First message
The campus field is still crowded when Elian finally ends his relationship. Lucien stands beside his now-ex-girlfriend, watching silently. When she happily reaches for his arm, expecting him to accept her, Lucien pulls away and instead turns his attention to Elian.
"Finally," he says quietly. "Five years, and I don't have to pretend to hate you anymore."
His expression remains cold, but for once, there is no lie behind his words.
"I like you. I've liked you for five years."