Chapter 18: The Cold Shoulder

Sebastian snapped back to reality.

He shoved Lucian away with a force so sudden he nearly slid off his chair.

Lucian stumbled backward, his hands still hanging in mid-air, looking utterly bewildered.

"What was that for?" he stared, eyes wide. "Got a split personality or something?"

Sebastian steadied himself by the table and took a deep breath.

His face remained a mask of indifference, but the tips of his ears were a tell-tale red.

"Two grown men," he said, his voice stiffening. "This isn't appropriate."

Lucian felt like he was going to die of laughter; tears were practically welling up.

"Not appropriate?" he repeated, his tone thick with mirth. "Who was leaning against me so comfortably just now?"

"Have you no shame at all?"

Sebastian said nothing.

Having had his laugh, Lucian sat back in his seat and picked up the menu.

"Fine, fine. It's not appropriate," he said, the smile still in his voice. "Let’s just eat quickly so we can get back on the road."

Sebastian looked at him, opened his mouth to say something, then swallowed it back.

The waiter came to take their order. Lucian ordered a mountain of food and checked with Sebastian on a few items, but Sebastian only nodded or shook his head, not uttering a single word.

While waiting for the food, Lucian rested his chin on his hand and stared at him.

Sebastian grew uneasy under the gaze.

"What are you looking at?"

"You," Lucian said matter-of-factly. "You won't let me touch you, are you going to stop me from looking, too?"

Sebastian took a deep breath.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and ignored him.

Lucian withdrew his gaze with a grin and began scrolling through his phone.

The sunlight streamed through the window, bathing them both in warmth.

Sebastian stared out the window; Lucian stared at his phone.

Ten minutes later, the food arrived.

Sebastian lowered his head and ate, continuing to ignore him.

Lucian, however, was relentless. He propped his chin up and watched him, eyes dancing with amusement.

"You're thirty-four, aren't you?" he began leisurely. "How do you not have a serious partner yet?"

Sebastian’s chopsticks faltered for a fraction of a second.

"What's it to you?"

"It matters quite a lot," Lucian leaned in closer. "If you stay single, doesn't that mean I have a chance?"

Sebastian lifted his eyes and looked at him.

"Why don't you just give it a shot with me?" Lucian said with a cheeky grin. "I might look young and flashy, but I’m actually loyal and pure at heart. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied."

"You really know how to praise yourself," Sebastian said.

"Just the truth," Lucian replied, not blushing in the slightest. "You’re not bad yourself. Well-maintained, good job... aside from the temper, the sharp tongue, and the habit of bossing people around, everything else is great."

Sebastian took a deep breath.

He lowered his head and returned to his meal, deciding to stop humoring him altogether.

Lucian, however, wouldn't give up.

"Hey," he leaned even closer. "You really don't like guys like me?"

Without looking up, Sebastian replied:

"No."

Lucian froze, genuinely unable to fathom where he was falling short.

"Fine," he said, leaning back against his chair. "Stay single then."

Sebastian said nothing, focusing on his food.

——————

By the time the car pulled into the small town, the sky had already darkened.

Narrow streets were lined with old houses—red brick walls, wooden window frames, and the occasional shop with its lights still on. The sound of dogs barking drifted from afar, punctuated by the sporadic pop of someone letting off firecrackers.

Lucian slowed the car, looking out at the surroundings.

"This place is pretty quiet," he noted.

Sebastian leaned against the passenger seat, silent.

Lucian glanced at him.

Ever since that meal at the service area, they had barely spoken.

Sebastian was either sleeping with his eyes shut or staring blankly out the window, refusing to look at him.

Lucian felt a restless pressure in his chest but didn't know what to say.

The car stopped in front of an old residential building. It was five stories high with no elevator, and some of the exterior tiles had begun to peel away.

Lucian turned off the engine and looked at Sebastian.

"We’re here?"

"Yeah."

Sebastian pushed the door open and stepped out slowly.

His back was much better, but his movements were still somewhat stiff.

Lucian went to the trunk to get the luggage, asking as he worked, "How should I introduce myself?"

Sebastian stood by the car, watching him.

"Assistant."

Lucian’s movements faltered for a moment.

"Fine," he said.

——————

Sebastian’s home was on the fourth floor.

The stairwell was narrow and dimly lit, the walls plastered with small advertisements. Sebastian held the handrail as he climbed slowly, with Lucian following behind carrying several bags.

As they reached the third floor, they could hear voices from above and the savory scent of stir-fry.

"Mom," Sebastian called out.

The door opened instantly.

A woman in her fifties stood in the doorway wearing an apron, a spatula still in her hand. When she saw Sebastian, her eyes lit up.

"Sebastian, you're back!" She reached out to pull him in, then noticed Lucian behind him and blinked in surprise. "And who is this?"

Sebastian stepped aside slightly.

"My assistant," he said. "He had nowhere to go for the New Year, so I brought him along."

His mother paused for a moment before her face broke into a wide smile.

"Oh, come in, come in!" She pulled Lucian inside. "Don't be shy, make yourself at home!"

Lucian was ushered into the house, still clutching the luggage, a bright smile on his face.

"Hello, Ma'am. Sorry for the intrusion."

"No intrusion at all!" She pressed him into the sofa and turned to pour tea. "Sebastian is always like this, not telling me a colleague was coming so I could prepare."

Lucian chuckled. "Don't trouble yourself, Ma'am. We can manage."

She wouldn't hear of it, forcing the tea into his hands before sitting down beside him, looking at him with a beaming smile.

"How old are you, young man? What's your name?"

"Lucian. I'm twenty-one."

"Twenty-one?" She looked him up and down. "So spirited! How long have you been working for Sebastian?"

"Not long," Lucian said with a smile. "Just started."

She nodded, then suddenly lowered her voice.

"Lucian, let me ask you something."

Lucian leaned in a bit.

"Does Sebastian... have a partner yet?"

Lucian blinked.

He lifted his head and glanced toward the balcony. Sebastian was standing there, talking to a younger man.

He retracted his gaze and gave her a smile.

"No."

She let out a sigh.

"That boy. He's thirty-four and not in a hurry at all." She shook her head. "I'm finding him a wife this year no matter what. It can't wait anymore."

Lucian opened his mouth to speak, then swallowed it back, simply nodding and smiling cooperatively.

——————

On the balcony.

"Sebastian, what's wrong with your back?" His cousin, Shane, looked at the way Sebastian was supporting his waist, concern in his eyes. "Are you alright?"

"It's fine, just a sprain," Sebastian leaned against the railing. "Almost better."

Shane nodded and they chatted about family for a bit.

Lucian walked out from the house.

He didn't look at Sebastian, walking straight to Shane and extending his hand with a smile.

"Hi, I'm Lucian. I'm Counselor Sebastian's assistant."

Shane blinked, then reached out to shake his hand.

"Shane. I'm his cousin."

Lucian held the hand, not in a hurry to let go, eyeing him from head to toe.

"You're quite the handsome guy, Shane," he said with a grin. "Very distinguished."

Shane felt a bit embarrassed under the scrutiny, pulling his hand back with a shy smile.

"Thanks."

Lucian leaned in toward him.

"I just got to this town and I'm not familiar with anything," he said. "Could you take me around for a bit? Show me the sights?"

Shane paused, looking at Sebastian.

Sebastian leaned against the railing, his face devoid of expression.

Shane felt a bit awkward, but he couldn't very well refuse.

"Well... alright then," he said. "Sebastian, I'll take him out for a walk?"

Sebastian gave a nod, saying nothing.

Lucian followed Shane out. As he passed Sebastian, he didn't give him so much as a glance.

The two silhouettes disappeared down the stairwell.

Sebastian stood on the balcony, watching the direction they had left for a long time before finally turning back toward the kitchen.

His mother was busy inside, smiling as she said, "That Lucian is a good boy. Well-spoken and polite."

Sebastian didn't say anything. He just picked up a stalk of green onion and began to trim it.

"And Shane too, he's growing into a fine young man."

Sebastian’s hand faltered for a fraction of a second before he continued trimming the onion.

The only sound in the kitchen was the sizzle of the pan.