Adrian's POV
Saturday felt heavier than usual.
Maybe it was the late nights, maybe it was because of dad's torments every night he comes home drunk, or maybe it was because I knew I'd be spending the evening with Damien.
Work at the café kept me busy. I wore the uniform, smiled at customers, and balanced trays with the ease of practice. But inside, my stomach twisted every time I thought about later. Damien. Studying. Alone.
Tyler didn't show up today, which was a relief. The shift passed smoothly, just the sound of steaming milk, clinking cups, and quiet chatter filling the space.
When my replacement arrived, I quickly clocked out, stuffed my tips into my pocket, and grabbed my guitar case like always.
Except tonight wasn't about Nocturne. Tonight was about tutoring.
I climbed the familiar fire escape, the metal rattling under my shoes. The rooftop air was cool, brushing against my face. And then I saw him.
Damien Caldwell. Sitting on the ledge, scrolling through his phone like he owned the night sky.
He looked up when I arrived. "You're late, glasses."
Heat rushed to my cheeks. "I had work."
He shrugged, sliding his phone into his pocket. "Alright then. Let's get started before I regret asking you."
We spread our books on the concrete floor, the city lights glowing around us. Damien leaned closer to see my notes, his shoulder brushing mine. My heart jumped into my throat.
Focus, Adrian. Focus.
I pointed at the equations. "Okay, this one is simple. You just apply the formula—"
"Simple for you," he muttered, scratching his head. His brows furrowed as he leaned even closer. Our hands almost touched. Almost.
My pulse sped up. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to keep my voice steady. "Here, try this one. Step by step."
He groaned dramatically, scribbled something, and then looked at me for approval. His eyes lingered a second too long. Or maybe I imagined it.
"Better," I said softly.
A smirk tugged at his lips. "See? I'm not totally hopeless."
He leaned back on his hands, stretching, his shirt pulling slightly. My eyes darted away instantly, heat flooding my face again.
Why does he have to look like that? Why does he have to sit so close?
I buried myself in the next problem, pretending not to notice my own racing heartbeat.
"Relax, glasses," he said suddenly, his tone lighter. "I'm not gonna bite."
I dared a glance at him. His eyes caught mine, holding them longer than I was ready for. My chest tightened.
I looked away first. "You're distracting."
"Me?" He chuckled. "You're the one blushing every five seconds."
I froze. "I—I'm not—"
He grinned, clearly enjoying my fluster. "Whatever you say."
We continued like that, solving problems, trading small comments. To Damien, it was just tutoring. To me, it was everything. Every laugh, every smile, every accidental brush of his hand sent a storm through me.
When we finally closed the books, the night had deepened. Damien stood, stretching again, looking satisfied. "Not bad. Maybe I won't fail after all."
"Keep practicing," I said, gathering my notes.
He gave me a look, half teasing, half unreadable. "Good thing I've got you, then."
My chest squeezed. I nodded, unable to speak.
We parted ways at the street. He waved casually, like it was nothing. But for me, it was something I knew I'd replay over and over in my head.
When I got home, the smell of soup filled the kitchen. Sophie and Claire were quiet, moving slowly around the table. Mom sat on the couch, coughing into a napkin.
My stomach sank.
"Mom," I whispered, rushing over.
She forced a small smile. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Just a little cold."
But the sound of her cough said otherwise. Sophie's worried eyes met mine. Claire rubbed Mom's back gently.
Dinner was quiet, the heaviness in the room pressing down on all of us. Dad hadn't come home yet. That was the only blessing.
After cleaning up, I went to my room. My guitar leaned against the wall, the mask waiting on my desk.
I checked my channel out of habit. A new video had just finished uploading. The views were climbing fast, the comments pouring in. Compliments, hearts, fire emojis.
But one comment froze me.
Nice voice, glasses.
The words blurred on the screen. My breath hitched. The only person who called me glasses…
Was Damien.
My hands shook as I stared at the screen, my heart pounding louder than ever.