Chapter 16

Arjun’s behavior had been puzzling Elias for days now. Since their last encounter, when Elias had made his feelings clear, Arjun had been avoiding him. Not overtly, but every time Elias tried to talk to him, Arjun found an excuse to slip away. Meetings were missed, shifts were conveniently busy, and every accidental encounter in the hallway was cut short with a quick, nervous smile and a rushed excuse.

Elias was a patient man when it came to business, but when it came to things he cared about—things that belonged to him—he had little tolerance for games. And in his mind, Arjun already belonged to him.

It was nearing the end of Arjun's shift when Elias finally had enough. He had watched the younger man dart around the hospital like a skittish bird for days, and today was no different. Arjun had just finished a conversation with Sophia and was heading toward the elevators when Elias decided to act.

Elias stepped into his path, blocking his way entirely.

"Arjun," he said, his deep voice carrying a note of authority that made Arjun halt in his tracks.

"Uh—Mr. Matthews," Arjun stammered, already glancing to the side as though looking for an escape route.

"Enough." Elias's tone was firm, and his piercing gaze pinned Arjun in place. "You’ve been avoiding me. We’re talking. Now."

"I—I’m not avoiding you," Arjun protested weakly, but the way he avoided eye contact said otherwise.

Elias didn’t respond with words. Instead, he gently but firmly took hold of Arjun’s wrist and led him into an empty on-call room nearby. He shut the door behind them and stood in front of it, effectively cutting off any escape.

Arjun swallowed hard, looking anywhere but at Elias.

"Why?" Elias asked, his voice quieter now but no less intense. "Why have you been avoiding me?"

"I haven’t—"

"Don’t lie to me, Arjun," Elias interrupted, stepping closer. His presence was commanding, and Arjun felt his pulse quicken.

"It’s nothing," Arjun tried again, but the words came out unconvincing even to his own ears.

Elias sighed, running a hand through his dark hair in frustration. "You’re terrible at lying, you know that?" He softened his tone, taking a step closer. "Talk to me, Arjun. What’s going on?"

Arjun hesitated, his mind racing. He knew Elias wouldn’t let him leave without an answer, but how could he possibly explain? His face heated up just thinking about it.

"I...it’s personal," he mumbled, looking down at his shoes.

Elias tilted his head, his sharp gaze softening just a fraction. "Personal? I can handle personal."

Arjun groaned inwardly. There was no way out of this. "Fine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It’s...about a dream I had."

Elias raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "A dream?"

Arjun nodded, refusing to meet his eyes. "Yes. A dream."

"And this dream...was about me?"

Arjun’s head shot up in surprise, his wide eyes meeting Elias's for the first time. How did he know?

Elias smirked at the reaction, his confidence returning. "I’m right, aren’t I?"

Arjun’s silence was all the confirmation Elias needed.

"Interesting," Elias said, his tone teasing now. "What kind of dream are we talking about, Arjun? Don’t be shy."

"I—I’m not telling you that!" Arjun blurted, his face turning a deep shade of crimson.

Elias chuckled, the sound low and rich, sending shivers down Arjun’s spine. "So it was that kind of dream."

"Stop it," Arjun muttered, covering his face with his hands. "This is so embarrassing."

Elias stepped closer, gently pulling Arjun’s hands away from his face. "Why is it embarrassing?" he asked softly. "If anything, I’m flattered."

Arjun glared at him half-heartedly. "You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?"

"A little," Elias admitted, his smirk turning into a genuine smile. "But only because it’s adorable watching you squirm."

"Great," Arjun said sarcastically, trying to pull away, but Elias didn’t let go of his hands.

"Arjun," Elias said, his tone serious now. "Look at me."

Arjun hesitated before lifting his gaze to meet Elias’s.

"Is this why you’ve been avoiding me?" Elias asked. "Because of a dream?"

Arjun nodded reluctantly. "I didn’t know how to face you after...that. It was confusing, and I didn’t know what it meant. I still don’t."

Elias studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to Arjun’s surprise, he let out a soft laugh.

"You’re overthinking it," Elias said, his voice warm and reassuring. "Dreams like that...they’re just your subconscious telling you what you already know."

"And what’s that?" Arjun asked, his voice barely audible.

"That you’re drawn to me," Elias said simply.

Arjun’s breath caught at the certainty in Elias’s tone.

"Arjun," Elias continued, his voice dropping to a low, intimate timbre. "I told you before that I’m interested in you. That hasn’t changed. I don’t care if you had a dream or ten dreams. What matters is what you feel when you’re awake."

Arjun blinked, trying to process Elias's words. "I don’t know what I feel," he admitted.

"Yes, you do," Elias said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You’re just scared to admit it."

Arjun looked down, his hands still held gently in Elias's. "Maybe," he whispered.

Elias stepped even closer, their bodies almost touching. "Let me make it simple for you," he said. "I like you, Arjun. I like your kindness, your clumsiness, the way you care for others, and even the way you blush when you’re nervous. I like everything about you. And I don’t just like you—I want you. I want to protect you, care for you, and make you mine. That’s how I feel. So tell me...what do you feel?"

Arjun’s heart was racing, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss for words.

"I..." he began, but the words wouldn’t come.

Elias smiled softly, reaching up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Arjun’s ear. "It’s okay," he said. "You don’t have to say anything right now. Just think about it. And when you’re ready, I’ll be here."

Arjun nodded, his eyes shining with unshed tears. For the first time in weeks, he felt a sense of clarity.

As Elias released his hands, he leaned in slightly, his breath ghosting over Arjun’s cheek. "But don’t keep me waiting too long," he added with a teasing smile. "I’m not a patient man."

Arjun managed a small laugh, the tension between them easing just a bit.

"I’ll try," he said softly.

Elias nodded, his eyes lingering on Arjun for a moment longer before stepping back. "Good," he said. "Now go finish your shift. And no more avoiding me."

"I won’t," Arjun promised, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

As Arjun left the room, his heart felt lighter than it had in days. Elias's words replayed in his mind, and for the first time, he allowed himself to consider the possibility of what they could be.

Elias, meanwhile, watched Arjun go, a satisfied smile on his lips. He knew it would take time, but he was willing to wait. After all, some things were worth the effort—and Arjun was definitely one of them.