Who cares about a stalker, am I right? (SEASON FINALE)

( AN- Listen to 'story of us' while reading for the vibes ✨✨✨)

"Let's go."

Raphael nodded, opening the front door and holding it for the other. He stayed silent as they waited for the elevator to arrive, and then stepped inside, dread and anxiety settling in his gut. The quietness of the elevator only made it worse. The only sounds Raphael could hear were the pounding of his own heartbeat and the faint hum of the elevator descending. Both of them were so tense they didn't notice someone in another parked car perk up as soon as they exited. When they pulled out of the parking lot, that same car followed close behind. The figure had long brown hair tied back, a mask covering their face, and sunglasses shielding their eyes.

The ride passed in silence as Raphael navigated through the early morning traffic, both of them blissfully unaware of the car tailing them. Soon, they pulled up in front of Elias' apartment building.

Raphael heaved a sigh, his grip on the wheel tightening slightly. "We're... here."

Elias nodded, but neither of them made a move to get out.

Raphael sat there, clutching the wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. He avoided looking at Elias, knowing that the moment he met his eyes, the dam holding back his feelings would break.

The silence in the car was deafening. A sudden desperation overtook Raphael—he needed to start a conversation, any conversation, just to keep Elias there a little longer. "You'll be returning to work... tomorrow, then?"

Elias nodded, the intent behind Raphael's small talk not escaping his notice. "Mhm. I'm the head of my department—I can't take a very long leave. There are things to be done."

Raphael hummed in understanding, feeling Elias' gaze on him. He could sense the other studying him, taking in his every movement, but he didn't react. His mind raced for something else to say, anything to stop Elias from leaving.

"Hmm, sounds difficult. Your job, I mean," he said quietly, staring out of the window.

Elias' eyes lowered at that. He responded, though it sounded almost automatic. "It's... it's like any other job. You win some, you lose some. It's a good job, yes, but—lots of responsibilities." He seemed to ramble, prolonging the conversation. "Most of my colleagues complain they don't get time for a personal life with how hectic it is and are scolded by their partners on a regular basis—" he let out a dry laugh, a pathetic attempt to lighten the mood with humor. It failed. Still, he added, "no problems in that department here."

A tense silence followed. He smiled awkwardly, and Raphael, who had turned back at some point, returned it with a wry smile.

Finally, Raphael let out a small hum. Elias continued, "Your job must be hard too. Being a lawyer, I mean. I could never. I'm horrible at—well, talking and presenting things. You have a silver tongue."

Raphael chuckled quietly, turning his head to look at Elias. A faint smile, layered with a kaleidoscope of emotions, curved his lips as he replied, "A silver tongue, now? Never thought you were that good with flattery, love. And you're pretty good at presenting when you want to be. I remember a couple of days ago—you were good enough with your words to tell me exactly what you wanted."

He smirked slightly, though it was weak. Both of them knew it was a poorly placed innuendo, a weak attempt to steer the conversation away from the elephant in the room. It didn't work either.

Finally, Raphael sighed, pulling the keys from the ignition. He reached for the backseat and picked up Elias' bags. "And besides," he murmured, "what use is a silver tongue when I can't even find the words to say what I really want to when it matters most?"

Elias' eyes widened slightly. He couldn't lie to himself anymore. And neither could Raphael.

Suddenly, all the fears that had once consumed Elias seemed so small now. So what if they broke up? So what if Raphael rejected him? So what if everything went wrong? He knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that if he let Raphael walk away now, he would regret it for the rest of his life. And living with regrets was a pain he knew all too well.

Raphael opened the car door, ready to step out, but he froze in shock when a pale hand gripped his wrist in a vice-like hold. Raphael had no idea the gentle doctor was even capable of such strength.

He sighed, trying to pry Elias' hand away. "Elias, let go—"

"... Look me in the eyes and tell me this isn't killing you like it's killing me. Then I'll let go."

 SEASON 1 END