CHAPTER 47: 'DON'T KISS ME LIKE THAT '

Scene: Hospital Garden – Late Night

The wind whispers through the trees.

It's quiet. Too quiet.

Mek is sitting on a bench, staring at the sky like it might give him answers.

But he's shaking. Shoulders tense. Eyes red.

He can't do this anymore.

And Pete… finds him there.

Pete walks up, kneels in front of him, and gently places a blanket over his shoulders.

> "You didn't come to dinner. I got worried."

Mek doesn't answer.

He just whispers:

> "Why won't you stop, Pete?"

Pete blinks.

> "Stop what?"

> "This. You. Being around. Caring. Loving me like I'm yours."

Pete's throat tightens.

> "Because you are mine. Even if you don't remember it."

Mek's voice breaks.

> "But what if I don't want to be yours again?"

Silence.

Pete's face crumbles. He gets up slowly, but then—he can't. He won't let go.

> "You're lying. I see it. Every time I look in your eyes, you're still there. The real you. The one who used to kiss me like I was his whole world."

Mek stands. Tears in his eyes.

> "Stop, Pete."

> "No." Pete steps closer. "Let me show you."

And then—

Pete kisses him.

Fiercely. Desperately. Like he's drowning and Mek is the only thing keeping him alive.

Mek doesn't move.

He doesn't kiss back.

He doesn't push away either.

He just… lets it happen.

And then—

Mek pulls back.

Eyes full of sadness. Voice cold as steel.

> "Don't kiss me like that. Not when you know it won't change anything."

Pete stumbles back like he's been slapped.

> "Mek…"

> "I'm not the person you think I am anymore."

> "Then tell me who you are."

> "Someone who can't afford to love you."

Pete clenches his fists, his voice shaking.

> "You're not afraid to love me… You're afraid of what happens if you do."

> "Exactly."

Mek turns away and walks off—slow, silent, and shattered inside.

Pete is left under the stars, crushed.

> "I kissed him with everything I had… and still, it wasn't enough."

---

Meanwhile – Mek alone in his room

He stares at his reflection in the mirror.

His lips still tingling.

His chest aching.

His lies growing heavier.

> "That kiss… almost broke me.

But if I give in… Pete's father wins.

And I'd rather break myself than let that man win."

He curls into the bed, silent tears falling.