Midnight Pretenders (BL)

Chapter 4

I sighed out loud, closing my eyes as I slowly felt myself loosening up, composed enough to tell him the truth.

"I'm short of cash," I sadly admitted, "I already used up all the money I got from my parents because of the transfer fees and my rent. And since I didn't get accepted for the student-assistant program in the uni, I ended up there. That's the story. I'm really just out of options."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

That caught me off guard, and although that did cross my mind before, I didn't do it because I wasn't really the type to ask someone for help.

"Come on, Luke," I told him back, "How am I supposed to tell you that? It's not easy and I didn't even tell Sofia. Besides, I know that I can still work this out myself. I just need you to keep this a secret, please. I really hope you could do that at least."

"Why wouldn't I?" Lucas frowned at my words, staring at me at the same time as he added, "We're brothers remember? You've helped me so many times since the moment we met. It's about time I try to help you out for once."

"Thank you," I sighed in utter relief as soon as I heard him say that, closing my eyes briefly, "I really appreciate that."

"That's why you should quit that job, Carson."

Those words instantly put everything to a stop as it seemed to have turned the tables around now, and this time, I was the one frowning back at him.

"Why?" I said out of disbelief, "Didn't we already come to an agreement just now?"

"Yeah, we just did," Lucas answered agreeably, "I've decided to help you out. But not by keeping it a secret. I'll pay for everything you need so just quit that job and focus on your studies."

"No," I strongly refused, appalled by that incredulous suggestion, "That's not what I asked of you, Luke. I don't want you to do that. Keeping this all a secret is already more than enough."

"Why are you so stubborn, Carson?" I heard Lucas exhaling out loud. And after pausing for a second, his voice went softer as he soon asked, "Remember when you once helped me that night that I got wasted so bad and created a riot at a party?"

I went rigid. Did he remember everything? 

That one night... that was supposed to be forgotten now. For a second, I didn't know what to tell him after hearing him open that up. Was it possible that he really knew what happened all this time? I was immediately brought back to that one vivid night of him drunk and blabbering things that still made me shiver every time it flashes back in my head. Please, don't tell me he really remembers everything...

"That was just two months ago, right?" Lucas added briefly when I didn't speak. Then he playfully nudged me with his shoulders, smiling towards me. "I still owe you big for that night."

"Uhm... Y-yeah..." I laugh half-heartedly, still unsure of what to make out of what he was referring to exactly on that night. There had been a lot of things and misunderstandings that had happened since then. But I chose to act casual as I asked, "Why are you suddenly bringing that up here?"

"Nothing," Lucas just shrugged, smirking, "I just want to let you know that I'm also willing to do anything for you. Just like what you did that time."

I was now confused and I wasn't really sure what to feel after hearing him say that but I still replied, "That was... nothing. Really. I just helped you out because I'm your friend."

"Same with me, Carson," he retorted back, turning his face to stare at me with those deep blue eyes sparkling under the moonlight, "I told you, we're basically brothers now and I care about you. I really want to help."

"And you don't have to do that much. Really, I can still manage this by myself, Luke. But I totally appreciate your intentions."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

And just like that... we finally found our way back to being okay. I let out a sigh afterward, closing my eyes as I breathed into the cold air. Then all of a sudden, I jolted in surprise when I felt warm fingers grazing over my cheek. I instinctively turned and looked in Lucas's direction, finding him staring intently at my face.

"But you seem pale, Carson," he suddenly muttered with undiluted affection shown in his eyes, making me feel flushed involuntarily, "Are you really sure you're doing alright?"

I pulled my face away from his touch, consciously aware of the burning sensation that his fingers left on my skin as I trembled and awkwardly said, "I-I'm all fine. I'm always pale. It's not something to be worried about."

"Okay, if you say so," Slowly, Lucas's warmth disappeared as he stepped away from the car and then he went on, saying, "Just promise me from now on, you would tell me anything that's bugging you, okay?"

"Sure," I said in a clipped note, gulping heavily as I stood straight, "I'll keep that in mind."

Lucas didn't say anything back again and he just quietly turned and went to the driver's side. But before he could open the door, I called out for him once more.

"Lucas?"

"Yeah?"

I stared into his eyes, across the roof of the car, and then said, "Thank you. I'm really glad that I could finally talk to someone about this."

Lucas just smirked at my words then shook his head at me as he replied, "You're supposed to be older than me but I feel like I'm the one more mature here, Carson. But you don't have to thank me. I want to be there for you."

With those words, I found myself holding onto what he said. Caring for me to the point that he would be worried, huh? Really, Lucas? Please don't be too nice to me. I might start to really misunderstand everything after this.