"Please do. He needs to be humbled."
"I was born to humble tattooed men."
I grin so hard it hurts.
"You're not joking though? You're actually inviting me?" "I've never been more serious. I miss you like hell. And honestly? I need you here. Even for a little bit."
He's quiet for a second. "Alright. Give me three days. I'll make something up for my work, find a flight, and pack. You better be at the airport with snacks."
"I'll bring an espresso and a t-shirt that says Team Gio is Mid."
"Perfect. And I swear to God, Rava, if you and Gio fight or anything before I get there, I will fight you. I've been emotionally invested since forever. Don't do this to me."
"I'll try not to ruin your gay summer vacation, I promise." He cackles. "Italy's not ready for me."
Three hours later
It is quiet. Late afternoon light spills through the curtains. I have my feet pulled up on the chair, knees to my chest, a pen tapping gently against the side of my glasses.
I've been scrolling for the past hour, looking up programs, requirements, tuition costs. Master's in education. Teaching.
The plan is to graduate officially in October, walk the stage, hold that diploma up high, and then go after it. It was supposed to be simple. Supposed to be about me. Just me. But now…there's him.
Gio.
And the thing is, I can't think straight anymore.
Not when I wake up and the first thing on my mind is whether he's eaten. Not when I see him riding that damn bike and all I want to do is scream at him to slow down. Not when I used to hope the cops would catch him for all the shit he pulls,and now I spend whole nights lying awake wondering what lies I'd tell if they ever came asking.
What I'd cover. What I'd burn. What I'd do to keep him safe. Is that pathetic? The guy who used to laugh at me in the hallways, who used to call me "teacher's pet" and mock my books. The same guy I used to curse under my breath…
He's now the one I'd sell my soul to protect. It's terrifying. To care this much.
To love—
I can't even say it. Not even to myself. I let the pen fall into my lap and rub the back of my neck, staring blankly at the screen in front of me.
CLACK.
I jump. My heart stops. I turn toward the window…and it is Gio. Half in, half out.
"Missed me?" he whispers.
8) It Was Fine
Rava
Totally normal to have someone climbing into your fucking room through the window. Who even uses the door anymore?!
That's so outdated.
Here, we do things deluxe edition: window.
Actually, wait. I keep forgetting. They would skin him alive if they found out he is here. We don't even have a project as an excuse, and Jin isn't around either, so I literally have zero reason to explain why there is a whole Gio in my bedroom right now.
"Look at you," he whispers. "Sitting there all sweet and innocent with your little glasses and those filthy tattoos."
I swallow hard. "You're gonna get us caught."
