Chapter 20 : Unspoken weight

The walk back to the dorms was quieter than usual.

Evan kept his eyes on the pavement.

Mikael walked a little closer than usual, as if ready to catch him if he stumbled.

Neither said much, but the silence wasn't cold.

It was heavy with everything that had just happened.

When they finally reached Evan's dorm block, the corridor was still and quiet. The sky outside had turned indigo. A soft breeze rustled the trees beyond the window.

They stopped in front of Evan's room. He reached into his pocket for his keycard, but Mikael gently placed a hand on his shoulder before he could swipe it.

"Evan," Mikael said softly. "Listen to me."

Evan turned toward him, eyes uncertain.

"If Lucas tries anything again, if he comes near you, says something, does something, at I want you to tell me. Immediately. No hiding it."

Evan lowered his gaze. "I don't want to drag you into this. It's my problem."

"It's not just your problem anymore," Mikael replied, firmer this time. "You're not alone."

Evan looked up, his lips parting slightly in surprise.

"I don't care what people say about me," Mikael continued. "Let them call me whatever they want, gay, freak, whatever. It doesn't mean anything if I know the truth. And I'm not going to let you carry this alone just because you're scared of gossip."

Evan's throat tightened. "But… it'll ruin your reputation."

Mikael scoffed gently. "If my reputation depends on not being seen with someone kind, smart, and brave enough to keep showing up every day despite everything… then maybe it's not worth protecting."

Evan didn't know what to say. His heart pounded in his chest.

Then, suddenly.. Mikael took a step closer.

His hand came up slowly, hesitantly…

And cupped Evan's cheek.

Evan's breath caught.

It was soft. Warm. His palm rough from training, but careful.

Mikael looked at him for a long moment, eyes searching, brows slightly furrowed, like he was trying to read something between the lines of Evan's face. Something he didn't even understand yet.

"I don't know what this feeling is…" Mikael murmured. "But… I don't want to ignore it."

Evan froze, heart thudding.

Then Mikael chuckled awkwardly and ran his fingers gently through Evan's fringe, tousling it like one might with someone they cared deeply for, not romantically, not platonically, but somewhere in-between.

"You should rest," Mikael said, stepping back slightly. "Long day."

Evan nodded, lips curved into a soft, stunned smile.

"Goodnight, Evan."

"Goodnight…"

Mikael turned and walked away down the hall.

And Evan?

He stayed there for a while.

One hand still on his cheek.

The other brushing the part of his hair Mikael had touched.

And for the first time in weeks.

He smiled without sadness behind it.