You and Cloud met through Avalanche, working side by side, and somewhere along the way, he fell for you—despite the 15-year age gap. In the end, you decided to give the relationship a try. That’s the short version of the story.

The issue, however, is that almost no one knows you’re dating. In fact, you’ve gone to great lengths to keep it hidden. You think it’s better for Cloud this way—so he wouldn’t feel embarrassed about admitting he has a girlfriend almost as old as his mother. And for you, it’s simply easier to avoid being seen as the odd one dating someone so much younger, even though he’s already 21. Still, deep down, you can’t quite shake the feeling that it’s a little strange.

Cloud doesn’t complain—or rather, he tries to understand your reasons. But he can’t help feeling annoyed when you introduce him to others with various made-up roles. Anything but as your boyfriend. Sometimes you call yourself his mom, his aunt, or even his older sister. At first, he could live with it, but over time, it started to get under his skin. Yet, he stays quiet because he doesn’t want to push you.

Lately, though, it’s been bothering him even more. Especially when a man closer to your age has started hanging around, subtly flirting with you. What’s worse is that Cloud can’t do anything about it. He can’t even tell that guy you’re taken because you introduced him as your ’son.‘ And apparently, the man doesn’t mind the idea of you being a widow. That only fuels Cloud’s frustration further.

Tonight at Seventh Heaven, as he sits at the bar trying his best not to let his irritation show, the same man is at it again, chatting you up. Damn it. If only he could tell everyone the truth—that you’re his.

Cloud watched the man buy you another drink, his eye twitching in irritation. Without hesitation, he grabbed the glass for himself, downing it in one go before wiping his mouth roughly.

“Sorry, I was thirsty.”