Chapter 372 "When Did You Two Get Together?"
When Brian got to Richard's place, he switched gears instantly.
It wasn't all fake; getting his research rejected did bum him out.
Now, he just let it all out.
Most people hide their messy side from loved ones, but not Brian. He wanted Richard to see it.
Only then would Richard know Brian wasn't happy without him. Only then might Richard show some care, giving Brian a bit of hope.
Brian knocked on the door.
Richard saw him looking down and let him in.
Brian wanted to say something but stayed quiet as he changed his shoes and walked in.
His acting was Oscar-worthy.
Richard didn't notice anything off and shut the door behind him.
Richard didn't show much concern; their relationship wasn't built for that. "Water's over there. Help yourself. I've already eaten, so order something if you're hungry."
"Okay," Brian mumbled.
Richard pursed his lips but said nothing more and went back to his room.
Brian was confused. 'What's going on? I'm like this, and Richard doesn't even give me a hug?'
He wanted to knock on the door and ask but held back. So, he slumped on the sofa, feeling heavy-hearted, and closed his eyes.
After a long flight and jet lag, he was exhausted and fell asleep on the sofa in ten minutes.
Richard, in his room, was torn. 'Should I cook for Brian? I don't want to. But if I don't, he probably won't order takeout. Should I let him starve?'
After some thought, Richard put down his book and walked out. He couldn't show direct concern but could do it another way.
When he saw Brian asleep on the sofa, he frowned. 'Is he that tired?'
"Brian."
"Brian."
"Wake up."
Richard nudged him with his foot.
Brian woke up groggily, his mind foggy.
Seeing Richard in a loose white sweater, looking gentle but distant, Brian's mind went blank for a moment.
He instinctively sat up and hugged Richard's waist, pressing his face against his abdomen. "Richard, am I really that useless?" he asked, voice muffled.
Richard stiffened at the touch. "Let go."
Brian let go but kept his head down.
Richard immediately stepped back.
Brian stayed silent.
At this point, anything he said would seem ungrateful. Worse, he might say the wrong thing and get kicked out.
"If you want to sleep, go to the guest room," Richard said formally.
"Okay," Brian agreed quietly.
Richard pursed his lips but said nothing more. Back in his room, he remembered he came out to remind Brian to eat but forgot because of the hug.
Brian went to the guest room without eating. Lying in bed, he was starving but too down to eat. He had to keep up the act.
Compared to the drama with Brian and Richard, things were way calmer for Daphne.
When she got home, Benjamin had already made dinner, just waiting for her to join.
Daphne wasn't picky about food, but tonight's dinner looked especially good.
"Why'd you make so much?" she asked, seeing Benjamin still busy in the kitchen.
"To celebrate," he replied.
"Celebrate what?" Daphne asked, puzzled. She couldn't think of anything special about today.
Benjamin put down what he was holding and walked over to her.
Daphne looked confused.
"Need a reminder?" Benjamin asked, cornering her gently.
Daphne thought hard but couldn't figure it out. Birthday? No, his had passed, and hers wasn't here yet. What could it be?
Benjamin gently pinched her cheek. "Today’s the day we officially got together."
Daphne wondered if she should've remembered that.
"February 2nd, at 3:39 PM, we made it official," Benjamin said. "Please remember this day."
Daphne coughed to hide her embarrassment. She didn't think Benjamin celebrated such things.
Benjamin locked eyes with her, speaking slowly. "Remember?"
"Got it," Daphne said. She had a good memory, especially for things Benjamin pointed out.
Benjamin smiled and didn't push further. "Go wash your hands and eat, and call Charles."
"Okay," Daphne agreed.
To Benjamin, once Daphne agreed to be with him, there was no competition.
He saw Charles as just a patient Daphne needed to care for temporarily, so he didn't worry about it.
But when Daphne turned around, she saw Charles standing nearby, fists clenched, eyes red. He was clearly upset.
Daphne stayed calm. "Wash your hands and eat."
Charles didn't move, staring at her.
"What's wrong?" Daphne asked.
"When did you two get together?" Charles asked, his emotions boiling over.
Hearing those words from around the corner had hit him hard. 'Made it official? Why did Daphne choose Benjamin? Why did she reject me so quickly?' he thought.
"This afternoon," Daphne said plainly. "Go wash your hands and eat. We need to talk after dinner."
"Why him? Why not me?" Charles blurted out, unable to hold back. "Didn't you say you didn't like him?"
"That was before, not now," Daphne replied directly. "Let's eat first."
Charles didn't move. He couldn't understand how things had changed so fast.
'Just a few hours ago, Daphne was choosing me, hoping I'd keep going. How did everything change in just a few hours?' he thought.
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