Lost spark

3!

After his talk with Professor Emerson, Kai felt a sense of tentative resolve settle over him. The idea of confronting his past with Asher still terrified him, but he couldn't keep running from it forever.

As he made his way home, his mind raced with a flurry of conflicting thoughts and emotions. Part of him still harbored a deep, seething resentment towards Asher for abandoning him all those months ago. The pain of that betrayal still felt raw, a gaping wound that refused to fully heal.

Yet, despite his best efforts, Kai couldn't ignore the lingering warmth and affection he still felt for his ex-boyfriend. Asher had been such an integral part of his life for so long - his confidant, his muse, his everything. And try as he might, Kai couldn't simply erase those feelings, no matter how much it hurt.

He sighed heavily, his steps slowing as he neared his apartment. What would happen if he finally confronted Asher? Would it bring him the closure he so desperately craved, or would it only open up old wounds that he had barely managed to stitch back together?

Kai paused, his gaze drawn to the setting sun, its golden rays casting a warm glow over the city. In that moment, he felt a flicker of determination ignite within him. He couldn't keep living in the past, constantly haunted by the ghost of his relationship with Asher.

It was time to face the truth, whatever it may be. Kai knew that if he wanted to truly move forward, he needed to confront the demons that had been plaguing him. Only then could he hope to reclaim his art, his passion, his very sense of self.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Kai quickened his pace, his mind already whirring with the possibilities that lay ahead. He may not know what the future held, but one thing was certain – he was done running. It was time to stand his ground and fight for the life he wanted, no matter the cost.

----

~Ashers perspective~

Asher paced back and forth in his apartment, the weight of his conversation with Cameron still heavy on his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about Kai, the memories of their time together flooding back with a vengeance.

Just as he was about to pour himself another drink, a tentative knock at the door drew his attention. Asher's heart lurched in his chest as he peered through the peephole, his breath catching at the sight of the all-too-familiar face.

Kai.

Asher hesitated for a moment, his hand trembling as he gripped the doorknob. Part of him wanted to fling the door open and pull Kai into his arms, to feel that familiar warmth and comfort once again. But the other part, the part that was still reeling from the aftermath of their breakup, held him back.

With a deep, steadying breath, Asher opened the door, his gaze locking with Kai's. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent battle of wills as they stood face-to-face for the first time in months.

"Kai," Asher said, his voice barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here?"

Kai's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of emotion crossing his features. "We need to talk, Asher. It's... important."

Asher felt his heart flutter at the sound of Kai's voice, the way it evoked a myriad of memories and emotions within him. But he quickly tamped down on the feeling, his expression guarded.

"Talk about what, exactly?" Asher folded his arms across his chest, trying to project an air of nonchalance, even as his pulse raced.

Kai's gaze hardened, a hint of the old fire igniting within him. "About us. About... everything that happened." He paused, his jaw tightening. "I can't keep running from this, Asher. I need answers."