He stared at his own face in the mirror- Stared at his pale, alabaster skin, the faint red rims due to sleep deprivation around his eyes. His light blonde hair looked almost grey under the direct light around the mirror. Everything about him was so, pale, weak and... sickly. No, Elias, focus- not the time for your 'self dissing' session! You have places to be!

His pale eyes stared back at him, before he looked away. Taking a deep breath, he decided to take a quick shower, stripping off the comfortable oversized shirt he was wearing.

Elias got under the hot water, and simply stood there as the water ran down from his long hair, onto his pale skin and body. He could feel his muscles relax under the soothing burn of the hot water, an involuntary moan escaping his lips.

"Ahh..."

He let himself relax under the hot water. He was thinking of the meeting, if it was even a good idea. Sure, he had...some feeling for Louis. Who was he kidding, he had many feelings for the red haired man. He once loved him more than he loved himself, after all.  But...it wasn't mutual at all- and he doubted Louis liked him back, the same way. Then his mind wandered onto Raphael...he had that to deal with too.
They were just meeting up to talk, so, it'd be fine, right? Elias just hoped it wouldn't be, awkward.

"...the universe really decided to give me the best birthday present, didn't it," he breathed out.

Elias let the water run down his body, as he remembered Louis' expression from before. How his usual cheerful expression changed to...something so cold? He'd looked almost mad, frustrated...annoyed? Hurt?

Elias shut his eyes, leaning his head against the tile wall. He had to admit, Louis was..still attractive, no, even more handsome than before. He was still good looking. The same messy dark red hair, light Spotify green eyes...and he still had a... charming smile. But he did look bitter...he could tell too. And it was understandable. He had just, cut off all contact with him after graduation. Without a word... But he could also see the hint of concern beneath the bitterness.

A feeling of guilt washed over him again. He'd...disappeared without a word, without an explanation back then. Cut off all contact suddenly, that must've...confused and hurt his poor Louis. Back then.... he didn't have a reason to give. How could he? How could he give a reason?

So, he just... cut off contact. Even if it hurt his heart. And obviously, hurt Louis too. Maybe even more that it hurt him.

After all, he didn't even get a reason.

After he got out of the shower and blow dried his hair, putting it up in a scrunchie, Elias got dressed into something semi formal. He took a deep breath as he looked at himself in the mirror. His grey hair was now tied up with a scrunchie, a silver one. He looked presentable, at least, as he picked up his car keys and walked out of his room.

The nerves gripped his mind in a vice like grip as he drove through the evening traffic. He glanced at the location, before his eyes widened slightly. It was...a Japanese place. He didn't want to assume things...but he'd be lying if he says his heart didn't do a little flutter at that. Louis...remembered he liked Japanese food.

His stupid heart was getting hopeful, even as his rational mind told it not to. He just didn't want it to be awkward. He was just meeting up with Louis, after a long time. What could possibly go wrong?