"You seem in a good mood." Noah pointed. The two of them were sitting in a coffee shop near the offices where Kai went for the second stage interview. He met the director of the publishing company. Sharon was also present, bubbly like the last time when they met. He was glad that it wasn't the act she put on to make a good impression.

"Yeah, I think I got that job," Kai responded, focused on the dessert menu. "I know it's only part-time, and there may be months when they don't need me, but I'm happy anyway.

"Do you know when they will call you?" Smiling, Noah looked at his ringing phone and hid it back in his pocket.

"No, but apparently, it will be very soon." Kai nervously rubbed on his fingers.

"Mhmm, great. I can't wait for the good news," Noah nodded slowly. "I have a question. It's been bothering me for some time. Is there anything going on between you and Leo?" Noah said, and Kai froze. He raised his head, focusing on Noah as he hanged his stare on him.

"That's... What kind of question is that?" Kai said, an annoyed hint in his voice.

"Simple one. If I don't ask you directly, you will not tell me. I know you both well, and I know that something is up." Noah took a sip of his coffee, patiently waiting for a reply to his question. "So?" He rushed him.

"I may have some kind of feelings for him, which may not be a quite purely friendly kind."

"That is some kind of response. Can you please elaborate?" Noah raised a brow leaving his cup hanging halfway to his mouth.

"I don't know." He backed with the inch of anger in his voice.

"For fuck's sake, Kai. It's never easy with you, isn't it?" Noah choked and started laughing. Kai glared at him.

"Okay, okay. Don't be bitter. You both spend a lot of time together, so I was curious. Just be careful with him, okay?" Moving his hand, Noah rubbed his right eye.

"What do you mean?" Kai furrowed his eyebrows.

"Leo is dating around, but I have never seen him doing it seriously. I don't want to see any of you hurt. Just be careful, please. Especially after Nolan thing." He said, and Kai's expression fell.

Kai thought for a long while before he spoke. "Do you think he may be serious about me? I mean, I feel the connection between us, but we never talked about that or done anything. Is he even gay?"

"Yes, he is. He does not hide it, though." Noah chuckled and continued. "When I met him, he was going out with this guy from the science department. At one point, he never mentioned him again, and no one asked about it either." He paused and drank his coffee. "It happened again, several times since then. I have no idea if he is taking you seriously or not. You have to ask him about it."

"Maybe later, at the moment, I am not that confident. I don't even know if there is anything, or it's only my imagination."

"Sure." Noah gave him a small smile.

"Did he... You know, never mind. I would rather hear it from him." Lost in thoughts, Kai focused on the empty cup in his palms. Noah looked up at him worriedly. They both sat in silence, listening to the clutter of glass, the incomprehensible conversation of people in the cafe. Now and then, the girl laughed louder, the dog barked outside, but they stayed quiet, and that was comfortable. Leaving empty glasses on the table, they left the cafe and returned to Kai's house.

The yellow suitcase was standing next to the door. Kai was checking the rooms just in case he had forgotten to pack something important. When he made sure he had everything, he locked the door and went to get his car.

It was early in the morning and still dark outside. After Kai had left the building, he noticed glowing lights in the apartments around. A cloud of white steam rose from his mouth. Kai looked up in its direction and had notice pale stars spread around the sky. They were barely visible with all the city lights, but they were there. It was his habit to look up when the sun went down. Moment to remind yourself that the world is much bigger than we think it is.

Kai dropped the suitcase in the boot, making sure there was space left for Leo's bag. The car wasn't neat, perfectly clean or even tidy. It was the opposite, so he took a plastic bag and picked up some rubbish from under the seats.

He hated driving, so it came naturally that he didn't even care about its condition. Leaving some junk behind the seats and in the boot and never undusting the interior. He sat behind the wheel and pulled out of the parking slot to pick up Leo.

He noticed him waiting when he parked his car on the street next to the building and immediately left his spot as soon as he stopped the car to greet him.

"Are you sure you want me to drive?" Leo asked as he placed his suitcase in the boot.

"Yes. I'm absolutely done with driving for today," Kai voiced firmly. Walking around the car to the other side, Kai settled in the passenger seat.

"You really hate it. Do you?" Leo closed the door, a small smile climbing up as he looked at Kai with the corner of his eye. "Mornings are especially cool. Maybe we should stop to get coffee. What do you think?"

Kai yawned and nodded, settling deeper in his seat. Leo drove to the petrol station to refuel the car with petrol and to get a coffee at Starbucks placed next to it. Space in the car smelled like coffee and cedar perfume. They dropped their coats on the back seats, putting the heating up. The afterglow of the shining sun lazily hanging above the trees nearby- reflected in the hoarfrost on the grass. Kai watched the surroundings slowly drinking the coffee.

"It looks like someone throw the diamonds on the field," Kai mumbled, almost whispered but enough for Leo to hear.

"It does. It's wonderful, and especially to watch from the warm car." Leo teased.

"You don't like the cold?" Kai looked at Leo, taking a sip from the cup. Melting in his seat as he did.

"No, even looking at that frozen grass is making me shiver." Leo visibly shook, and goosebumps appeared on his arms. 

Kai just smiled to himself, slowly shaking his head at his adorable behaviour. "Baby."

"What?" Leo frowned and raised a brow looking at Kai.

"Just like a baby." Kai teased.

"I am not a baby." He frowned. "Where did you get it from?"

"I called you a baby, and you are pouting like one now. Hilarious and, in fact, is proving my point." Kai chuckled.

"I am not... Nevermind. You say I am a cute baby so let's go with that."

"Don't put your words in my mouth!"

"Why? You said yourself I am a baby."

"I never said that you are a cute one!"

"Now, I feel offended." Leo pretended to be serious, and after a couple of seconds, both of them burst out laughing.

"What is wrong with you? Are you craving compliments?" Kai kept grinning at him.

"Calling twenty-six years old cute is not that much of a compliment if you think about it."

"Old people can still be cute."

"You are my age, old man," Leo smirked.

"Bunch of retards, I see." Kai hummed, relaxing in his seat.

It was eleven in the morning when they started getting closer to the town. The familiarity of the surroundings and nostalgic feeling also brought nervousness. The realization of the coming events made Kai's stomach tied in a knot.

"Should we stop for a coffee?" Kai suggested.

"Junkie." Leo shook his head and drove to the nearest gas station, which always had some fast food nearby where they could get something to drink. Kai felt a cold breeze blow through his face as he opened the car door. He shivered slightly. 

His eyes fell on the little cafe with ready-made food. Hearing Leo following him, he fought the urge to turn away and look over the shoulder but went straight to the store without sparing a glance. He needed some distraction to keep from thinking about the evening later in the day. Maybe even unintentionally slowing them down by stopping unnecessary from getting there on time. Every breath he took felt not being enough for his lungs, and the only comfort he felt was by Leo's side.

"This one is for you." Kai handed over the cup of hot coffee to Leo.

"Thank you. Try to relax a bit. It will be okay." He smiled at him.

"What?" Kai looked surprised.

"You seem tense. I guess it has something to do with the wedding we are having in a few hours. I'm here, but if you really don't want to go, we can just say hi and leave. My parents will be happy to have us overnight," Leo suggested, concerned.

While holding cups, they were standing next to the car. Enjoying a little longer break after hours of driving.

"No, I'll be fine. Thank you." He gave a small smile to Leo as he opened the door and settled back in his seat. Leo sighed as he walked around the car to get in and drive them for reminding miles.