​"Alright, that’s enough, Johann. I don’t want people staring at us," I muttered, noticing the lingering glances from bystanders. Two guys around the same age, one pinning the other by the jaw—it was certainly a scene that turned heads.

​Johann let out a dry chuckle. "Have you gone shy on me? Come on, Max, we aren't living in the twentieth century anymore. Who cares if people stare at two queer lovers?"

​"It’s not that I’m afraid of them," I countered, trying to pull away slightly. "But you know people always twist things. I just don’t want them thinking you’re trying to kidnap or murder me."

​Johann laughed softly, leaning in to pinch my cheek. "Oh, Max, my darling... who actually gives a damn about what people think? Certainly not me." He took a deep, theatrical breath, locked his fingers with mine, and shouted to the entire corridor, "I love my boyfriend, Max!!"

​Heads snapped toward us instantly. Some people snickered, others scoffed with blatant disgust, a few looked utterly bewildered, while most just ignored us. Mortified, I yanked my scarf up, burying my face in the wool.

​"Johann, that is not funny!"

​Sensing he had pushed it too far, Johann finally released my hand and slung his arm over my shoulder, guiding me forward. After a heavy silence, he broke the ice. "Max, forgive me. I was just so excited to show the world the strength of our love... I won't do it again."

​I lowered the scarf just enough to breathe, making sure it still concealed the dark bruises encircling my neck. I looked into his hazel eyes for a few seconds, taking in his handsomeness and the apparent sincerity of his expression. I sighed. "I’m sorry I snapped at you... But you know my father is utterly obsessed with his public image. He loathes the fact that I’m gay, and I can only imagine how he’d react if he found out about what just happened."

​Johann stopped, placing both hands firmly on my shoulders as his gaze turned severe. "Who cares about him? Let him think whatever he wants. Let him get so angry his veins burst. He’s just a boring, traditional old man who doesn't understand a single thing about human rights. As long as he keeps hitting you, he isn't a father. He's just a psychopath taking out his own failures on someone weaker."

​He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. "I am nothing like him, Max. I promise you, I will provide the love and acceptance you've been denied your entire life."

​I couldn't stop the tears from spilling over.

​"Max? Why are you crying?" He gently wiped the moisture away with his thumb, his voice laced with concern. "Did you remember something bad? Did I say something to hurt you?"

​I managed a weak smile, shaking my head. "No... no, I’m fine. These are just tears of joy."

​He pulled me into a brief hug, kissing my cheek. "That’s what you deserve... joy."

​I stepped back quickly, looking around the crowded space. "What’s gotten into you? You’re acting so strange today."

​"Sorry, Max. I see your point," he murmured, glancing at the surrounding shops. "My bad."

​We walked out of the mall, keeping a calculated distance this time, our hands no longer intertwined. Yet, inside, a desperate ache flared within me. I wanted so badly to hold his hand, to kiss him right there, if only to force this cruel, judgmental world to stop labeling us.

​The moment we stepped inside Johann’s apartment, he began hanging up his expensive new winter clothes in the wardrobe. I slipped out of my jacket and unwound the scarf from my throat.

​"Does it still hurt?" Johann asked, his eyes tracking my movements.

​I touched the sensitive skin of my neck, tracing the faded outline of his grip. "No... it doesn't hurt anymore."

​He closed the distance between us. He leaned down, planting a slow, deliberate trail of kisses across my bruised neck, his hands mapping my body with a practiced touch that shattered any resolve I had to pull away.

​"Don't stop..." I whimpered, a breathless groan escaping my lips as the world tilted around me. "Ah... Johann, you’re making me completely lose my mind."

​To be continued...