Chapter 8 

  "Family"

A few days had passed since Aster and Bruno had opened up to each other.

The relationship between them felt calmer, more real.

Bruno decided to take the next step:

“Aster... how about coming over to my house today? I want you to meet my family.”

“Huh?” Aster instantly became nervous.

“Relax... they're cool. They're not going to eat you,” he said with a laugh.

Aster thought about it. Meeting Bruno's family... what if they don't like me? What if they think I'm not good enough for him?

He didn't know what to think, but he nodded, even though his heart was pounding.

At Bruno's house

Bruno's house was warm, with family photos and the smell of freshly baked cookies.

When they arrived, Bruno took him by the hand and introduced him with a smile:

“Mom! This is Aster, my... boyfriend.”

Bruno's mother was thrilled:

“Oh! So you're Aster. Bruno has told us a lot about you,” she said with a smile. “Welcome to our home, make yourself at home.”

Aster didn't know what to say. He just mumbled:

“Thank you... nice to meet you, and thank you for the invitation.”

Bruno's father appeared behind him with a friendly smile and shook his hand.

Then his little sister ran over and hugged Bruno.

“Is he your boyfriend?” she asked amusedly. “He's so cute!”

Everyone laughed, and Aster and Bruno blushed like tomatoes.

They spent the afternoon chatting, eating, and playing board games.

For the first time, Aster felt what it was like to be in a family environment where he wasn't judged.

Bruno whispered in his ear:

“See? I told you it wasn't that bad. They want to get to know you because you make me happy,” he smiled playfully.

Aster smiled shyly.

For a moment, he felt light... without fear.

Later, at Aster's house

A few days later, it was Bruno's turn to visit Aster's house.

Aster was very nervous. Before Bruno arrived, his mother said to him:

“So you're bringing the boy over? I hope he's polite... and that he doesn't distract you from your responsibilities.”

“Mom...” Aster sighed.

There was a knock at the door.

Bruno entered smiling, but the atmosphere felt colder and more tense.

“Hello, nice to meet you,” said Bruno, extending his hand.

“Hello,” replied Aster's mother without much expression. “Come in.”

During snack time, the mother made uncomfortable comments:

“Aster was always very shy, never sociable. He liked to run errands, to stay at home.”

“I don't know how he has a boyfriend now,” she added with a laugh, as if it were a joke, although it wasn't.

“I hope this isn't just a phase...”

Aster lowered his gaze with each sentence. Bruno noticed everything.

The only one who was kind was Aster's older sister, who smiled and said to Bruno:

“I can tell you love Aster very much. Thank you for taking care of him.”

She smiled at him and whispered:

“Don't take what my mom says seriously. She's very protective of him and sometimes goes a little overboard.”

Bruno, although uncomfortable, tried to smile and be there for Aster at all times.

When they went up to his room, Aster collapsed on the bed, exhausted.

“I'm sorry if my family is a little complicated...” he murmured.

“You don't have to apologize. It's not your fault,” Bruno replied, stroking his hair. “I love you for who you are, not for your circumstances.”

Aster hugged him tightly, feeling a lump in his throat.

“Thank you for not running away...”

“I would never do that,” said Bruno, kissing her forehead.

Bruno pulled her toward the bed and said with a smile:

“Do you want to play something?”

Aster looked at him in surprise and blushed.

“Uh... play what?” she asked nervously.

They looked into each other's eyes and Bruno laughed:

“Do you want to play a video game?” There's a new one for two players that looks great."

Aster laughed too, relieved.

“Okay, hehe... What's it called?”

They spent the whole afternoon playing video games and talking about their favorite TV shows.

It was a strange, awkward, tender, and happy day.

Like most days that really matter.