hidingwriter

Elian Volkov, a world-renowned model and actor with striking emerald-green eyes, has everything-fame, fortune, and admirers across the globe. But beneath the glitz and glamour, he longs for the one person who once made his world feel real: Taro Fujimura, his childhood best friend from Japan. Years have passed without contact, but Elian never forgot their bond. Determined to reunite, he travels to Japan unannounced, showing up at Taro's doorstep with nothing but memories and a hopeful heart.

Taro, now a hardworking manager at a small branch of an international company, has built a modest but stable life with his mother and sister. The sudden reappearance of Elian-a man who now belongs to an entirely different world-shakes him to his core. As he struggles to process their reunion, lingering emotions and unspoken words from the past resurface, challenging everything he thought he had moved on from.

However, Elian's return does not go unnoticed. A powerful billionaire with haunting ruby-red eyes, obsessed with claiming Elian as his own, watches from the shadows. With wealth, influence, and a dangerous level of obsession, he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Elian by his side-even if it means tearing him away from Taro once again.

As love, desire, and obsession intertwine, Elian finds himself caught between two forces: the warmth of a long-lost friendship that could bloom into something more and the intoxicating pull of a man who refuses to let him go. In a world where love can be both a treasure and a curse, will Elian follow his heart, or will the past and present collide, leading to a fate neither of them expected?

Toxic Gems is a story of rekindled bonds, dangerous attraction, and the fine line between love and possession.

TOXIC GEMS (BL)

The exhibition was nothing short of breathtaking. A world of wealth, elegance, and power, all wrapped in a perfectly curated display. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over sleek marble floors, the scent of expensive wine and fresh roses lingering in the air.

Elian had attended countless high-profile events before, yet tonight felt different. Colder. Heavier.

Because tonight, Rylan was watching him.

Even in a sea of people, Elian could feel his presence—a shadow lingering just beyond the polite conversations and admiring whispers.

Taro was beside him, practically bouncing with excitement. "This is incredible, right? Look at all these pieces! Sir really outdid himself."

Elian hummed in response, but his attention was elsewhere. He had dressed with care, choosing a dark emerald suit that complimented his striking eyes. He looked like he belonged in a gallery himself.

And judging by the lingering gazes from guests, they agreed.

Yet the only one that truly mattered was Rylan.

Elian didn't have to look to know Rylan was staring at him. He could feel it. The weight of it was different from the admiration of others—more intense, more possessive.

A glass of wine was placed in front of him.

Rylan's voice. Smooth. Amused. Too close.

Elian finally turned, meeting those dark, knowing eyes. Rylan looked effortlessly composed in a tailored black suit, exuding confidence, exuding control.

Elian didn't let himself react. He smiled, the perfect mask. "Of course. It's an impressive collection."

Rylan's lips curled slightly. "Only the best."

He leaned in just a fraction, lowering his voice. "But there are some pieces not shown tonight. Special ones. Ones meant for private eyes."

Elian's fingers tightened around his glass. There it was.

Taro, ever clueless, grinned. "That sounds amazing! Elian, you should see them! You love rare collections."

Rylan's gaze never left Elian's face. "Indeed. You'd appreciate them more than anyone."

The air between them was thick, suffocating.

Elian could decline. He could make an excuse, step away, cut this moment short. But he knew—Rylan wasn't offering. He was expecting.

So, Elian did what he did best. He played along.

"I'd love to see them," he said smoothly.

Rylan's smirk deepened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

"Then let's not keep you waiting."

Chapter 32 – The Exhibition Night