Wine Bottle and Honesty
Cassian walked over to Elio and sat beside him, a bottle of wine in his hand, while a large wool blanket covered both of them. The cold air began to feel a bit warmer thanks to the blanket, but Cassian had another idea to help them endure.
Cassian
I just spotted this wine—Cabernet Sauvignon. Perfect for keeping us warm in weather like this
(lifting the wine bottle with a slight smile)
Cassian swiftly opened the bottle and poured some into his own mouth without hesitation. After taking a sip, he looked at Elio and handed him the bottle.
Cassian
Drink this. You need warmth too
Elio
I can’t. Thanks, but no, sir
Cassian
Why not? Don’t worry about the price. I’ll pay for this wine
Elio
It’s not about the money, sir. I can’t drink alcohol. My body doesn’t handle it well
(chuckling softly, though awkwardly)
Cassian
Seriously? Aren’t you a bartender? Don’t you often serve alcoholic drinks?
Elio
I am a bartender, but I’m terrible at drinking it myself. I get drunk easily, even with just a sip
(sighing, a bit embarrassed)
Cassian paused for a moment, then a small laugh escaped his lips.
Cassian
That’s... ridiculous. A bartender who can’t drink alcohol?
Elio
That’s not funny! Stop laughing at me!
(glaring at Cassian, face turning red)
Cassian
No, seriously. This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard
(still laughing, lifting the wine bottle again to take a sip)
Elio sighed, trying to ignore Cassian’s chuckling. But his attention was unknowingly drawn to Cassian’s expression. It was the first time he had seen Cassian laugh so freely. The arrogant face of the man seemed much warmer, making Cassian look... different.
Elio fell silent, staring at him without blinking. Cassian’s laugh made him seem so charming. For the first time, the usual smug aura around Cassian disappeared, replaced by a charisma that made Elio almost forget to breathe.
Cassian
(noticing Elio’s stare, stopping his laughter and looking at him)
Elio
(startled, quickly turning face away)
Cassian
(smiling mischievously, taking another sip of wine)
Elio turned his head quickly, his face growing even redder.
Cassian
Well, I saw you interacting with a guy at the bar... the way you were talking seemed a little romantic
Elio
What do you mean by ‘a little romantic’?
Cassian
Yeah, the way you two spoke... it seemed like you had a relationship that was more than just friends. But what really made me more certain that you're gay was when I accidentally kissed you earlier, and you yelled out something that sounded pretty gay
Elio
Something that sounded ‘pretty gay’? What do you mean?
(frowning, confused)
Elio paused for a moment, reflecting on what Cassian had just said. Suddenly, he felt embarrassed again when he recalled his own words when Cassian accidentally kissed him, making his face flush even more.
Elio fell silent. But soon after, an idea to get back at Cassian came to his mind.
Elio
Well then... you’re gay too, right?
Cassian paused for a moment, looking confused and slightly surprised by Elio’s question.
Elio
I remember before we met at the bar, I saw you arguing with a guy in front of the resort. He seemed like your boyfriend, right?
Cassian
(thinking for a moment, then answering calmly)
Cassian
He’s not my boyfriend. That’s... Leander. My stepbrother
Elio furrowed his brow, confused by Cassian’s explanation.
Elio
Stepbrother? But why were you arguing? And why did he act like he wasn’t your brother? He even seemed like your boyfriend
Cassian
(sighing, face turning serious)
Cassian
Leander... we’ve never had a good relationship from the start. Especially after he suddenly confessed his love for me. He likes me more than just a brother
Elio was shocked by the explanation.
Cassian
I was really surprised at that time. Leander wanted more than just a brotherly bond. I felt... uncomfortable. He kept coming closer, even though I made it clear that I wasn’t interested
Cassian
I think he’s really gone crazy over loving me, even asking me to be his boyfriend. Yeah, even though we’re step-siblings, it’s still strange. And his sudden appearance earlier today just ruined my mood. All my plans to enjoy a quiet Christmas vacation alone are completely ruined
Cassian
I’ve tried avoiding Leander and my family. Eventually, I decided to find a way to escape from them. My life has always been controlled by my father, and I feel trapped. But over time, I found a new purpose in life
Elio listened quietly, not interrupting. Cassian took a deep breath.
Cassian
When I was a kid, I had a friend. We always spent Christmas Eve together on a hill near this resort. It was the one time I looked forward to every year. But... after my mom passed and my dad remarried a woman who had a son three years younger than me, I lost him. We’ve never met since because my family stopped spending Christmas vacations here
Cassian lowered his head and suddenly fell silent. Elio watched the expression on his face shift.
Elio, who had been listening intently, finally spoke with a soft, curious voice.
Elio
So, have you met your childhood friend, sir?
Cassian shook his head, looking worn out and a little disappointed.
Cassian
I’ve been coming every Christmas for the past five years, but there’s always something in the way. Every time I plan to find him, something happens that stops me. This year... I’m determined to find him. I even decided to stay here until the New Year. Furthermore, I need time, and... I really want to enjoy Christmas here alone, without any distractions
The atmosphere fell quiet for a moment. Elio felt a deep sympathy for Cassian. Behind his arrogant and tough demeanor, there was a heavy story he never expected.
Elio
If you meet him, what will you say?
Cassian looked at Elio for a moment, as if pondering the question. He took a breath, as if preparing to open up his heart.
Cassian
I... I’ll tell him that I love him
Cassian
Only now I realize that I’ve fallen in love with him, without even realizing it. Maybe the feeling has been there all along, but I didn’t know how to express it. I just hope... I can meet him again
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