Chapter Text
---
The first hints of sunlight spilled through the large bedroom windows, painting Lloyd’s room in gold. He stirred, stretching lazily before swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Mornings were his time—quiet, deliberate, and just for him.
He padded barefoot to the bathroom, washing up quickly and efficiently. Toothbrush, splash of water, a swipe of moisturizer. AirPods in, he scrolled through messages and notifications, replying where necessary and dismissing the rest. No distractions, no eyes watching—just his routine.
Once finished, Lloyd headed to the kitchen, brewed a quick cup of coffee, and grabbed some waffles. Carrying it outside, he settled on the backyard terrace, the sun already warming the stone floor. Beyond the terrace, the small jogging track circled the property. Lloyd set his breakfast down, stretched his arms and legs, and began running. Laps, circles, a rhythm that cleared his mind and energized his body.
Kai jolted awake to a soft, persistent peep from his watch. Yellow, flashing. His heart skipped a beat. Lloyd’s vitals—they were up. Not critical yet, but elevated.
Something was happening.
Without thinking, Kai threw off the covers and sprinted down the stairs two at a time. His boots hit the marble with sharp echoes. He skidded to the kitchen, then stopped at the floor-to-ceiling windows, eyes scanning the backyard.
There was Lloyd, jogging in neat, effortless circles, waving suddenly when he noticed Kai staring. Bright sunlight caught his hair, making it shimmer, and the smile he gave was wide, easy, unmistakably happy.
Kai swallowed, feeling the warmth of it from across the yard. He moved toward the kitchen, intending to make coffee—but froze at the complex coffee machine. Too many buttons, too many options. He sighed, giving up.
Better to greet Lloyd.
Outside, Lloyd slowed as Kai approached. “Morning!” he called, jogging lightly toward him. “You sure wake up late, sleepyhead!”
Kai yawned, voice low. “Morning…”
Lloyd tilted his head at the non-answer. “Just a yawn? That’s all I get? I thought bodyguards were supposed to be alert in the mornings.”
Kai smirked faintly. “Alert enough.”
Lloyd grinned and bounced lightly on his toes. “Perfect. Here’s the plan: we leave at 12:00. Studio first, grab lunch there. Recording after. Then, agency for new outfits. After that… choreography class. Survive all that and maybe we can grab a smoothie.”
Kai exhaled softly, trying to process it all. “Got it.”
Lloyd’s energy was infectious. Even Kai, groggy and yawning, felt a spark of motivation watching him move. He noticed Lloyd glance down at the watch Kai held—a small peep from earlier flashing yellow.
“See?” Lloyd said, waving at him, grin still bright. “All good. Not a crisis. Just my morning heartbeat spiking a bit. I’m alive and well.”
Kai chuckled softly, tucking the watch in his pocket. “Got it.”
Lloyd’s smile was enough to chase away the last of Kai’s grogginess. “Alright,” he said, gesturing toward the house. “Breakfast first. Fuel up or you’re not surviving the day.”
Kai just nodded, still yearning for that coffee.
"Hey, mind helping me out with the coffee machine? " yawned Kai as he leaned on the door frame
"Sure thing! Its the least I can do for my hero" said Lloyd as he placed an arm around Kais shoulder.
Lloyd moved easily around the kitchen, starting the machine while Kai stood a little too stiff beside the counter.
Lloyd laughed quietly and stepped in, showing him what to do. “Relax. It won’t explode. Probably.”
Kai snorted despite himself. Together, they made breakfast—simple, nothing fancy and an espresso for Kai. Lloyd passed him a plate once it was done, then checked his watch.
“I’m gonna shower,” Lloyd said casually. “Eat before it gets cold.”
Kai nodded, already sitting down. Lloyd disappeared upstairs.
Kai had barely taken a few bites when footsteps padded back down the stairs.
Lloyd walked into the kitchen with a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, another draped over his damp hair. Water still clung to his skin, catching the light as he moved.
Kai choked.
He coughed hard, nearly knocking over his glass as he tried to breathe again.
Lloyd stopped, eyebrows lifting. “You okay?”
Kai nodded quickly, hand over his mouth, eyes watering as he swallowed hard to stop another cough.
“Alright,” Lloyd said, shrugging like this was nothing out of the ordinary.
He opened the fridge, grabbed a Red Bull, popped it open, and took a sip before heading back toward the stairs.
“Try not to die while I’m gone,” Lloyd added lightly.
Kai watched him disappear upstairs, still clearing his throat, heart beating way too fast for someone who was just eating breakfast.
“…Yeah,” he muttered to himself. “No problem.”
Day two was already testing him.
---
By the time they were both ready, the house felt fully awake.
Lloyd came down first.
He was dressed simply, but effortlessly—white ribbed tank top hugging his frame, a dark plaid shirt draped loosely over it like he hadn’t even bothered to button it yet. Khaki straight-leg trousers sat low on his hips, paired with retro navy blue suede sneakers that looked worn in the best way possible. Grounded. Comfortable. Very him.
Kai glanced up—and froze for half a second.
Then Lloyd caught the look and smirked just a little. “What?”
“Nothing,” Kai said quickly, grabbing his jacket. “You just… dress like money.”
Lloyd snorted. “Please. This is one of my lazy outfits.”
Kai came down a moment later, dressed in all dark layers—an oversized black graphic t-shirt hanging loose over grey cargo pants, heavy pockets brushing his thighs as he walked. Chunky black-and-white high-top platform sneakers hit the floor with a solid thud, grounding his whole silhouette. Practical. Strong. Built for movement.
Lloyd looked him over once, approving. “You look like you could disappear into a crowd and still scare people.”
“Occupational hazard,” Kai replied.
Outside, the light blue Lamborghini waited in the driveway, sunlight reflecting off its smooth curves like it knew exactly how expensive it was.
Lloyd tossed Kai the keys.
“You drive,” he said, already pulling his phone out. “I’ve got work.”
Kai stared at the keys. “…You’re serious?”
“Unless you want me to multitask and crash my own car.”
Kai didn’t argue.
He slid into the driver’s seat, hands settling on the wheel—and the grin that spread across his face was immediate and unstoppable.
“Oh,” he breathed. “Oh, this is nice.”
Lloyd laughed quietly, tapping on his phone. “Try not to fall in love with it.”
“No promises.”
Lloyd leaned over, quickly setting the studio location on the car’s map before leaning back again. “Just follow that.”
The engine purred as Kai pulled out of the driveway, smooth and confident despite the thrill buzzing through him. He couldn’t help it—driving a Lamborghini felt illegal in the best way.
Lloyd glanced over once, catching the look on Kai’s face, and smiled to himself.
Yeah. This was going to be interesting.
---
The studio buzzed quietly around them as they were led to Edwin’s office for lunch.
Kai sat straight-backed on the couch, posture polite to the point of stiffness, hands folded neatly as if he were afraid to wrinkle the room itself. Lloyd, meanwhile, immediately claimed the rolling office chair and began spinning lazily in slow circles, one sneaker nudging off the desk to keep himself moving.
“Stop that,” Edwin muttered fondly, setting the food down.
Lloyd grinned and spun once more on purpose.
They ate sushi straight from the containers. Clean. Easy. Edwin slid a small cup toward Kai. “Espresso.”
Kai blinked. “Oh—thanks, but how did you—?”
Edwin didn’t answer. He just smirked and glanced at Lloyd.
Lloyd, mid-spin, lifted his phone slightly without looking up. Guilty.
“…You texted him,” Kai said flatly.
“Of course I did,” Lloyd replied. “You look like you’d die without caffeine.”
Edwin sipped his latte. Lloyd had one too—same milk, same foam, different reasons. They went over Lloyd’s schedule while eating.
“Recording,” Edwin said, ticking it off.
“Picking up your new clothes from the agency.”
“Choreography class.”
Lloyd groaned loudly, spinning again. “I hate when you list it like that.”
“And after that,” Edwin continued, unfazed, “a short interview for the radio station, then a meeting with the creative director for the tour visuals.”
Lloyd slid dramatically halfway out of the chair. “You’re trying to kill me.”
“You say that every time,” Edwin replied calmly.
At some point, Edwin closed the folder and leaned back. “Lloyd, give us a moment.”
Lloyd paused mid-spin, shot him a suspicious side-eye, then looked at Kai. “Don’t let him convince you I’m unbearable.”
“No promises,” Kai said.
Lloyd huffed, stood, and left the office.
The door closed.
Edwin’s expression softened immediately. “So,” he said quietly. “How’s it been?”
Kai nodded. “Good. He’s… fine. Everything’s going well.”
Edwin studied him for a second, then nodded. “Good.”
Kai hesitated. “…Can I ask something?”
“Of course.”
“He’s… had bodyguards before, right?”
Edwin didn’t answer right away.
“Yes,” he said finally. “You’re not the first.”
Kai swallowed. “What happened to the last one?”
Edwin exhaled slowly. “Let’s just say… Lloyd called me in the middle of the night. Crying. Asked me to fire him immediately.”
Kai’s jaw tightened. “Did he ever say why?”
“No,” Edwin said. “And I didn’t push. Whatever happened—it wasn’t small.”
Kai nodded once. “I won’t ask him.”
Edwin’s gaze sharpened, appreciative. “Good. Don’t.”
They left the office together.
Outside, Lloyd sat on a chair in the hallway, typing quickly on his phone. When he noticed them, he looked up and smiled like nothing had happened. “You done stealing him from me?”
“Unfortunately,” Edwin said.
They headed to the recording room next.
Kai sat inside with Edwin behind the glass as Lloyd stepped into the booth. No headphones for Kai—Edwin wanted it clean. Unspoiled.
When Lloyd started singing, Kai forgot to breathe.
There was something different about him like this. Focused. Open. Vulnerable in a way cameras never caught. Kai stared without realizing it—until Lloyd glanced up, met his eyes, and winked.
Kai jerked his gaze away instantly.
Edwin grinned. “Fire, right?”
Kai pointed at his ears helplessly.
Edwin laughed quietly and turned back to the console.
When the session wrapped, Lloyd came out flushed and energized. “Okay,” he said. “What did I miss? What did you guys talk behind my back in the office? ”
“Nothing you’d enjoy,” Edwin replied smoothly.
Kai said nothing.
And Lloyd, thankfully, didn’t ask.
---
The agency building was all glass and sharp lines, sunlight reflecting off white concrete and chrome like it wanted to blind anyone unprepared. Kai parked the Lamborghini with far more care than strictly necessary, hands lingering on the wheel for half a second before stepping out.
Inside, everything smelled expensive.
Lloyd barely made it three steps before a woman with a tablet lit up.
“Lloyd! You’re early.”
“I know,” he said, smug. “Write it down.”
She laughed and waved them through. Employees greeted him politely—no squealing, no phones out. Kai noticed that immediately. Professional. Controlled. Lloyd liked it this way
Zanea’s voice hit Lloyd before he even fully stepped inside the room.
“LLOYD?!”
Lloyd’s head snapped up—and then he was moving.
“Oh my GOD—ZANEA!”
They collided in the middle of the agency floor, arms thrown around each other, squealing shamelessly as they jumped up and down, laughing like no one else existed. Workers nearby didn’t even blink. This was clearly normal.
“I missed you!” Zanea cried.
“I missed you,” Lloyd shot back, gripping her tight. “You vanished.”
“I was busy being hot and enjoying my vacation,” she said, pulling back just enough to grin—then immediately freezing.
Her eyes slid past Lloyd.
Straight to Kai.
“Oh,” she said slowly, dramatically. “Ohhh.”
Kai stiffened on instinct.
Zanea tilted her head, lips curling into a wicked smile. “Hey, hun—” she pointed at him, then at Lloyd. “—that ya boyfriend?”
Kai nearly inhaled wrong.
Lloyd didn’t even hesitate. “Nah. My bodyguard.”
Zanea’s eyebrows shot up. She looked Kai up and down—very openly. “Well,” she said, nodding once, impressed, “that’s one flaming hot bodyguard you got there. Don’t fall for him.”
Lloyd smirked instantly. “Like you fell for Elena?”
Zanea scoffed. “Elena is just my friend.”
Lloyd deadpanned, “With benefits such as sex? Doubt that.”
Kai blinked. “…Who’s Elena?”
Zanea spun toward him immediately, hand pressed to her chest in mock offense. “Hi! I’m Zanea,” she said brightly. “And Elena is JUST. A. FRIEND.”
Behind her, Lloyd caught Kai’s eye and mouthed, they fuck, punctuating it with a very clear 👉👌 gesture.
Kai choked on absolutely nothing.
Zanea walked past Lloyd without breaking stride and smacked the back of his head.
“OW,” Lloyd laughed, not even mad, rubbing it as he grinned.
Kai noticed it again—that real smile. The unguarded one. Warm, bright, effortless.
God.
He could look at it all day.
Zanea snapped her fingers sharply. “Alright! Enough flirting and slander—bring the outfits!”
At once, workers rolled out racks and boxes, fabric whispering as garment bags slid into place.
Kai blinked, pulled out of his daze.
Focus. Job.
But as Lloyd glanced back at him, still smiling faintly, Kai had the uncomfortable realization that this job was getting harder by the second—and not in any way his training had prepared him for.
---
They moved slowly through rack after rack, garment bags whispering as Zanea flipped through options with practiced ease. Lloyd hovered nearby, hands in his pockets, commenting freely.
“Oh, that one’s nice,” he said, tapping a hanger. “You picked that color really well.”
Zanea smirked. “I always do.”
Kai stayed a step back, eyes sharp but attention drifting despite himself. It was hard not to watch Lloyd—how he tilted his head when thinking, how animated he got when he liked something.
Then Zanea pulled out that outfit.
Lloyd stopped dead.
“Nope.”
Zanea blinked. “Excuse me?”
“No,” Lloyd repeated, shaking his head immediately. “Absolutely not. I can’t pull that off.”
Zanea crossed her arms. “Says who?”
“Me. The person who would be wearing it.”
She turned instantly to Kai. “Can he pull it off?”
Kai didn’t even hesitate. “Yeah.”
Both of them looked at him.
Kai shrugged, suddenly aware of the attention. “I mean… he’s pulled off literally everything I’ve seen him wear so far.”
Zanea gasped in victory, snatching the outfit and practically shoving it into Lloyd’s chest. “See? Professional opinion. Go try it on.”
Lloyd groaned loudly, dragging a hand down his face. “You’re both evil.”
But he still took it—and disappeared into the changing room, muttering under his breath.
The moment the curtain slid shut, Zanea slithered closer to Kai, lowering her voice.
“So,” she said casually. “You like him?”
Kai nearly jumped out of his skin. “What? No—”
His ears burned.
Zanea’s eyes flicked to his face, then she smiled slowly. “Mhm.”
“I don’t,” Kai insisted, arms stiff at his sides.
Zanea hummed, clearly unconvinced. “Just so you know,” she continued, ignoring him completely, “he likes white lilies. And mints. Obsessed with those.”
Kai blinked. Filed it away immediately.
“He loves action movies,” she went on. “The really loud, stupid ones. And he’ll pretend he doesn’t, but he adores staring at the night sky. Anything that makes him feel normal—like he’s not… him.” Her voice softened just a touch. “He doesn’t hate being a singer. He just needs moments where he’s not famous.”
Kai listened. Carefully. Intently.
Zanea kept talking. And talking. And talking—
At some point, Kai felt his phone vanish from his hand.
“—and there,” Zanea said cheerfully, handing it back. “My number. Just in case you ever try to propose to him.”
“I don’t like him,” Kai said again, automatically.
“Sure,” Zanea replied sweetly.
Then—
“Zanea,” Lloyd’s voice cut in. “Stop flirting with my bodyguard and save those pickup lines for Elena.”
The curtain slid open.
Kai forgot how to breathe.
Lloyd stepped out—shirtless, skin bare beneath an elaborate cascade of gold chains that draped across his chest like liquid light. The black skirt fell all the way to the floor, heavy brocade fabric catching the light, trimmed with wide bands of gold that framed his legs with every step.
It was dramatic. Theatrical. Unapologetic.
Nothing like what Lloyd usually wore.
Everything went quiet.
Zanea’s mouth fell open.
Kai stared.
Even Elena—who had just walked in—froze mid-step.
Lloyd glanced between their faces, then sighed. “You’re staring.”
Zanea found her voice first. “Oh my god.”
Kai swallowed. Hard.
Lloyd rolled his eyes, but there was a faint, pleased curve to his mouth. “I hate all of you.”
And somehow, Kai knew—with absolute certainty—that Lloyd had just pulled it off.
---
The Lamborghini pulled up outside the dance studio, sunlight bouncing off the glass façade. Lloyd rubbed his temples, still looking half-asleep, while Kai parked the car.
“You’re really dragging yourself through the day, huh?” Kai asked, stepping out first.
Lloyd groaned dramatically, swinging the door open. “I’ve had like… four hours of activity already. And now, dance practice. Why do I even agree to this?”
Kai smirked, looping the strap of his bag over his shoulder. “Because you love it. And because you don’t have a choice.”
Lloyd shot him a tired, amused glare. “…You’re way too calm for someone who’s going to be sweating beside me in the next hour.”
Inside, the studio was bright and airy, mirrors lining the walls, polished floors gleaming. A small team of dancers was already warming up. Lloyd immediately went through a few stretches, while Kai stayed close, arms crossed, observing.
“Ah, Lloyd! You’re late, darling, but not too late!” A flamboyant voice called out. Fernhard, the instructor, a stylish man in his thirties with a confident sparkle in his eyes, waved energetically. “Let’s see what you’ve got today!”
“Yeah, yeah,” Lloyd muttered, still groaning under his breath, “I’m awake. Barely.”
Kai kept a quiet, watchful eye as Lloyd ran through the first few steps. Even tired, his movements were smooth, precise, effortless. It was hard not to stare.
Fernhard clapped his hands and grinned. “Oh, honey, even half-asleep, you make this look good! But let’s put some fire into it!”
At one point, Lloyd caught Kai glancing and smirked, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “Don’t just stand there, bodyguard. Care to join the warm-up?”
Kai shook his head, chuckling. “I’ll watch and learn. Someone’s gotta make sure you don’t hurt yourself.”
“Careful,” Lloyd teased, “or I’ll claim emotional damage if you don’t warn me when I fall.”
The music started, loud and rhythmic. Lloyd moved through the choreography with natural grace, sweat beginning to bead at his forehead, muscles flexing effortlessly. Fernhard occasionally shouted encouragement, waving his hands dramatically.
Kai’s eyes followed every step, noting the dedication, the precision, the energy that somehow made Lloyd look both exhausted and alive.
By the end of the session, Lloyd was panting slightly, forehead glistening, towel draped over his shoulders. “And that’s why I hate mornings,” he said, slumping against the wall.
Fernhard clapped loudly. “Bravo, darling! Magnificent as always. But next time, you’ll smile more, yes?”
Kai approached, offering a bottle of water. “You did great.”
Lloyd took it, giving him a small, tired smile. “…Thanks. And you? Survived watching me?”
Kai smirked faintly. “Barely. You make it hard not to stare.”
Lloyd laughed softly, shaking his head. “…You’re impossible, you know that?”
Kai just handed him another sip of water, and Lloyd caught himself relaxing, if only for a moment, in Kai’s calm, steady presence.
---
The car hummed smoothly along the city streets. Lloyd had insisted they head straight to the radio station after practice. Kai kept his eyes on the road, but he could feel Lloyd shifting in the backseat, rummaging through his bag.
“You’re… changing in the car?” Kai asked, trying to sound casual.
“Duh,” Lloyd said with a mock sigh, tugging off his sweaty practice top. “Efficiency, Kai. Some of us have schedules to keep.”
Kai’s grip tightened on the wheel. “If you were alone… you’d have changed behind the wheel?”
Lloyd tilted his head, smirking. “Maybe. But then I wouldn’t get to enjoy the thrill of torturing my bodyguard.”
Kai blinked, cheeks heating, hands gripping the wheel tighter. “…Thrilling.”
“Exactly,” Lloyd said, wiggling slightly to slip into his jacket. “All about style and suspense.”
Kai tried to keep his focus on the road, but the sight of Lloyd kneeling in the backseat, hair damp and clinging slightly to his forehead, made it harder than he expected. He muttered under his breath, “…Not helping.”
“Oh? Not helping what?” Lloyd asked innocently, though the playful smirk never left his face.
“Driving,” Kai said, voice tense. “Focusing.”
“Pfft. Please. You’re way too serious,” Lloyd teased, finally zipping up his jacket. He crawled toward the front seat, settling in beside Kai with a satisfied stretch. “All done. You didn’t crash, did you?”
Kai exhaled, trying to relax. “No… I’m fine. Focused.”
“Mm-hmm,” Lloyd hummed, tossing his hair back. “I swear, bodyguards need a sense of humor. You take everything so seriously.”
Kai forced a small laugh. “…I try.”
“And that’s why you’re perfect for this job,” Lloyd said with a wink, leaning back casually. “Just… don’t faint when I turn up the sass.”
Kai gritted his teeth slightly, resisting the urge to stare too much. “I… think I’ll survive.”
Lloyd smirked, humming again, completely at ease, and the car rolled on toward the radio station.
---
The radio station hummed quietly with activity—soft chatter, footsteps, the low buzz of equipment. Lloyd stepped out of the car first, adjusting his shirt, posture straightening almost automatically. Kai followed close behind, eyes already scanning the hallway.
“This place hasn’t changed,” Lloyd said mildly, glancing around. “Still smells like coffee.”
Kai nodded. “You’ve been here before?”
“A few times.” Lloyd smiled, small and genuine.
A producer greeted them and guided them into the studio. Lloyd settled into the chair, resting his hands on his knees, while Kai took up his place nearby—present, alert, but trying not to look imposing.
The ON AIR sign lit up.
“And we’re live,” the host said warmly. “Today we’re joined by Lloyd Garmadon. Welcome back.”
“Thanks for having me,” Lloyd replied, voice calm, professional.
“You’ve got a busy schedule today. Recording, choreography, appearances—how are you holding up?”
Lloyd exhaled softly, amused. “It’s a lot, but I’m used to it. I like staying busy.”
“And I see you’re not alone today.”
Lloyd glanced briefly toward Kai. “Yeah. He’s with me for the day.”
Kai nodded politely. “Good afternoon.”
The host smiled. “Must be reassuring, with everything you’ve got going on.”
“It is,” Lloyd agreed simply. “Helps me focus.”
They talked about the new song—what inspired it, how it felt to record, how Lloyd balanced work with taking care of himself. He spoke thoughtfully, choosing his words carefully, occasionally smiling when the host joked.
Kai listened quietly, watching Lloyd through the glass reflection—how his shoulders relaxed when he talked about music, how his fingers tapped lightly against the armrest.
Near the end, the host asked, “Anything you’re looking forward to after today?”
Lloyd paused, then smiled. “Rest. And maybe a quiet evening, if I’m lucky.”
Kai almost smiled at that.
The ON AIR light clicked off.
“Great interview,” the host said. “Always a pleasure.”
Lloyd stood, giving a small nod. “Thanks. Appreciate it.”
As they headed back toward the exit, Kai leaned in slightly. “You did good.”
Lloyd glanced at him, smile soft. “Thanks.”
Just that—but it lingered.
---
The meeting room at the studio was quieter than the radio station had been. Softer lights, muted voices, the low hum of the city leaking in through thick glass. Lloyd sat curled slightly into his chair, chin resting in his hand, listening while Edwin talked through schedules, security notes, and upcoming appearances.
Kai stood off to the side, arms loosely crossed, absorbing everything.
At some point, Lloyd’s attention drifted. His foot stopped bouncing. His eyes lingered on nothing in particular.
Edwin closed the folder with a soft thump.
“That should cover it,” he said. “Lloyd, why don’t you grab some water? I’ll steal Kai for a minute.”
Lloyd gave him a look. “You always say it like that.”
Edwin smiled. “Because it always works.”
Lloyd sighed dramatically—but he stood, stretching a little. “I’ll be right outside,” he said, already halfway to the couch in the hallway.
The door closed behind him.
Edwin turned serious almost immediately. He reached into his bag and pulled out a small folded paper.
“Allergies,” he said, handing it to Kai. “Food and medication. Nothing airborne, but ingestion is a problem.”
Kai took it carefully, eyes scanning. “Nuts... Mangos...cats? ”
“And this,” Edwin added, sliding another note over. “What he takes daily. Dosages are listed. He usually handles it himself, but if something feels off, you’ll want to know what’s normal.”
Kai nodded slowly. “I cook a lot. I’ll be careful.”
“I know,” Edwin said. Then, quieter, “That’s why I trust you.”
Kai hesitated. “He doesn’t… talk much about medical stuff.”
Edwin sighed, rubbing his temple. “He won’t. Not unless he absolutely has to.” A pause. “Just—be patient with him.”
“I will,” Kai said without thinking.
Edwin smiled faintly. “Good.”
They stepped out of the room.
And froze.
Lloyd was asleep.
Fully asleep.
Curled on the couch like gravity had finally caught him, phone slipped from his hand onto the floor. His hair had fallen into his face, lashes resting against his cheeks. His breathing was slow. Even.
Edwin stared. “…You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Kai blinked. “Is that… bad?”
Edwin shook his head, stunned. “No. It’s—rare.” He lowered his voice instinctively. “He struggles to sleep. Panic attacks when he runs out of pills. Sometimes he goes days without real rest.”
Kai looked back at Lloyd, chest tightening. “He said he was tired earlier.”
“Four hours ago,” Edwin muttered. “I’ve never seen him drop like this.”
Kai crouched carefully and slid an arm under Lloyd’s knees, another behind his back. “I’ll take him home.”
Edwin hesitated only a second. “I’ll help.”
They moved quietly, easing Lloyd into the back seat of the car. He shifted slightly, murmured something unintelligible, then settled again.
Edwin leaned in and glanced at Kai’s watch. His eyebrows shot up.
“…Deep sleep.”
Kai frowned. “That’s good, right?”
“It’s incredible,” Edwin said softly. Then he straightened. “Take him home. Call me if anything changes.”
“I will.”
Edwin left.
The sun was already dipping low when Kai pulled off his jacket and draped it over Lloyd. Almost immediately, Lloyd curled into it, face pressing lightly into the fabric.
Kai smiled.
He brushed Lloyd’s hair out of his eyes, slow and careful, then slid his bag under Lloyd’s head to keep it from tilting awkwardly.
“Sleep,” Kai murmured.
He got into the driver’s seat, hands steady on the wheel as the city blurred into warm orange light.
And for the first time all day—
everything felt quiet.
---
Kai drove home slower than usual, the city lights blurring past the windshield. Every red light felt too loud, every turn too sharp. Lloyd slept in the back seat, curled in on himself beneath Kai’s jacket, breathing soft and even—something Kai still wasn’t used to seeing.
When they arrived, Kai parked as close as possible and carefully lifted Lloyd out of the car. He was lighter than Kai expected. Too light.
Inside, the house was quiet in a way that felt almost fragile.
Kai carried Lloyd upstairs, each step deliberate, careful not to jostle him awake. He laid him down on the bed, adjusted the pillows, and pulled the blanket up to his chest. Lloyd shifted slightly, a soft sound leaving him, but he didn’t wake.
Kai reached out, hesitated, then gently pushed Lloyd’s hair away from his face.
For a long moment, he just stood there, watching Lloyd breathe.
“I love you,” Kai whispered, voice barely strong enough to exist.
“I think. I never really thought I’d fall in love with someone I’ve only known for a few days… but you’re the first.”
His throat tightened.
“Goodnight, Lloyd.”
Downstairs, Kai moved quietly, as if noise alone might break something. He cooked something simple—safe.
He set the plate aside, untouched.
Then he lined up the pills. One by one. Counted them. Recounted them. Set a glass of water beside them exactly how Edwin had shown him.
That’s when it happened.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Sharp. Insistent.
Red.
Kai’s heart dropped straight into his stomach.
The knife slipped from his fingers and hit the counter with a dull clatter as Kai ran, taking the stairs two at a time. He didn’t knock. He didn’t think. He pushed the door open—
Lloyd was sitting up in bed.
One hand was held out in front of him like he was trying to shield himself from something only he could see. His breathing was ragged, uneven, chest rising too fast. Tears ran freely down his face, catching in his hair and soaking into the pillow.
“Kai…?” Lloyd breathed, eyes wide, unfocused. Then he shook his head hard, like the word itself hurt.
“Go.”
Kai stepped forward without thinking. “Lloyd, hey, it’s okay, I’m here—”
“I said go!” Lloyd snapped, voice breaking. His hand trembled as he dragged it through his hair. “Get out!”
Kai stopped dead.
The room felt too small. Too full.
“…Okay,” Kai said softly. He backed up slowly, every movement careful, deliberate. “I’m right outside. I’m not leaving.”
Lloyd didn’t answer. He didn’t look at him.
Kai stepped into the hallway and gently pulled the door almost shut—not closed. Just enough to give Lloyd space without cutting himself off completely.
He slid down the wall, sitting on the floor with his back pressed to the door, knees drawn up to his chest. His hands shook now that the adrenaline had nowhere to go.
The watch still glowed red.
“I’m here,” Kai murmured, voice barely louder than the house itself.
“You don’t have to talk. You don’t have to look at me. I’m just… here.”
Inside the room, Lloyd’s breathing was still uneven, but slowly—so slowly—it began to change. The sharp gasps softened. The pauses between breaths grew longer.
The watch flickered.
Red.
Then orange.
Kai let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and pressed his forehead gently against the door.
He would give Lloyd space.
But he wasn’t going anywhere.
The house stayed quiet.
Kai didn’t move from his spot on the floor. His back rested against the door, one hand loosely wrapped around the watch, eyes fixed on the soft glow as it slowly faded from orange toward yellow.
Minutes passed. Maybe more. Time felt strange.
Then—
The door creaked.
Just barely.
Not opening.
Not closing.
Just… shifting.
Kai stilled instantly.
A sliver of Lloyd appeared in the gap. One eye. A bit of messy hair. The edge of his sleeve clutched tight in his fist, like he needed something to hold onto.
“…Kai?”
The word was small. Careful. Like it might shatter if spoken too loudly.
“I’m here,” Kai answered immediately, softer than before. “I didn’t go.”
There was a pause. Lloyd swallowed.
“I—” He hesitated, eyes flicking away. “I think… I need to eat something.”
Kai didn’t smile. Didn’t tease. Didn’t say I told you so.
“Okay,” he said simply. “I made something already. Is that alright?”
Lloyd nodded once.
Kai stood, slow and deliberate, making sure Lloyd could see every movement. “I’ll be right back. Don’t close the door, yeah?”
Lloyd didn’t answer—but he didn’t close it either.
Downstairs, Kai moved like the house might break if he rushed. He reheated the food, checked it one last time against the allergy list, added a fork and a glass of water. He hesitated, then grabbed a soft blanket too, draping it over his arm.
When he returned, the door was still cracked open.
Kai crouched down and slid the plate toward the opening.
Lloyd’s hand appeared first. Pale. Shaking just a little. He pulled the plate inside slowly, like he was afraid it might disappear.
“…Thank you,” Lloyd murmured.
Kai nodded. “I’ll stay here.”
There was a beat.
Lloyd didn’t close the door.
Instead, he nudged it open a fraction more—just enough for Kai to see his knees pulled up on the bed, the blanket half-wrapped around his shoulders.
Kai sat back down against the wall, exactly where he’d been before.
The watch settled into green.
Inside the room, Lloyd ate quietly. Outside the door, Kai listened to the soft sounds—the scrape of the fork, the steadying of breath.
Neither of them spoke.
Neither of them needed to.
For now, that was enough.
Kai waited until the watch stayed green for a long while before moving.
He prepared the pills carefully, double-checking the labels even though he already knew them by heart now. Water, the right dosage, nothing extra. When he reached Lloyd’s door again, he knocked once—gentle.
“I’ve got your meds,” he said quietly.
The door opened a little wider this time. Not fully—but enough.
“Okay,” Lloyd murmured.
Kai noticed it immediately: the way the door didn’t stop him. The way Lloyd stepped back instead of holding the frame.
Before entering, Kai slipped the watch off. He set it gently into his jacket pocket, the fabric muffling any possible sound, then hung the jacket on the hook by the door.
Only then did he step inside.
Lloyd sat on the edge of the bed, shoulders slumped, eyes tired but calmer. The plate was empty now. The blanket was wrapped around him properly.
Kai held out the pills and the glass.
“Take your time.”
Lloyd accepted them with both hands. Their fingers brushed, just barely. Lloyd flinched at first—then didn’t pull away.
He took the pills one by one, swallowing carefully. When he was done, he set the glass on the nightstand and stared at it like it might say something back.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
“…You didn’t have to take the watch off,” Lloyd said quietly.
Kai shrugged a little. “I wanted to.”
Lloyd glanced up at him, searching his face. “You’re not scared?”
“I was,” Kai admitted. “Earlier.”
Lloyd huffed a breath that was almost a laugh. “Figures.”
Kai hesitated, then sat down on the floor beside the bed—not too close, not too far. “You don’t have to explain anything. Not tonight.”
Lloyd’s shoulders loosened just a bit.
“…Can you stay?” he asked, voice low. “Just until I fall asleep.”
Kai didn’t answer right away. He reached for the blanket instead, pulling it up more securely around Lloyd, careful with his movements.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said.
Lloyd lay back slowly, eyes still on Kai. His breathing evened out, exhaustion finally winning.
Kai stayed there, back against the bed, listening to the quiet, to the soft rhythm of Lloyd’s breath.
No alarms.
No watch.
Just presence.
And for the first time in a long while—
Lloyd slept better then he had for a long time.
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