Kai did not wait for Adrian’s call. At least, that was what he told himself. He attended his afternoon lecture, took notes, answered two questions from Professor Miller, and stayed behind to clarify an issue concerning their upcoming research presentation. He behaved like someone whose thoughts were perfectly under control. Only his phone betrayed him. Every time it vibrated, his hand moved toward it. Every time the screen showed a notification unrelated to Adrian, disappointment settled briefly in his chest before he pushed it away. By six o’clock, he had checked his phone eleven times. By seven, he had stopped counting. “You’re doing it again.” Kai looked up. Daniel stood beside the library table, holding two cups of coffee. “Doing what?” “Looking at your phone as if it personally offended you.” Kai took one of the cups. “Maybe it did.” Daniel smiled and sat opposite him. “Is everything okay?” Kai hesitated. Daniel had already noticed the change. He had noticed it weeks ago, long before Kai had found the courage to admit that his feelings belonged somewhere else. Now, despite everything, Daniel still asked with genuine concern. “My family is having financial problems,” Kai said. Daniel’s expression became serious. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. You didn’t cause them.” “I know. I can still be sorry.” Kai looked down at the coffee. “I might have to give up the research presentation.” “Why?” “My shift is scheduled that day.” “Can you talk to your manager?” “I already know what he’ll say.” “Have you asked?” “No.” Daniel leaned forward. “Then you don’t know.” Kai gave him a tired look. “You sound like Ethan.” “That’s unfortunate. I was trying to sound intelligent.” A small laugh escaped Kai. Daniel smiled, then continued more carefully. “You shouldn’t have to give up something important without at least looking for another option.” “I need the money.” “I understand.” “No, you don’t.” Daniel didn’t argue. Instead, he nodded. “You’re right. I don’t know what it’s like to be responsible for everything you’re carrying.” Kai looked at him. “But I know what it’s like to want someone to believe you can handle your own life,” Daniel added. “So I’m not going to tell you what to do.” The words stayed with Kai. They sounded familiar. Too familiar. He thought of Adrian. I want to understand what you need before I decide what to do. Kai lowered his eyes. “Thank you.” Daniel stood and gathered his books. “Talk to your manager first.” “And if he says no?” “Then we think of something else.” Kai looked up. Daniel smiled faintly. “See? I can be useful without trying to become your boyfriend.” Kai froze. Daniel laughed softly. “Relax. I’m joking.” But there was no bitterness in his voice. That made it worse somehow. ⸻ At Blake Corporation, Adrian’s day had stretched into night. The negotiations with the suppliers had failed again. One company demanded an unreasonable advance payment. Another couldn’t guarantee the necessary equipment. A third had the capacity but lacked the required certification. The board wanted a decision before morning. Adrian stood before the windows of his office, his phone pressed against his ear. “No,” he said. “We won’t sign an agreement that compromises the safety standards. Find another option.” He ended the call. Marcus stood near the desk with a stack of documents. “There’s a possibility in Busan,” he said. “The facility has the equipment, but transporting everything here will be expensive.” “How expensive?” “Enough to make the board unhappy.” “The board is frequently unhappy.” “That may be because you keep giving them reasons.” Adrian took the document. “Arrange a video conference with their director.” “Tonight?” “Yes.” Marcus studied him. “Have you eaten?” Adrian glanced at the clock. It was almost ten. “Not yet.” “Of course.” “Marcus.” “I’m not judging you.” “You are.” “I’m observing.” Adrian said nothing. Marcus placed another folder on the desk. “At least eat something before the conference.” After Marcus left, Adrian opened his phone. There was no new message from Kai. He stared at their conversation. He could still hear Kai’s voice from their earlier call. Don’t promise if you’re too busy. Adrian understood why the words had been spoken. Kai was disappointed. And instead of saying so, he had hidden it behind sarcasm. Adrian had done something similar for years. He knew how easily silence could become resentment. He typed a message. Adrian: I’m still at work. I haven’t forgotten you. He paused before sending it. Then added: Adrian: You don’t have to wait for me. Kai received the message while sitting at the kitchen table. He had just finished calculating his available money for the fourth time. His mother was washing dishes nearby. He read Adrian’s message. The first sentence warmed him. The second one hurt. You don’t have to wait for me. Kai knew Adrian meant it kindly. He knew Adrian was trying not to make promises he couldn’t keep. But a small, unreasonable part of him wanted Adrian to say that he should wait. That he wanted him to wait. Kai typed: Kai: I wasn’t waiting. He stared at the lie. Then sent it. Adrian replied several minutes later. Adrian: All right. Kai placed the phone down. He immediately regretted it. ⸻ The next morning, Kai spoke to Mr. Lewis. The manager listened while Kai explained the research presentation and asked whether his shift could be moved. Mr. Lewis crossed his arms. “That shift is already understaffed.” “I know.” “You’ve taken extra hours recently.” “I can work another evening.” Mr. Lewis sighed. “Kai, you need to decide what matters.” Kai’s jaw tightened. “Everything matters.” The manager studied him. For a moment, his stern expression softened. “That’s the problem with people your age. You think you can carry every responsibility at once.” Kai looked away. Mr. Lewis continued, “I’ll see if I can find someone to cover part of the shift. But I can’t promise anything.” “Thank you.” “Don’t thank me yet. Speak to the others yourself.” “I will.” “And Kai?” He stopped at the kitchen entrance. “Don’t throw away a chance that could help your future because you’re afraid of losing a day’s wages.” Kai said nothing. But the sentence followed him throughout the morning. ⸻ By noon, Adrian finally called. Kai was walking between buildings when his phone rang. He answered. “Hello.” “Are you free?” “Not really.” “Can you talk for a minute?” Kai glanced around. “Yes.” Adrian sounded exhausted. Not merely busy. Exhausted. “How is your family?” Kai’s expression softened despite himself. “Managing.” “And you?” “Managing.” Adrian breathed out slowly. “Kai.” “Don’t.” “I haven’t said anything.” “I know what you’re going to say.” “What am I going to say?” “That I should let you help.” Adrian was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “I was going to ask whether you found a way to change your shift.” Kai stopped walking. “Oh.” “Did you?” “Mr. Lewis is trying to find someone to cover it.” “That’s good.” “Yes.” Silence settled between them. Kai looked down at the pavement. “How is the company?” “Complicated.” “That’s your professional way of saying terrible, isn’t it?” “Possibly.” “Are you eating?” Adrian paused. Kai narrowed his eyes. “Adrian.” “I had coffee.” “That isn’t food.” “I know.” “Then why did you ask me about eating yesterday?” “Because I’m a hypocrite.” Kai laughed. The sound was quiet, but genuine. Adrian said nothing for a moment. Then, softly, “There you are.” Kai’s smile faded into something warmer. He missed him. The realization was no longer surprising. It was simply there, impossible to ignore. “You’re busy,” Kai said. “Yes.” “I’m busy too.” “I know.” “And we keep missing each other.” “I know that too.” Kai looked toward the university courtyard. Students moved around him, laughing and rushing to their next classes. “Maybe this is what it will always be like,” he said. Adrian’s voice changed. “What do you mean?” “You have your company. I have school, work, my family. We keep trying to find time, but there’s always something else.” Adrian was silent. Kai continued before he could stop himself. “Maybe we’re trying to make something fit that doesn’t.” The words hung between them. He hadn’t meant to say them. Not exactly. But the fear had been growing quietly for days. Adrian finally spoke. “Is that what you think?” Kai swallowed. “I don’t know.” “Then don’t decide it while we’re both exhausted.” Kai closed his eyes. Adrian’s voice remained calm, but there was strain beneath it. “I’m not asking you to abandon your life for me, Kai.” “I know.” “And I won’t abandon my responsibilities.” “I know.” “That doesn’t mean you don’t matter.” Kai’s throat tightened. “Sometimes it feels like I do.” The silence that followed was longer this time. Adrian didn’t immediately defend himself. That made Kai listen. “When?” Adrian asked. Kai looked away. “Last night.” “Because I told you not to wait?” “Because I wanted you to call.” Adrian went quiet. Kai pressed his fingers against his forehead. “I know you had work. I know the company is dealing with something serious. I’m not asking you to drop everything. I just—” He stopped. The words wouldn’t come out properly. Adrian’s voice softened. “You wanted me to want to call.” Kai’s eyes burned. “Yes.” Adrian exhaled. “I did.” Kai looked up. “I wanted to call you,” Adrian continued. “I wanted to leave the office and come to you. But I couldn’t. And I was afraid that if I promised something I couldn’t give, I’d disappoint you more.” Kai stared at the ground. “You disappointed me anyway.” “I know.” The honesty unsettled him. Adrian didn’t try to escape the statement. Didn’t argue. Didn’t tell Kai he was being unreasonable. “I don’t know how to do this perfectly,” Adrian said. “I’m used to solving problems by making decisions quickly. But you aren’t a problem, Kai.” Kai’s lips trembled. “Good. Because I’m very expensive to maintain.” Adrian gave a quiet laugh. The sound loosened something in Kai’s chest. Then Adrian said, “Can I see you tonight?” Kai’s heart skipped. “Are you free?” “Not completely.” Kai’s smile disappeared. Adrian continued before he could speak. “I have a meeting at seven. Before that, I can see you for an hour.” Kai hesitated. An hour. It wasn’t much. But it was real. “Where?” “I’ll come to you.” “No.” Adrian paused. “No?” “Don’t come to the university. I’m going to work after class.” “Then I’ll meet you near the restaurant.” Kai looked down at his shoes. “All right.” “Six o’clock?” “Six.” “I’ll be there.” Kai narrowed his eyes. “Don’t promise if you can’t keep it.” Adrian’s voice became gentle. “I’ll do everything I can to keep it.” Kai didn’t know why that answer meant more than certainty. “Fine,” he said. “Fine?” “Don’t become sentimental.” “I wouldn’t dare.” Kai smiled. When the call ended, the problems waiting for him hadn’t disappeared. His family still needed money. His work schedule was uncertain. Adrian’s company was still in crisis. But for the first time in days, Kai didn’t feel as though he and Adrian were moving in opposite directions. They were still moving. Just not always at the same speed. And perhaps that was something they could learn.

The Things We Cannot Keep Apart