Wynter chuckled softly as he grabbed his coat, looking over us like he was making sure everything was in order. He glanced at me as he pulled his scarf around his neck, his eyes warm and steady.
“You ready?” he asked, his voice lower now, meant just for me.
“Always,” I replied.
As we stepped out into the crisp winter air, I sipped my tea, feeling the warmth spread through me—not just from the drink, but from him. Wynter didn’t just care; he showed it in every little thing he did, from wrapping scarves to remembering favorite teas. And that, more than anything, made me adore him even more.
Beck declared, clapping her hands. “The museum isn’t going to marvel at itself.”
“I’m ready,” Wynter said, with a laboured breath.
“You don’t look ready,” Bae teased, squinting at him. “You look like you need coffee or…I don’t know, ten more hours of sleep.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Wynter replied, rolling his eyes but smiling all the same.
“He’s fine,” I said, slinging my arm over Wynter’s shoulder. “Let’s walk faster or Beck might start running the whole museum tour herself.”
Beck pointed at me. “Don’t tempt me.”
We made it to the museum without a hitch, Beck and Bae filling the ride with chatter about some drama about sharing the aux and all the exhibits they wanted to see. Wynter chimed in now and then, keeping his energy up, but I could tell he was pacing himself.
Once we were inside the museum, the girls wasted no time, dispersing and wandering about eye collections of sculptures. Wynter trail behind them staying close, but letting them take the lead. We laughed as Bae cracked jokes about absolutely everything and Beck acted like she personally knew the Greek gods depicted in the portraits. I saw his hand twitch towards the wall of a nearby railing, like he was ready to catch himself if he stumbled. I knew he wasn’t well and it was getting borderline impossible for him to hide it. Or maybe I just had a PhD in reading him.
Just then Beck grabbed his arm and tugged him towards a statue of Achilles. “Isn’t this insane?”
“Yeah it’s amazing,” he agreed.
“Where is Patroclus?” Bae cleared her thought, squinting her eyes.
“Oh brother here we go—” Beck groaned.
“What do you mean?” Wyn asked,
“She’s referencingThe Song of Achillesby Madeleine Miller where Patroclus and Achilles are imagined as starcrossed lovers,” I explicated.
“Pardon you, they are destined to love each other in every universe it’s not made up !” Bae argued, and Wyn smiled then placed a hand to his middle and winced.
“Hey, come see this a sec!” I interrupted, pulling him aside away from the girls. I placed a hand on his cheek and looked into his sleep deprived gaze. “Are you okay?
“I’m fine,” he repeated.
“You’re doing great, but you’re not a superhero. If you need a break, we can take one,” I reminded him.
“ I just don’t want them to worry when even I haven’t a clue what’s wrong with me,” he explained.
“They won’t. Let’s stick to the quieter exhibits. I’ll keep them distracted if they start to notice anything. But just so you know, I don’t support this conspiracy,” I assured him.
He whispered, “thanks,” holding my gaze for a moment, his expression softening.
We moved forward to catch up with the girls. I stayed close, ready to intervene if he needed me, not that he’d ever admit that he did. I wasn’t about to let him burn himself out for anyone—not even Beck and Bae.
We were halfway through the impressionist exhibit when I noticed the flash of a camera. It wasn’t subtle like that day in the park, and it wasn’t from someone admiring the art. I glanced over just in time to see Wynter stiffen in alert as he listened to Bae rambling on. He seemed uncomfortable.
“Wyn?” I spoke stepping closer,
His gaze started towards the corner where two men with professional cameras were attempting to look inconspicuous. The man with the shaggy hair and a dark outfit lifted his lens, aiming it directly at us. Shameless bastard.
“Oh you’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Beck cursed. Before I could say anything, she was already moving forward, her long confidence strides across the gallery. She waved her arms up at the photographers. “Hey!” she snapped. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
