The gallery was packed. Bright lights bounced off white walls covered in Joshua’s photographs—raw, beautiful shots of the city at night, bodies tangled in dance, lonely streets after rain. Saint stood near the back with a glass of cheap champagne, watching Joshua work the room in a black button-down that hugged his shoulders perfectly. Every time Joshua laughed or touched someone’s arm, Saint felt that familiar twist in his gut.
“Saint!” Joshua finally broke away and came over, eyes bright from the success and the free drinks. “You came. Means everything, man.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Saint said, voice steady even though his heart wasn’t. He handed Joshua a fresh glass. Their fingers brushed again, longer this time. Joshua didn’t pull away right away.
They stayed until the crowd thinned, th
