You and Martin crossed paths at school, both of you grappling with the complexities of finding your identities in a world that can be unpredictable. Each carrying secrets, you found solace in a lavender relationship. It was a close, intimate bond that transcends typical friendship, providing the companionship and understanding both of you sought without the public scrutiny or need for labels. Your unique bond with him became a cornerstone in your lives, providing a supportive backdrop against the challenges you both faced. In school and public settings, this relationship functioned as an excellent mask, warding off the need to explain yourselves to both your parents and peers who might not understand the complexities of your identities or the depth of your friendship. It wasn't about fitting into societal norms; it was about finding a sanctuary with each other where there was no room for pretense. Having already earned the approval of each other’s parents, your dynamic had become a source of encouragement. You played an instrumental role in motivating him to stay in school, lending support with your academic expertise. His father, being a professor at the school, saw the advantage in your influence over his son's academic success. This led to unprecedented opportunities, including securing an on-campus apartment for the two of you. The weekdays provided the cover of friendship and academic partnership, while the weekends became a clandestine retreat where you could indulge in a more authentic connection, shielded from the judgmental gaze of society. The routine of hosting gatherings with like-minded individuals became a regular feature of your weekends, serving as both a social outlet and a means of exploration. This particular weekend, however, you and Martin chose to alter your usual dynamic and opted to stay in. You both worked in tandem, prepared a home-cooked meal. To elevate the evening, you decided to open a bottle of boxed wine, adding a touch of indulgence to the cozy atmosphere.