No judgement. No discomfort. Only understanding, and something else I can’t quite name.
“Oh, Seb…” he says softly. “I’m really honoured you shared that with me. I’m surprised, yes, but more than anything, I’m grateful for your trust. We haven’t known each other long, but I hope you know you can always count on me. I care about you. As a friend… and just as you are.”
I flush, warmth rising to my cheeks, spreading through my chest. I lean in slightly, my hand still resting beneath his.
“Remi, your words mean more than I can say. I know coming out shouldn’t be a big deal these days, but… you never really know how people will react.”
His brows draw together, concern flickering in his eyes.
“Seb, I hope no one ever made you feel unsafe. Or less than.”
“Oh, you’d be surprised. I kept a low profile in Paris, but I still had my fair share of bad experiences. The arts world is more open, sure, but prejudice still finds its way in.”
His jaw clenches. He’s clearly upset on my behalf, and even if I don’t fully understand why he cares this much, the way my heart flips in my chest tells me I’m glad he does.
“Seb… can I ask, did anyone else know? I mean, back in Paris?”
“Yes. A few people. Quietly.” I pause, then meet his gaze.
“But you’re the first person I’ve told since moving back here. My parents don’t know. And neither does Maddie.”
His eyes widen again. “Wait… is that… is that why you left? Why you broke up with her?”
I nod. I can’t bring myself to say it out loud. Not yet.
Then Remi gently lifts my chin until our eyes meet again. His gaze is impossibly kind.
“Seb… why didn’t you tell her? She would’ve understood. Maybe not right away, but in time. Maddie’s stronger than people give her credit for. And if not her, then Anne. You didn’t have to go through it alone.”
He doesn’t sound angry. Just... sad. Sad for me.
“You were on your own, in a new country, facing all of that without support. I’m so sorry, Seb. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.”
“You’re sorry for me?” I ask quietly. “You’re not mad about what I did to Maddie?”
“Mad? No. Of course not. You were a kid. And Maddie had people. Anne, her family, then Noah, Jamie… and me. But you? You left everything behind. You didn’t have anyone.”
He pauses, then shrugs, a little self-conscious.
“Sorry. I probably have no right to say all that. I’ve never been in your shoes.”
“No, you’re right. It would’ve been easier if I’d come out then. But I was terrified. Confused. I didn’t even understand it myself until… well, until Ian.”
Remi stiffens. “Ian?”
“Yeah. It was just a kiss. We were outside a club, and… he kissed me. I didn’t even see it coming. But it hit me like a freight train. Nothing else happened, I swear. I would never have cheated on Maddie. But that kiss... it made everything click.”
Remi seems to relax a little, but I don’t stop.
“I wasn’t ready to tell anyone. Especially not my parents. Honestly, I’m still not sure I am.”
I lift a hand and cover my face, overwhelmed. Before I can retreat any further, Remi gently pulls my hand away and places his over it, steady and warm. Then he reaches up and touches my cheek, and without thinking, I lean into it.
“Seb… I can’t pretend to understand everything you’ve been through, but I admire your strength.
You faced it. You didn’t run from who you are, even when it was hard. That takes courage.”
I look up at him, caught in his gaze. He keeps speaking, his hand still warm against my cheek.
