Page 115 of Dark Room Junkie

At first, I didn’t understand, but Noé pointed to the picture of the surgeon. “That man is your father? Oh ... my ... condolences.”

While Noé turned his head to me in shock and Jonah’s jaw dropped, Lucien burst out laughing loudly. “Thank you! I like honest people.”

“Why did you photograph him if he’s so terrible?” Noé asked.

“The theme is demigods. You don’t have to be a saint for that.”

“Unfortunately, he really is a demigod. At least one of the best in his field,” Lucien reluctantly admitted. “But that doesn’t make him any less of an asshole. Certain facts cannot be denied.”

“Hm ...” Noé murmured beside me.

I couldn’t hold back any longer. I just had to touch him. My hand reached for his back, and his shoulders relaxed. I loved having this influence on him and was hesitant to admit that it was actually me who had completely fallen for him.

***

When only a few people were left and the gallery owner gave me permission to leave, I disappeared into the back room. I was exhausted, but at the same time, I felt great.

Noé sat with crossed legs on one of the chairs at the side table, leaning his back against the wall and yawning. A cup of coffee was in front of him. He smiled as I sat on the free chair and tousled his hair back.

“I’d say that was a success, wouldn’t you? You even sold something.”

A smile spread across my lips. He was so cute when he was tired. “Thanks for staying here.”

“Of course.”

“No, it’s not. You love me.”

“What?”

“It’s obvious.”

“That has nothing to do with it,” he said in an amused tone.

“Yes, it does. You wouldn’t have done it for someone else.”

After gazing at me with a lackluster expression, he averted his eyes. “I have no idea what love is.”

“That’s why I’m telling you. And soon you’ll realize it yourself.” Standing up, I moved my chair around the table and sat next to him. “Something’s bothering you.”

“The tour is starting soon.”

“I know.”

“You seem to be taking it very lightly.”

“Kind of,” I admitted, brushing a few strands of hair behind his ear.

“Is that also ... love?”

“Yeah, I’m happy for you to be able to live your passion. And me visiting you as often as possible, that’s love.”

His eyebrows twitched, and he looked at me.

“Do you think I’ll wait here for three months for you?” I laughed lovingly. “Definitely not.”

“What about your work?”

“Well, it seems like it’s time for me to find an assistant.”

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