The grand halls of the Vermillion estate were bathed in the morning light, but a chilling tension hung in the air. Adrian stood in front of his mother, Isadora, his sharp blue eyes searching hers for answers.
"Mother," Adrian started, his voice laced with uncertainty. "Why do you seem so uneasy about Nao's return? He is our family, after all. I have no interest in being the heir, you know that."
Isadora's lips curled into a practiced smile as she sipped her tea. "Oh, my dear Adrian, you're too soft-hearted. Nao has been gone for years. Things have changed. You need to be prepared for what lies ahead. You are the son of this household. You must take responsibility."
"But responsibility was always meant to be Nao's." Adrian furrowed his brows. "And why did Father never explain all this to me? He never spoke of his wishes for me to lead."
Isadora's expression darkened for a moment before she softened, reaching out to brush his golden hair. "Your father…" she sighed, feigning sorrow. "He only ever spoke of Nao. You were just a child. I had to protect you from his unfair expectations. I only want what's best for you, my son."
Adrian clenched his fists but said nothing. A part of him wanted to believe her words, yet another part of him felt an unsettling discomfort.
Later that evening, Adrian wandered into the grand library, seeking solace in the endless rows of books. As he trailed his fingers along the spines, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"I didn't expect to see you here."
Adrian turned to find Nao standing near a window, the moonlight casting a glow over his delicate features. His silver hair shimmered, and for the first time, Adrian noticed how much he had grown since they were children.
"I could say the same about you," Adrian replied, crossing his arms.
Nao chuckled, stepping closer. "It's been years, but you still avoid talking to me properly."
Adrian shifted uncomfortably. "That's not true."
"It is." Nao tilted his head. "But I'll let it go—for now."
Before Adrian could respond, a sudden noise echoed through the library as someone tripped over a stool. They both turned just in time to see a boy falling—right into Adrian's arms.
Elias, Nao's childhood friend, gasped as he felt strong arms catch him, his wide brown eyes locking with Adrian's piercing gaze. Time seemed to freeze as Elias clutched Adrian's shirt, their faces mere inches apart.
Adrian swallowed hard, feeling the warmth of Elias' breath against his lips. "You should be more careful," he murmured, his voice lower than he intended.
Elias' cheeks flushed a deep red, his heart racing. "I—I didn't mean to—"
Nao stifled a laugh, watching the scene unfold with interest.
Adrian was about to push Elias away when the boy shifted, their lips brushing against each other in the slightest, most accidental touch.
A spark ignited in the air.
Elias let out a soft, startled gasp, and Adrian's breath hitched. The brief, unintended kiss sent an unfamiliar heat coursing through him. For the first time, Adrian felt something stir deep within him—something he couldn't quite name.
He quickly stepped back, clearing his throat. "Watch where you're going next time."
Elias, flustered, nodded rapidly before running off, his face burning with embarrassment. Nao, on the other hand, smirked knowingly at Adrian.
"I don't want to hear a word," Adrian warned, glaring at his brother.
Nao simply chuckled. "I wasn't going to say anything."
The next morning, the dining hall was lively as breakfast was served. Nao sat across from Adrian, a playful glint in his eyes.
"So, Adrian," Nao started, sipping his tea, "will you be inviting Elias to my birthday party?"
Adrian nearly choked on his coffee. "Why would I do that?"
Nao leaned forward, his smirk widening. "Oh, no reason. Just thought you two got along well last night."
Adrian scowled. "It was nothing."
Nao tapped his chin thoughtfully. "That's funny, because Elias was completely red when he returned to his home. And you, my dear brother, seem rather—flustered."
Adrian groaned, covering his face. "I am not flustered."
Nao laughed, a genuine, warm sound that made Adrian pause. He had never seen his brother so at ease before. Despite everything, despite their mother's schemes and the weight of their family name, Nao still found moments to smile.
For the first time, Adrian realized how much he had missed seeing that smile.
And somewhere, deep down, he felt something unfamiliar—something dangerously close to happiness.