𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 | 18+ ( 𝐌𝐱𝐌 )

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𐂄𐂄𐂄

Renee arrived home ahead of him, and he headed straight to his room, ignoring the puzzled glances from his family. Once inside, he leaned against the door and slid down to the floor.

Moments later, a knock echoed through the door. "Renee?"

"Mom, I'm fine. I just need some time alone," he replied.

He heard her let out a deep sigh. "Alright, but please change out of those clothes. I don't want you to get sick."

"Okay," he murmured, listening as she walked away.

He closed his eyes and exhaled heavily, wishing everyone would take the hint and leave him be.

His head throbbed, exhaustion weighed him down, and his eyes burned, but the most painful sensation was the ache in his heart. He despised what he had just done and regretted it deeply; the look on Tristan's face haunted him. His body shook, not just from the chill but from the guilt that was swelling within him. He had to make a choice, one that would prevent him from sinking deeper. He didn't want to ruin his seemingly perfect life-no feelings, no drama, no commitments; everything was supposed to be just right. Yet, it didn't feel that way. A persistent voice inside him urged him to let go, but he refused to listen. He can't let his heart decide for him, He would just end up in pain.

Tristan was a tempting desire he had indulged in countless times, and now it felt unhealthy to keep yearning for something that would never truly be his. After all, Tristan was his stepbrother, and society would never accept them. Whenever Tristan was with his own love, he would be left alone, just as he always had been.

That's why he needed to protect himself, guard his heart, and avoid hoping for something unattainable. He had witnessed the madness love could bring-people crying over betrayal, partners leaving for someone else. He wanted no part of that chaos; solitude was far more appealing. No heartbreak, no drama.

He rose to his feet and made his way to the bathroom. Gazing into the mirror, he felt a wave of discomfort wash over him as he took in his reflection. His damp hair was a tangled mess, from his fingers constantly running through them. His eyes appeared hollow and lifeless, lacking any spark, while his lips were cracked and his complexion had faded to an ashen hue. He was so pale.

In short, he looked terrible.

He peeled off his clothes and sank into the warm bath he had drawn for himself. As he settled into the tub, he felt the tension in his body melt away, his mind becoming foggy and his eyelids heavy. Exhausted, it wasn't long before he drifted off to sleep.

☘︎☘︎☘︎

When Tristan arrived home, the rain had finally ceased, leaving him just as exhausted as Renee. The house was quiet until Jesse and Nicole emerged from the kitchen.

"Oh my goodness, you're back! You're completely soaked," Nicole exclaimed, rushing over to him.

He masked his sorrow with a smile.

"Yeah," he replied softly. "Why didn't you wait for the rain to let up? You could catch a cold."

"I couldn't wait," He said, "I missed you too much, so I had to come home right away." This brought a smile to Nicole's face. "Come on, let's get you out of those wet clothes."

"Okay," he nodded. She guided him up the stairs, glancing back at Jesse. "Ma, I'll be back in a minute."

With a warm smile, Jesse acknowledged her.