Chapter 21| Cute Reunion | I Will Never Forget You

The morning light filtered through the curtains, gently nudging Ash awake. He blinked sleepily, feeling the warmth of William beside him. Turning his head, he saw William's peaceful expression and felt a surge of affection. Carefully, so as not to wake him, Ash slipped out of the embrace and got ready for the day.After a quick breakfast, he left for the university, his thoughts still lingering on the previous night. The campus was bustling with activity as students hurried to their classes. Ash walked briskly, trying to shake off the lingering sleepiness.In class, Ash found it difficult to focus. His mind kept drifting back to William and the comforting feeling of being in his arms. He was snapped back to reality when a familiar voice called out to him."Hey, Ash!" Ethan called, striding over with a confident smile.Ash managed a smile. "Hey, Ethan. What's up?"Ethan leaned against the desk, his expression playful. "I was wondering if you'd join me and some friends for karaoke this weekend. It'll be fun."Ash hesitated. "I don't know, Ethan. I've got a lot of work to do."Ash spent the day at the university, eagerly anticipating William's arrival. William had promised to pick him up after class, and Ash couldn't wait to see him. As the final lecture ended, Ethan approached Ash with a friendly smile."Hey, Ash! I was wondering if you'd like to come over to my place after class. I have a masterpiece of a famous painter I'd love to show you," Ethan said, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.Ash shook his head politely. "Thanks, Ethan, but William is coming to pick me up. Maybe another time."Ethan's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Sure, no problem. Another time then." Ethan face with Anger it's seemed his trap was not working. As the students started leaving the lecture hall, Ash waited at the entrance for William. Minutes turned into hours, and the sun began to dip below the horizon. Ash's excitement slowly turned into worry. He checked his phone repeatedly but saw no new messages from William.Finally, Ash decided to call him. After a few rings, William answered, sounding rushed and apologetic. "Hey, Ash. I'm so sorry, but my father showed up at the company unexpectedly. I'm stuck in a meeting right now, and it might go on for a while. I probably won't be able to come pick you up. so, go home by bus"Ash's heart sank. "Oh, I understand. It's okay, William. I'll just take the bus.""Again, I'm really sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise," William said, his voice filled with regret."It's fine. I'll see you later," Ash replied, trying to keep his disappointment out of his voice.As he hung up, Ash felt a wave of sadness wash over him. He gathered his things and walked towards the bus stand, his shoulders slumped. From a distance, Ethan watched Ash in a car, waiting for the right moment for catching his pray.When Ash was almost at the bus stop, Ethan's car slowly approached. He rolled down the window and called out, "Ash! What a coincidence. I was just finishing up some school work and saw you walking. Do you need a ride?"Ash looked up, surprised. "Oh, Ethan, you don't have to. I can take the bus."Ethan smiled warmly. "Nonsense. It's no trouble at all. Hop in. It's getting late, and I wouldn't want you to wait for the bus. because you don't know when will come or not."Ash hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Okay, thanks."He climbed into Ethan's car, grateful for the unexpected kindness. Ethan Smiled as His manipulation was working. As they drove, Ethan tried to make small talk, sensing Ash's low spirits."So, what happened to William?" Ethan asked casually.Ash sighed. "His father showed up at his company, and now he's stuck in a meeting. He won't be able to come pick me up."Ethan nodded understandingly. "That sucks. But hey, it's good that you called him and found out. You would have been waiting there forever."Ash nodded, appreciating Ethan's words. "Yeah, I guess so."They drove in comfortable silence for a while, and Ash felt a bit of his sadness lift. He was thankful for Ethan's company, even if it was under unexpected circumstances.Ash looked at the road"Hey, this isn't the way to my apartment."Ethan glanced at him with a reassuring smile. "I know. I thought I'd take you to my place to show you the masterpiece. It's not far, and I promise you won't regret it. Just trust me on this, you'll thank me later."Ash hesitated but then nodded, unsure of what to say. The thought of seeing a rare painting intrigued him, and Ethan's genuine demeanor put him at ease. "Alright, but just for a little while. I need to get home soon."Ethan drove to his house, a cozy, well-maintained place. As they entered, Ethan reassured Ash, "Don't worry. I'm a gentleman. My mom is also home, so you'll be safe."Inside, Ethan proudly showed Ash a beautiful painting of Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. Ash was amazed by the vibrant colors and intricate details. "This is incredible," he said, genuinely impressed.After spending some time admiring the painting and talking about its history, Ethan drove Ash back to his apartment. As they neared his home, Ethan tried to sow seeds of doubt about William. "You know, a boyfriend should always be there for you, especially when you need him. If he's not, what does that say about him?"Ash felt uncomfortable but didn't respond. Once Ethan dropped him off, he walked up to his apartment, feeling a mix of emotions. He sent a message to William that he reached at home, but it went unanswered. Worry gnawed at him. Was William avoiding him because of his father?As he sat on the couch, Ash reassured himself that William wouldn't abandon him. He had been the one who suggested William not mention anything to his parents.Late that night, William finally came home. He knew Ash was angry. He entered the apartment quietly, seeing Ash asleep on the bed. Undressing silently, he lay down next to Ash, looking at his face turned away from him. A notification dinged from Ash's phone, showing a wallpaper of the two of them on a giant wheel.Feeling guilty, William kissed Ash's forehead and gently woke him. "I'm back home, baby."Ash woke up groggily, his frustration evident. "Why didn't you come and pick me up? Do you know how many hours I waited for you? Everyone left, and I stood there like an idiot. You didn't reply to my messages either. You always say nothing is more important than me, but your actions don't show that."William hugged him tightly, apologizing repeatedly. "I'm so sorry. I know you were standing there waiting. I planned to leave 30 minutes early to pick you up, but suddenly, my dad showed up at the office. He called a meeting with the shareholders about the Germany branch, and as CEO, I couldn't avoid it. I kept looking at the clock, wishing I could be with you, but my father was right there. I'm so sorry, Ash."Ash sighed, his anger melting slightly in William's arms. "Just don't let it happen again. I need you."William nodded, holding Ash even closer. "I promise, it won't. You mean everything to me."