Chapter 65: After the Storm

 

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting warm rays across Lucas’s room. He stirred awake, stretching out beneath the covers, but as the events of the previous night flooded back to him, a wave of unease washed over him.

He sat up, his heart racing as he recalled the argument between Ethan and Jake. “What if things escalate?” he thought, anxiety creeping into his mind. Lucas glanced at his phone, noticing several missed messages from Ethan.

Sighing, he picked it up, opening the texts one by one.

Ethan: Hey, are you okay?

Ethan: I’m sorry about last night. I just wanted to protect you.

Ethan: Let’s talk later?

Lucas felt a mix of concern and affection. He quickly replied, his fingers typing out a message: I’m okay. Just worried about you. Can we meet up?

Moments later, Ethan’s reply pinged back: Sure. I’ll be at the café in an hour.

After getting ready, Lucas took a deep breath and headed to the café, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries greeting him as he walked in. He scanned the room, spotting Ethan at a corner table, his expression tense as he fiddled with his coffee cup.

“Hey,” Lucas said softly, sliding into the seat across from him.

“Hey,” Ethan replied, his gaze meeting Lucas’s with a mixture of relief and worry. “I’m glad you came.”

Lucas smiled faintly, trying to ease the tension. “I wouldn’t miss it. How are you holding up?”

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Honestly? I’m a bit shaken. I didn’t expect things to get so heated last night. I just wanted to help, but I’m worried I made things worse.”

Lucas reached across the table, taking Ethan’s hand in his. “You stood up for what you believed in, and that’s brave. I’m proud of you.”

Ethan’s eyes softened at Lucas’s words. “But what if Jake comes after us? I don’t want you to be in danger because of me.”

“I can take care of myself,” Lucas reassured him, squeezing Ethan’s hand. “We both can. We just need to watch each other’s backs.”

Ethan nodded, but his expression remained troubled. “I just wish things could have gone differently. I didn’t mean to escalate the situation.”

“I know,” Lucas said gently. “But you acted out of concern for me. That shows how much you care.”

“I do care,” Ethan admitted, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I care a lot.”

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the world around them faded away. Lucas could see the vulnerability in Ethan’s gaze, the depth of his emotions shining through.

“I care too,” Lucas said softly, his heart racing. “This is new for both of us, but I want to make it work.”

Ethan’s expression shifted, a flicker of hope crossing his face. “Really? You want to keep going after everything that happened?”

“Absolutely,” Lucas affirmed, feeling a surge of determination. “We can’t let fear dictate our lives. We’ll figure this out together.”

Ethan’s smile returned, though it was still tinged with uncertainty. “You’re right. I just need to trust that we can face whatever comes our way.”

They spent the next hour talking, easing the tension that had built between them. The café buzzed with chatter and laughter, but all Lucas could focus on was the man across from him, the one who made his heart race.

As they finished their coffees, Ethan leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. “You know, maybe I should talk to Jake. Clear the air. I don’t want him to think he can just bully us.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Lucas asked, concern creeping back into his mind. “What if it makes things worse?”

“I’ll be careful,” Ethan promised, determination shining in his eyes. “I just think it’s better to face it head-on rather than let it fester.”

Lucas hesitated, weighing his options. “Okay, but promise me you’ll be safe. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Ethan nodded, his expression serious. “I promise. I’ll be cautious.”

Feeling a swell of affection, Lucas leaned over the table, their faces inches apart. “Just remember that I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Ethan’s eyes softened, and he reached across the table, brushing his fingers against Lucas’s cheek. “You mean the world to me, Lucas. I won’t let anything happen to us.”

Before they could share a kiss, the café door swung open, and a familiar figure stepped inside. Lucas’s stomach dropped as he recognized Jake, his presence sending an electric jolt of tension through the room.

Ethan stiffened, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Jake. “I’ll handle this,” he said, determination flooding his voice.

“Ethan, wait!” Lucas urged, but Ethan was already standing, walking toward Jake with purpose.

“Hey, can we talk?” Ethan said, his voice steady despite the brewing tension.

Jake looked surprised but then smirked, crossing his arms. “You think we have anything to talk about after last night?”

Ethan took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “I just want to clear the air. I didn’t mean for things to get out of hand.”

“Really? Because it looked to me like you were trying to play the hero,” Jake shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Lucas’s heart raced as he watched the exchange, anxiety creeping back in. He could sense the brewing storm, and he wanted nothing more than to support Ethan, but he felt powerless from afar.

“Look, I get that you’re upset,” Ethan replied, keeping his tone level. “But we’re not enemies. I want us to be civil.”

Jake scoffed, shaking his head. “Civil? You think you can just waltz in and act like everything’s fine? You’re delusional.”

Ethan took a step closer, determination in his eyes. “I’m not trying to start anything. I just want to put this behind us. Can we agree to leave each other alone?”

Jake’s expression hardened, and Lucas could see the tension building. “You really think I’ll just forget about what happened? You and your little boyfriend think you’re so tough now?”

“Don’t bring him into this,” Ethan warned, his voice low but steady.

At that moment, Lucas couldn’t stay silent any longer. He stood up, stepping beside Ethan. “We’re not afraid of you, Jake. We just want to live our lives without your interference.”

Jake’s eyes flicked between them, a smirk forming on his lips. “How cute. But you’re both going to regret this. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Enough!” Ethan shouted, surprising both Lucas and Jake. “We’re done here. Don’t think you can intimidate us anymore.”

As Ethan turned away, pulling Lucas with him, Lucas felt a rush of adrenaline and fear. “Are you okay?” he whispered, glancing back at Jake, who still wore a smug expression.

“I’m fine,” Ethan said, though the tension in his voice betrayed his true feelings. “Let’s just go.”

They hurried out of the café, the cool air hitting their faces as they stepped outside. Lucas could feel Ethan’s hand tremble slightly in his, and he squeezed it reassuringly.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Lucas asked, concern etching itself into his features.

“I will be,” Ethan replied, though his gaze was distant. “I just can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t over.”

Lucas’s heart sank at his words, a sense of foreboding creeping into his mind. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”

“Together,” Ethan echoed, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes.

As they walked down the street, the shadows of the past loomed large, but Lucas remained hopeful. They were in this together, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side.

• To Be Continued...