The night was restless. Kieran tossed and turned, his mind trapped in the haze between dreams and reality. A voice—soft, distant—called his name. It wasn't Caelum's. It wasn't anyone he knew. He blamed the booze. It was all he could do.
The apartment felt colder than usual when he finally sat up, his breath uneven. He glanced at his phone—3:27 AM. The city outside was still alive in its own quiet way, but inside, it felt like something was watching.
Maybe it was just exhaustion. Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was nothing.
But as he laid back down, the whisper returned. He needed Caelum. He needed him now. He picked up his phone and called. Caelum wasted no time to respond—like he was awaiting his call.
Caelum's soothing voice sent away every bad energy he had. He was fine again, and the call went on for the whole night. Kieran was finally getting the love he deserved.
It's Saturday, and Kieran is locked up in his apartment finishing up paperwork. He's too busy to listen to the little whispers in the dark. Everywhere is cold and silent. His room was as dark as ever. The laptop screen was the only source of light. His phone rings. Kieran isn't used to calls. He hesitates, then picks up—and it's Caelum. Nothing matters anymore. "Work can wait till later," he thought. Caelum understood he was lonely from the way he spoke and decided to go to his place.
This was now more than a boss-and-assistant relationship. They were friends. Caelum arrives at his apartment. Beautiful yet simple. Fully furnished yet empty. The lights were now on, yet it was dark. Caelum tried holding a conversation with him, possibly asking about his day, but Kieran spoke.
"You're too good to be true," he said. "Every good thing I own always leaves me. Save me the stress and say what you want."
This hurt Caelum, but rather than feeling sad, he stands up and places his warm, veiny hands on Kieran's cold, smooth face and tells him in a soothing tone—more soothing than ever—like talking to a baby. He said, "I have secrets, and I may lie. But one thing I won't lie about is leaving you. I will never leave you."
Tears streamed down Kieran's cheeks. "Is this love?" he thought.
It's dinner time, and Kieran isn't used to preparing for two, but he had to. While he was in the kitchen, he saw Caelum get up and walk away. He had to take a call. He heard him raise his voice. That had never happened before. He seemed angry, and Kieran was concerned. During the meal, he asked why he yelled on the phone, but Caelum just brushed it off with a joke. He was hiding something.
After the meal, he requested to leave immediately, and Kieran couldn't say no. He looked back and said, "I'll spend next week with you, that's if you don't mind," Caelum said with a smile on his face. Kieran approved. It'd be a crime if he didn't spend more time with him.
Moments later, they waved goodbye. It still bothered Kieran. What could possibly make him yell like that? What could possibly make him leave like that? Is he scared of me? Am I too much? Did I say something wrong? Am I— No. Stop. He was overthinking. It was time for bed. At least these thoughts can't haunt him in his sleep.
It's Monday, and Kieran prepares for work. He's uneasy today. He hadn't heard from Caelum all Sunday. He got dressed and went outside, hoping to meet him waiting. There was no one there. He's left alone once more.
Kieran feels a whole new level of sadness. "Did he get close to me just to leave me?" "I thought he'd never leave"—so many thoughts crossed his mind when Caelum's car parked in.
"There was a little traffic!" he yelled, and Kieran walked in. He didn't want to talk about anything in the car. So many questions he had. He didn't want to seem too needy. Kieran stayed silent, distant once more. Not a single word was exchanged.
They got to the office, and Kieran walked straight into his office and slammed his door. Everyone knew something was off. They stole silent glares at Caelum. The judgment was very clear.
For the first time ever, Kieran treats Caelum as his assistant and nothing more.
"Print this out."
"Schedule this meeting."
"Talk to the owners of—"
When Caelum asks what's wrong—he hasn't seen him like this before—"What's wrong, Kieran? Did I do anything to offend you?" but Kieran looked him straight in the eyes and said, "Get back to work." He was confused.
It's past work hours, and the office is empty—just Kieran and Caelum. Kieran tries to avoid him and leave while packing up, but Caelum enters his office.
"What's wrong, darling?"
Kieran is shocked. "DARLING?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!"
But Caelum gets closer to him and holds his hands. His voice is shaky.
"I'm genuinely sorry for whatever I have done. I didn't mean to."
Tears slid down his cheek.
Kieran is thinking again—Has he been crying? Why's he crying? Was I too hard on him? So many questions in his beautiful head. He doesn't hesitate to accept his apology. He couldn't stand seeing Caelum sad.
They walk out together. It felt wrong. This can't be love. It shouldn't be.
They get in the car, and Caelum insists on driving. It was a long, quiet drive.
"Was he openly showing love?"
"Is this how friendships normally are?"
Poor Kieran was clueless once again.
Caelum drops him home, watches him walk in, and waves goodbye. Kieran realized he hadn't touched his car in weeks. It made him smile.
Caelum is driving back. His phone rings aloud. The number is not saved, but it looks familiar. He tightens his grip on the wheel. He's annoyed. He clears his throat and answers, saying,
"Speak."
A manner no one had ever heard him talk before. It was scary.
"What do we do with them, boss?" the caller asks.
Caelum replies, "Kill them," and he hangs up.
Meanwhile, Kieran is thinking about his Godsent friend.
Maybe it was exhaustion. Maybe it was nothing.
Or maybe it was just Caelum