Chapter ten:A Glimpse of the Real Adrian

It wasn't part of the plan to end up at Adrian's house after school. Leo had fully intended to go home, plug in his headphones, and lose himself in photography edits. But when Adrian pulled up beside him in the parking lot, leaned out of the driver's side window, and said, "Get in, new kid," with that smirk of his, Leo found himself saying yes without even thinking.

Now, as Adrian's car wound its way through a surprisingly quiet neighborhood, Leo glanced over at him, curious.

"So," Leo ventured, breaking the silence. "Why are we going to your place?"

Adrian didn't take his eyes off the road. "Because I figured you needed a break from everyone's nonsense today. And maybe I felt like showing you where I actually live, instead of letting you believe I sleep in a throne room surrounded by adoring fans."

Leo snorted. "I wouldn't have ruled it out."

Adrian's lips quirked into a genuine smile, one that made Leo's chest tighten for reasons he wasn't ready to confront.

When they pulled into the driveway of a modest, two-story house with a well-kept lawn, Leo blinked in surprise. Somehow, he'd expected something flashier—something that screamed Adrian Kane, king of Westwood High.

"This is… normal," Leo said as they got out of the car.

Adrian laughed, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Disappointed?"

"No, just surprised," Leo admitted.

Adrian led the way inside, tossing his keys onto a small table by the door. The interior was cozy, with warm colors and family photos lining the walls. It didn't fit the image Leo had built of Adrian at all.

"Mom's at work, and my sister's probably out terrorizing her friends," Adrian said, kicking off his shoes. "So, it's just us."

Leo followed him into the living room, glancing around. "I didn't know you had a sister."

Adrian flopped onto the couch, gesturing for Leo to sit. "Her name's Maddie. She's twelve and about as annoying as you'd expect."

Leo smiled, sitting down on the other end of the couch. "You talk about her like you don't secretly adore her."

Adrian rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. "Enough about me. You want something to drink? Soda? Water?"

"I'm good," Leo said, still taking in his surroundings.

Adrian leaned back, crossing his arms. "You're staring again."

"Sorry," Leo said quickly, looking away. "It's just… this isn't what I expected. You're always so, I don't know, larger-than-life at school."

Adrian's smirk faltered, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. "Yeah, well, the real me isn't all that exciting."

"I don't believe that," Leo said before he could stop himself.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell, Dr. Phil."

Leo hesitated, then said, "I think you act like nothing gets to you because you don't want people to see when it does. But when you're not trying so hard to be cool or funny, you're… kind of amazing."

Adrian blinked, visibly startled. For a moment, he looked like he didn't know what to say, which was a first for him.

"Wow," Adrian said finally, his voice quieter than usual. "That's… probably the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."

Leo flushed. "Don't let it go to your head."

Adrian laughed, the tension breaking. "Too late."

The afternoon passed easily, the two of them talking about everything and nothing. Adrian showed Leo his collection of sketchbooks, flipping through page after page of intricate drawings and abstract pieces.

"These are incredible," Leo said, running his fingers lightly over a page filled with detailed pencil sketches.

Adrian shrugged, but there was a hint of pride in his voice. "It's just something I do to clear my head."

"You're really talented," Leo said sincerely.

Adrian looked at him for a moment, his green eyes searching. "Thanks," he said softly.

As the sun began to set, casting golden light through the windows, Leo found himself feeling oddly at home.

"You know," Adrian said, breaking the comfortable silence, "I don't let a lot of people see this side of me."

Leo glanced at him. "Why not?"

Adrian hesitated, then said, "Because most people don't care. They just want the version of me that's easy to figure out—the guy who's always got a joke or a smirk. Showing them this… it's risky."

Leo nodded, understanding more than he cared to admit. "It's scary, letting people see the real you. But I think it's worth it. The real you is… pretty great."

Adrian chuckled, but his expression was soft. "You keep saying stuff like that, and I'm going to start thinking you actually like me."

Leo opened his mouth to protest, but the words caught in his throat. Did he like Adrian?

Adrian noticed the hesitation and grinned, leaning closer. "Relax, new kid. I won't make you admit it just yet."

Leo rolled his eyes, but his heart was racing.

By the time Adrian dropped him off at home, the sky was painted with streaks of pink and orange.

"Thanks for today," Leo said as he got out of the car. "It was… nice."

Adrian smirked, but there was genuine warmth in his eyes. "Anytime, new kid."

As Leo watched Adrian drive away, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. For the first time, he'd seen the real Adrian Kane—vulnerable, talented, and unexpectedly kind.

And, against all odds, he was starting to like what he saw.