Bound by Shadows | KenTin AU

Protective

The next morning, the sun streamed through the wide windows of Justin’s villa, casting long, lazy rays across the elegant furnishings. The air smelled of fresh coffee and delicate pastries, courtesy of the servants who always arrived with the first light of dawn. But even with the peaceful atmosphere, Justin could already feel the frustration building within him again.

He sat at the breakfast table, drumming his fingers impatiently on the polished wood, his gaze far away as he ignored the spread of food laid out before him. His mind was still tangled in last night’s events, the soon to be engagement that felt more like a chain than a bond, and the way Felip’s calm, unwavering demeanor seemed to cut through him in ways he wasn’t prepared for.

"Good morning, Master Justin," Eduardo greeted him politely, placing a fresh cup of coffee in front of him, but Justin barely acknowledged him, only giving a distracted nod in return.

“Good morning, Eduardo,” Felip’s voice followed, steady and polite. He was already seated at the table, his presence like a looming shadow beside Justin. Justin couldn’t decide if he found it comforting or suffocating.

Felip, as usual, was a picture of control. His tan skin contrasted sharply with the dark suit he wore, tailored to perfection. His broad shoulders filled out the material effortlessly, and his tattooed arms were a stark reminder of the world he came from. Even sitting down, his presence was overwhelming, like a steady rock against the gentle ripple of Justin’s chaotic thoughts.

Justin, on the other hand, felt like a mess. He had opted for a simple white blouse today, but the way it clung to his slim frame, paired with the soft, cream-colored trousers, made him feel far too exposed, vulnerable even. His usually perfectly styled hair had a wildness to it, the strands falling into his eyes, adding to his already disheveled look.

“Can we just go to the gallery today?” Justin muttered, his tone sharp. He wasn’t looking at Felip, but he could feel the man’s gaze on him, calm and unbothered.

“You know we can’t do that.” Felip’s voice was low but firm, not even a hint of annoyance in his tone. “We have plans today, Justin.”

"Plans?!" Justin threw his hands up in the air, completely exasperated. “I don’t want to go to some ridiculous family gathering where they just talk about how soon the wedding will be!”

Felip didn’t flinch. He simply took a sip of his coffee, his eyes never leaving Justin. “It’s part of our responsibilities, You know that.”

The words hit Justin like a ton of bricks, his eyes flashing with frustration. He was so tired of hearing about responsibility and duty. All he wanted was a moment to escape, to paint, to feel like his own person for just a little while. But the expectations of both families, the endless whispers about their impending marriage, and the fact that Felip was always there, always watching, it made him feel like he was suffocating.

“I don’t care,” Justin muttered, pushing his plate away. “I’m not going.”

Felip’s patience never wavered. He continued to eat, methodically, his posture straight, his demeanor the epitome of calm. He didn’t rise to Justin’s provocations, didn’t let the bratty remarks or the childishness of his behavior stir him. It was like he had seen it all before, and it didn’t faze him.

“Justin,” Felip said softly, his voice low but filled with an undeniable authority, “You may not want to go, but we both know you’ll have to. You can make it easier by not throwing a tantrum.”

“I’m not throwing a tantrum!” Justin snapped, his face flushed with irritation. “I just don’t want to be treated like a pawn in some boring game.”