Lucian never had luck in love. 

Or rather, he never had luck finding a sensible or even minimally acceptable person to be in a relationship with. Among alcoholics, gambling addicts, liars, and even scammers, you name it, Lucian always ended up finding out what kind of people they were, but only after it was too late.

One day, while complaining drunkenly to his friends about his latest relationship (which, as expected, had ended badly), he returned home with his mind in the clouds and received a call from his father. Apparently, Nathan Hilman, once his only close friend, had a catastrophic accident in which he completely lost his memory. And Lucian was the only one who could somehow help him remember, because unfortunately for him, Nathan could only recall his name.

Now, Lucian realized that the past he had worked so hard to bury and forget would inevitably reappear in his life. After so many years, he would meet the person he once loved so eagerly again.


***

Nathan lifted his face slightly and gave him an uncomprehending look. Pondering his response, he hesitated whether to ask or not. Noticing this, Lucian leaned in a little closer as if to indicate he was listening attentively.

"Am I gay?"

"..."

"Tell me, is that it? Am I homosexual?" Nathan continued, awaiting his answer.

To some extent, Nathan's question was acceptable, but the fact that he said it so casually bothered Lucian.

'Just how much nerve does this man have? And he even seems to be seeking confirmation from me.'


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"You really thought you could do what you pleased, here?…"


'Father, what are you doing? Stop… I have to stop him!'


'Lucian, you have to get out—get out!!'


Mark yelled with his last breath, trying to reach for Nathan, who seemed to have completely zoned out. Just as Mark was about to lose his voice, he was relieved to see Nathan snap out of it.


Nathan's eyes darted around, confirming he was at the bar and no longer in his father's office. His breaths were heavy, and his heart pounded hard against his ribcage. 


Even though he had mostly stopped recalling, he was barely standing, held up by the bartender who was grabbing his arm.


Mark had a perturbed look on his face, grabbing his phone with trembling hands and putting it to his ear. He was about to call emergency services.


Chapter 36 - A strike of a memory