《Angel in Disguise》


 Chapter 1

    Ryden wasn''t particularly a fan of romance novels, but the moment he saw the cover of Locked Out of Heaven, he couldn''t resist buying the entire series. The reason? The woman on the cover of each book.


    The plot of the novel was predictable and overly sentimental, but Ryden read all three books in a month. He wasn''t exactly enjoying the story, but if he was going to follow the mystery of the woman on the cover, he figured he might as well know the content of the books. Besides, it was the only way he could hold a conversation when he eventually met her.


    So, Ryden found himself scouring the internet, trying to piece together her identity. The whole thing felt a bit creepy, but his curiosity was gnawing at him. Maybe if he could find her, attend one of her events, and get a book signed, the mystery would finally be solved.


    After some digging, he found a lead. The author''s Instagram tagged a profile¡ª@angel777. Her name was Angel. The account featured more photos of her modeling work, showcasing a striking beauty. With round, dark brown eyes, a small, delicate face, and full lips, Angel''s features captivated Ryden all over again.


    But what really stopped him in his tracks was the revelation that Angel was attending a local anime convention. It turned out she also did cosplay modeling. Without thinking twice, Ryden immediately bought a ticket¡ªnot only for the convention but also for the meet-and-greet with Angel. Saturday would be perfect¡ªno work, a chance to meet Angel, and, most importantly, have his books signed. In that moment, Ryden fully embraced his new role as a devoted fan.


    Saturday arrived, and Ryden found himself overwhelmed by the chaotic buzz of the convention. He wasn''t exactly a "nerdy" person¡ªever since finishing university and diving headfirst into his job, his hobbies had all but vanished. But when he spotted the book with Angel''s face on the cover, something inside him reignited. Maybe he had been too consumed by work. Maybe it was time to find a balance again.


    He wandered through the various stalls filled with artwork, feeling the old spark of inspiration. The vibrant colors and animated characters reminded him of a time when he used to enjoy reading more¡ªmixing novels with comics and manga.


    When he finally made his way to Angel''s booth, his heart raced. The booth was covered with posters of her in various cosplay outfits, and a photobook was for sale. Without a second thought, Ryden decided he''d buy one. He was already in line, and there were still thirty minutes before she would arrive. His anticipation grew.


    He overheard some excited chatter from the fans around him: "She''s going to be Miku today, right?" "I can''t wait to meet her in person and get a selfie!"Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Suddenly, the nerves hit. The gravity of the moment started to settle in. He was about to meet the woman who had captured his attention with nothing more than her image on a book cover. Ryden pulled out his phone and checked his hair. He looked decent, though a little tired. His outfit¡ªa plain black t-shirt paired with dark jeans and trainers¡ªwas casual, but it worked. He didn''t want to come off as a creep. He shifted uncomfortably, wondering if he should ask for a selfie or just stick to getting an autograph. His heart was beating faster.


    The crowd''s whispers grew louder, and Ryden looked up, finally catching a glimpse of her. A girl with long, twin-tailed green hair appeared. "Oh my god, she''s here!"


    Ryden gulped. He couldn''t see her clearly just yet, but the line was finally moving. This was it. He was about to meet Angel.


    When it was his turn, he took a deep breath and approached the booth. He pulled out his books and asked, "Would it be okay if you signed my books?"


    One of the staff members took the books and handed them to Angel, who had been silent up until now. She smiled warmly and nodded at him. As she signed his books, Ryden hesitated for a moment, then asked if he could buy the photobook.


    "Thank you," Angel murmured softly. Her voice was delicate, almost shy, and her words felt like a whisper. She signed the photobook without him having to ask.


    "Would you like me to take a photo?" one of the staff members asked.


    "Um, yeah, sure." Ryden awkwardly put his hands behind his back, forcing a smile. He wasn''t sure who Angel was cosplaying as, and the thought of posing for a photo in front of her made him nervous.


    The staff member handed his phone back to him, and Ryden muttered a quiet thanks before quickly leaving the booth.


    As he looked at the photo, he couldn''t help but laugh at how awkward he looked. But Angel? She looked flawless. Her eyes were so captivating, almost hypnotic. Ryden sighed in relief. It had been a spontaneous decision, but it was worth it. He never thought of himself as a fanboy¡ªuntil now.


    Having this new interest outside of his work felt oddly refreshing. Maybe this would motivate him to regain balance in his life. He''d support Angel, and perhaps, if he became more involved in the world she loved, he could make her his role model.


    The rest of the day, Ryden lingered near Angel''s booth, observing her interactions with fans. She was quiet, but it was clear she appreciated every person who came to see her. Ryden found himself respecting her more, not just as a model, but as a person.


    After some time, he decided he''d had enough. He didn''t want to cross the line into creepy territory. He exited the convention center and went to a nearby coffee shop to unwind before dinner.


    He checked Angel''s Instagram. Aside from professional photoshoots and occasional advertisements, Angel didn''t post much about her personal life. Today, she shared a story thanking everyone who came to meet her at the convention.


    Ryden sipped his coffee, finished his pastry, and closed the app. It had been an eventful day, and he felt like he''d finally gotten the closure he needed. For now, it was time to go home and reflect on the unexpected journey he had just embarked on.

 Chapter 2

    Gabriel wasn''t having a good time.


    He had caught a nasty cold after attending the convention, as usual. It always seemed to happen when he was around large crowds. His body ached, his energy was drained, and getting up to even make food felt impossible. Worse, the doorbell rang just as he was starting to drift into a feverish haze. He had ordered takeout, but now he could barely muster the strength to answer the door.


    "Just leave it in front of the door," he called weakly, hoping the delivery person would leave without further hassle. The ringing stopped, and Gabriel sighed in relief. But just a few moments later, a knock echoed through his apartment.


    Gabriel groaned. Who could it be? It was Sunday, and he wasn''t expecting anyone.


    "Are you okay in there?" a voice called from outside. "I called the landlord. We''re worried you might''ve had an accident."


    Gabriel tried to clear his throat but could only manage a soft, hoarse squeak in response.


    "We''re opening the door now."


    Before he could protest, the door creaked open, and in walked his landlord, Miss Samantha, followed by a man with short brown hair and sharp green eyes. He had entered cautiously, scanning the room as if he were a guest at a crime scene. "Sorry for intruding," he said, looking a little uncomfortable.


    "It''s okay," Gabriel whispered, barely able to speak. Samantha entered with a glass of water and some medicine. She was used to Gabriel being sick; it wasn''t the first time. "Thanks, Miss Samantha, and..." Gabriel trailed off, glancing at the stranger.


    "Uh, Ryden," the man offered with a small smile.


    Gabriel nodded weakly. His modeling and cosplay gigs typically drained him, and by Sunday, he''d often crash in his apartment to recover. Today, it seemed, was no different.


    "You can leave everything on the table," he managed, coughing again.


    Ryden hesitated. "Are you sure?" His voice was soft but filled with genuine concern.


    "Yes." Gabriel sat up slowly, gesturing to the sparse room around him. "I''m used to this." His apartment, though neat, was devoid of personal touches¡ªjust the bare essentials. Most of his things were at his sister''s house. He had rented this place to create some distance between his real self, Gabriel, and his public persona, Angel. Being Angel had its perks¡ªhis sister had suggested he start modeling as a woman, and he didn''t hate it. In fact, he enjoyed the cosplay and the paycheck that came with it. But it also meant hiding his real identity from the world.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    After a brief pause, Ryden and Samantha left, leaving Gabriel to rest. His apartment was mostly silent, aside from the hum of the refrigerator and the occasional cough escaping his lips. He took the medicine, ate his takeout, and sank back into his bed. This was his life¡ªsick, isolated, and craving simplicity. He just wanted to scroll through his phone, play video games, and eat takeout without worrying about his appearance. But his job required him to stay fit, and that nagging pressure was always there.


    Two days later, Gabriel felt better. It was early morning, and for the first time in days, he felt energized enough to leave his apartment. He grabbed his keys, phone, and wallet and headed out the door, ready for some fresh air and a proper breakfast at the nearby coffee shop.


    As he walked in, his eyes landed on a familiar face sitting by the window. Brown hair, a black suit, and a red tie¡ªit was Ryden. Gabriel remembered him from Sunday. Ryden had helped him out, along with Miss Samantha.


    "Hey, man, remember me?" Gabriel asked, smiling as he approached.


    Ryden looked up from his book, blinking in surprise. "Huh? Oh, you''re one of my neighbors, right? I didn''t catch your name, though."


    "Gabriel. Nice to meet you properly this time," Gabriel replied, offering him an extra pain au chocolat he had bought. "Here, take this as my thanks."


    "Thanks." Ryden took the pastry, still looking a little surprised. "I have to leave for work soon." He finished the pastry in a few quick bites, wiping his mouth with a tissue. "Sorry, I''ve got to run. But I hope we can talk again sometime?"


    Gabriel stood up, his mind racing. He was taller than Ryden by a few inches, and the realization felt oddly comforting. "Of course," he said, his voice warm. "I''m not gonna repay you with just a pastry."


    They waved each other off, and Gabriel sat back down to finish his breakfast. The exchange left him feeling lighter than he had in days. Gabriel was bubbly, in stark contrast to the quiet and withdrawn character he portrayed as Angel.


    But he wanted to repay Ryden properly. A pastry wasn''t enough. The problem was, he didn''t know much about Ryden. The only clue he had was the romance novel he''d been reading. Gifting a book felt tricky, though. What if it wasn''t the right one?


    An idea popped into his head. He pulled out his phone and called his sister. "Hey, sis. Do you know any shops that sell fancy ties?"


    She groaned on the other end. "Isn''t it too early for this? And why do you need a tie?"


    Gabriel quickly explained the situation, and his sister laughed. "Ah, I get it now. There''s a shop in the city center that specializes in menswear. It''s only a few bus stops away."


    Perfect. Gabriel could kill two birds with one stone¡ªget Ryden a gift and grab lunch for himself. He planned to go around noon, hoping that Ryden would appreciate the gesture. It had been a while since he made a new friend outside of the internet, and he wasn''t sure how to navigate this new territory. But he hoped that Ryden wouldn''t think he was being too forward.

 Chapter 3

    It''s true that once you see someone often enough, you start noticing them everywhere¡ªeven when you''re not actively looking for them. Ryden had been seeing Angel all over his phone lately, even outside of Instagram. A contact lens ad here, a lip product ad there¡ªher face seemed to pop up constantly. Not that he minded. In fact, he enjoyed admiring her face.


    He''d recently picked up reading again and had found himself hooked on romantic novels. The simple plots and cheesy one-liners were a perfect escape for him. It was a good way to unwind.


    It was Friday night, and Ryden was alone in his apartment with his book, Baby Blue Eyes. He didn''t really have anyone to go out with, but he was fine with that. Ryden had always been the lone wolf, the quiet guy who kept to himself. So when the doorbell rang, he had no idea what to expect.


    He opened the door and peered through the peephole. A mess of black hair and big brown eyes were visible. It was Gabriel. Ryden opened the door.


    "Hey!" Gabriel greeted, his voice full of energy. "I asked Miss Samantha for your apartment number. Hope that''s okay."


    "Yeah, that''s fine." Ryden stepped aside, "Do you want to come in?"


    "No, no, no, I just wanted to give you something," Gabriel said, holding up a small paper bag. "Remember I said I''d give you something other than the pain au chocolat?"


    "You didn''t have to," Ryden replied, a little surprised.


    "I insist!" Gabriel practically shoved the bag into Ryden''s hand. "It''s just a little thank-you gift. I hope you like it."


    Ryden started to open the package, but Gabriel quickly stopped him. "Open it when I''m gone," he said with a playful wave. "I''m leaving now. See ya!"


    Gabriel''s visit was brief, like a gust of wind¡ªquick and intense. Ryden closed the door and walked back to the living room. He sat down on the couch and opened the small bag. Inside was a box containing a rolled-up tie, its red and black stripes bold and flashy. It was a little much, but it seemed to suit Gabriel''s personality. He''d wear it to work the next day.


    Distracted by the surprise gift, Ryden opened Instagram to check for any updates from Angel. She''d posted three hours ago about an upcoming convention. It was a video game event where she would be the official cosplayer of a character named Asuka. The event was a three-day affair, and Angel would be there the entire time.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Ryden considered going. He didn''t know anything about that specific video game, Tekken, and he didn''t really have anything for Angel to sign. Maybe he could get a photo with her in costume? But he didn''t even know the character she was cosplaying. He felt like a fake fan.


    So, Ryden did what anyone would do in this situation¡ªhe started researching Tekken and its characters. Maybe this could be his gateway into gaming. He wasn''t sure why, but he enjoyed diving into new hobbies. Tekken was a fighting game, and it seemed to have a strong following. He wasn''t exactly a teen anymore¡ªhe was 27, after all¡ªbut he discovered that professional Tekken players were of all ages. Maybe he wasn''t too old to give it a shot.


    On Saturday, Ryden headed to the mall. He hadn''t been this active in a while. Usually, he''d spend his weekends at home, scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows. But today was different. He grabbed a quick sandwich for lunch before heading straight to the bookstore.


    Nothing caught his eye in the novel section, but then he spotted a cosplay magazine. On the cover was a small photo of Angel. Of course, he bought it. He figured he could flip through it later.


    Afterward, Ryden made his way to the top floor of the mall, where the arcade was located. It was busy¡ªcouples, families, teenagers, all hanging out in the neon-lit space. Ryden wandered around, his eyes scanning the colorful machines. Then he spotted it: the Tekken arcade box. It was surrounded by people, but one of them looked familiar.


    "Gabriel?" Ryden called out.


    Gabriel didn''t answer at first, too absorbed in the game. Ryden leaned against the machine and waited, watching as Gabriel''s face twisted in concentration. He looked stressed, his lips pouting as his fingers furiously pressed buttons. Ryden couldn''t make sense of the flashing lights or the action on the screen, but he kept watching anyway.


    "YOU LOSE," the game flashed, and Gabriel groaned, throwing his hands up. "Okay, you got me," he muttered, standing up. "That was my last token." As he looked up, his eyes widened. "Ryden?"


    Ryden waved awkwardly.


    Gabriel laughed. "What are you doing here?" One of Gabriel''s friends appeared from the side of the arcade machine, gesturing that he was done and needed a moment.


    "I was curious about the game," Ryden explained. "So I thought I''d check out the arcade."


    "It''s one of my favorite games!" Gabriel said, a wide grin spreading across his face. "You should play with me. We can team up!"


    "I just discovered the game today," Ryden admitted. "I''m a total newbie."


    "We can play at my place," Gabriel said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I''ll teach you."


    Ryden hesitated but then shrugged. Why not? He thought. Not only was he learning a new game, but he was also making a new friend. It could be fun.

 Chapter 4

    Gabriel and Ryden spent hours at the arcade. Gabriel introduced him to a few other games, bought more tokens, and then showed him how to play Tekken. Since the other guy Gabriel had been playing with had already abandoned the machine, they were left to face off against the CPU.


    "Is it okay to just leave your friend like that?" Ryden asked.


    "We''re not really friends," Gabriel shrugged, his tone casual. "More like arcade buddies. We just play together when we see each other here."


    Ryden couldn''t help but marvel at how easily Gabriel made acquaintances. If it hadn''t been for the persistent doorbell at Gabriel''s apartment, Ryden wouldn''t even be here, hanging out like this.


    Gabriel gestured for Ryden to sit next to him. "While we''re here, pick a character you want to play."


    He swiped through the extensive list of Tekken characters. Ryden was trying to remember which one Angel was going to cosplay as at the upcoming convention. He didn''t want to pull out his phone to check, so he took a guess.


    "I''m interested in Asuka," Ryden said, his fingers nervously tapping the edge of the paper bag in his lap, which contained the cosplay magazine.


    Gabriel froze for a moment. Asuka? He was going to be cosplaying her for three days at the convention, and now Ryden wanted to play as her. What were the odds? There was no indication that Ryden was into the same nerdy hobbies as Gabriel.


    "Oh! That''s a quick choice," Gabriel said, raising an eyebrow. "Any reason why?"


    "She kinda made me interested in the game... if that makes sense," Ryden muttered, his fingers curling tighter around the bag.


    Gabriel raised his hands in mock surrender. "I''m not judging! We''ve all been persuaded by something or someone to start gaming." He moved the joystick and selected his own character. "This is Claudio. He''s the character I play the most."


    The screen flashed with the image of a man in a slick white suit with black and gold details. "I just think he looks cool as hell, so I learned how to play him."


    They played for a while, with Gabriel showing Ryden the basic controls. Ryden, still shy about trying the game in public, worried about looking foolish and being laughed at by the other players around them.


    "Are you going to do something after this?" Gabriel asked after a while, glancing at the time. It was nearing dinner.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    "I was thinking of getting dinner soon," Ryden replied, stretching slightly.


    "Want to eat together?" Gabriel asked, his tone casual but warm. He had clearly run out of tokens and was ready to wrap up for the night. "I can pay for it, since I dragged you here."


    "No, it''s fine," Ryden replied quickly, shaking his head. "I asked you, so it''s really okay."


    Gabriel stood up and placed a hand on Ryden''s shoulder. "Come on, what do you want to eat?"


    Ryden hesitated. It was hard to say no to Gabriel¡ªhe was just so charming and easy to talk to. And now that Ryden was up close, he couldn''t deny that Gabriel was handsome. His messy hair partially covered his face, adding to the intrigue.


    "How about Chinese food?" Ryden suggested, suddenly feeling bashful. His introverted self was struggling to keep up with Gabriel''s easy-going energy, but he didn''t mind. It felt new and exciting, even though he usually preferred being alone.


    Gabriel didn''t push, though. He was considerate, which made Ryden feel more at ease with him. The ease of their conversation, the way Gabriel guided things without being too forceful, was something Ryden hadn''t experienced much before.


    They ate together, with Gabriel chatting about other games Ryden should try. He also insisted that they should hang out more at his place. "I''ll introduce you to the ''nerd life''," he joked.


    Ryden laughed. "Just be patient with me while I learn," he said, then added, "I haven''t been this active in ages, and I''m really enjoying myself. So, thanks, Gabriel."


    Gabriel blushed, just a little. Ryden''s honesty had caught him off guard. He''d noticed how attractive Ryden looked when they first met, especially with his suit, but he''d never expected to connect with him like this. He had thought that after giving Ryden the gift, that would be the end of it. Yet here they were, spending hours together. Gabriel cleared his throat, trying to mask his shyness.


    "No problem, man," he said with a grin. "We can do this again whenever you want." He noticed the bookstore bag in Ryden''s hand. "Maybe I should pick up reading too. That way, we''ll have other things to talk about instead of me just yapping your ear off."


    Ryden laughed again. "You don''t have to force yourself. Besides, I like listening to you talk."


    Gabriel''s cheeks turned slightly pink. He coughed to hide his shyness. "Thanks," he murmured.


    Eventually, they decided to head back to their apartments together. Gabriel didn''t want to say goodbye just yet, but he had work tomorrow.


    "I wish we could continue gaming at my place," Gabriel said with a sigh. "But, you know, work tomorrow. Saying goodbye always sucks."


    Ryden smiled, reassuring him. "There''s plenty of time for that. We''re practically neighbors, so we can hang out whenever."


    Gabriel brightened at the suggestion. "We should exchange contact info," he said, pulling out his phone. "Want to exchange social media too?"


    Gabriel felt a flutter of excitement. He was going to get to know Ryden more, and the idea made him happy. When they''d first met, he''d thought that after giving Ryden his thank-you gift, that would be the end of their interactions. But now, as they stood together, having spent the day connected in a way Gabriel hadn''t expected, he found himself hoping for more moments like this.


    They exchanged numbers, and as they parted ways in front of their apartment complex, Gabriel couldn''t help but smile to himself. This feels like a date, he thought. Going to the arcade, having dinner, and walking back home together¡ªit was the perfect recipe for a date.

 Chapter 5

    The long-awaited day of the event had finally arrived. As Ryden made his way to the convention, a lingering thought crossed his mind: I should have invited Gabriel to come. He quickly dismissed it, though, assuming that Gabriel would probably be attending with his arcade buddies. Still, Ryden couldn''t shake the excitement of seeing Angel again. He had been preparing for this day for weeks, studying up on the game, Tekken, hoping it would enhance his experience. This time, he hadn''t packed much-just his wallet and keys, and a determination to enjoy every minute of the event.


    He hopped on the train, making sure to arrive early. However, once he reached the convention center, he was immediately struck by the length of the line. He should have known better. The event was a major tournament attracting the best Tekken players from all over, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. The line moved slowly, but after a while, it picked up the pace.


    Finally, Ryden was inside, his eyes widening at the sheer number of Tekken cosplayers scattered around. He had hoped to spot Angel, but this time she didn''t have a booth. Maybe she was roaming the convention floor, but Ryden didn''t want to risk missing anything, so he decided to check her social media later for any updates on her whereabouts.


    For now, he wandered into the artist alley. The last time he had visited, he''d only admired the booths from a distance, but this time, he had every intention of buying something. As he perused the various items, he thought of Gabriel and his favorite Tekken character. He had the perfect idea: a keychain of Claudio. Gabriel loved that character. Ryden grinned as he purchased the keychain, tucking it into his crossbody bag. I hope he''ll like this, Ryden mused, imagining Gabriel''s reaction.


    A loud announcement cut through the air, drawing Ryden''s attention back to the main stage. The tournament was starting, and the official cosplayers were there too, standing proudly on the stage. To his delight, one of the cosplayers was dressed as Asuka, the character he had been eagerly waiting to see. She wore the blue and pink colors from Tekken 8, and with the others, waved at the crowd. The announcer''s voice boomed, "You can see these stunning cosplayers up close later at our official booth!"


    Ryden mentally noted that, but for now, his focus was entirely on the tournament. The excitement in the crowd was infectious, and he found himself caught up in the energy. Gabriel would probably love being here too, Ryden thought. He regretted not having invited him earlier, but there would always be next time.


    As the competition heated up, the crowd erupted at every punch, every victory. The energy in the room was incredible, and Ryden found himself marveling at how much emotion a video game could elicit from people. It reminded him of Gabriel, someone whose passion mirrored the intensity of the crowd around him. But before he got too lost in his thoughts, he remembered that he and Gabriel had exchanged contact information and social media handles not long ago.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Seizing the opportunity, Ryden snapped a photo of the stage, capturing the vibrant atmosphere. He quickly typed a message and hit send: "Look where I am!"


    Gabriel, who had been juggling two phones that day-one for his Angel persona and one for his personal use-was surprised when he saw a notification from Ryden on his personal phone. He smiled to himself, thinking it was just a friendly message. But when he opened it, his heart skipped a beat. Ryden was at the event, the very one he had been cosplaying for. Gabriel glanced around nervously, hoping Ryden wouldn''t spot him. He had to be careful; he didn''t want to give himself away.


    Gabriel quickly typed back, "Have fun!"


    Ryden''s response came almost immediately: "Wish you were here, you''d love it!"


    Gabriel felt a pang of guilt but also a strange sense of relief. If only Ryden knew, he thought, smiling wistfully. He closed the message, not wanting to continue the conversation and risk arousing suspicion. It was then that the staff signaled for the cosplayers to prepare for photo opportunities. Gabriel checked himself in the mirror, giving his reflection a quick once-over. I look good, he thought with a satisfied grin.


    His sister had truly outdone herself with the Asuka costume and makeup. Yesterday, Gabriel had worn the classic blue tube top and shorts, which had been a bit uncomfortable for him since it didn''t quite fit his body type. But today''s outfit was perfect-a rolled-up long sleeve, blue sweater vest, and a red tie. It was much more covered, and he felt confident in it. He adjusted his hat and mentally prepared to meet some fans.


    And then, he saw him-Ryden. His green eyes met his, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. Gabriel was taken aback. He didn''t speak much as Angel; his sister had designed the costume, but not the voice. Gabriel had never been good at faking it, and he was feeling a little flustered. He squeaked nervously, not sure what to say.


    Ryden, equally confused, glanced at the staff member standing beside them. "Everything okay?" the staff member asked.


    Gabriel nodded quickly, forcing a smile, and gave Ryden a handshake. He was thankful for the gloves he was wearing because his hands were clammy with nervousness. As the photo was taken, Gabriel did his best to stay in character, looking as professional as possible. He managed to hold a smile, though inside, his mind was racing.


    Ryden left with a big smile, clearly happy with the photo. Gabriel stood there, still processing the encounter. He couldn''t believe what had just happened. Was Ryden really at the event? Did he recognize him, or was it just a coincidence? Gabriel didn''t have time to think it over just yet. He still had to power through the rest of the convention before he could make sense of it all.


    But deep down, he knew that he would need to figure it out sooner or later.

 Chapter 6

    The day of the final event was finally over, and Gabriel felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him. It had been an intense few days, filled with excitement, cosplay, and the kind of adrenaline rush that only conventions could bring. As he stepped back into the hotel room where he and his sister, Seraphine, were staying, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh of contentment. Stripping off his cosplay felt like a small victory, but the best part was finally removing the wig. The freedom of having his scalp uncovered again was blissful¡ªhe¡¯d been battling headaches the entire time from wearing the wig, and now, without it, he felt like a new person.


    But even as he began to relax, something lingered in his mind¡ªRyden. He couldn''t shake the memory of their unexpected encounter. The way Ryden had approached him, completely unaware that Gabriel was Angel, had thrown him off. Ryden had asked for a picture, and Gabriel hadn¡¯t expected him to focus on him specifically¡ªhe barely seemed to notice the other cosplayers around them. That little moment replayed in his mind, and Gabriel couldn¡¯t stop wondering what it meant.


    ¡°Man, these three days were crazy,¡± Seraphine said as she kicked off her shoes and flopped onto the bed, clearly still buzzing from the event.


    Gabriel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Tell me about it,¡± he muttered, running a hand through his messy hair.


    A moment of silence passed before Gabriel decided to finally spill what was on his mind. ¡°Remember the guy I gave the tie to?¡± he asked, watching his sister¡¯s face for any sign of recognition.


    Seraphine sat up, nodding. ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s him,¡± Gabriel confirmed. ¡°He came to see me last Saturday, but he didn¡¯t know I was Angel. He said we¡¯d already met, but I don¡¯t remember meeting him in any conventions. I didn¡¯t expect him to be... well,¡± he paused, making air quotes, ¡°¡®a fan.¡¯¡±


    Seraphine¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°No way,¡± she gasped.


    ¡°Yes way,¡± Gabriel sighed again, this time in exasperation.


    Gabriel buried his face in his hands for a moment. ¡°What do I tell him now? What if he finds out I¡¯m Angel? Will we still be friends?¡± He groaned, flopping back on the bed dramatically. ¡°I really want to stay friends with him¡ªor more, if possible.¡± He whispered the last part, not entirely sure why he¡¯d said it aloud.


    Seraphine sat back, folding her arms and leaning against the headboard. ¡°Let me see what he looks like,¡± she said, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Gabriel hesitated, then pulled out his phone and tossed it lightly in her direction. ¡°You¡¯re about to become a professional stalker,¡± he warned, a grin tugging at his lips.


    Seraphine caught the phone easily and immediately started scrolling through Ryden¡¯s Instagram. She tilted her head at the photos¡ªmostly food and the occasional book or drink shot. Nothing out of the ordinary. But then, one post caught her eye. ¡°Wait a second... Gabriel, look at this!¡± she said, her voice rising with excitement.


    Gabriel blinked, leaning over to see. It was a picture of a book cover, and on the cover was a familiar face¡ªhis face. He froze, recognition dawning on him. ¡°Oh, crap,¡± he muttered. ¡°I totally forgot about that.¡±


    Seraphine was already tapping at the screen. ¡°This is you,¡± she said, pointing at the image. ¡°Remember the time you got asked to be the cover model for that book? You barely even talked about it.¡±


    Gabriel rubbed his temples, remembering. He¡¯d been asked a while ago to pose for the cover of an indie novel, but it had been such a strange request that he hadn¡¯t really thought much of it. And now Ryden, who was apparently an avid reader, had posted it. The thought swirled in Gabriel¡¯s head: why did Ryden go to conventions? Was he really just a fan of Angel? The realization made him pause. He had only ever been Angel in real life at anime or gaming events, did Angel really brought Ryden into this world?


    As Gabriel mused on this, Seraphine continued scrolling, clearly enjoying herself. ¡°Oh, look at this,¡± she said, laughing softly. ¡°He¡¯s a bit of a lurker, isn¡¯t he? He follows your account.¡±


    Gabriel felt a knot tighten in his stomach. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I want to know,¡± he muttered, trying to ignore the strange fluttering feeling in his chest.


    Seraphine raised an eyebrow. ¡°Well, if he¡¯s a fan of Angel, then you might have a shot at something more than just friendship,¡± she teased, nudging him with her elbow.


    Gabriel groaned, feeling overwhelmed. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to think. I just... I¡¯m not sure how to deal with any of this right now.¡± He leaned back against the bed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Give me back my phone,¡± he said, unable to keep the frustration from his voice.


    Before Seraphine could respond, Gabriel¡¯s phone pinged with a new message notification. He jumped slightly, eyes flicking to the screen.


    ¡°Speak of the devil,¡± he muttered, recognizing Ryden¡¯s name.


    Seraphine perked up immediately. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, her interest piqued.


    Gabriel hesitated before showing her the message. ¡°He wants to meet up next weekend,¡± he said with a shrug, trying to keep his cool.


    Seraphine¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Oh wow. Go for it!¡± she exclaimed.


    Gabriel ran a hand through his hair, thinking for a moment. The idea of meeting Ryden in person again was both exciting and terrifying, especially after everything that had happened. He quickly typed a reply, deciding to put off any concerns about Angel for now. ¡°I¡¯ll think about the Angel thing next time,¡± he muttered, hitting ¡®send.¡¯ ¡°Right now, I just want to relax.¡±


    As Gabriel settled back against the bed, his heart still racing, he tried to focus on the one thing that mattered most at the moment: finally having a moment to unwind. But as the evening wore on, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that his life was about to get a whole lot more complicated.

 Chapter 7

    Saturday arrived, and Ryden found himself in Gabriel''s apartment once again. The place looked just as neat and tidy as it had when Ryden first visited to check on Gabriel while he was sick. The soft lighting in the living room made the space feel cozy, and the faint smell of something sweet lingered in the air. Ryden couldn''t help but notice how Gabriel''s apartment always felt so well-maintained, even though it gave off a relaxed vibe.


    Gabriel had already prepared a spread of snacks and drinks, neatly arranged on the coffee table. Ryden could see a mix of chips, fruit, and a few cookies, alongside two glasses of iced tea. It looked like the perfect setup for their gaming session, which Ryden was now genuinely looking forward to.


    "Ready to play?" Gabriel grinned as he grabbed the controller, settling into the couch. But just as Ryden was about to pick up his own, he hesitated, reaching into his bag instead.


    "I got you something," Ryden said, his voice a little hesitant but sincere. He held out a small, neatly wrapped package and placed it in Gabriel''s hands.


    Gabriel''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He hadn''t expected anything from Ryden. But when he saw Ryden''s genuine expression, his heart warmed. "You didn''t have to, but... thank you!" he said, his voice bright with gratitude. His fingers carefully unwrapped the package, eager to see what was inside.


    When the paper came off, he revealed a small keychain, a miniature version of Claudio¡ªhis favorite Tekken character. It was delicate, yet perfectly detailed. Gabriel''s face lit up with a huge smile. "This is awesome!" he exclaimed, holding it up to inspect it more closely. "I gotta put this on my keys!"


    Without missing a beat, Gabriel jumped to his feet, crossed the room to a small hook on the wall, and grabbed his keys. He attached the tiny figure to the ring with enthusiasm, making sure it was securely fastened. He dangled the keys in front of Ryden, showing them off proudly. "Now my keys look even cooler, right?"


    Ryden couldn''t help but laugh softly at the sight, the way Gabriel''s energy seemed to fill up the room. He loved how genuinely excited Gabriel was, how he could make the simplest moments feel fun and spontaneous. It was clear Gabriel was someone who found joy in the small things, and that made Ryden smile even more.


    "Of course, they do," Ryden said, his smile warm and easy. "Claudio''s a cool guy. Now let''s get to it, huh?"


    Gabriel plopped back down onto the couch next to Ryden, still holding his newly adorned keys. He gave Ryden a playful nudge. "You''re right, enough of the gift. Let''s start the game already!"


    Ryden chuckled, feeling a lighthearted sense of anticipation bubbling up inside him. He had never expected a simple Saturday like this to feel so fulfilling. Gaming with Gabriel, sharing a small but thoughtful moment, and being in a space where he could relax¡ªRyden felt like he was finally starting to break out of his shell, and it was all because of Gabriel''s easygoing nature.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    With a final grin, Gabriel handed him the second controller. "Let''s see if you''re ready to take me down this time."


    Ryden took the controller with a determined but playful look in his eyes. "I''ll give it my best shot," he said, settling back into the couch.


    Gabriel winked, and with a simple press of a button, their gaming session began in full swing.


    However, Ryden couldn''t shake the thought of another upcoming anime convention. It was only two weeks away, and Angel would be there. He had become increasingly excited about it, yet nervous too. It wasn''t just the event that had him on edge; it was the fact that he wanted to invite Gabriel to go with him, but he wasn''t sure how to bring it up. He had gotten into the anime and gaming world because of Angel¡ªbecause of her presence in his life, whether through social media, her cosplay, or even her influence on his growing interest in things he''d never paid much attention to before. But admitting this to Gabriel felt like it might change things between them. Would he think it was silly? Would he think it was just a phase?


    Gabriel had been so welcoming and open, never judgmental of Ryden''s awkwardness or his lack of experience with gaming or anime. But what if this made things different? What if Gabriel couldn''t understand why he was so drawn to Angel, why he felt like he had to support her? Ryden took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He''d spent the last few weeks enjoying this new side of himself, and he didn''t want to hide it anymore, especially not from Gabriel.


    They were sitting on Gabriel''s couch, controllers in hand, enjoying another round of Tekken. But Ryden found himself distracted, his fingers pausing on the buttons as he tried to find the right words.


    "I''ve been thinking of attending another convention," Ryden said, his voice quieter than usual, his gaze briefly falling to the controller in his hands.


    Gabriel looked up from the screen, pausing the game with a swift motion. His eyes were curious but patient. "Oh? What and where?"


    Ryden took a deep breath, his nerves bubbling up again, but he pushed forward. "It''s an anime convention this time," he said, then placed the controller down on the table. His gaze shifted to meet Gabriel''s, his green eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and uncertainty. "Actually... I''ve been going to these conventions because of a girl."


    Gabriel, always so good at reading people, noticed the hesitation in Ryden''s tone and the flicker of anxiety in his eyes. He didn''t interrupt, though. He just gave him a nod, signaling that he was listening, and waited for him to continue.


    Ryden swallowed, trying to find the right way to explain it. His voice was quieter now, almost self-conscious. "It sounds dumb, I know. But I really liked how this girl looks, and I just... wanted to support her. And I ended up following her hobbies, the things she''s passionate about." He let out a nervous laugh, trying to make light of the situation. "I found her on the cover of a book, and now here I am, in the middle of all this¡ªanime, cosplay, gaming."


    Gabriel finally spoke, his tone warm and reassuring. "I told you before," he said gently, placing a comforting hand on Ryden''s shoulder. "I don''t judge. Everyone has their own reasons for getting into things, and we all start somewhere." He smiled, his eyes softening. "I''m just glad you feel comfortable telling me this. And hey, if it weren''t for her, we wouldn''t even be friends, right?"


    Ryden felt a wave of relief wash over him. Gabriel''s words were simple, but they held so much kindness. He''d never once felt judged by him, never once felt like his interests were a source of embarrassment. In fact, Gabriel had been the one to make him feel confident in exploring this side of himself. Ryden smiled back, a genuine, warm smile, and he couldn''t help but feel grateful for how easy it was to talk to Gabriel.


    "So," Ryden said, his voice a bit more playful now as he leaned back on the couch, "will you go to the convention with me?"

 Chapter 8

    Gabriel was at a loss for words, unsure of how to navigate the situation. He''d already planned to be at the event as Angel on the second day, and while he could tell Ryden they could meet up on the first day, he knew the situation was delicate. It was clear Ryden had an interest in meeting Angel again.


    It still felt surreal to him¡ªRyden actually liked Angel enough to want to explore new hobbies related to her. That in itself was something to be grateful for, especially since it had allowed Gabriel to get closer to Ryden. But now he wondered if it might be time to come clean, especially since he knew Ryden wouldn''t react negatively. Yet, despite this, Gabriel''s fear of betraying Ryden''s trust lingered. Would Ryden feel hurt or deceived if he learned the truth¡ªthat Angel was actually Gabriel? Angel had become something more than just a persona, and Gabriel was afraid of losing the bond he''d formed with Ryden. He wanted to believe that Ryden''s admiration for Angel was pure, based solely on her craft and aesthetic. Ryden saw Angel as a role model, an inspiration. Nothing more. Gabriel could hold onto that, right?


    Even so, the idea of spilling such a huge secret still terrified him. Gabriel had never told anyone about his life as Angel¡ªno one had the slightest clue. He still wasn''t ready, though. Maybe next time he''d find the courage, but for now, his secret had to stay hidden just a little longer.


    "We can go on the first day," Gabriel said, trying to keep his tone casual.


    "Oh, I wanted to go on the second day," Ryden replied, looking a bit disappointed, "but I guess I could go on both days."


    Gabriel felt a pang of guilt, but he wasn''t prepared to be fully honest yet. "Yeah, sorry man, my job has a weird schedule." He tried to deflect, but the guilt still gnawed at him.


    "No worries," Ryden said, taking a cookie from the snack table. "Ahhh, I''m glad you didn''t think I was weird." He chuckled softly.


    Gabriel forced a smile, but inside, he felt the weight of his secret growing heavier. He hadn''t expected Ryden to be such a fan of Angel¡ªafter all, her following wasn''t exactly large. She was known in a niche corner of the internet. The thought kept circling in Gabriel''s mind as they ate their snacks.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Then, a new thought struck him¡ªis Ryden in a relationship, surely not since he seemed to be attending these events solo, but it never hurt to ask. Gabriel decided to push the Angel dilemma to the back of his mind, focusing on something else. "So Ryden," he said, casually placing his controller down, "you''re not in a relationship, are you? Girlfriend?" He asked with a teasing tone.


    Ryden coughed, clearly flustered. "No."


    Gabriel, encouraged by the response, pushed further. "Boyfriend?"


    Ryden''s face flushed, and he stammered, "No."


    Gabriel leaned back slightly, feeling a sense of playful confidence, but also a twinge of nervousness. "So, you''re open to both, huh?"


    Ryden didn''t hesitate this time. "To be honest, as long as we get along and love each other, I''m fine with whoever it is," he said, his tone steady and sincere. Gabriel was taken aback by the seriousness in Ryden''s voice, finding it unexpectedly attractive that Ryden could approach such a topic with such maturity.


    "That''s nice," Gabriel said, his voice softening. He didn''t want to push things further, especially after Ryden had just opened up to him. "Personally, I prefer men," he added with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. "Is it obvious?"


    Ryden shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. "Not at all, actually. Never really thought about it."


    Gabriel felt his face flush slightly, suddenly aware of the delicate territory he had just ventured into. He grabbed a chip from the snack table, trying to avoid making eye contact. "Sorry for randomly bringing that up," he muttered, feeling a bit awkward.


    "No problem at all," Ryden chuckled, clearly not fazed. "It''s nice to know more about each other."


    Gabriel felt a sense of relief wash over him, as if a weight had been lifted. He found himself wanting to know more about Ryden¡ªhe was fascinating, in a way that Gabriel hadn''t anticipated. Ryden didn''t seem to realize how attractive he was, with his aloof demeanor, but Gabriel couldn''t help but see the appeal. It was rare to find someone so interesting, someone who didn''t try to fit into the usual molds. Gabriel was grateful for the connection they''d made, and now, more than ever, he wanted to explore it further.


    Gabriel clapped his hands together, shaking off the tension. "Alright, that''s enough talking," he said with a grin. "Let''s get back to gaming."


    Ryden laughed, and Gabriel couldn''t help but notice how good he looked even in casual clothes¡ªeffortlessly handsome. It wasn''t just his looks, though; it was the way he carried himself. Gabriel found himself wanting Ryden to notice him as something more than just a friend, and he was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. For now, though, he''d keep his Angel secret tucked away. At least, until he was ready to face the consequences.

 Chapter 9

    Ryden found himself unable to shake off the conversation he had with Gabriel about relationships. It had been a subject he hadn¡¯t considered in quite some time, especially since he had grown accustomed to the peace and solitude of being on his own. The idea of pursuing someone or being pursued was rare in his life, and it wasn''t something he sought out. He was content with his routine, his space, and his quiet existence.


    Yet, ever since that exchange with Gabriel, Ryden couldn¡¯t seem to stop thinking about him. For just a brief moment during their conversation, he had seen a different side of Gabriel¡ªsofter, almost vulnerable in a way that was unexpectedly endearing. It caught Ryden off guard, and despite himself, he couldn¡¯t deny that it was... cute.


    He quickly shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. No, he thought to himself, this isn¡¯t the time to be thinking about Gabriel. He had other things to focus on. Work, responsibilities, things that needed his attention at the moment. Yet, as he went about his day, the image of Gabriel, looking so unguarded, lingered at the back of his mind, refusing to fade.


    After a long, grueling day of struggling to stay focused at work, Ryden felt utterly drained. His mind was exhausted, and the weight of his thoughts made it nearly impossible to think clearly. What¡¯s worse, he had no energy or motivation to cook, as his thoughts kept drifting to Gabriel. The constant mental distraction left him unable to decide what to make for dinner, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that nothing he could prepare would be satisfying enough. Frustrated and fatigued, he decided the best course of action would be to stop by a nearby convenience store for a quick meal. It wasn¡¯t ideal, but it was easier than trying to summon the will to cook something at home.


    As Ryden walked into the convenience store, he felt a flicker of relief. At least this part of his evening would be easy. But, as if by some twist of fate, there was Gabriel, standing in the aisle just a few steps away. He was browsing through the prepackaged food section, likely searching for his own quick dinner. Gabriel had a basket in hand, filled with a mix of items: a Monster energy drink, a Snickers bar, and a bag of Lays chips. The assortment seemed as carefree as he looked, and Ryden couldn¡¯t help but smile at the casual, spontaneous vibe Gabriel always seemed to exude.


    He looked good tonight¡ªbetter than usual, even. Gabriel was wearing a black shirt under a red flannel, paired with dark wash, ripped jeans that gave him a rugged yet effortless charm. His hair was neatly combed, a bit more polished than the usual tousled look Ryden was used to. For a moment, Ryden just stood there, observing him, appreciating how effortlessly Gabriel seemed to draw attention.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Ryden was going to call out to him, but then he noticed the wired earphones nestled in Gabriel¡¯s ears. The thought crossed his mind that Gabriel might not even hear him.


    Suddenly, the idea of tapping him on the shoulder seemed like a much better plan. But before he could even move, a rush of self-doubt flooded in. The conversation they had the last time they spoke flashed through his mind, and the distractions that had weighed on him at work reared their head again.


    Just as Ryden was about to make up his mind, Gabriel, seemingly sensing his presence, turned around. Their eyes met, and Ryden¡¯s nerves shot up, but a small smile tugged at Gabriel¡¯s lips as he recognized him. It seemed as though the universe had already made the first move for him


    "Whoa, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here," Gabriel exclaimed, his voice full of surprise. He quickly pulled out his earphones, making sure to give Ryden his full attention.


    Ryden chuckled, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "I just couldn''t bring myself to cook tonight," he admitted, shrugging slightly as if it was no big deal.


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow, lifting the basket of food he was holding. "Tell me about it," he said with a playful laugh, then added, "How about we eat here together?"


    Ryden felt the familiar urge to change into something more comfortable, eager to ditch the stiff suit he was wearing, but the offer from Gabriel lingered, and it was hard to say no. Gabriel¡¯s invites were always more tempting than they seemed on the surface.


    Ryden picked out his dinner and made his way to the table, where Gabriel had already saved a seat for him. It felt strangely familiar, like they had done this a thousand times before, even though this was only their second dinner together. He couldn''t help but think back to their arcade hangout not too long ago. The memory brought a warmth to his chest, a quiet comfort that he wasn¡¯t used to feeling so easily. Gabriel had only been in his life for a few days, yet his presence felt significant, like he was already leaving a mark¡ªsimilar to how Angel had done in the past.


    ¡°I¡¯m excited to come to the convention with you,¡± Ryden said, breaking the brief silence between them as he took his seat.


    Gabriel flashed him a grin, nodding in agreement. ¡°Me too,¡± he replied before taking a long sip of his Monster energy drink, the can making a quiet hiss as he set it down.


    As Ryden dug into his meal, he couldn¡¯t shake the thought that moments like these were ones he wished could last forever. Just being around Gabriel, sharing simple moments of quiet conversation, it made everything feel easier. He didn¡¯t have to put on a front, didn¡¯t have to pretend to be someone he wasn¡¯t. With Gabriel, everything felt natural¡ªcomfortable. Not everyone had that effect on him. Ryden realized, in that fleeting moment, just how special Gabriel had become to him. It wasn¡¯t something he could easily explain, but the connection was there, undeniable and growing stronger with each passing day.

 Chapter 10

    The day of the event is here, and Gabriel couldn''t help but feel the buzz of excitement that had been building up for weeks, going to the convention for the first time with Ryden. However instead of staying at the hotel he and his sister had rented for easy access to the convention¡ªwhere he would be cosplaying¡ªhe had decided to stay in his own apartment for day one. This way, he could meet up with Ryden for the first day of the event without raising any suspicions. After all, it would be strange for him to go alone or to show up before Ryden did.


    Gabriel dressed casually, opting for a graphic shirt, paired with worn-in cargo jeans. He didn''t plan on carrying anything except his wallet and keys, figuring most of the essentials he''d need for the day were already with his sister. He had hoped for a smooth start, but as he glanced at his reflection in the mirror, he sighed. His hair was unruly, as if fate had decided it was a bad hair day. He tried taming it, but it was no use. It wasn''t like he was trying to impress Ryden, but still, he wished he could appear a bit more put-together.


    His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. A message from Ryden popped up: ''I''m ready, waiting downstairs.'' Gabriel took a final look in the mirror, adjusting his shirt one last time before heading out the door.


    When he reached the downstairs, he spotted Ryden right away. Today, he was dressed in a sharp navy button-up, paired with black slacks, and a small crossbody bag. He looked a bit more formal than Gabriel had expected, but it suited him perfectly. Ryden noticed him and waved.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting!" Gabriel called out as he jogged down the stairs. It was still early, and the convention they were attending wasn''t particularly well-known. They had decided to meet up early to grab breakfast before heading to the event, and Gabriel was glad to have the time to chat.


    "No worries," Ryden said with a smile, his gaze drifting to Gabriel''s shirt. "Nice shirt, by the way."


    Gabriel looked down at his Dark Souls graphic tee, a slight flush creeping into his cheeks. "Yeah, I got this a while ago. It''s one of my favorite games."


    They continued walking toward a nearby coffee shop, with Gabriel doing most of the talking. He eagerly recommended a handful of games he thought Ryden would enjoy, his voice animated as he described everything from obscure indie gems to major titles he thought Ryden might find intriguing. Ryden listened attentively, nodding every now and then, offering a comment here and there. Gabriel couldn''t help but feel a little more at ease as their conversation flowed effortlessly.


    After finishing their breakfast, Gabriel and Ryden made their way to the convention. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation, though it wasn''t nearly as packed as the last event Gabriel had attended. Still, a handful of eager attendees were already lined up outside. Thankfully, the wait wasn''t long, and soon they were inside. The moment Gabriel stepped through the doors, he was greeted by the familiar sight of cosplayers scattered throughout the venue. His heart quickened. The energy of the convention filled the air, and Gabriel felt the familiar excitement stir within him. Cosplay was more than just a hobby¡ªit was a passion that allowed him to bring beloved characters to life. It was also his livelihood, but that aspect never dulled the joy he felt in participating.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Let''s get a picture with some of the cosplayers," Gabriel suggested, his eyes scanning the scene for a group to join. As he turned to look for Ryden, he realized he couldn''t see him through the crowd. A few people were blocking his view. Gabriel maneuvered through the throngs of people, weaving in and out until he spotted Ryden, who had seemingly gotten separated.


    Gabriel reached out and grabbed Ryden''s arm, gently pulling him back into the flow of the crowd. The convention floor wasn''t overly crowded, but it was busy enough with new attendees still streaming in. "Don''t get lost now," Gabriel teased, giving him a playful grin. "Wanna hold hands?" he added with a wink, his voice light and teasing.


    To his surprise, Ryden''s face immediately flushed, his ears turning bright red. Gabriel blinked, momentarily taken aback by the reaction. He hadn''t expected that kind of response, and it left him momentarily speechless.


    "Maybe for a bit," Ryden replied, his voice a little softer than usual.


    Gabriel felt a rush of warmth flood his cheeks. It was his turn to feel shy, but he quickly masked it with a confident smile as he reached for Ryden''s hand. The simple gesture made his heart race in a way he hadn''t expected, but it also felt strangely comforting. He guided Ryden away from the bustling crowd, his height giving him the advantage of easily spotting openings in the sea of people. He marveled at the sensation of holding Ryden''s hand¡ªit was a simple, natural connection that made everything feel right, and Gabriel couldn''t help but feel a growing fondness for the trust Ryden placed in him. He didn''t want this moment to end, so he moved slowly, savoring the intimacy of the gesture, hoping Ryden wouldn''t notice how reluctant he was to let go.


    They eventually made their way to a quieter part of the venue, where the crowd thinned out. With a soft sigh, Gabriel reluctantly released Ryden''s hand. His heart felt heavy as he did so, but he knew that any further physical closeness might be pushing boundaries. Maybe next time, there will be another opportunity, but for now, this moment is over. Gabriel tried to mask the flush on his face, feeling both embarrassed and elated at the same time, but he kept his composure. He turned to Ryden, checking in with a teasing grin, "Are you okay? I didn''t pull you too hard, did I?"


    Ryden chuckled, his smile warm and reassuring. "No, and thank you for that," he said, his eyes bright with appreciation. He gestured between them with a mock-serious look. "If it wasn''t for your height advantage, it would''ve taken ages to get out of that crowd."


    Gabriel couldn''t help but laugh, standing a little taller as if to emphasize the height difference. He leaned down just slightly, the proximity between them making his heart race all over again. It was a quiet test, a way to see how much closeness was comfortable for both of them. He wasn''t sure if he was pushing his luck, but something in the air felt different, almost electric.


    Ryden just stared at him for a moment, a playful smile tugging at his lips, until he seemed to realize just how close they had become. His face turned a shade darker, and he stammered, "Should we go?"


    Gabriel felt his courage falter, his earlier bravado slipping away. He cleared his throat, trying to maintain a sense of composure. "Yeah, let''s go," he replied, his voice steady despite the fluttering in his chest.


    The rest of the day unfolded in a blur of excitement as they immersed themselves in the convention''s events. They wandered through the artist alley, picking out some unique merchandise and chatting with creators about their work. Gabriel snapped a few pictures with cosplayers, enjoying the vibrant creativity around him. Despite the rush of his earlier emotions, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of contentment with Ryden by his side. Their bond was something special¡ªsomething he hoped would only grow stronger as the day went on.

 Chapter 11

    Gabriel couldn''t stop thinking about how brave he had been the day before. He still felt a rush of pride, especially knowing that Ryden hadn''t pushed him away. In fact, Ryden had accepted his advances without hesitation, and Gabriel couldn''t help but wonder if, just maybe, he actually had a chance now. He felt a spark of hope, all he needed to do was keep being brave, take more risks, and see where it would lead.


    But then, his thoughts shifted, and the weight of reality settled back in. There was still something important he had to face, something that had been lingering in the back of his mind: the truth about Angel. Gabriel couldn''t shake the thought that, in order for Ryden to fully understand him, he had to come clean. He couldn''t keep living with this half-truth, pretending that everything was as simple as it seemed. The identity of Angel, needed to be laid out in the open.


    Gabriel considered coming out today, hoping to build on the connection they had shared the day before. He was confident that Ryden wouldn''t react badly-he believed in the bond that were starting to form. After all, Ryden liked Angel for who she was. Whether he was Gabriel or Angel didn''t matter. His face, his hobbies, his passions were all still the same. They had connected on those things.


    For the time being, he has decided to focus on cosplaying. Today, he knows he''ll be meeting Ryden as Angel, and that''s his immediate priority. He needs to mentally prepare himself for the interaction, keeping his mind on the present moment and postponing any thoughts of revealing his true identity until later. One problem at a time, he tells himself.


    Today''s choice of cosplay is Fischl''s second outfit. While it''s somewhat revealing, it complements his body perfectly, and he enjoys the way it fits. Fischl has always been a character he admired - her mystical aura resonate with him deeply. Despite his fondness for her, he can''t bring himself to enjoy gacha games. The randomness and gambling aspects bother him, as he''s never been a fan of games of chance. He doesn''t believe in risking money or anything valuable on something as uncertain as luck. However, sometimes, he admits, you have to take risks to get what you want.


    He made his way to his booth, the event staff guiding him along the way, offering their assistance since his vision is limited by the eyepatch he wears. As he approached the booth, he couldn''t help but feel a wave of gratitude for his sister, who had taken the time to prepare everything ahead of time. The booth was neatly arranged, with posters of his cosplay available for sale, along with a photobook showcasing his work.


    His sister, always the practical one, had set everything up in a way that made the space feel both professional and welcoming. However, she preferred to roam around the event after setting up, choosing not to linger at the booth. It was her way of maintaining the illusion of Angel, allowing the character to feel more separate from his real self. While he appreciated the space to focus on cosplaying, he knew that her presence-though less obvious-was a steady anchor behind the scenes.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    The meet-and-greet had begun, and Gabriel fell into the familiar rhythm of shaking hands, posing for photos, and signing posters - the usual routine he had grown accustomed to at every convention where he was a guest. His smile was warm and practiced, the gestures effortless as he greeted each fan with kindness. He didn''t mind the occasional light touch: a hand on his shoulder, a tap on his waist while posing for pictures. It came with the territory, and it was part of the experience he had learned to embrace. But today, one person crossed the line.


    Gabriel immediately felt an unwelcome hand, not just brushing against him, but lingering inappropriately, trying to feel him up. His heart skipped a beat. He could handle minor physical contact, but this was different. He cleared his throat, attempting to push the man away gently, signaling his discomfort. He couldn''t bring himself to create a scene, not in front of everyone.


    But the man didn''t take the hint. Instead of stepping back, he continued his inappropriate behavior, completely disregarding Gabriel''s boundaries. His pulse quickened, a wave of unease washing over him. It wasn''t that he felt physically threatened, but the violation of his space sent a jolt of anxiety through his body. The event staff quickly noticed the discomfort on Gabriel''s face, and shouted at the man, sternly instructing him to stop. The crowd, previously absorbed in their own excitement, turned their attention to the scene unfolding.


    Gabriel didn''t want to escalate things further; he had no interest in making a spectacle out of the situation. But the staff member wasn''t waiting for his approval. With authority, they stepped in, physically escorting the man away from him, their voice sharp as they made it clear his behavior was unacceptable.


    Although the moment had passed, Gabriel still felt rattled. His heart was pounding in his chest, and a sense of unease lingered in the air. He quickly scanned the crowd, his gaze searching for something - or someone - familiar, something to help ground him. Then, as if by instinct, his eyes landed on Ryden. He wasn''t far at all, just a few steps away in the crowd, his presence immediately providing the comfort Gabriel needed.


    In that brief moment of eye contact, it felt like the world had righted itself. He didn''t need to say anything - Ryden''s presence was enough to offer the comfort he so desperately needed amidst the overwhelming crowd.


    The discomfort from earlier was still there, but he knew it was time to take a deeper step. The time had come for him to trust the bond he have with Ryden completely. He couldn''t continue hiding behind the mask of Angel forever, especially not from him.


    With a steady breath, he pulled out his personal phone, fingers hovering over the screen. The idea of revealing his true identity to Ryden felt daunting, but it also felt necessary.


    He quickly typed a simple message, heart beating a little faster as he did.


    ''Let''s have dinner together?''


    The words seemed small, but they carried more weight than he could express in a few lines. This would be the moment he would share the truth with Ryden-that he, Gabriel, was in fact Angel. He paused for a moment, staring at the message on the screen, before hitting send.


    The decision had been made. Now, all that was left was to wait for a response.

 Chapter 12

    To put it mildly, Ryden''s Sunday was everything but orderly.


    What he had hoped would be a relaxing day spent meeting Angel took an unexpected turn when one overly enthusiastic fan couldn''t respect personal boundaries. Before he knew it, the situation escalated, and the fan was being escorted away from the booth. Ryden shot the fan a cold, withering glare as he was hauled off, silently hoping it would somehow make a difference.


    Turning his attention back to Angel, he saw that she was standing motionless, her gaze sweeping over the crowd as if searching for something. When her eyes met his, Ryden couldn''t help but feel a twinge of awkwardness, but he quickly pushed the feeling aside, silently accepting her unspoken attention.


    Just as the awkwardness began to settle, Ryden''s phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out, eager for a distraction. The notification was from Gabriel, he was asking to have dinner together and there were no further details.


    Ryden furrowed his brow. Normally, they''d run into each other, and Gabriel would just pull him along to whatever plan he had in mind.


    He quickly typed a reply: ''Sure, what time and where?''


    He couldn''t help but feel the day''s unpredictability was only just beginning.


    Gabriel''s reply came after two hours, and it seemed like he must have been preoccupied with his job. It was unlike him to take so long to respond, but Ryden figured there was no harm in waiting. Gabriel suggested meeting up at the pizza place near the station.


    Since he attended the convention on the first day, Ryden didn''t stay much longer today. After meeting Angel, the excitement of the event seemed to fade. The incident that happened earlier had left a bitter taste in his mouth. Ryden couldn''t quite shake the lingering feeling of unease, but he figured a quiet evening with Gabriel might help lift his spirits.


    He hurried back home as quickly as possible, eager to settle into the comfort of his own space. Since it was still early, he figured it was the perfect opportunity to finally flip through the cosplay magazine he had bought quite some time ago. It had been collecting dust on his bookshelf, neglected for days. Between spending his free time hanging out with Gabriel and researching Angel''s gaming interests in an effort to connect more, he had completely forgotten about it. Now, with some rare free moments to himself, which doesn''t happen in his old life routine, he was excited to dive into the pages he had been meaning to explore.


    He finally reached home, feeling the weight of the day lift as he stepped into his sanctuary. The first thing he did was take a refreshing shower, before slipping into his favorite comfortable clothes. With a sigh of contentment, he made his way to the living room and sank into the soft cushions of his sofa. The gentle hum of the television played in the background, its soft glow adding to the calm atmosphere.


    He reached for the long-neglected cosplay magazine, and began flipping through its pages. As he did, he couldn''t help but marvel at the intricate craft of the cosplayers featured on each page. The level of detail, creativity, and passion poured into every costume was astounding. Ryden hadn''t realized just how vast and dedicated the cosplay community was. He had never really considered the idea of bringing fictional characters to life in such a way, but seeing it now, it was both fascinating and inspiring.


    There was one particular aspect that caught his attention: crossplay, where individuals of one gender cosplay characters of the opposite gender. The transformations were nothing short of incredible. The skill and artistry it took to make those changes¡ªtransforming not just their appearance, but embodying the essence of a character¡ªwas nothing short of magical. Ryden felt a deep admiration for these cosplayers and the effort they put into creating these alter egos.


    As he continued reading, a realization slowly dawned on him¡ªhe had bought the magazine in the first place because of a small photo of Angel on the cover. Yet, now, as he eagerly absorbed every new piece of information, he realized he had become completely absorbed in this entirely new world. The deeper he dove into it, the more captivated he became.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    As Ryden continued flipping through the pages, he finally reached the section where Angel was featured. His heart skipped a beat when he saw her name printed in bold letters, a tiny article dedicated to her rise in the cosplay world. The piece described her as a "rising star" in the community, which instantly piqued his interest even more. The article went on to mention how she had become a somewhat mysterious figure¡ªrarely engaging with crowds or even the staff at conventions. She was known for being secretive about her personal life, offering only the most necessary bits of information, most of which were already shared on her Instagram account.


    Despite her reclusive nature, the article made it clear that Angel had a devoted fanbase. Her niche following was incredibly loyal, captivated not just by her skillful craftsmanship but by the aura of intrigue that surrounded her. Events and conventions, despite the elusive persona she maintained, continued to invite her back. There was something magnetic about her presence, something that drew people in, even though she kept much of herself hidden.


    Ryden couldn''t help but feel a sense of admiration for Angel, not only because of her impressive talent but also because of the mystique she had managed to cultivate. He realized that she wasn''t just a cosplayer; she was an enigma, someone who had mastered the art of keeping her private life just out of reach.


    As he leafed through the magazine, time flew by, and he had to get ready to have dinner with Gabriel. He chose to wear a black short-sleeved button-up shirt with black pants, although it looks overly professional, Ryden doesn''t actually have that many casual t-shirts or outfits because he used to almost never leave his house aside for work or work related activities. He grabbed his keys and wallet and texted Gabriel, ''I''m on my way.''


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    The pizza place, Golden Circle, was only a short walk away from their apartment. Ryden had specifically chosen his current apartment because of its convenient proximity to public transportation.


    As he strolled down the street, he glanced at his phone, checking for any messages. Just then, he received a notification from Gabriel.


    ¡®I am here, at the corner¡¯, he attached a photo of where he was sitting.


    He was uncomfortable with the idea of keeping Gabriel waiting, even though their official meeting time was still some time off. It was not Ryden''s nature to keep people waiting for him, he made an effort to be on time and sensitive of other people''s time. He didn''t want Gabriel to feel like he had to sit there for too long.


    As he moved through the well-known streets, he sped up, his steps becoming more deliberate, hoping to reach his destination earlier than anticipated. Even though it was a minor matter, the thought of catching up with Gabriel sent a tiny thrill through him.


    Ryden reached Golden Circle, entering the warm and inviting pizza joint with a sense of familiarity. He said he was meeting up with a friend when he spoke to the waiter at the door. Ryden nodded thanks as he entered after the waiter smiled and motioned for him to do so.


    While the restaurant was busy, it wasn''t too packed, which was ideal for a laid-back evening. He glanced around the room, trying to find the corner where Gabriel had sent the picture, his gaze darting between the tables. He eventually recognized the angle from the image. He paused, however, when his gaze fell upon the table. Someone was sitting in the corner there, and it was most definitely not Gabriel.


    A white, frilly dress with delicate lace embellishing the soft fabric was worn by the figure seated in the corner. On their head rested a white headpiece that complemented their hair''s soft curls and twintails. The individual was quietly focused on something on their phone, scrolling through it. They were facing away from Ryden, so he couldn''t see their face.


    As he checked the picture Gabriel had sent him earlier, he paused, his eyes narrowing. This was the corner Gabriel had shown him, and sure enough, the angle matched perfectly. Ryden scowled, somewhat perplexed. He wondered if she might be Gabriel''s friend. Perhaps Gabriel hadn''t mentioned it before and was preparing to introduce her to him.


    He cleared his throat, trying to shake off his uncertainty. ¡°Excuse me? I¡¯m here to meet a friend,¡± he called out.


    The stranger looked up at him, her eyes meeting his, and a nervous smile spread across her face. ¡°Come sit,¡± she said, her voice soft, yet welcoming.


    Ryden was startled by the realization. He had seen her face, pictures of her online, and even in person during a few chance meetings in conventions, so he couldn''t be wrong. It was Angel.


    Ryden was stunned by the unforeseen twist and stood motionless for a moment. Why is she in this place? His legs had already pushed him in the direction of the table before he had had time to fully digest the buzzing thought.

 Chapter 13

    Safe to say that at the current moment, Gabriel is losing his mind.


    He had told his sister about his intention to come out to Ryden at the end of the convention. He wanted to come clean and admit that he was actually Angel, the cosplayer Ryden had been enthralled with. However, Gabriel had been anxious about Ryden''s response. Gabriel was taken aback by his sister''s recommendation, which was always practical: Why not arrive dressed as Angel?


    "Ryden might not believe you just by saying it," his sister had explained. "But if you show him Angel in the flesh, then he''ll have no reason to doubt you."


    Gabriel considered it for a moment, and decided that it might be the only way to make his confession seem plausible. So he grudgingly agreed to do it. Shiro lolita is the name of the style that they went for, the delicate white frilly dress, the headpiece, and, of course, the signature twintails. This is the exact same outfit that he wore precisely on the photo shoot in the book Ryden picked up where he learned about Angel''s existence.


    The plan was simple: he would arrive at Golden Circle, dressed as Angel, and Ryden would have no choice but to see the truth for himself.


    Gabriel''s heart was thumping in his chest as he waited in the corner of the restaurant, killing time by browsing through his phone. The weight of the moment weighed heavily on him, and each second seemed to drag on forever. What if he was not recognized by Ryden? What if he was offended?


    Then Ryden came and broke through the sea of his thoughts. Gabriel''s nerves flared up again, and his breath caught in his throat. This was it¡ªit was happening. There was no going back now.


    He softened his voice out of habit dressed as Angel, the familiar tone tinged with tenderness. He said, "Come sit,"


    Ryden''s face flickered with confusion, which Gabriel saw. Anyone would have been confused by their current situation.


    Gabriel put his phone back in his bag and smiled, his face more at ease. He released the quiet, deliberate tone he had been using and cleared his throat. Now, he thought, there is no need for that, I''ve changed from Angel to Gabriel. The voice that came next was more familiar, more grounded. In that moment, he was simply Gabriel¡ªthe friend, the person beyond the mask. "Hey man."


    Ryden''s puzzlement was palpable, "Angel?" he asked.


    "No, not Angel," Gabriel replied, his voice warm but with a slight edge of reassurance. "It''s Gabriel." In an attempt to lighten the tension between them, he gave a small, self-deprecating smile. Silence fell between them.


    The hushed silence was broken by Ryden''s laugh, but it wasn''t a derisive one. It was kind, even self-deprecating, as though he couldn''t contain his amazement and bewilderment. It was aimed at himself rather than Gabriel. Ryden ran a hand through his hair, he exhaled a breath he had been holding. "No way."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    When Gabriel understood Ryden''s reaction wasn''t one of rejection but rather shock, he laughed and felt the strain in his shoulders finally release. "Yes way," he said with a lighthearted sparkle in his eyes. Gabriel could feel his guard coming down, relieved that his friend wasn''t reacting negatively, just processing the change in his own way.


    "You know," Gabriel added with a more relaxed smile, "I was afraid you might be horrified, but you''re handling it better than I thought." He stared at Ryden while leaning forward a little and putting his elbows on the table. "Well, I suppose it''s strange, isn''t it?"


    "Strange is one way to put it." Ryden agreed, shaking his head with a grin.


    He appreciated how Ryden was processing everything¡ªstraightforward and without any unnecessary drama. It made things easier.


    "It''s difficult to understand, especially if the person you''ve known acts and looks different. But who am I at my core? Not changed." Gabriel leaned back, giving Ryden a knowing smile.


    "But you''re so pretty," Ryden stared at him.


    Gabriel blushed, he was caught off guard by Ryden''s compliment. It was so out of the blue that it made him chuckle. "Pretty?" he repeated, his tone light and teasing to match Ryden''s unexpected sincerity. "Only as Angel?" He added.


    It was Ryden''s turn to blush, "even without the outfit, you''re pretty."


    Gabriel caught the sudden flush that spread across Ryden''s face, and his grin widened. It was impossible not to enjoy teasing him a little when the response was so genuine. "Even without the outfit, huh?" Gabriel repeated, eyes twinkling with amusement. "You mean... naked?" he joked, letting the playful tone linger in the air as he laughed softly.


    Gabriel''s smile softened as he looked at his friend, clearly flustered and at a loss for words.


    Ryden''s face was still hot, and Gabriel could see it. His words stammered slightly, which only made his playful side want to lean in even more. Something about the effect he was having on Ryden was thrilling, something that electrified the air between them, as if the teasing may become something more.


    "I like you even as Gabriel." Ryden confessed.


    Gabriel was shocked at the confession, but he assumed it''s an admiration like, not like like. However he was unquestionably becoming more confident. Aware that this would either break the discomfort or push it into something deeper, he moved slightly closer, allowing the tension to build between them. Whether Ryden would lean into the flirtation or back off, he wanted to see how far he would go.


    Gabriel was about to intensify his taunting when a voice cut through the tense situation. With a clipboard in hand, the waitress walked over to them, her courteous smile a sharp contrast to the tense atmosphere. "Are you ready to order?" she inquired, obviously oblivious to the exchange between Ryden and Gabriel.


    The change in focus was almost startling because he had been so engrossed in the lighthearted banter and the small game of flirtation. He turned to face Ryden, who appeared to be both relieved and a little annoyed by the interruption''s timing.


    "I''ll have a margherita." Ryden replied immediately, he seemed to snap back into his usual self.


    Although Gabriel was a little let down that the moment had been cut short, there was still plenty of time for future teasing. All Gabriel could hope was that there wouldn''t be as many diversions for the remainder of the evening. He gave Ryden one final look. The flirtation was still there, waiting for the ideal opportunity to resurface.

 Chapter 14

    With every peek he took at Angel, no, Gabriel, Ryden''s heart pounded faster and his chest felt unusually tight. He used a napkin to wipe his mouth and subtly tried to catch his breath. The day felt more bizarre the more he considered it. It was similar to one of those dreams where you wake up not sure if it was genuine or just a figment of your imagination.


    Ryden wasn''t certain if he was ready for whatever this feeling was.


    He''s a mess and is unsure what to concentrate on first. Is it the astounding discovery that Angel is, in fact, Gabriel? Or is it that Gabriel appears to be flirting with him in public with such ease and assurance that it''s hard to ignore?


    As he tries to comprehend the unthinkable reality that is playing out in front of him, each idea vies for his attention and diverts his thoughts.


    However, after some consideration, and a mouthful of pizza, he realized that it was probably best to focus on the immediate and more perplexing issue: Gabriel flirting with him. Sure, seeing Angel¡ªthe model who had, in many ways, been the catalyst for all of this¡ªreveal herself as Gabriel was undeniably disorienting and a part of him still needed to make sense of the two personas.


    But, it was simpler to accept the realization because Angel had always been his friend. Gabriel, in the end, was still Gabriel. Despite the unexpected twist, at his core, it was undeniably him¡ªthe same person he had known.


    He does, in fact, like Gabriel. In his own way, he has always liked him. However, this? This isn''t the same. The irresistible chemistry, the lighthearted teasing... It''s much more complicated than he thought. He hasn''t had time to consider his emotions and hasn''t allowed himself to view Gabriel as anything other than a close friend. He''s always viewed him through that familiar, platonic lens, and now that lens feels shakier each passing moment.


    He couldn''t help but recall the time they spent together at the convention, Gabriel had been so effortlessly attentive, so present in that moment. He recalled how, in the midst of the crowd, Gabriel had grabbed for his hand, his touch comforting and warm. Unquestionably, there was a sense of comfort in the way Gabriel had led him through the dense crowd with a steady, firm grasp, as though they were the only two people in the world.


    He had been somewhat oblivious of Gabriel''s advances at the time, and he had to admit this to himself now. In retrospect, it seemed so clear, but at the time, he had dismissed it as Gabriel being his own friendly, kind self.


    Ryden wondered how many moments had gone by without him even recognizing their possible significance or if he had missed something important.


    Ryden had finished his pizza and drink without even realizing it, his mind wandering as he absentmindedly pushed the empty plate aside. He was unaware of the awkward stillness that had developed between them until the waitress arrived to clean their table. He was suddenly struck with the realization, and his chest ached. Ryden disliked the way the silence made him feel as though something was wrong, as though a hole had developed between them without either of them realizing it.


    Ryden shifted in his chair and glanced at Gabriel, attempting to break the awkward silence that had fallen between them. With a small, somewhat uncertain smile, he spoke up, as if to make room for conversation once more, "That was a good pizza."


    Gabriel hummed in agreement, his expression unreadable for a moment, before he added, "Wanna get back home?" His tone was casual.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Ryden tried to ignore the lingering tension by nodding. He answered, "Yeah, let''s head back." They both got up and silently gathered their belongings. Ryden insisted on paying for both of them. "I''ll take care of it," he said, his hand already reaching for his wallet before Gabriel could protest.


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow, but he didn''t push back. "Alright," he said with a grin, a quiet acceptance in his voice, and for a moment, everything seemed just a little bit easier.


    Ryden noticed something that had escaped his attention earlier as they left the restaurant: Gabriel was taller than he had recalled. He looked at his shoes, it added a noticeable height and it made Gabriel stand out more. Ryden found himself staring up at him in awe. Gabriel''s posture was confident, and he carried himself with such ease. He shook his head slightly, trying to clear the daze that had taken over him. Yes, this was Gabriel¡ªthe same Gabriel he knew, the one he''d spent countless hours talking to.


    There was still a part of Ryden that couldn''t quite separate Angel and Gabriel.


    As they walk back to their apartment complex, Ryden couldn''t help but notice that Gabriel''s pace is slower than usual. Gabriel usually walked with a kind of effortless stride, his long legs carrying him swiftly, but now his movements were a little slower and more deliberate. Ryden understood it instantly. Despite their visually appealing design, the shoes were certainly not the most practical for long walks, and Gabriel had most likely slowed down to prevent any embarrassing slips.


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Ryden found himself speaking before his mind could fully process what he was about to do. "Hold my hand," he said, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of intent. "It''s safer." The words flowed effortlessly, as though they had been poised on the end of his tongue, ready to fill the void between them.


    Instinctively, Ryden reached out and touched Gabriel''s hand before he could even reply. For a little moment, his hand hovered before he firmly seized it and brought their hands together. The instantaneous and electric connection between Gabriel''s skin and his sent a chill down his spine. Ryden''s heart raced although it seemed natural, almost like it had always been intended to be. It was a small gesture, yet the way their hands fit together felt impossibly right.


    Ryden sensed a change as they walked, a subtle but noticeable alteration in the atmosphere between them. It seemed as though holding hands was a subconscious affirmation, a way to acknowledge something that had always existed but had never been expressed between them.


    As they arrived in their apartment complex, he didn''t want to let go of the comforting, firm presence that Gabriel''s hand had become in his. Though every instinct in him cried out for him to hang on a bit longer, he reluctantly began to loosen and let his fingers slip from Gabriel''s. He felt a startling emptiness as his hand eventually dropped away, as if the profound yet clear link had vanished.


    Looking at Gabriel, he became acutely conscious of the space between them and experienced an almost absurd want to reach out once more in an attempt to bridge the gap and restore the warmth and comfort that had been a part of his chest throughout their walk.


    Gabriel, ever observant, seems to perceive the unspoken desire that lingered between them. He hesitated, his eyes softening as he turned to face Ryden, as if he had picked up on the slight change in his attitude, the way his body appeared to be reaching for something that was just out of reach. Gabriel leaned down without saying anything, and with a silent, deliberate motion, he closed the gap between them.


    Ryden''s breath hitched and his heart raced in his chest. Gabriel''s lips then lightly touched his cheek before he had a chance to collect his thoughts. Even though it was a brief and simple gesture, Ryden felt a shock of electricity as the warmth of it appeared to radiate through him. The gentleness of Gabriel''s touch wasn''t the only thing that stuck with him; his tenderness and silent closeness expressed more than words could.


    As if he had given Ryden exactly what he hadn''t known how to ask for, Gabriel slowly straightened up and met Ryden''s eyes with a peaceful understanding. His eyes were gentle yet perceptive, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.


    Ryden, still in shock at the sudden intimacy, could only respond with a tentative, gasping smile. Even though the moment was over, the warmth of it persisted and thickened the air between them, leaving Ryden feeling a whirlpool of emotions he couldn''t quite put his finger on.


    They chose to let the silence speak for itself rather than use words.