Nathan's POV

I hesitated outside the conference room, my knuckles hovering just before the polished wood. I'd arrived ten minutes early—I didn’t want to be late—but now I wasn’t sure if I should enter or wait. The silence beyond the door was unnerving.

Then, a deep, firm voice called out: "Come in."

Swallowing hard, I turned the handle and stepped inside.

The man sitting at the table was instantly familiar—one of the ability users I’d helped before. My breath hitched. A cold prickle of unease skittered down my spine. I felt trapped. Against an ability user, I was powerless. My muscles locked, freezing me in place.

He stood smoothly, his movements effortless, and circled the table toward me. His smile was disarmingly gentle as he pulled out a chair.
"Please, have a seat."
His voice was warm, but there was an undercurrent of raw power behind it.
"I apologise if this feels abrupt. We didn’t want to put you in an awkward position, but we wanted to thank you properly for your help."

Still frozen near the door, I took him in. He was taller than me by at least half a head, his lean frame filling out a fitted white T-shirt and dark jeans. His sun-kissed hair framed a face that looked like it had walked off a fashion ad—sharp cheekbones, full lips, and intense green eyes. Clean-shaven with a professional air, he looked like someone who’d be offered ten modelling contracts just popping to the shops.

My pulse thundered in my ears. I forced myself forward, perching on the very edge of the chair, ready to bolt. He returned to his side of the table, offering a calm smile, as though trying to reassure me.

"Thank you for coming," he said, folding his hands on the table.
"Esper Elliot is finishing up training—he’ll be here shortly. I should introduce myself properly, though. I'm Gabriel, Elliot’s exclusive guide." His lips lifted slightly.
"We wanted to express our gratitude for what you did… and to apologise for how the guards treated you afterward."

I remembered the dorm mother’s words: stay clear of high-level espers and guides—especially ones with fans. I didn’t want the side effects of being publicly linked to them. I just wanted to leave. Clearing my throat and thoughts, I tried to remain calm.

"I appreciate the thought," I said, forcing a tight smile as my gaze flicked to the door.
"But your thanks aren’t necessary. I just helped because you didn’t look well. I’m glad you’re better—if that’s all, sir, I should really get back to work."

Even as I said it, I was already rising from my seat, stepping toward the door.

Gabriel stood as well, alarm flickering in his eyes. "Wait—"

The door burst open just as I reached for it, swinging hard and catching my side. Pain shot through my ribs, and I stumbled backward.

A towering figure filled the doorway—broad-shouldered, tension radiating from him. For a brief moment, our eyes locked—blue-grey and intense. My arms flailed, trying to steady myself.

Gabriel’s hand caught my shoulder, steadying me, and the newcomer—Elliot, I guessed—grabbed my wrist and pulled me upright, holding me close.

The moment our skin touched, a jolt ran through me.

It was the same overwhelming sensation as before—scorching, dizzying, like energy flooding through every nerve ending. My breath hitched. My face went hot. Across from me, Elliot’s reaction was the same—eyes wide, expression stunned.

Elliot's grip stayed firm, his thumb brushing gently along my wrist. Gabriel stepped in behind me, his presence surrounding me. They moved instinctively, closing me in between them with careful coordination, like a natural rhythm they didn’t even have to speak aloud.

"I… I think I need some space," I said, voice barely above a whisper. I tried to pull back, but Elliot’s hold only tightened a little before loosening again, as though startled by his own reaction.

He leaned in slightly, searching my face. His free hand cupped my jaw, warm and steady.

And then—his lips met mine.

It wasn’t frantic or forceful, it felt warm and searching. My first kiss. Unlike anything I’d felt—intense without being overwhelming, charged with emotion that buzzed through my entire being. My legs weakened under me, my mind swimming with confusion and sensation. His hand slid to the back of my head, fingers gentle in my hair.

Behind me, Gabriel’s hands settled on my hips—not intrusively, just anchoring me, steadying me as I wavered. Light kisses on my neck as he breathed me in at the same time. 

The energy between the three of us pulsed like a living being. I could feel them both—surrounding me, grounding me, somehow connected through something I couldn’t explain.

*********** This chapter has been modified to comply with Tapas Guidelines; the original work can be found on patreon.com/Kay_Kay123 ***********