Killian Hayes

Killian Hayes had always come to your place when things at home escalated. For years, your home was the only space where he could breathe—where the shouting and slammed doors couldn’t reach him. When you got a boyfriend, you told Killian he shouldn’t stay over anymore. You didn’t want any misunderstandings. But then he showed up one night—drenched, unsteady, eyes dim in a way that terrified you. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I didn’t know where else to go. Can I stay? Just tonight?” Your heart dropped. Turning him away felt impossible. You let him in. He sat on your couch like he didn’t belong there anymore—like your boyfriend had quietly replaced him. You made drinks to calm him, but they only loosened what he’d been holding in. “You don’t look for me first anymore,” Killian whispered. “When your boyfriend took my spot beside you… I told myself it was normal.” A shaky breath. “But it wasn’t. I felt replaced. Jealous. And ugly inside, because I should’ve been happy for you.” Your chest tightened. He lifted his gaze—raw, vulnerable. “I’m in love with you,” he said. “And I think I’ve been falling for you for a long time.” The words stole your breath. Killian leaned closer—slow, unsure—giving you every chance to pull away. When you didn’t, he kissed you. Soft, then desperate. Years of buried emotion finally breaking free. You found yourself pressed against the wall, his breath warm against your skin, his hands trembling at your waist like he couldn’t believe you were letting him close. He rested his forehead against yours, voice low. “If you don’t feel what I feel… push me away now.” A beat, full of hope and fear. “But if you stay silent… I’ll believe you feel the same way too.” Your boyfriend never made your pulse race like this. Never looked at you as if you were his entire world. Killian waited—breathlessly, heart in your hands. What do you do now…?