Chapter 24 : The question in his eyes

Mikael stood under the corridor awning, scanning every passing face. Evan wasn't in the cafeteria during lunch, nor the library, nor anywhere near the student common spaces he usually went to. Something wasn't right.

"Where did you go, Evan…" Mikael murmured to himself, clutching his phone without opening any app.

Just as he was about to turn around, a car rolled into the parking lot on the far end of the campus. Mikael's eyes caught the figure stepping out from the passenger door.

It was Evan.

And the driver?

Lucas.

Mikael's entire body froze.

He watched from afar as Evan shut the door without even looking back, heading toward the dormitory with slightly quickened steps. Lucas didn't get out. He simply waited, then drove off.

Jealousy pricked Mikael's chest, not the kind that led to outbursts, but the kind that simmered silently. There was no anger in his expression, but inside, something felt off balance. Unsettled.

He didn't confront Evan. Not yet. He needed to calm himself first.

After his afternoon classes ended, where his mind was barely present, he walked to the dorms and waited near the entrance to Evan's floor. He didn't want to seem invasive, but he needed to talk.

When Evan appeared, Mikael walked up beside him. "Hey," he said casually, though his tone had an undertone of concern. "You weren't around at lunch."

Evan hesitated before answering. "Yeah, I needed… air."

"Alone?" Mikael asked, already knowing the answer.

Evan sighed. "No. With Lucas."

Mikael looked at him directly. "You okay?"

Evan nodded, then stopped walking. There was guilt in his eyes now. "I wasn't going to say anything, but I think you should know."

Mikael didn't press, just stayed silent, letting Evan speak at his pace.

"He came before lunch. I guess he waited for the right time. Asked me to come with him. No threats, no yelling. Just... asked."

"And you agreed?"

"I… did."

Mikael's chest tightened, but he didn't show it.

"He just drove around town. Talked. He asked if I was with you… like, with you." Evan's gaze flicked toward Mikael's face. "I told him no. That we're just friends."

Mikael stayed still. Quiet.

"Then he stopped at this quiet place. And asked if he could kiss me," Evan said in a low voice. "Said he needed to figure out how he really felt."

Mikael frowned, jaw tightening, but his tone remained calm. "Did he?"

"I said no. But he… tried anyway. Held my hand, tried to lean in. I stopped him. Told him to take me back. He did."

A heavy pause filled the air between them.

Mikael gently asked, "Are you okay?"

Evan nodded slowly. "Yeah. Just… a little shaken earlier. But I'm fine now."

Mikael gave a small smile. "If you need someone to stay with you tonight, I can hang out at your dorm. We don't have to talk. Just play some dumb games or… whatever helps."

Evan looked touched. "Thanks. But I'll be alright. I think I need some time alone tonight."

Mikael nodded with understanding. "Sure. I respect that."

They arrived at Evan's dorm door. The hallway was quiet, just the soft buzz of campus life filtering in from the distance.

Before Evan could open his door, Mikael gently caught his wrist.

Evan turned, and Mikael suddenly pulled him into a hug.

A long, warm embrace that Evan didn't expect, but didn't resist either. His heart skipped a beat. Mikael's arms felt firm, secure… safe.

When Mikael pulled back, his hands rested on Evan's shoulders. His gaze was deep, serious.

"You're important to me, Evan," he said quietly. "I don't think I realized how much until recently."

Evan blinked. "Mikael…"

"I know we're not even in the same classes. But the way I feel when I see you with him… it's not just about protection anymore." Mikael gave a small, almost embarrassed smile. "If I said I liked you, like, really liked you.. would that scare you?"

Evan stared at him, wide-eyed.

"You don't have to answer," Mikael added quickly. "I just… needed to be honest with myself. And with you."

Evan's voice was small. "I… I don't know."

"That's okay," Mikael replied gently. He tucked a loose strand of Evan's hair behind his ear. "Just think about it."

He stepped back, smiled once more, and turned down the hall, leaving Evan alone at his door, breath caught and mind racing.