A New Safe Space

World's Apart

Akk stood in front of his open closet, absently rifling through his shirts. The faint city lights filtered through his apartment window, casting a warm glow on the room, but he barely noticed. He hadn't even realized Ray was watching him until he heard a soft chuckle from the doorway.

"You've been standing there for ten minutes," Ray teased, leaning casually against the doorframe, arms crossed and eyes full of warmth. "I'm beginning to think you're nervous."

Akk shot him a look, though he couldn't keep the smile off his face. "Maybe I am," he admitted, shrugging as he pulled out a shirt and held it up. "Are you sure I'll be okay with your friends? I don't exactly have yacht-party clothes."

Ray pushed off the doorframe, strolling over and taking the shirt from Akk's hands. "You don't need to be anyone but yourself," he said softly. "My friends will like you as much as I do."

"Somehow, I doubt that," Akk muttered, glancing down as Ray's fingers found his. He tried to shake off the uneasy feeling that had been lingering all week since Ray invited him to the trip.

Ray gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Besides," he said, grinning, "the best part of the weekend is that you'll be there with me. And I promise, if anyone gives you a hard time, they'll have to deal with me."

The gentle conviction in Ray's voice was almost enough to settle Akk's nerves. Almost. But he couldn't shake the nagging thought that he'd stick out in Ray's world, no matter how hard he tried.

Ray's friend group had planned a weekend outing-a boat trip sponsored by Top, Mew's wealthy and influential boyfriend. It was a luxury outing, complete with a beautiful yacht, champagne, and catered food. While Ray was excited to have Akk join, Akk couldn't shake the nerves that had been gnawing at him all week.

These people casually talked about international vacations, luxury brands, and private schools as if they were everyday topics. For Akk, luxury was a simple beach trip with his friends, a cooler full of beers, and a starry sky above. He adjusted the collar of his shirt for what felt like the tenth time as he stepped onto the yacht, feeling more out of place than ever.

They lounged on the deck as the sun dipped low in the sky, the soft breeze mingling with the sound of conversation and laughter. Akk tried to relax, but it was hard. The unease only grew when Boston leaned over with a flirtatious smile.

"So, Akk, do you always look this good in casual clothes, or is this a special effort just for us?" Boston's voice was smooth, his gaze lingering a little too long for comfort.

Akk forced a polite smile, his fingers tightening slightly around his glass. "Just... wearing what I'm comfortable in," he replied, glancing at Ray, who seemed unbothered and entirely at ease, lounging with a relaxed grin as he sipped his drink.

Boston's smile widened. "Well, it's working," he said, his tone suggestive. Akk's discomfort must have shown because Mew, who had been quietly observing, chose that moment to drape an arm around Ray's shoulders, claiming his space with a casual familiarity that made Akk's stomach twist. It was the smallest gesture, but it spoke volumes, and Akk felt even more like an outsider.

The weekend wore on with similar small moments-offhand comments about luxury cars, discussions of the best places for international shopping, and an unspoken assumption that Akk wouldn't understand their inside jokes. Ray's hand would slip into his every so often, a silent reassurance, but it was hard to shake the feeling of being out of his depth.

Back at his apartment that night, Akk finally voiced his worries. "I don't know if I fit in with your friends," he softly admitted, as he moved around his kitchen to make them tea while Ray scrolled through the pictures they took together at sunset. "I feel like I'm constantly being judged like they're just waiting for me to mess up."