The Unwritten Chapter

The morning sun warmed Cael's face as he adjusted the strap of his bag and stepped out of the house. Jade had offered to take him to the seminar, but today, Jade was busy with his boyfriend—a topic that made Jade beam every time it came up. Cael couldn't bring himself to ruin his brother's plans, so he insisted he'd be fine on his own.

"You're sure about this?" Jade had asked with a raised brow.

"Yes, yes! Just go and enjoy your date," Cael replied, shooing him off. "Your boyfriend's probably waiting for you."

Jade sighed but relented, pulling Cael into a quick hug before leaving. "Alright, but text me when you get there, okay? And be careful."

Now at the bus stop, Cael adjusted his coat as a crisp breeze swept through. He checked the time on his phone and sighed softly. The bus wouldn't arrive for another five minutes. Settling onto the bench, he looked around, taking in the quiet hum of the morning.

A figure approached, and Cael glanced up briefly before doing a double take. The man who sat down beside him was undeniably striking—crimson hair that glinted under the sun, warm tan skin that seemed to radiate heat even in the chilly morning, and deep brown eyes that held an easy confidence. His shirt clung to his toned chest, hinting at a well-sculpted physique. Cael blinked and quickly looked away, his cheeks heating up. Why did he have to look so… hot?

The man must have felt Cael's gaze because he turned his head, catching Cael in the act. His lips curled into a teasing smirk, the kind that sent Cael's heart racing. "Like what you see?" the man asked, his voice low and smooth.

Cael jolted, mortified. "I—um—sorry, I wasn't—" he stammered, his words tumbling over each other as he looked away, his face burning.

The man chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich. "Relax, I'm just teasing." He leaned back against the bench, studying Cael with a playful glint in his eyes. "Say, aren't you one of the students who attended the art seminar?"

Cael turned to him, puzzled. "How did you know?"

"Well," the man began, his smirk widening, "it's hard to forget a face like yours."

Cael's blush deepened as he fumbled for a response. Compliments weren't something he was used to, and the way this man delivered them so effortlessly left him tongue-tied.

"I'm Nathan Larkson," the man said, extending a hand. "What's your name? Does it rhyme with 'pretty'?"

Cael hesitated before taking the offered hand, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's Cael… Cael Baker."

"Cael," Nathan repeated, letting the name roll off his tongue as if savoring it. "Sounds like an angel's name. Fits you perfectly." He brought Cael's hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it.

Cael's breath hitched, and his heart thudded wildly in his chest. What is happening? He felt like he was in one of those cheesy romance dramas, and yet here he was, blushing like a teenager.

Nathan's smile turned mischievous. "So, Cael, do you want to grab coffee after the seminar? Maybe dinner?"

"Dinner?" Cael echoed, startled. "I—um—I actually have plans to buy art supplies…"

"That's perfect," Nathan said smoothly. "I'll help you find the best ones. Call it… part of our date."

"Date?" Cael blinked, unsure if he'd heard him correctly.

Nathan grinned. "Yeah, a date. Unless you'd rather go alone?"

Before Cael could respond, the bus arrived, and Nathan stood, gesturing for Cael to go first. "After you," he said, his voice tinged with amusement.

Cael boarded the bus, his mind swirling with confusion and excitement. Nathan followed close behind, taking the seat beside him without hesitation. As the bus rumbled to life, Nathan turned to Cael, his gaze warm and inviting.

"So, what got you into art?" he asked, leaning slightly closer.

Cael fidgeted with the strap of his bag, feeling the weight of Nathan's attention. "I… it's hard to explain. It feels like a part of me, you know? Like it's something I have to do."

Nathan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I get that. Everyone needs something that makes them feel alive."

"What about you?" Cael asked, curious despite himself. "What makes you feel alive?"

Nathan chuckled. "Right now? Talking to you."

Cael's cheeks flushed again, and he looked out the window, hoping to hide his reaction. Why is he like this?

By the time they reached the university, Cael felt both relieved and disappointed that the ride was over. As they stepped off the bus, Nathan fell into step beside him, their shoulders brushing occasionally.

The seminar was held in a large, bright studio filled with easels, canvases, and art supplies. Students were already bustling about, setting up their stations. Cael found a spot near the back, hoping to blend in, but Nathan had other plans.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, already pulling up a stool.

"You… paint?" Cael asked, genuinely surprised.

"Not really," Nathan admitted with a shrug. "But I'm good at watching."

Cael gave him a dubious look but didn't protest. As the seminar began, the instructor—a middle-aged woman with a passion for color theory—introduced the basics of shading and perspective. Cael listened intently, taking notes and sketching along with the lesson. Nathan, true to his word, watched him with unrelenting focus.

"You're really good," Nathan said quietly, leaning closer to see Cael's work. His breath brushed against Cael's ear, sending a shiver down his spine.

Cael glanced at him, flustered. "I'm just… following instructions."

Nathan shook his head. "No, it's more than that. You've got talent."

Cael didn't know how to respond, so he focused on his sketch, his heart pounding in his chest.

As the seminar went on, Nathan continued to flirt, his comments ranging from playful to surprisingly sincere. By the time the session ended, Cael felt both exhausted and exhilarated.

"So," Nathan said as they packed up their things, "about that art supply shopping…"

Cael hesitated, his mind racing. Spending more time with Nathan felt dangerous—like walking a tightrope over a sea of emotions he wasn't ready to face. But when Nathan looked at him with that warm, easy smile, it was hard to say no.

"Okay," Cael said finally. "But it's not a date."

Nathan laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "Whatever you say, angel."

As they left the university together, Cael couldn't help but wonder what he'd gotten himself into.