𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵

Who is he?" "No one knows." "They say he's dangerous." His name was Lucien Vale, a graduate law student who preferred silence over conversation. Rumors followed him everywhere, but he never denied or confirmed any of them. Then there was Ethan Brooks. Unlike Lucien, Ethan was loud, cheerful, and forever late to class. He believed every mystery deserved to be solved. So one rainy afternoon, he walked right up to Lucien. "Everyone's scared of you," Ethan said with a grin. "I'm Ethan." Lucien looked over the rim of his glasses. "...Congratulations." That was all he said before walking away. Most people would have given up. Ethan didn't. He sat beside Lucien in the library. Bought him coffee. Talked enough for both of them. At first Lucien ignored him. Eventually... "...You talk too much." "I know." "...It's exhausting." "But you keep listening." For the first time, Lucien smiled—a small, genuine smile that made Ethan's heart skip. Weeks turned into months. Ethan discovered the truth behind Lucien's coldness. His wealthy family expected perfection. Every mistake was punished. Every emotion was considered weakness. So Lucien learned to hide behind expensive suits, polite smiles, and silence. One evening, while walking through the city after class, Ethan stopped beneath the streetlights. "You don't have to pretend with me." Lucien froze. "I don't know how to be anyone else." "Then we'll figure it out together." No one had ever said that to him. Winter arrived. Snow covered the campus. Lucien caught Ethan shivering after forgetting his coat. Without a word, Lucien removed his own scarf and wrapped it around Ethan's neck. "You'll get sick." Ethan laughed. "I thought you didn't care." "I never said that." "You never had to." One night, Ethan received a call. Lucien had collapsed from exhaustion after pushing himself too hard. When Lucien woke in the hospital, Ethan was asleep beside his bed, still holding his hand. Lucien whispered softly, "You're an idiot." Ethan opened one eye. "Probably." "...Thank you for staying." "You'd do the same." Lucien hesitated. "...I would." Spring returned. Cherry blossoms drifted across the campus. Lucien stood beneath the trees, adjusting the brim of his black cap. Ethan approached with his usual smile. "So...are we dating?" Lucien adjusted his glasses. "...You really are impatient." "I'll take that as a yes." Lucien stepped closer, gently taking Ethan's hand. "I've spent my whole life hiding behind masks." He looked directly into Ethan's eyes. "But with you..." "I finally feel seen." Ethan smiled so brightly it almost hurt to look at him. "I love you too." As cherry blossoms fell around them, Lucien leaned in and kissed him for the first time—not because he had to be perfect, but because, for once, he was simply himself. And from that day on, the mysterious man in the black cap was no longer alone.