CHAPTER TWO

Emilio's POV

It's been over a week since that unforgettable night at Eternal. The kiss with Lucas still lingers on my lips, haunting me like a ghost. Every waking moment, I'm consumed by thoughts of him.

His piercing blue eyes.

His chiseled features.

His addictive smile.

That kiss... It was like the world had come to a standstill. Time froze, leaving only Lucas and me, lost in the intensity of our connection.

But then, chaos erupted. The vampire scare, the frantic exit... And Lucas vanished.

I've tried reaching out, scouring social media, asking around. Nothing.

It's as if he never existed.

Yet, the memory of our kiss refuses to fade. I relive it every night, my dreams filled with visions of Lucas's lips, his touch, his whispered words.

"Forever starts now."

Was it just a fleeting moment of madness? Or did we truly connect?

My friends try to distract me, but even their jokes and antics can't shake off this longing.

Another day, another design project, but my mind is elsewhere. Lucas's smile flickers in my thoughts like a screensaver.

As I stare blankly at my computer screen, my creative director, Rachel, walks in. "Emilio, how's the Thompson account coming along?"

I hesitate, scrambling to recall the project details. "Uh, almost done. Just finalizing the color palette."

Rachel raises an eyebrow. "You okay? You seem... distracted."

I force a laugh. "Just tired. Long night."

But she knows me better. "Emilio, focus. This campaign needs your magic."

I nod, taking a deep breath. But as I begin working, Lucas's eyes creep into my thoughts.

Why can't I shake him off?

My brain insists on rearranging the letters to spell "L-U-C-A-S."

I sigh, pushing my chair back. This isn't working.

Time for a break.

I grab my phone and scroll through social media, hoping to stumble upon Lucas's profile.

Nothing.

Maybe he's not online.

Or maybe he's avoiding me.

The uncertainty gnaws at me.

As I return to my design software, an idea strikes. I quickly sketch a rough illustration of Lucas – those piercing eyes, that captivating smile.

Artistic expression takes over, and my creativity flows.

Perhaps this distraction can be channeled into something beautiful.

*

We're hanging out at our favorite pub, laughing and joking around. Or at least, they are. I'm just going through the motions.

Alex notices my distant gaze and nudges me. "Dude, you okay? You've been off lately."

Jake chimes in, "Yeah, what's going on? You're always moody now."

I shrug, avoiding eye contact. "Nothing."

Alex raises an eyebrow. "Don't give us that, Emilio. We know you better."

I force a smile. "Seriously, guys. Just stressed with work."

Jake leans in, concerned. "Is everything alright at the design firm?"

I nod, hesitant to reveal the truth. "Yeah, work's fine."

Alex studies me, his expression skeptical. "Emilio, we've known you since college. We can tell when something's bothering you."

I take a deep breath, unsure how to share my emotions. "Look, I... I met someone. At Eternal. And I haven't seen him since."

Their expressions change from concern to surprise.

"Whoa, hold up!" Jake exclaims. "You met someone? And you're not telling us?"

Alex leans in closer. "What happened?"

I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. "We... connected. But then he vanished. And I can't stop thinking about him."

The table falls silent.

They both burst out laughing. I gave them a puzzled look wondering what was funny.

"What's funny? Explain...." I asked in a very stern tone.

"It's not that deep a man. Don't take it serious. Others feel this way because of a woman and you're feeling this way because of a man like you? Common, he has a dick and you do too." Jake stated.

I almost forgot that Jake was straight. He ain't gay.

"Stop it." Alex interjected.

Yup, Alex is gay, just like me.

"How do you fuck? I'm itching to know." Jake muttered but we ignored him and he kept quiet.

Alex whispers, "We'll get it out of you eventually."

I smile weakly, knowing they'll keep pushing until I confess everything.

But am I ready to confront my feelings?

As I drive home, lost in thoughts of Lucas, my car suddenly sputters and dies. The darkness of the night seems to swallow me whole.

"Seriously?" I mutter, banging my hand on the steering wheel.

I pull over to the side of the road, trying to assess the situation. The dashboard lights flicker, then go out.

Great. Just great.

I step out, popping the hood. A faint smell of smoke wafts out.

Not good.

I glance around, realizing I'm not far from home. Maybe a 20-minute walk.

"Screw it," I say to myself, grabbing my phone and wallet.

I start trekking, the cool night air clearing my head. The silence is a welcome respite from the constant thoughts of Lucas.

As I walk, the city's sounds fade, replaced by crickets and rustling leaves.

Suddenly, I sense a presence behind me.

I spin around, heart racing.

Tall, imposing, and eerily familiar.

My mind races: Lucas? But as the figure steps into the light...

It's not Lucas.

A stranger, with piercing eyes, gazes at me.

"Lost?" he asks, his voice low and mysterious.

My instincts scream caution.

As I quicken my pace, the stranger keeps pace beside me.

"Lost?" he asks again. I shake my head, uneasy.

"Just walking home."

What the...?

A faint whisper echoes through the night air.

"Emilio." My heart skips a beat. That voice. I know that voice.

I turn a corner, and my eyes land on a figure leaning against a streetlamp.

Familiar piercing blue eyes sparkle in the dim light.

Lucas.

My mind reels.

Is this real?

Lucas pushes off the lamp post, sauntering toward me.

A sly smile spreads across his face.

"Miss me?" he asks, voice dripping with seduction.

I'm frozen, unsure what to say.

Lucas's eyes gleam with amusement.

"Cat got your tongue, Emilio?"

I manage a whisper.

"Lucas... where have you been?"

His smile falters for an instant, and I glimpse something darker beneath.

Then, his expression resets.

"Let's get out of here," he says, offering his hand.

Should I take it?