Chapter 25 - Rafael
Rafael stands outside the Smile Services administrative building, staring up at the pale blue glow spilling from its entrance. Everything about this place screams Midtown, from its polished glass windows to the hovering security drones and holo billboards cycling above the door. It’s the kind of place he walks past every day without thinking twice.
Except not with Kane.
Usually, their dates happen where no one will spot them, like the 4D arcade where Kane crushed him at retro shooters or the empty park where they walked hand in hand before sunrise.
But now it’s seven-thirty, and Midtown is still wide awake.
Smiles Services enforcers linger on every corner while HOV trains flash between buildings overhead. Workers in uniform blue suits rush past him in all directions, either zoned in on their wristlink or staring at the door ahead.
Rafael’s stomach twists.
What if someone recognizes Kane? Or worse, what if someone he knows sees him here?
He adjusts the small box in his arms—a surprise for Kane—and moves forward. Everyone he knows is either at work or catching up on sleep before their next shift.
At the entrance, sensors sweep over his face and wristlink. Kane’s code flashes green, and the doors slide open. Rafael exhales as he steps inside.
A few people glance his way as he passes through the checkpoint. None seem to pay enough attention to slow Rafael, heart pounding at the thought of seeing Kane again.
They’ve met twice in the past few weeks, but even during work or out with his friends, his mind keeps drifting back to Kane, wondering what he’s doing or how things are in Shreveport.
Inside the elevator, he enters Kane’s code again—still unsure how he even got them access—and swipes for the top floor.
A beep sounds, followed by a monotone voice. “Floor 20, security access required.”
Rafael’s heart skips. He’s reaching for his wristlink when the doors hiss open, revealing a long-haired man with a brimmed hat and strange tattoos along his neck.
The stranger steps in and holds his wristlink to the panel. The top-floor light blinks on.
“Have a great night.” The man winks, stepping back out. “Tell Kane we’re square.”
Before Rafael can respond, the doors seal.
Who was that? What did he mean? The elevator dings before he can untangle the questions, and whatever confusion lingers slips away as the doors part.
The bare corporate rooftop he expected is nowhere to be found. Instead, green grass stretches out before him,decorated with pulsing flora and miniature trees in unnatural shades. Somewhere above, birds chirp, a sound he’s only heard in V-link sessions.
But there’s no one else up here. No marching S.S. enforcers. No people in crisp suits. Just Rafael and this garden, too beautiful to be real.
Then Rafael sees him.
Kane, reclining on a blanket underneath a purple willow tree.
He’s moving before his mind can even catch up, rushing over while his heart pounds.
“Hey.” Kane peers up with a smile, pushing his visor atop his head.
Rafael doesn’t answer. He drops to his knees and throws his arms around him. The gift box tumbles onto the blanket. Kane returns his embrace, pulling Rafael close until he’s practically in his lap.
“Thank you.” Rafael’s voice comes out muffled against Kane’s jacket. “I love this.”
A chrome hand cups the back of his head. “You’re welcome.” Kane presses a kiss to his neck, then leans back.
“I brought something too…” He slips off Kane’s lap and opens the present he brought. “Red velvet cupcakes with vanilla icing. Not as impressive as your baking, but—”
“No more of that.” Kane chuckles. “If you made it, I already know it’s good.” He swipes a finger across the frosting of one before sliding the digit between his lips. “Damn…” A satisfied hum escapes him. “I was right. Perfect—exactly what I expected from you.”