"I told y-you to stop…" his voice was muffled but Hunter could tell Aiden was crying. "You didn't listen…I—I didn't mean to…"
The shame in his voice hit Hunter like a fist. All the dominance and teasing edge melted from his face as he sat up slightly, releasing Aiden's wrists.
"Hey—hey, it's okay," he let out softly, reaching out to touch his face. "Aiden, look at me."
But Aiden only sniffled again as he felt too overwhelmed to even move. He looked so small and completely undone with his red cheeks and damp lashes.
"I'm sorry," Hunter pulled him close and wrapped his arms around him tightly. "You didn't do anything wrong, okay?"
Aiden let out a shaky breath and slowly curled into Hunter's chest, hiding his face there so as not to show his shame. "I didn't mean to do that…I couldn't stop it…"
"And it's fine. I should've listened to you. That was my fault." Hunter sat back against the headboard, and bought Aiden into his lap. Aiden was still sobbing and Hunter didn't rush and gave Aiden time to calm down. Hunter just did what he was supposed to do, stroked Aiden's back and whispered comforting and praising words to him.
Still, somewhat feeling embarrassed, Siden finally spoke. "I didn't think that could even…happen like that."
Hunter hummed gently, tilting his chin down so his lips brushed Aiden's temple. "I didn't either. I'm sorry for teasing you. But you handled it so well and I'm so proud of you for that."
Aiden looked up at throwing his wet lashes. "You are?"
"Of course, I am," Hunter smiled and pecked his lips.
"Am I not weakling for that?"
Hunter pulled back just enough to look at him. "You're not weak, you're sensitive. And that's not a bad thing."
"You don't think I'm…embarrassing?" He buried further into Hunter's arms.
Hunter reached up and brushed a thumb gently beneath Aiden's eye. "No. I think you're kind of amazing."
Aiden swallowed. "You didn't stop when I asked."
Hunter's jaw tightened and he looked away for a moment, feeling ashamed. "I got carried away. I didn't mean to ignore you. I just…I've never wanted someone this much before. But that's no excuse, of course. I'm sorry."
Aiden didn't say anything right away. He just pressed his face into Hunter's neck, breathing in the scent of him that made him feel safe.
"I didn't want you to stop at first. But it got too intense too fast. It scared me a little."
"Next time, I'll let you take full control and we can go as slow as you want."
Aiden laughed. "Get ready then because I'll give you a whole freak show."
"Those words are scaring me," Hunter chuckled. "Now get up and take a shower."
As soon as Hunter left for his shift the next day, Aiden flopped dramatically on the couch, chewing on his bottom lip and staring at the door like it had just betrayed him.
"Liam..." he spitted the name like venom on his tongue. "That bleach-haired bastard."
He kicked Liam in his head. "Why does he have to work with my boyfriend? Can't he get transferred to Antarctica or something?"
Aiden pulled out his phone and opened Hunter's contact to type.
Don't let that fake-blond snake seduce you into staying late again. If he even breathes in your direction, sneeze and walk away. I mean it.
He stared at the message, deleted it, rewrote it three more times, then finally gave up and threw his phone across the couch with a groan.
◾◾◾
At the restaurant, Hunter walked in at his usual time. Liam glanced up from the counter, his arms folded and his tone borderline playful as he said. "You're late. I told you to come early, remember?"
Hunter blinked in confusion. "No, you didn't."
Liam rolled his eyes. "Yes, I did. I sent you a text."
Hunter pulled out his phone, swiped through his messages and turned the screen toward Liam. "Nothing from you."
Liam leaned forward to check and his brow furrowed, but then his expression changed suddenly. A spark of realization lit his eyes which was followed by a knowing smirk. "Oh, I think I get it now."
Hunter tilted his head. "Get what?"
"Nothing. Just…maybe someone else got to your phone before you did," His smirk widened with a mischievous curl. "Someone who's a little territorial."
Hunter raised an eyebrow but didn't bite. "You're weird."
"I've been called worse." Liam turned back to the register. "So how's your 'cute boyfriend,' by the way?"
Hunter became alarmed and narrowed his eyes at that question. He doesn't like someone else asking about Aiden. "You've got too much free time today."
Liam chuckled under his breath, but in his mind, he could already picture Aiden, clutching the phone with a pout, tapping out the most dramatic warning possible. He liked chaos and Aiden was practically a gold mine of it.
"Cute boyfriend's got claws," Liam murmured to himself with a grin, then went back to his tasks like nothing had happened.
Hunter worked quietly behind the counter, wiping down a tray and glancing at the clock. His shift had just begun, and already he was counting down until he could go back home to Aiden.
Liam leaned casually on the counter beside him, stirring his iced coffee with unnecessary interest. His eyes flicked toward Hunter, the corner of his mouth twitching like he was chewing on words he wasn't sure if he should speak.
"So…" Liam started, dragging the word out like bait. "You and Aiden–"
"What about us?" Hunter quickly cut him off with a huff.
Liam smirked, swirling the ice around his cup a little louder. "Nothing. Just didn't expect for you two to be together. How'd that happen, anyway? You two seemed like total opposites."
Hunter shot him a sidelong glance. "It just happened. We liked each other and started dating. That's all."
Now Hunter kind of regrets telling him about Aiden and him. Well, it wasn't his plan in the first place, if not for Liam accidentally catching them kissing when Aiden came to pick him up.
Liam chuckled, lifting his cup to take a sip. "Come on, you gotta give me more than that. Was it like a confession or a drunken kiss that turned into something more?"
Hunter stopped wiping the tray and stared at Liam. "None of your business."
Liam raised both hands in mock surrender. "Whoa. Chill. Just making conversation."
But Hunter didn't relax. "I don't like people talking about us."
Liam's eyes twitched and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter, eyes narrowing with interest he tried to hide behind a lazy grin. "Does anyone know at school?"
"No." Hunter's voice was a warning. "And I'd like to keep it that way."
Liam nodded quickly. "Right. Totally. Got it. You're quite private."
He looked down at his drink as if it were the most interesting thing in the world, but there was a faint pull in the corner of his lips. Like he'd just figured out a new piece of the puzzle.
Hunter didn't notice as his attention had already turned back to stacking cups. He was so busy to realise that Liam was watching him closely.
Throughout the shift, Hunter remained mostly silent and focused on his tasks. He didn't speak unless necessary, and when he did, it was brief. Liam didn't push him any further, for which he was grateful.
When their shift finally ended, the owner handed them a brown paper bag. "For the two of you. Fresh donuts to take home."
"Thanks," Hunter said with a nod, taking the bag while Liam peeked inside with exaggerated delight.
"Bless this man," Liam grinned, lifting one and dramatically sniffing it. "I think I just saw heaven."
Hunter snorted and shook his head. "It's just a donut."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Liam laughed, nudging Hunter's shoulder playfully as they walked out together. Their shoulders bumped and stayed close for a few seconds longer than necessary.
Hunter stopped laughing and turned to say something back when he noticed Liam was staring at him.
There was something odd in his gaze, something darker than before. His smirk had faded and eyes weren't teasing. They were focused and intense.
"What?" Hunter inquired, his brows knitting a little.
"Nothing," Liam said smoothly, quickly putting on a smile. "Hey, are you free tomorrow morning?"
"Tomorrow?"
"Yeah. I go to the library near the east campus most mornings. Good place to get serious about studying." He smiled lightly, trying to sound casual. "I could use a study partner. You in?"
Hunter considered it. The library was actually a good idea, and his house wasn't exactly quiet, at least not with Aiden around being clingy, touchy, and distractingly cute.
Maybe if he brought Aiden with him, they could all study together. Or at least he could keep an eye on Aiden and force him to study just enough to pass his exams.
"Sure," Hunter nodded. "Morning, right?"
Liam's face lit up. "Yeah! Perfect. Ten sharp?"
"Fine."
Before Hunter could take another step, Liam suddenly flung an arm around him and hugged him. "You're the best!" he let out full of fake enthusiasm, squeezing him like they were lifelong friends.
"Get off—what are you doing—?" Hunter frowned and tried to shove him away but stopped speaking when he followed Liam's gaze behind him. Hunter quickly turned.
"Aiden?"
Just a few feet away, Aiden was standing with his arms crossed over his chest, his brows furrowed and his mouth set in a tight line. His eyes were locked on the scene in which Liam's arms were still around Hunter. His whole body radiated offense.
Hunter took a step forward. "Wait, Aiden—"
But Aiden turned wordlessly and walked away.
Liam let out a soft gasp and stepped beside Hunter, feigning worry. "Oh no...I think he misunderstood our friendly hug."
Hunter didn't even glance at him and took off immediately, jogging after his boyfriend he just unknowingly upsetted. "Aiden?!"
Liam watched them disappear around the corner, the fake worry dropping from his face and a smug smile curled over his lips.
He popped a donut in his mouth. "Tch! That was too easy."