The following morning, Lucas woke early. Upon stepping out of his bedroom, he saw Sergio sleeping on the couch, his expression peaceful and innocent. For a moment, he stood still, watching him in silence. He moved closer, careful not to wake him. A thought crossed his mind: if Sergio agreed, they could both sleep in his bedroom. They wouldn’t have to share the bed —Lucas could set up the spare mattress stored in his closet. But only if the custodian felt comfortable.  

As he stood there, memories of the boy he’d met so many years ago came flooding back —his first and only friend, the person to whom he gave his first kiss of love on the cheek.

His gaze shifted to the drawings scattered across the table beside the couch. Among them was a beautifully detailed portrait of his own face, sketched by Sergio’s calloused hands. Lucas felt flattered by the care and skill evident in the drawing. As he admired more of the sketches, one in particular caught his eye: a striking depiction of a dragon, its wings spread wide as it soared toward the sky, poised to roar. The artistry was amazing, and he found himself considering what he might do with that specific piece.

An unexpected wave of affection swept over him for the man sleeping so soundly. The professor stepped closer and gently adjusted the blanket covering Sergio, who stirred slightly but didn’t wake.  

“I like you just the way you are,” he murmured before heading to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.  

Later that morning, he went jogging in a nearby park. Exercising every morning was a habit of his, one that helped him feel grounded. As he jogged, he wondered if his friend might enjoy joining him one day.  

**  

About an hour later, Sergio and Lucas were finishing breakfast. Despite Lucas’s protests, the custodian insisted on washing the dishes. He had to leave earlier than the professor that day; there was a music competition at the university, and he, along with the other maintenance staff, was responsible for decorating the venue. The thought of the event reminded him of Lucas’s love for music.  

“Do you remember the music room back in school?” Sergio asked with a smile as he scrubbed a plate.  

Seated across the table, Lucas watched him with a thoughtful expression.  

“Yeah… it was like our secret hideout,” he replied. “Whenever I felt angry at my mom or had trouble with someone, I knew I could find you there.”  

The question brought back childhood memories of Sergio sketching silently while Lucas played the piano in that room. The professor gave him a pensive look before gazing out the kitchen window. They sat in silence for a moment until Sergio spoke again.  

“Have you ever thought about going back to what you loved? Even just as a hobby?”  

The professor hesitated before answering firmly. “No, I’ve lost interest.”  

Sergio nodded, understanding that revisiting those dreams was Lucas’s choice to make. Maybe he was avoiding the conversation, or maybe he considered it a chapter best left behind. For now, simply being together seemed to matter more.  

Before leaving, he shared something that Lucas found it admirable.  

“You know, I’ve been thinking… I'd like to study again. Maybe get a diploma or study art.”  

The professor smiled warmly —a rare expression for him. He felt genuinely happy for him and eager to support him.  

“Really? That’s amazing! You could start with the private classes offered at the university. With everything you’ve already learned from me and the other professors, you’d be ahead of the game. And who knows? You might even find a job you truly enjoy.”  

Sergio, buoyed by his encouragement, allowed himself to believe it might be possible. Returning to school after so many years felt daunting, but the thought of taking this step independently —and with Lucas’s support— rekindled a confidence he thought he’d lost. Despite the challenges ahead, he was determined to try. Perhaps his efforts might even inspire Lucas to rediscover his own passions, whether music, law, or something new.  

Moments before the freckled man left, standing by the apartment door, Lucas placed his hands gently on his waist, leaning in for a goodbye kiss. Sergio understood, meeting him halfway. Their lips touched, this time with more passion than the night before. As their mouths joined and their tongues tentatively explored, Lucas realized there was a hint of hesitation in Sergio’s movements. Perhaps he felt self-conscious about how he kissed. It wasn’t due to inexperience —something was still holding him back.

As they pulled away slowly, Lucas caressed Sergio’s waist and said softly, “Whenever you’re ready.”  

The custodian wasn’t inexperienced when it came to intimacy, but he carried scars —both physical and emotional. He had endured inappropriate touches and assaults before coming of age. And there was something else he hadn’t yet revealed to Lucas: the scars on his body, the marks of past abuse. Would he still accept him if he saw them?  

“Yep, we can try later,” Sergio replied, offering a hesitant smile.