ADONIS (Aiden): OUTSIDE

I sat on a bench near the agency's building, watching the snowflakes drift lazily to the ground. I didn't have any photo shoots today, but I couldn't stand the suffocating silence of my mansion.

The nightmare from last night still clung to me, a dark cloud that refused to dissipate.

I pulled my cap lower over my forehead and adjusted my sunglasses. I told myself I wore them to hide my identity-I was a model, after all-but the truth was, I didn't want anyone to see my puffy, red eyes from crying all night.

The cold air bit at my skin, but it was a welcome contrast to the internal turmoil I felt.

As I lost myself in my thoughts, a sudden wet nose nudged my leg. I jolted in surprise, my heart racing.

A low whine brought my attention to a small dog sniffing at my foot. Startled, I immediately stood up. "Whoa! No, no, no." I stammered then recoiled instinctively, nearly losing my balance on the snow blanket below me.

But before I could fall, a hand grabbed mine, steadying me. "Hey there! It's just Bella, see, it's not fun when you're the one getting sneaked on huh?," a familiar voice said, warm with amusement.

I looked up to see Mila standing in front of me, a playful grin on her face. "Mila," I said, trying to steady my breathing. "You scared me."

She laughed softly, still holding my hand. "Sorry. I couldn't resist. I know how jumpy you get around dogs." She gently tugged Bella back, giving me some space. "You okay?"

I nodded, though my heart was still pounding. "Yeah, just... startled, I guess." I looked away and pulled the cap lower on my face.

Mila's smile faded a little as she studied me more closely. "Aiden, are you sure you're okay? You don't look like your usual self."

I adjusted the sunglasses, grateful for the shield they provided. "I'm fine. I'm just tired. Didn't sleep well last night."

She plopped onto the bench and tapped the spot beside her, inviting Bella to sit. The dog immediately complied, jumping up to nestle next to her.

I hesitated, my eyes flicking nervously to Bella. The dog's presence still made me uneasy, but I forced myself to ignore it and sat down next to Mila, keeping a good distance between us.

Mila glanced at me while petting Bella's furry head. "So, no work today?" she asked, clearly trying to break the awkward silence.

I avoided her gaze, doing my best not to reveal how wrecked I felt. "No. I have a... holiday, I guess," I muttered.

She raised an eyebrow and tapped my shoulder with her fist. "Hey, seriously, you're acting weird today. And what's with the sunglasses? It's not even sunny."

She reached out to take them off, but I panicked, slapping her hand away. "Don't. Touch me," I said, my tone harsher and colder than I intended.

Mila recoiled slightly, her eyes widening in surprise. "Whoa, okay. I didn't mean to... I was just worried about you."

Realizing how I must have sounded, I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. "I'm sorry, Mila. I just... I'm not feeling myself today."

She studied me for a moment, her concern deepening. "Aiden, you know you can talk to me, right? What's going on?"

I shook my head, struggling to find the words. The nightmare's lingering effects weighed heavily on my mind. "It's nothing, really. Just had a rough night, that's all."

Mila didn't look convinced, but she didn't press further. Instead, she patted Bella's head again, giving me space to collect my thoughts.

"Well, I was actually going to walk Bella for a bit, and I'll train a bit near the ice lack. Remember it? So... since you have nothing to do. Wanna come with us there?" She said softly, and Bella barked in excitement, which made me flinch a bit.

I let out a misty sigh, then nodded. "Okay. I have nothing better to do anyway."

~~~~~

After walking for almost thirty minutes, we finally arrived at the frozen lack. Where I first met Melody. Years before, she even knew I existed.

I kept the cap and sunglasses on, since this place was really dangerous. It was close to the elves' village. And if someone even suspected I might be here, both me and I will be in terrible danger.

She cheerfully threw her huge bag next to the Oak tree. The one I used to hide behind in the past, watching her every move. And listening to her beautiful melody.

She sighed in satisfaction. "Ah, it's so good to finally be back here. Training outside and all alone feels so much better! Right Lily!?" She asked as she hugged her dog tightly, Bella barked happily in response.

A faint smile appeared on my lips. The way she bonded easily with everyone and everything was really... impressive, to say the least.

I leaned against a nearby tree watching her as she looked out her skating shoes. And a small bone shaped treat for Bella.

"Aiden, wanna try to feed her? Maybe you won't be so scared of her if you actually tried to communicate with her." She asked me with a wide exited smile. It totally matches Bella's energy.

I immediately shook my head and back away. "N-no, thanks, I am good. Don't make her come anywhere near me."

Mila scoffed and then took out another treat. An evil smile formed on his lips as she smirked at me.

"Wait, what's this look, what are you -" I was cut off, and my answer immediately reached me.

"Bella, catch!" She exclaimed cheerfully.

She threw the treat towards me, the minute it flew through the air, Bella followed it jumping as high as she can, her soft golden ears flapping through the air as if they were about to fly like a bird.

I didn't have time to even scream or back away. Before the dog knocked me off to the ground, it's paws right on my chest. And dew to the sudden fall, the cap and glasses flew away, landing next to me on the snow.

I froze there for a minute. Before I realized how close I was to the dog. "Ah! Get it off me! Mila!" I yelled fearfully. While trying to shield myself from Bella.

Mila just continued to laugh uncontrollably. Even falling back on the ground. "I think she loves you!" She called between her loud laughs.

"Well, I don't!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling.

Mila finally called Bella back, and the dog reluctantly retreated, wagging her tail as she trotted back to her side. I picked myself up from the snow, brushed off my clothes, and grabbed my cap and sunglasses.

Mila's laughter faded as she approached me, concern replacing her amusement. "Aiden, are you okay?" she asked, noticing my shaky hands.

"I'm fine," I muttered, quickly putting the cap and sunglasses back on.

She wasn't convinced. "You don't look fine," she said, her voice laced with worry. Without warning, she grabbed my arm and pushed me against the tree, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized my face.

"Why were your eyes so red?" she demanded, reaching for my sunglasses.

I turned my head away, trying to avoid her probing gaze. "It's nothing. Just let it go."

But she wasn't having it. With surprising strength, she yanked the sunglasses off my face, revealing my tear-stained, bloodshot eyes. "What happened?" she insisted, her voice firm but gentle.

"I said it's nothing," I snapped, shoving her away.

She stumbled back but caught herself, her eyes filled with hurt and confusion. "Aiden, please," she pleaded. "I just want to help."

I clenched my fists, feeling a wave of anger and frustration. "I don't need your help, I can deal with my shit alone!"

She took a step back, her expression filled with sadness and determination. "I can't do that. You're my friend, and I'm not going to stand by and watch you suffer."

I looked away, unable to meet her gaze. "You wouldn't understand," I mumbled.

"Try me," she said softly, taking a step closer. "Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."

The sincerity in her voice almost broke me. For a moment, I considered telling her everything. But the fear and shame were too strong.

"I can't," I whispered, my voice cracking under the weight of my emotions. My eyes betrayed me, tears welling in the corners. I shut them tightly and gritted my teeth, frustration bubbling up as I realized how pathetic I must have looked.

The coldness within me began to manifest outwardly, and the ice patterns that marred my body started to spread, intensifying the already frigid air.

The temperature around us plummeted, each breath turning into a visible puff of mist.

Mila remained silent for a moment, her expression unreadable. The only sound was the soft crunch of snow beneath her boots.

I barely had time to react before she closed the distance between us, wrapping her arms around me in a warm, unexpected embrace.

My eyes widened in shock. No one had ever cared for my feelings like this before. I usually got called weak and pathetic if I ever showed any emotions.

Her hands rested on my back, gently patting in a soothing rhythm.

The warmth of her touch was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. It wasn't the artificial heat from heaters or hot baths; it was genuine, tender, and it cut through the ice encasing my heart like a blade of sunlight piercing the coldest winter.

My tears flowed freely now, silently spilling down my cheeks. Her embrace somehow melted the ice around my heart, if only temporarily.

I found myself leaning into her warmth, my body trembling not from the cold but from the overwhelming wave of emotion.

"It's okay," she whispered softly, her breath warm against my ear. "You don't have to say anything. Just know that I'm here for you."

Her words, simple yet filled with compassion, broke down the last of my defenses.

I covered my mouth to muffle any sound I might make and leaned my head into her shoulder to hide my face. But the way I sniffled made it really obvious that I was crying.

She gently placed my cap back on. Allowing me to hide how embarrassed and pathetic I felt for breaking like that.

The world felt a little less cold, a little less lonely, and for the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to be vulnerable.

Her embrace was just like my mother's. It was as if she were here again. As if I was still a dumb five-year-old crying because I scratched my knees from a stupid fall.

It was a fleeting solace, but it was enough to remind me that there was still a flicker of hope, even in the darkest of times.

~~~~~

After a while, I managed to calm down. The embarrassment still lingered, but Mila's easy demeanor made it easier to push past. She moved to the ice with renewed enthusiasm, her skating fluid, and confidence.

I watched, mesmerized by the way she glided and spun effortlessly across the frozen surface.

Mila's laughter and the crisp sound of her skates slicing through the ice filled the air. Every now and then, she'd leap into the air, landing gracefully.

It was a dance of sorts, each movement elegant and carefree.

Finally, she skated over to where I was standing.

Her cheeks were flushed with the cold and the exercise, and her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Hey, come on! You should really try this. It's not that difficult once you get the hang of it."

I hesitated, looking down at my boots, unsure of my footing. "I don't know, Mila. I'm not exactly... skilled at this."

"Nonsense!" she said with a grin. "I'll help you. Just hold onto me, and I'll guide you."

Before I could protest, she grabbed my hand and gently pulled me onto the ice. My initial steps were wobbly, and I quickly lost my balance.

Mila laughed softly and steadied me. "Just follow my lead. It's all about feeling the ice, not fighting it. Just imagine as if your body is a gentle fethear."

I tried to follow her instructions, but my attempts were clumsy. My feet slid uncontrollably, and I found myself crashing into her once more.

We both tumbled to the ice, her arms around me as we landed in a heap. I looked up into her face, so close, our breaths mingling in the cold air.

"See? Told you it's not that hard," she said with a playful smirk, her eyes shining with warmth.

I tried to laugh, but my embarrassment made it come out more as a nervous chuckle. "It is hard! I did nothing but fall so far, plus my shoes are not suitable for this,"

Mila's expression softened, and she held tighter to my hand. "You can do it, trust me."

She helped me back to my feet, and this time, she held me close, her hand securely around my waist as we attempted to skate together.

"Uh... do we really need to be this close?" I asked nervously.

She just shrugged. And a bright smile formed across her face. "Nope, but that's so you don't fall on your butt again."

I chuckled lightly, feeling a bit of the tension leaving my body.

I could feel her warmth through the thin fabric of our clothes, and despite my awkward movements, I found comfort in her presence.

As we skated slowly, Mila leaned in closer, her smile soft and genuine. "You know, coming here always makes me feel good. It makes me feel free! And dong it with you feels even better."

I blushed snice. We were actually really close now, trying to keep my balance while I looked at her. "And you're making me forget all my worries. I guess skating is not that bad after all."

We glided, the cold air tingling against our faces.

Bella, who had been rolling in the snow, now pranced excitedly beside us.

She tried to jump onto the ice with us but slipped, causing another round of laughter from Mila and me.

Mila leaned in even closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're doing really well, Aiden. Just let it all out. Forget about all your fears and worries."

For a moment, it felt as if the world outside the ice ring had disappeared, leaving just the warmth of Mila's presence and the joy of shared laughter.

The gem glowed gently, a bright blue light shone between our chests.

I couldn't help but smile, letting the connection between us dissolve the icy barriers I had built around myself.

We stopped for a minute, our faces so close that our misty breaths mixed together.

My heart was pounding really fast, and I actually thought something was wrong with it.

But everything felt just so... right.

I glanced down at her lips, her rosy and delicate lips. I placed a hand on her cheek as I leaned in closer, really close that I almost closed the distance between our lips.

"Aiden." She whispered softly, a small cloud of condensation escape her lips and mixing with mine.

But just when our lips were about to touch, my eyes caught a shadow behind her. Which made me immediately back away from her and regain my focus on the situation. Making me feel really surprised by what I was about to do.

"Someone is here." I whispered as my eyes narrowed. Trying to see what exactly was that thing. Though deep down. I think I already knew.

<~~~~>