Chasing Shadows

Chapter Sixty-Two: Interrupted Moments

The park was quiet, bathed in the gentle glow of the moonlight that peeked through the branches of the tall trees. It was a place full of memories for both of them—a place they’d come to countless times before, just to talk and escape from everything else.

They found their way to their usual bench, nestled at the edge of the park where the path curved and offered a secluded view of the lake beyond. Zane took his seat first, leaning back and spreading his arms along the back of the bench with a familiar, easy confidence. Ethan hesitated for a moment before sitting beside him, leaving only a small space between them.

It was strange, being back here together. Familiar, yet different. Zane turned his head, a playful smile already tugging at his lips.

“So,” he began, his voice low and teasing, “I bet you missed this, huh?”

Ethan shrugged, but a small smile slipped through. “Maybe a little.”

Zane’s smile widened. “Just a little?” he drawled, arching a brow. “I was hoping you’d say you were dying without my company.”

Ethan let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “You wish.”

They fell into an easy rhythm after that, exchanging light-hearted comments that felt like slipping into a pair of comfortable old shoes. As the minutes passed, the space between them seemed to shrink, as if they were drawn together by an invisible force.

“You know,” Zane said suddenly, his tone turning mischievous, “I thought about you a lot while I was away.”

Ethan glanced at him, brow furrowing in curiosity. “Yeah? What about?”

“Oh, you know… the usual,” Zane replied, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Wondering if you’ve finally learned how to talk to people without blushing, if you still get flustered every time someone makes a joke about—”

“Zane.” Ethan’s voice was low, a hint of warning in his tone, but there was a faint flush creeping up his neck that Zane noticed immediately.

“Relax, I’m just kidding,” Zane said, chuckling softly. “Mostly.” He leaned closer, his gaze turning intent. “But seriously, I missed this. I missed us.”

The sincerity in his voice made Ethan’s heart skip a beat. He swallowed hard, the words sticking in his throat. “I… I missed us, too.”

There was a brief silence, and then Zane’s lips curved into a sly grin. “Does that mean you missed my dirty jokes too? Because, I’ve got a whole new collection saved up just for you.”

Ethan’s brows drew together in confusion, and Zane could practically see the gears turning in his head. “Uh… I—”

“Don’t strain yourself, Eth,” Zane teased, leaning in even closer. His breath brushed against Ethan’s ear, sending a shiver down his spine. “I’ll keep it simple for you.”

Ethan’s face burned, but he refused to look away, stubbornly holding Zane’s gaze even as he felt his pulse race. “I just… don’t see why you think that stuff is funny.”

Zane’s laugh was deep and genuine, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “That’s what makes it so adorable,” he murmured, his tone dropping to a low purr that made Ethan’s heart pound. “You’re so innocent, Ethan. It’s cute.”

Ethan shifted awkwardly, flustered and unsure of how to respond. He’d never known how to handle this side of Zane—the one who seemed to enjoy watching him squirm, who found endless amusement in his clueless reactions. And yet… he couldn’t help but be drawn to it.

“Maybe I’m not as innocent as you think,” Ethan muttered under his breath, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Zane blinked, then his grin widened, his eyes dancing with a mix of surprise and delight. “Oh? Is that so?” He leaned in, his face now only inches away from Ethan’s, his gaze dropping to Ethan’s lips before flickering back up to his eyes. “Prove it.”