The atmosphere in the room shifted after the toast, the camaraderie between the two friends laced with the seriousness of Derek’s confession. Adam leaned back in his chair, studying Derek with an intensity that only someone who truly cared could muster.
“You know,” Adam began, swirling the remnants of his wine, “you’ve always had this tendency to carry the world on your shoulders, Derek. But this... this feels different.”
Derek smirked faintly, though his eyes betrayed his unease. “It is different. I can handle business threats, betrayals, even physical danger. But this? This is something I can’t control, and it terrifies me.”
Adam chuckled lightly, though his tone was thoughtful. “Love does that to you, my friend.”
Derek stiffened. “It’s not love,” he retorted, though his voice
