City C was quiet.Too quiet. Noah Reyes walked down the empty Streets, backpack slung lazily over one shoulder, muttering to himself.
"I swear,even the pigeons are napping today."
"Breakfast,Noah?" Came Aunt Marissa's sharp voice from the kitchen window. She didn't bother hiding her glare." Or are you planning to just stare at the pavements all day like some kind of brooding statue?"
"I was planning on staring at the sky instead," Noah said with a grin." Pavements overrated."
Aunt Marissa's lips pressed into a thin line." You've been here since you graduated two years ago. What have you achieved? Dreaming? Wishing?"
"I call it... strategic daydreaming," Noah replied, shrugging."very productive."
She rolled her eyes so hard it almost made a sound,"One day, those dreams will get tired of waiting for you."
Noah said nothing. He didn't need to
After the brief clash, Noah rolled up his sleeves, carrying fresh loaves of bread to the display shelves, swept the floor and even took orders for deliveries.
By mid-morning, he was out on the cobblestone streets, carrying baskets for his aunties customers. It was hard work, repetitive but it had a rhythm that was almost soothing. Helping her business survive, even if she doesn't appreciate him, felt like... something.
"Don't dawdle!" Aunt Marissa called after him as he left with the delivery basket." And remember -No detours!"
Noah grinned."Of course, Aunt Marissa."
By late morning, he made his way to the town square. The small café where his friends usually gathered. It was quiet, tucked between a bookshop and a flower stall.
"Finally!" Leila called as she spotted Noah.
" I thought you were going to stay lost in the bakery forever." She giggled.
" Yeah, dragging bread basket all day," Noah replied, dropping the basket on the table." I'm practically a professional now. "Where's Will?" He asked raising an eyebrow.
Leila exhaled, rubbing her temples." He got caught up with the contract guy. The way that guy treats Will... it's not normal, Noah. It's too controlling. Too much."
Noah tilted his head slightly, thoughtful. Then he let out a small, almost amused breath."...yeah. But I think Will enjoys it too."
Leila blinked."Enjoys it?"
Noah shrugged lightly, gaze distant." Not in a simple way, but ... Some people don't just get trapped. They stay because something about it pulls them in.
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Elsewhere...
The room was dim, washed in a faint red neon glow. Quiet. Heavy.
A figure sat across the table in the darkness, barely visible. Just a silhouette,still and waiting.
Then the door opened.
A slender petite, cute boy stepped in, the faint sound echoing against the walls. His steps the moment he noticed he wasn't alone.
Silence stretched
Then_
"You're late Will."
The voice came from the shadows. Calm, unmoved, like it had been there long before Will arrived.
Will Froze, quietly forcing himself not to hesitate. He moved further into the room, stopping in front of the table.
"I..had things to do."
A pause..
Then the figure shifted slightly, his gaze meeting the naive boy in front of the desk.
"You'll be punished for this attitude."
Will gulped in nothing as his hands trembled by his sides.
"Kneel" The figure commanded as he stood up from the chair, making his way to the already kneeling boy. "Aren't you adorable" He said as he lifted Wills chin, letting Will face him.
Will said nothing, his gaze meeting with the alluring figure.
"Now you will suck my d*CK till your eyes roll backwards" The figure said with a thin smirk dancing on his lips.
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Back at the café, Leila was still staring at Noah like he had grown three heads.
"…You're seriously saying he likes being treated like that?"
Noah took a slow sip of his drink. "I'm saying it's complicated. Feelings usually are."
Leila shook her head, but her expression softened slightly. "Still… we're helping him out of it. Whether he realizes it or not."
Noah gave a small nod. "Yeah. We are."
A brief silence followed before Leila leaned forward, her tone shifting.
"Actually… there's something else I wanted to tell you."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "That serious?"
"Very," she said, pulling out her phone. "I found a job opportunity for you. Not here. City Z."
Noah blinked. "City Z?"
"Yeah," Leila continued. "It's an institute. Good pay, proper structure, and real growth. Not like… whatever this place is." She gestured vaguely around them.
Noah chuckled. "Hey, City C has its charm."
"Yeah," she said dryly. "If your dream is to deliver bread forever."
"Alright, point taken," he laughed.
Leila smiled slightly. "I'm serious, Noah. This could be your chance to actually move forward. Start over."
Noah leaned back, thinking. "I won't just jump into it. I'll go there first, check things out, see if it's worth it."
Leila nodded quickly. "Good.
I can help you set things up—contacts, timing, everything."
Noah looked at her for a moment, then smiled faintly. "You really don't rest, do you?"
"Someone has to push you," she replied with a smirk.
Noah shook his head, but there was something lighter in his expression now.
City Z.
It sounded far. Different.
And maybe… exactly what he needed.