The evening passed as Gun and Cassius conversed. After their first exchange, Gun was drawn to Cassius in a way he didn’t expect. As they strolled through the ga, mingling with other guests, Cassius made every interaction seem effortless. He introduced Gun to influential people, weaving him into conversations that he couldn’t care about. Yet, it wasn’t the networking that left a sting impression—it was how comfortable he felt around Cassius.

  They ughed at each other’s stories, discussed business ventures, and even dipped into other topics like their favourite cities, embarrassing childhood memories, and strange cultural customs they’d encountered in their travels. Cassius had a natural charisma that put Gun at ease, something rare in his world. It felt refreshing, almost intoxicating, to not feel like he had to wear his usual armour.

  By the time the event was winding down, Gun realised he wasn’t ready to part ways.

  “How about a te-night bite?” Cassius suggested as they exited the ga, the cool night air hitting them. “I know a pce nearby.”

  Gun agreed without hesitation.

  They made it to a quiet, upscale te night restaurant just a few blocks away. The restaurant’s lighting and intimate atmosphere matched the rexed vibe that had settled between them. They ordered a simple meal—steak and wine—continuing their conversation as if they’ve known each other for years. Gun stopped himself from opening up to people, but with Cassius, it didn’t feel forced or unnatural. The walls he normally kept up seemed to lower on its own.

  It wasn’t long before the conversation drifted into personal territory Gun usually avoided. Yet there was something about Cassius that encouraged him to open up. Maybe it was the way he listened, really listened, or perhaps it was the wine.

  As they finished their meal, Cassius leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “You know, I didn’t expect to enjoy tonight as much as I did.”

  Gun smiled as he pyed with the st of his wine, swirling the gss. “Neither did I. It’s been... nice.”

  Cassius’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Nice enough to continue the night? I’ve got some excellent wine back at my hotel.”

  Gun hesitated only for a moment before nodding. “Sure, why not?”

  *

  Cassius’s hotel suite was as elegant as he was. Modern, minimalistic, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. They kicked off their shoes and ughed about how stiff the ga had been compared to the comfortable rhythm they’d fallen into.

  After quick showers, they each reappeared in fresh clothes. Cassius in a robe, and Gun in a comfortable t-shirt and lounge pants Cassius had lent him. The scent of warm water and soap still clung to the air as they settled on the plush couch, a bottle of wine open between them, and two gsses filled to the brim.

  They sat close, legs almost brushing, as they sipped their wine, talking about nothing in particur. The conversation moved to what they would do if they weren’t bound to their careers—to deeper reflections on life’s unexpected turns.

  “Funny, isn’t it?” Cassius mused, swirling the wine in his gss. “You go to these events thinking you’ll just tick the boxes—network, shake hands, make a good impression—and then you end up here, drinking wine and sharing your life story with someone you’ve only just met.”

  Gun chuckled, leaning back against the couch. “Yeah, it’s strange. But in a good way.”

  Cassius turned his head to look at him, a soft smile pying at his lips. “In a very good way.”

  The conversation slowed, but the silence that settled between them wasn’t awkward. It was the kind of silence that comes when two people are simply comfortable in each other’s presence.

  Gun gnced over at Cassius, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the wine. He hadn’t expected to spend the night like this, wrapped in conversation and quiet companionship, but as he sat there, a sense of calm washed over him.

  For the first time in a long while, he felt like he could just be him.