Rahel: Today is your dinner appointment with Mr. Gavin.
Adrian glanced at the message, then set his phone aside and shifted closer to Maxen, whose slow, steady breathing filled the stillness of the room.
Boyfriend.
Such a familiar word—yet it still felt foreign in his mouth.
Don't get me wrong—I've known I was gay for as long as I can remember. I always knew I'd have a partner someday. But saying it aloud? Owning it?
That's something else.
It's thrilling.
Strange.
Beautiful.
And I like it.
Yeah… I have a boyfriend now.
And today?
Today is our third-day anniversary.
I hope people celebrate third-day anniversaries these days, because honestly, I'd celebrate every single day with him if I could.
Later this afternoon, we're heading to the charity event together. And tonight—dinner with Mr. Gavin.
The day already felt full before it even began.
Adrian smiled to himself and looked down at Maxen, sleeping like he carried peace itself in his bones. Quiet. Soft. Unaware of how loved he was in that moment.
He picked up his phone and dialed Rodrick.
"Hey," Rodrick answered.
"Hey. How are you?" Adrian asked, keeping his voice low.
"I'm fine."
"Hmm. Will you make it to the charity today?"
"Sorry, I'm busy. Next time."
"No problem." Adrian smiled. "Hope Maxen's fine?"
Adrian's eyes drifted back to Maxen. "He is. Very."
Rodrick laughed. "I still can't believe it."
"Me too," Adrian admitted softly. "But I'm happy."
"I know. Take care of each other, alright?"
As they spoke, Adrian moved toward the closet.
"I don't even know what to make for our third-day breakfast."
Rodrick chuckled. "Wait—third-day anniversary? Is that a thing now?"
"You'll understand when you get one."
"Not everyone's looking for a lover, you know."
"That's what they all say."
"I'm going," Rodrick muttered, then hung up.
Adrian stared at his phone, smirking. "This guy… he's been acting weird lately. Always dodging relationship talk."
He filed the thought away and headed to the kitchen.
The breakfast was simple but made with intention—toast, scrambled eggs, fruit slices, and coffee. Sunlight spilled through the windows as he set the table with quiet excitement.
Then, barefoot, he padded upstairs.
He leaned over the bed, brushing soft kisses across Maxen's cheek and jaw. "Xen… wake up. Come on, sleepyhead."
Maxen groaned and pulled the blanket over his head. "No…"
"You're such a baby," Adrian whispered, grinning as he tugged the covers down. "We've got to be at the charity event soon. This is our first public appearance—you want to be late for that?"
Messy hair. Sleep-heavy eyes. Maxen peeked out like a boy caught between dreams and waking.
"Do I get a reward if I get up?" he murmured.
"You already got it," Adrian said, flicking his forehead. "Now move."
Once Maxen started moving around, Adrian slipped aside for a quick call.
"Hey, Mom."
"Adrian! I was just thinking about you."
"I was about to call you too, Mom."
"Come home after dinner with Mr. Gavin. Your father and I miss you. He's no longer mad about the photo, just… be careful."
"Okay. Miss you too. I'll come by tomorrow. I might bring a friend."
"Oh?" she teased. "Can't wait to hear more about this 'friend.'"
"Bye, Mom."
"Bye, love you."
When Maxen came downstairs, he was wearing Adrian's shirt—oversized, soft, and charmingly disheveled.
"You look good in my shirt," Adrian said, smirking.
"Thanks." Maxen's gaze shifted to the table. "What are we celebrating with all this?"
Adrian hesitated for a beat. "I just… wanted to enjoy our morning."
He didn't have the nerve to say it was a third-day anniversary. What if it felt too much too soon?
They ate in peaceful silence—feeding each other, stealing bites, and sliding fruit onto one another's plates.
---
At the charity center, the energy was rising. Volunteers bustled about, decorations half-done and tables only halfway set. Children darted between chairs like it was a playground.
"Adrian! There you are," Rossie called, rushing over. "But… why are you coming with Maxen?"
Adrian opened his mouth, but Maxen answered first.
"Oh, I'm his driver."
"Driver?" Rossie looked at him, skeptical.
Her eyes lingered on the two of them—on the way Adrian shifted slightly closer, on the quiet tension in Maxen's jaw. A pause. Then a tight nod.
"Alright," she said, and turned toward the children.
Adrian blinked.
Maxen had already slipped away.
Something in his chest tightened.
Does he not want people to know about us?
The question struck sharper than expected. A small fissure in the warmth of the morning.
Maybe it was nothing. Maybe it was everything.
He swallowed it down and turned to greet familiar faces.
"Adrian," Ms. Lena called out warmly.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Lena," he said, putting on a smile.
"I heard you'll be leaving early today?"
"Yes, I have an appointment at six."
"Where's Maxen?"
"He's with Rossie and the children. I'll join them now."
"Go on. I've got everything under control here."
Adrian nodded gratefully and turned to walk across the room. But his thoughts trailed just a step behind his feet, lingering on a truth he wasn't quite ready to confront.
---
Maxen was crouched beside a small boy, helping him adjust his paper crown. Adrian stood a few feet away, arms crossed loosely as he watched.
Rossie glanced at him from across the room, then at Maxen. Her brows furrowed—subtle, thoughtful.
Adrian exhaled.
Maxen laughed—really laughed—at something the boy said, and the sound wrapped around Adrian's chest like a ribbon.
They hadn't figured out how to be public yet. Or what labels they wanted. Or who they were becoming in the eyes of the world.
But for now, Adrian thought, as Maxen looked up and smiled at him—
Maybe his overthinking they are fine.