The Unwritten Chapter

Cael pulled his phone from his pocket as he exited the university building, his fingers trembling slightly as he typed a message to Jade: I'm done, come pick me up. But before he could hit send, a familiar scent hit him like a wave. The same scent from that night.

His heart froze, and he didn't dare look back. Why is he here?!

Without wasting a second, Cael quickened his pace, weaving through the crowd. Anxiety clawed at his chest as he kept his gaze fixed ahead. He tried to reassure himself. It's just a coincidence. It has to be. He won't recognize me. I'll be fine. But his body refused to calm down, his every instinct screaming at him to escape.

The scent lingered, suffocating and intoxicating all at once. He pressed his phone's send button with shaky hands, praying that Jade would respond quickly. Cael broke into the open air, and to his immense relief, Jade's car was already parked at the curb. His brother's familiar figure leaning casually against the driver's side immediately brought him some sense of safety.

"Jade!" Cael called out, his voice trembling ever so slightly as he approached.

Jade turned to him, his brows furrowing the moment he caught sight of Cael's expression. Relief washed over Cael as he climbed into the car, but the way his shoulders sagged and his pale face alarmed Jade even more.

"Cael," Jade said softly, sliding into the driver's seat and closing the door behind him. "Is everything alright? You look like you just saw a ghost."

Cael plastered a quick smile onto his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine," he said, forcing an even tone. "Just… a little tired, that's all."

Jade's piercing green eyes narrowed, unconvinced. He rested his hand on the steering wheel but didn't start the car. "You're lying," he said bluntly, though his voice was laced with concern. "Something happened, and you're trying to hide it. Don't even try, Cael—I know you too well."

Cael looked away, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "I said I'm fine, Jade. Can we just go home?"

Jade exhaled sharply, clearly frustrated but unwilling to push too hard in public. He glanced at Cael again, his expression softening. "Fine. But when we get home, we're talking about this. Just you and me. You're not fooling me, Cael."

Cael swallowed thickly and nodded, knowing there was no way to avoid it. The car ride home was silent, the tension between them heavy. Jade kept glancing at his brother, his worry growing with each passing second. Whatever happened, it had shaken Cael to his core.

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By the time they arrived home, the house was quiet. The other Chang brothers were at work, and Mr. and Mrs. Chang were out running errands. Jade led Cael into the dining room, the calm, controlled demeanor he often wore giving way to something softer, more protective.

"Sit," Jade instructed gently, pulling out a chair for Cael before sitting across from him. His piercing green eyes softened, though they still held the intensity of someone who wouldn't let this go.

Cael hesitated, fiddling with his fingers under the table. Jade reached out and placed a warm hand over his, stopping the nervous movement. "Cael," he said softly, his tone almost coaxing. "You're scaring me. Please, tell me what happened. I'm not here to judge you—I just want to help."

Cael's lips pressed into a thin line. He stared down at the table, unable to meet his brother's gaze. "It's nothing," he whispered. "It's stupid. I'm probably just overthinking."

"It's not nothing if it made you look like you were running for your life," Jade countered, though his voice remained calm and steady. He tightened his hold on Cael's hands just slightly, grounding him. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. You don't have to go through it alone."

Cael felt the lump in his throat grow as tears pricked the corners of his eyes. "I…" He took a deep, shuddering breath. "I smelled that scent again. From that night."

Jade's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't interrupt. He simply nodded, encouraging Cael to continue.

"I don't know why he was there," Cael said, his voice breaking. "But I know it was him. I didn't see him—I couldn't—but the scent… it's burned into my memory. I just ran, Jade. I didn't even think. I just wanted to get away."

Tears slid down Cael's cheeks as he finally looked up at his brother, his expression a mixture of fear and shame. "I shouldn't have gone out that night. If I'd just stayed home, none of this would've happened. I wouldn't have put myself in danger."

"Cael," Jade said firmly but gently, leaning forward. "Listen to me. None of this is your fault. Do you hear me? You didn't ask for this, and you sure as hell didn't deserve it. You're the victim in this situation—don't ever blame yourself for what happened."

Cael's shoulders shook as he tried to hold back a sob. "But—"

"No buts," Jade interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I don't care what you think you should've done. What matters is that you're safe now, and I'll do everything in my power to keep it that way."

Jade reached out and pulled Cael into a tight hug, holding him as the tears finally spilled over. "You're not alone in this, Cael. I've got your back, always."

Cael buried his face in Jade's shoulder, the weight of his emotions finally lifting as he allowed himself to be comforted. For the first time since that night, he felt a glimmer of safety, knowing that Jade was there to protect him.

As they pulled apart, Jade's expression hardened with determination. "From now on, we're doubling down on your safety. I'm not taking any chances. Whoever that guy is, he won't get near you again—not as long as I'm around."

Cael nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Jade."

"Always," Jade said softly, ruffling Cael's hair with a small, reassuring smile. That day, Jade's resolve to protect Cael became unshakable, and Cael realized just how lucky he was to have someone like Jade by his side.