Chapter 635
With Cassie's attitude, Winston found himself at a loss for words. Anything he said seemed pointless—it was like a willing giver and a willing receiver. Winston couldn't quite understand why he felt so invested, but over time, he realized he was becoming more and more unsettled. At first, it was just a curiosity about what Cassie was doing. Then, it turned into a constant desire to see him, to be near him. Winston went out of his way, concocting all sorts of excuses to spend time together. Despite these efforts, a stubborn thought began to take root in his heart, growing bigger and more persistent. He was no longer content with how things were.
As a psychologist, Winston had dealt with many unconventional mindsets. He had counseled those who fell for someone of the same sex but struggled to accept it. He would guide them to understand, explore, and embrace their true feelings. Lately, he found himself in a similar situation. After much internal struggle and reflection, Winston had to admit—he had fallen for a man, Cassie. This realization left him with mixed emotions.
It's one thing to help others from the sidelines, but another to face your own heart. Winston, who prided himself on being clear-headed and sure of his life goals, found his self-assuredness shaken after meeting Cassie. He was open-minded about homosexuality and could accept his feelings for another man. Yet, the real pain came from knowing Cassie couldn't love him back. Cassie was straight, always surrounded by beautiful women, and obviously smitten with Chloe. Winston even found himself feeling a pang of jealousy towards Chloe. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
He used to see himself as a laid-back observer, watching the world's dramas unfold without getting caught up in them. But recently, his sense of detachment crumbled. He realized he was just as human, with the same desires and longings, yearning for something he couldn't have, which was agonizing.
As he drove along the freeway, the glow of city lights felt like a weight on his chest. Soon, they arrived at Blue Eye Hill. They were neighbors, living in villas next to each other, with a gate between
their yards that had become nearly irrelevant. Cassie had practically adopted Winston's place as his own, often stumbling in drunk from the bar to crash there. Though Winston found it a bit much, he had gotten used to preparing hangover remedies for these late-night visits.
After parking, Winston felt a sudden irritation. “Cassie, time to go home,” he said. But there was no reply from the passenger seat. Turning, he saw Cassie asleep against the car window, looking peaceful. Even when drunk, Cassie's sleeping form was serene, not like other guys who snore or grind their teeth. His breathing was soft and steady, and his long lashes cast shadows under the car's interior light—a rare sight in men. In many ways, Cassie was unlike any other guy. Despite smoking, drinking, and a fondness for tattoos, he had a clean, fresh, and refined appearance, perhaps due to his smooth, fair skin, reminiscent of a peeled soft egg.
Seeing Cassie so quietly asleep somehow soothed the agitation in Winston's heart.