The Space Between Us

Chapter 7: The Kiss That Shattered Everything

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It had been a week since the confrontation with Mark, but the lingering tension between Ethan and Aaron was palpable. Ethan had tried to push aside his jealousy, his insecurities, but they clung to him like a shadow, following him wherever he went. Despite Aaron’s reassurances, something inside Ethan kept questioning what he meant to him—what they were, what this was.

That Friday afternoon, Ethan was sitting in the campus café, his laptop open in front of him, but his mind far away. The memory of Aaron and Mark’s conversation was still fresh, and despite Aaron’s promise that there was nothing between them, Ethan couldn’t shake the feeling of being second place. He had never felt like this before, like he was constantly measuring himself against someone else, someone from Aaron’s past who was still so easily a part of his present.

Ethan was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t notice Mark walking up to his table until the man’s smooth voice cut through the air.

"Mind if I join you?" Mark asked, his tone casual, but there was a playful glint in his eyes.

Ethan looked up, startled. His stomach flipped, and for a moment, he wasn’t sure how to respond. Mark was standing there, waiting for an answer, his posture relaxed but confident, the same air of casual arrogance that had rubbed Ethan the wrong way before.

"Uh, sure," Ethan said, the word leaving his mouth before he could think about it. He wasn’t sure if he should feel uncomfortable or just resigned to the fact that Mark wasn’t going anywhere.

Mark slid into the chair opposite Ethan, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Thanks," he said, making himself comfortable as if he belonged there. "So, how’s it going with Aaron?"

Ethan’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Aaron’s name. "We’re fine," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady, but his mind was racing.

Mark leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking onto Ethan’s. "You know," he began, his voice low and teasing, "I’ve always wondered what it was like between you two. You two seem… interesting."

Ethan felt his palms grow sweaty. He didn’t know where this conversation was going, but he didn’t like the direction it was heading. "I don’t really see how it’s any of your business," he said, his voice a little sharper than he intended.

Mark chuckled, unfazed by Ethan’s response. "Fair enough," he said, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. "But you know, I’ve been thinking. Aaron’s not the easiest person to get close to. He’s complicated. You’re… different from the others." He paused, his lips curling into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "You seem like the kind of guy who likes to keep things simple, keep things neat."

Ethan wasn’t sure what to make of this. His instincts told him that Mark was trying to provoke him, trying to get under his skin. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Mark stood up, leaning over the table with a predatory look in his eyes.

"You know," Mark said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I’ve always been good at reading people. And you, Ethan… you’re not as good at hiding your feelings as you think." He took a step closer, his body almost pressed against the table. "If you want, I could show you what it’s like to be with someone who actually knows what they’re doing."

Before Ethan could process what was happening, Mark’s hand was on his chin, tilting his face up. In one swift movement, Mark leaned in and kissed him.

It was soft at first—almost gentle—but it quickly deepened as Mark pressed into him, his lips insistent, claiming. Ethan’s mind screamed, telling him to pull away, but his body seemed frozen, caught in the shock of it. He hadn’t expected this. He hadn’t expected Mark to cross that line, to kiss him with the same ease he had once kissed Aaron.

When Mark finally pulled away, his lips barely grazing Ethan’s, Ethan could barely breathe. His heart was hammering in his chest, his thoughts a chaotic mess. He blinked up at Mark, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

Mark smiled, that same smirk still tugging at the corner of his mouth. "See? I knew you were just waiting for the right moment. You’re not as different from the others as you think."

Ethan didn’t respond. His mind was still reeling, his body still on fire from the unexpected kiss. He felt dirty, confused, and hurt all at once. How could Mark do this? How could he be so bold, so certain that Ethan was some kind of… replacement?

Before he could say anything, Mark turned and walked away, leaving Ethan staring after him, his hand still touching his lips, as if trying to erase the memory of the kiss.

Ethan sat there for a long moment, trying to collect himself. He hadn’t kissed Mark back, hadn’t done anything to encourage it—but that didn’t make the feeling go away. The shock, the confusion, the ache in his chest—it was all too much.

It wasn’t until Aaron walked into the café, looking around for him, that Ethan realized what had happened. Aaron’s eyes scanned the room, and when they landed on Ethan, they widened, confusion flashing across his face. Ethan quickly looked away, not wanting Aaron to see the turmoil written all over his face.

Aaron walked over to him, but Ethan stood up quickly, shaking his head. "I need to go," he muttered, avoiding Aaron’s gaze.

Aaron frowned, but before he could say anything, Ethan was already walking out of the café, his heart heavy with the weight of everything he didn’t know how to say.

To be continued

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