. "Hm?"
Sam hesitated before asking, "Do you…like really Hunter?"
Casen was caught off guard and almost lost his balance. "What?" He looked anywhere but at Sam, not understanding how to explain things to Sam.
Meanwhile, Sam's head made up his own answer when Casen didn't answer for a long time. He didn't understand the sour taste he felt in his mouth and the ache in his chest.
"You shouldn't like him," He blurted without thinking. Casen snapped his head back at him so fast he thought he almost dislocated his neck. "Because Hunter likes Aiden."
Sam thought he would see Casen have another meltdown after hearing but Casen remained calm and normal which shocked him.
"I know," Casen announced simply.
"Then why?" Sam's eyes widened and grabbed Casen's shoulders and pulled him closer. Casen gasped, his smaller body slammed against Sam's bigger and tougher body. "Why do you still like him?"
Casen's blue eyes roamed across Sam's infuriated face and he couldn't bring himself to even breathe.
"Who do you like more?" The words tumbled out before he could stop himself. "Me or Hunter?"
"W-What?" Casen's eyes widened and he shuddered feeling a shiver run down his spine. A soft pink flushed his cheeks as he stared at Sam, completely caught off guard.
Sam's breath hitched at the realization of what he'd just said. His hands dropped from Casen's shoulders as if he'd been burned, and he stumbled a step back hiding his own red ears.
"Forget it!" He waved his hands frantically, his face turning crimson. "I-I didn't mean that! I don't even care who you like! It's not like it matters or anything. Let's just…I'll take you back to your room."
◾◾◾
The little bell above the restaurant door chimed softly as Aiden pushed it open, glancing around eagerly. A waiter, a middle-aged man with a tired face, approached him with a polite smile.
"Table for one?" the waiter asked.
Aiden shook his head quickly. "I want Hunter."
The waiter looked at him as if he had grown a third head. "Hunter?"
"Yeah, Hunter. My buddy." Aiden grinned, trying to peek past him. "Where is he? Tell him I'm here."
The man scratched his head. "Hunter…? Oh, you mean that gloomy-faced kid?"
Aiden's grin faltered. "Hey! He's not gloomy! He's just tired."
"Right. That one." The waiter snorted and pointed towards the back. "He's over there. Wait here. I'll get him for him."
Aiden bounced on his heels, scanning the room. Sure enough, Hunter was there looking absolutely done with life. Aiden's heart gave a little thump. He watched as the waiter whispered something to Hunter, who immediately tensed, turning his sharp gaze toward Aiden. Even from across the room, Aiden could feel the fright of that glare. Uh oh.
Hunter stalked over to him with his brow furrowed so deeply it cast shadows over his eyes, gaze burning with quiet fury. "What are you doing here?"
"Hey, Hunter!" Aiden plastered on his best innocent smile. "I, uh…thought I'd wait for your shift to end. We could hang out or something!"
"No." Hunter laughed, letting a hollow, disbelieving sound at his words. "You're not serious, are you? Leave right now."
Aiden pouted dramatically. "Aw, come on. I'll just sit quietly! You won't even know I'm here." He slipped into a booth before Hunter could protest. Aiden coughed a few times from a dry throat.
This idiot. Hunter exhaled sharply through his nose, running a hand down his face. A few minutes later, Hunter dropped a glass onto Aiden's table with a soft thunk. Aiden blinked at the familiar color.
"Wait…is this my favorite smoothie?" He looked up with wide bright eyes. "I didn't even say what I wanted."
Hunter scowled at him angrily. "Just drink it and leave."
Aiden beamed nonetheless. "Aww, you do care about me." He sipped the smoothie and hummed happily. Hunter glared harder at him.
Aiden put the glass down and rested his chin on his palm, looking up at Hunter with pitiful and begging eyes.. "Hey…Can you not be so mean to me? I'm really sorry about Casen. I know I messed up. But it hurts when you keep looking at me like that."
Hunter froze for a second. For a moment, he just stared into Aiden's eyes. They were so open, so full of guilt and longing, and it made Hunter's chest tighten painfully. He clenched his jaw and looked away. This was good. If Aiden pulled away, if he stopped trying to be close…it would be better for both of them.
"Hunter!" a voice called from the kitchen. Hunter blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "I have to get back to work. Drink it and leave."
Aiden watched him go and sipped his smoothie with a pout, kicking his feet under the table. "Why is he so mean to me…" he mumbled, swirling the drink with his straw. He kept stealing glances at Hunter, who moved through the restaurant like a dark shadow, quiet and efficient.
"Maybe he doesn't hate me that much," Aiden whispered to himself, taking another sip. "He remembered my smoothie, after all."
He smiled softly, the cold sweetness filling his mouth as he watched Hunter from afar, his heart fluttering despite the icy wall between them. The gloomy boy moved smoothly between tables, balancing trays and dodging customers with the ease of someone who'd done this a million times.
Suddenly, a group of girls at a nearby table giggled. Aiden frowned and followed their gazes. It was Hunter who took their orders. Aiden felt himself losing his mind instantly when he remembered these are the same girls when he came with Sophia.
"Hunter!" the first girl called again. "Can you grab us some extra napkins?"
"Sure."
"And some sugar?"
"Okay."
"Oh! And could you help me pick up my fork? I dropped it." She batted her lashes, not even trying to hide the way her eyes roamed over him.
"Sure," Hunter nodded politely oblivious to her intentions, and responded with his usual charm, which only made the girls giggle more. One of them requested a straw, and before long, they had him running back and forth with trivial tasks.
Aiden gripped his glass tighter. How can he not see what they're doing? He's so dumb I swear! They're clearly flirting with him.
When Hunter came back with the straw she thanked him with dreamy eyes and asked. "Are you a model?"
Hunter shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "Um…no."
"Oh, you should try then," she giggled. "You'd be perfect. You're really hot."
Aiden nearly choked on his smoothie. Hot? His eyes narrowed at the girl. What's so hot about a guy who barely smiles?
"Thank you but I'm not interested," Hunter let out and rest their orders.
"Why not? I can give you my number if you're interested."
Aiden nearly flipped the table. He stared at Hunter with narrowed and mad eyes. Suddenly, under the café's soft lighting, Hunter looked…dissimilar. The way his dark hair fell over his forehead, slightly messy but effortlessly cool. The sharp line of his jaw, his long lashes casting shadows against his pale skin. Even the frown that permanently settled between his brows made him look broody and intense. Aiden gulped. His heart stuttered. Wait. Wait, wait, wait. Was he…checking out Hunter? Checking his friend well now Ex-friend out?
Aiden smacked his own cheek, earning a few confused stares from nearby customers. He scoffed at them loud enough to make them glance away.
Instead, his gaze drifted back to Hunter. The girls were wrong. Hunter wasn't just 'hot.' He was…well—Aiden tilted his head—actually…yeah…Hunter is kinda…really good-looking.
His face flushed instantly. "Oh my god," he whispered, covering his mouth. What the hell, brain?! This is Hunter! My best friend! My very grumpy, very angry, very male best friend!
He slammed his hands on the table, making his smoothie jump. "STOP BEING SO HANDSOME, YOU IDIOT!" he yelled loudly.
The restaurant fell silent. Everyone turned to stare at him as if he was a lunatic. Hunter froze mid-step, tray in hand, eyes slowly locking onto Aiden with disbelief and horror.
The girls whispered to each other. Aiden shot them a glare before jabbing a finger toward Hunter. "And you! Stop letting these girls flirt with you while you work! What kind of professional are you?!"
No. Freaking. Way. Hunter's eyes nearly popped out of his head, mouth hanging open in pure disbelief and shock. You're doing this at my workplace.
Before he could say anything, the owner stormed out from behind the counter. "What's going on here?" His eyes darted between Aiden and Hunter. "Hunter! What did you do this time? You made a customer angry? Where is your head all day? Can't you do one thing right–"
"Excuse me?! Who are you to scold my friend? I'm not angry at Hunter!" He turned on the owner, hands on his hips. "In fact, you're the problem here, buddy!"
The owner stammered as if he couldn't understand his words. "I—what?"
"Hunter works his butt off here, and what do you do? Yell at him every chance you get! I bet you never even say thank you! Do you know how amazing he is? Huh? Do you?! He's the best damn waiter I've ever seen, and you're lucky to have him!"
People started whispering among themselves. Some customers pulled out their phones to record. The owner paled, glancing around nervously. "Uh, Hunter—"
Meanwhile, all Hunter wanted was to disappear from the face of the earth. His mouth opened and closed several times before he finally blurted, "You've GOT to be joking Aiden!"
"And another thing!" Aiden ignored him and continued, this time tears welling in his eyes. "How could you let him work under these conditions?! Do you ever think about his feelings?! I bet you scold him all the time! He's probably so sad, but he never shows it because he's a strong, independent man who suffers in silence!"
"What is happening?" a customer whispered.
"I dunno, but this is so fun to watch," another said.
Aiden sniffled dramatically. "Hunter, quit this job! You don't need this place! I'll take care of you from now on!" He walked up to Hunter as if he owned this place and grabbed Hunter's hands. "You can live with me! I'll make you breakfast every morning, pack your lunch, and cheer for you whenever you're sad. You don't have to work ever again!"
Hunter stood perfectly still, eyes wide, as if even breathing might disrupt the absurdity in front of him.
"I'll take care of everything!" Aiden wailed loudly with fat tears streaming down his cheeks. "You can just relax and be beautiful!"
The restaurant erupted in whispers. The owner stared wide-eyed at the scene, then turned to Hunter with a frightened look. "Uh…maybe you should…take him outside. Please."
"Gladly," Hunter growled, grabbing Aiden's arm and dragging him toward the door. Aiden stumbled after him, still crying about taking care of him. Once they were outside, Hunter spun him around and asked.
"Aiden. What the hell was that."
Aiden sniffled, rubbing his eyes. "I just…I don't want anyone yelling at you or treating you like a servant." His lower lip wobbled. "It makes m-me sad."
Hunter's eyes flicked to the side, then back again, as if checking to see if anyone else was witnessing the same madness. "It's just work. Everyone gets scolded sometimes. There are other waiters, you know who gets scolded too."
"But you're not other waiters!" Aiden wiped his nose on his sleeve, eyes shining with fresh tears. "You're Hunter! And you deserve better!"
Hunter ran his tongue over his lower lip, his stare unblinking as the silence stretched between them. "I…what."
"Yes, you don't deserve working for them," When Aiden calmed down, he unexpectedly forgot about everything and suddenly brightened. "Hey! Can I go to your place tonight?" He bounced on his heels. "I've never seen where you live."
Hunter tilted his head back slightly, eyes narrowing as his lips curled into the faintest hint of disbelief. "No."
Aiden's face fell, lip jutting out in a pout. "Why not? Come on! I'll be super quiet! I'll just sit in the corner."
"Absolutely not."
Aiden's shoulders slumped, feeling disappointed, his tears welled again.
"Then can you at least walk me home?" He glanced around in fear "It's dark…and scary…"
"Aiden. You're eighteen."
"I don't care, Please?" His eyes shimmered with tears.
Hunter's brow furrowed deeply, a dark shadow falling over his face as his glare hardened. "What part of 'we're not friends anymore' do you not understand?"
"Fine," Aiden's face dropped and he roughly wiped his tears. "Just let me walk alone. I'll probably get kidnapped and sold off or something if I go alone. But why do you care? I'm the most wanted criminal of the country in your eyes anyway."
Hunter gave him a 'Are you serious right now?' But giving it a deep thought and Aiden might actually get himself kidnapped. He's dumb like that.
After a long sigh, he began to walk. "Come on."
Aiden immediately brightened, skipping after him. "I knew you wouldn't let me get kidnapped!"
Maybe he doesn't hate me after all.