Thawing The Billionaire's Heart

Cold

As they walked into the lounge area, Liam's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, Julian, this place is always buzzing with creativity," he said, taking in the eclectic decor.

Julian chuckled and gestured for Liam to take a seat. "Yeah, I like to think of it as my own personal art gallery," he said, smiling proudly.

As they sat down, Liam's eyes landed on a new piece of artwork on the wall. "Dude, this is incredible! When did you finish it?" he asked, his voice filled with admiration.

Julian grinned, looking pleased with himself. "I just finished it yesterday. I was experimenting with some new techniques and I'm really happy with how it turned out."

Liam nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "You're really talented, Julian. I'm not sure why you don't share your art with more people."

Julian shrugged, looking a bit self-conscious. "I don't know, I just don't feel like it's good enough, I guess."

Liam frowned, looking concerned. "Julian, your art is amazing. You should be proud of yourself."

Just then, Asher stood up, stretching his arms over his head. "I'm going to go get a snack from the kitchen. You guys want anything?" he asked.

Julian and Liam shook their heads, and Asher headed out of the room.

As they sat back down, Liam turned to Julian with a mischievous grin. "So, what's the deal with you sleeping in the middle of the day? You're not becoming a vampire or something, are you?"

Julian laughed, looking relieved. "No, I'm not becoming a vampire. I just didn't sleep well last night, that's all."

Liam nodded, looking understanding. "Okay, dude. Well, if you need any help with anything, just let me know, okay?"

Julian smiled, looking grateful. "Thanks, Liam. That means a lot to me."

As they sat there in comfortable silence, Liam suddenly spoke up. He knew if he doesn't ask, Julian will not tell him "Hey, Julian? Can I ask you something?"

Julian looked at him curiously. "Sure, what's up?"

Liam leaned forward, his eyes locked on Julian's. "Dude, Asher said something happened at the cake shop where you went today. What's going on?"

Julian sighed, rubbing his temples. "It was just some girl, okay? She came up to me and started talking, and I didn't know what to say. So I just told her I didn't know her and walked away."

Liam's eyes narrowed. "I've been telling you about this stuff, Julian. I've been warning you that people are going to start recognizing you. Do you think that girl was...you know, that new girl at school?".

Julian sighed, looking down at his feet

Liam frowned, looking concerned. "Julian, you can't just be rude to people like that. It's not cool."

Julian rolled his eyes. "I don't even know her, Liam. And I don't care. You should know me better than anyone else. I'm not interested in new people or new things."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Julian, come on. I saw the way you reacted today. You can't tell me you don't even know her face."

Julian's expression turned cold. "I don't know her, Liam. And I don't want to talk about it anymore."

Liam's eyes narrowed, his expression thoughtful. He seemed to sense that Julian didn't want to further the conversation, and he didn't push the issue. Instead, he sat back in his chair, lost in thought.

Julian and Liam have been friends since junior school. Growing up, they shared a life of luxury, with their wealthy families providing them with every opportunity.

As they entered high school, their friendship deepened.

Together, they explored their interests, supported each other's pursuits, and navigated the complexities of adolescence amidst their privileged upbringing.

Liam often thought back to the first time they met. Julian was this quiet, introspective kid who always had his nose buried in his sketchbook, lost in the world of art. Liam was drawn to Julian's unique energy and sense of purpose.

As they spent more time together, Liam realized that Julian's love for art was more than just a hobby - it was an integral part of who he was. Julian's parents were overjoyed to see their son connect with someone who appreciated his passions.

Liam remembered how Julian's parents would often invite him over for dinner, beaming with pride as they talked about Julian's latest art pieces. They were grateful to Liam for being a supportive friend, and Liam felt grateful to have Julian in his life.

They both seemed very similar except for Julian's cold heart. Liam remembered a particular time when they were in junior school. It was a typical day at school, with students bustling about, chatting with friends, and rushing to their next class. But for Emily, it was a day she'd never forget. She had been crushing on Julian for months, and finally, she mustered the courage to ask him to the upcoming school dance.

Emily had approached Julian, her heart racing with excitement and nervousness. "Hey, Julian, I was wondering if you'd like to go to the dance with me?" she'd asked, trying to sound casual.

Julian looked taken aback, and for a moment, Emily thought she saw a glimmer of interest. But then, his expression turned cold, and he shook his head. "I don't think so, Emily. I'm not really into dances."

Emily felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She tried to play it cool, but she could feel her face burning with embarrassment. "Oh, okay. No big deal," she said, forcing a smile.

But Julian just shrugged and turned away, leaving Emily feeling rejected and humiliated.

Liam also remembered the conversation he had with Julian later that day. They were hanging out at the park, and Julian mentioned that he was going to tell Emily something later. Liam asked what it was, but Julian just shook his head and said, "Don't worry about it, I'll tell you later."

Liam recalled feeling curious and a bit concerned, but he didn't press the issue. He trusted Julian and knew that he would share the details when he was ready,or whenever he asks.

Later that day, Liam saw Emily in tears, and he overheard rumors that Julian had rejected her invitation to the school dance. Liam was surprised, but he didn't think much of it, assuming that Julian had his reasons.

It wasn't until later, when Julian's behavior towards girls became more consistent, that Liam realized his friend might have been hurt before and was guarding his heart. Or what else could make him so cold?.