"How many days has it been? You'll get depression if you stay like this," Marco said, standing in Aryan's room. After Eron's departure, Aryan had shut himself away, barely leaving his bed. Understanding his friend's state, Marco decided to cheer him up. "Let's go watch a movie. Which one do you prefer?" he asked while scrolling through online movie tickets.
"I'm not in the mood… You go with someone else," Aryan mumbled, pulling the bedsheet over himself like a cocoon.
Not giving up, Marco tugged the covers away, forcing Aryan to face him. "What's your problem? If there's something you can share, please do... I want to hear it," he said, locking eyes with Aryan, his voice full of concern.
Feeling uncomfortable, Aryan shifted and sat up, leaning against the wooden headboard. Marco continued gently, "Is it because of Eron? Aryan, he's in safe hands. There's no need for us to worry."
"I know… that's not what's making me sad…" Aryan muttered, slowly lifting his gaze to meet Marco's. "Eron… he hasn't contacted me at all since he left. No calls, no messages. I don't know how to interpret this. I sent him countless emails… and not a single reply. What if something bad happened? I don't want to think negatively, but I can't help it... Maybe that's why I don't feel good…"
Marco sat down beside him, placing a calming hand on his shoulder. "Aryan... Calm down first, okay? Nothing bad is going to happen to him. You're worrying over nothing. It's only been a few days — he's probably just busy adapting to the new environment. Once he settles in, he'll contact you.
Marco's tone was comforting, steady."And think about it — if Eron finds out you've been like this, he's going to feel awful. Is that what you want?"
"I'm not a kid! So, stop trying to lure me with your words," Aryan retorted, pouting slightly.
Marco chuckled, amused by the rare sight and agreed with his words. "Of course you're not." Then he ruffled Aryan's hair teasingly before adding, "How about we get some fresh air then?"
Without waiting for a reply, Marco scooped Aryan off the bed like a lazy cat and carried him out of the room.
After that day, Marco became a regular visitor at the De Vilan mansion. Thanks to his lively presence, Aryan recovered from his sadness much faster than anyone had expected.
But still… in his heart, Aryan couldn't understand — why was Eron keeping his distance? After giving so much of himself to change Eron's fate, why did it feel like he was being shut out?
One afternoon at Marco's home, Aryan found himself in a funny situation. Startled by the small puppy wandering around the room, Aryan quickly scrambled onto the bed, watching the pup with wary eyes.
"Is Uncle okay with you having a puppy?" Aryan asked, curiosity slipping into his voice.
"Nope," Marco replied casually. "He told me to find another owner for him as soon as possible. But no one wanted to adopt a street dog... So I've been searching for someone who could give him a home — somewhere he wouldn't be anxious about being abandoned."
As he spoke, Marco patted the puppy's head gently, a soft sadness flickering across his face."If I'm being honest, I'm not ready to let him go. If there was even the smallest possibility, I would have taken him with me."
As he spoke, Marco's hopeful gaze landed on Aryan.
Aryan immediately caught the hint. "Why are you looking at me like that? Don't even think about it. I'm not fond of animals at all!"
However, no matter how much Aryan resisted, Marco had already made up his mind. Aryan be the puppy's new guardian after he leaves— whether he liked it or not.
...
As the day of departure arrived, Aryan visited Marco's home to say goodbye. However, to his surprise, Aryan ended up receiving a farewell gift instead. Marco handed him a small puppy, carefully wrapped in a towel like a newborn child.
"He's gentle, friendly, and won't bite. So don't worry," Marco said with a soft smile, sensing Aryan's hesitation. Knowing how much Marco cared for the little pup, Aryan couldn't find it in himself to refuse and decided to let it grow by his side.
Just then, Mr. De Moda's voice called from downstairs. Hearing it, Marco prepared to leave but suddenly paused at the door.
"Aryan…" he turned back, looking a little flustered. "I don't know if you'll like it or not... But if you do, return it a thousand—no, ten thousand times over when I come back. And if not, well... you don't have to."
Aryan blinked, confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Before he could get an answer, Marco pulled a trick. Acting surprised, he pointed behind Aryan as if to distract him. When Aryan turned his head, Marco quickly leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, then bolted from the room before Aryan could react.
Frozen in place, holding the puppy in one hand, Aryan touched his cheek, stunned. For a moment, he didn't know how to react — but strangely, he didn't feel disgusted. Instead, he felt a flicker of warmth blooming inside him, something he had never expected.
From the window, he watched as Marco got into the car, looking back at him and gesturing an adorable apology by pinching his own ears.
Unable to resist a smile, Aryan simply watched him go.Something had quietly changed within him — a spark he had never imagined would ignite.