My Stepbrother, My Enemy {BL}-Chapter 24: Doubt

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The next day, I struggled to concentrate in class. I couldn’t shake off Adrien’s words from the previous night. They echoed in my head like a nasty tune that wouldn’t quit: "Ethan would never like someone like you. Get your head out of the clouds."

I tried to convince myself that it didn’t matter; that Adrien was just being his typical jerk self. But deep down, it felt like he had planted a seed of doubt that I just couldn’t shake off no matter how hard I tried.

When the final bell rang, I found Ethan waiting for me at the library, just like we had planned. We worked together in silence for about an hour, wrapping up the climax of our short story. It was supposed to be a dramatic and tragic moment—Natalie and Ryan confessing their love right before she dies. Maybe that’s why I felt this weight in my chest while I typed. Each word seemed to reflect the chaos I felt inside.

Ethan leaned closer to read our work on the screen, his arm brushing against mine. "That’s... really good," he said softly. "You made me feel something. You’ve got a natural talent, you know?"

I managed a weak smile, trying to soak in his warmth and kindness. Still, Adrien’s voice crept back in.

I might be nothing but a joke to him.

As Ethan started to pack up his things when we were done, I blurted, "I don’t think I can go to the carnival tomorrow."

He paused, his lighthearted expression fading as he looked at me. "What? Why not?"

I fidgeted with my pen, staring down at the table. "I just... think it’s better if we focus on finishing this project. It’s due soon, and—"

"Noah," he interrupted gently, his brows furrowed. "You were excited yesterday. What changed?"

I hesitated and forced a shaky laugh. "Nothing. I just... don’t think it’s a good idea. You probably have better people to hang out with anyway."

His frown deepened. "You think I invited you because I had to?"

My stomach twisted. "I don’t know why you did."

Ethan sighed, leaning back in his chair, disappointment flickering in his eyes.

When I told him about skipping the carnival, I thought he might just nod and brush it off with that chill smile of his. But instead, he stared at me for a long moment, his brows knitted like he was trying to figure out if I was joking.

"Noah," he said quietly, his voice steady yet firm. "You promised."

My throat tightened. "I didn’t... I just said maybe—"

He reached across the table, taking my hand, his touch warm and grounding. It sent my heart racing. "Then let’s make it a promise now," he said, his thumb gliding over my knuckles. "Come on, Noah. I really want to hang out with you."

I tried to pull my hand away, but he held on. His tone wasn’t forceful, but there was something in his gaze that made it hard to look away—something sincere. Too sincere, too risky.

"Why?" I asked before I could stop myself. "Why do you want to hang out with me?"

He blinked, surprised. "What kind of question is that?"

"The kind that needs an answer," I said, my voice faltering. "Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden? Is it because of Adrien and his friends? You feel sorry for me, right?"

"Noah—"

"Or is it because of what happened at the pool party?" I interrupted, the words tumbling out too fast. "You think I’m just some sad boy who needs saving? Is that it? Or maybe it’s because I like you, and you thought you’d be nice and play along for a bit—"

"Hey," he said sharply, squeezing my hand. The sound of his voice silenced me instantly. His expression had hardened, but not out of anger—there was something else there. Frustration, maybe. Hurt. "Stop talking like that. That’s not what this is."

"Then what is it?" I whispered. "Because I don’t get it. You’re Ethan Seymour. You could be with anyone, so why waste your time on me?"

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair while still holding mine with the other. "You think I care about any of that? You’re not some charity case, Noah. I like spending time with you because you’re smart, and funny, and—God, you actually listen when I talk." His voice softened. "I’m not here out of pity."

The air between us felt charged, heavy. I didn’t know what to say.

Ethan’s grip loosened, but he didn’t fully let go. "So please," he murmured, glancing at our joined hands before meeting my eyes again. "Don’t talk yourself out of something good before it even starts."

For a moment, I just stared at him, my heart pounding so loud it drowned out the quiet of the library. When he finally let go, my hand felt oddly empty, as if he had taken something with him when he did.

Ethan stayed quiet for a moment, tracing small circles against the back of my hand like he was trying to soothe me—or maybe himself. Then he smiled faintly, the sort of smile that made it hard to stay upset with him, even when I wanted to.

"You remember when you asked me why I was being so nice to you?" he said softly, his eyes locking with mine.

I frowned, trying to recall. "When?"

"Before basketball practice," he reminded me. "You asked, and I promised I’d explain the next day. But then Adrien and his idiot friends showed up and ruined everything."

My stomach sank. I had asked him that. How could I have forgotten? I still remembered it so clearly—his amused smile, the teasing glint in his eyes when he said he’d explain later. Now, here we were, back at square one.

He leaned forward, elbows on the table. "So here’s the deal: if you come with me to the carnival tomorrow, I’ll finally tell you."

I blinked, surprised by the lightness in his tone—it was almost playful again, but I could sense something beneath it that made my heart race.

"Ethan..." I hesitated, torn between curiosity and the nagging voice in my head that sounded a lot like Adrien telling me to steer clear. "I don’t know—"

He tilted his head, his grin widening just a bit. "Come on, Noah. It’s not that scary. It’s just a carnival. I’ll win you a teddy bear or something. You like teddy bears, right?"

I exhaled shakily, my resolve crumbling. "Fine," I muttered, trying to sound reluctant. "But only because you still owe me an explanation."

Ethan’s smile transformed into that warm, disarming grin that always made me forget what I was saying. "Good. It’s a deal."

And then, as if to seal the promise, he took my hand again, his fingers brushing over mine again in that careful way that made my heart stutter.

"Tomorrow then," he murmured, giving my hand one last gentle squeeze before letting go.

I could barely breathe, my heart racing so fast it felt like it might burst out of my chest. As I watched him gather his things, all I could think was that maybe—just maybe, Adrien was wrong about him.