Unwritten Fate [BL]-Chapter 23: "Beneath the Surface"

The evening air was thick with the lingering echoes of laughter and music, but out here, away from the party's warmth, the silence stretched between them like an unseen thread—thin, fragile, waiting to snap.

Billy walked a step behind Artur, watching the tense line of his shoulders, the way his hands stayed stuffed deep in his pockets. His stride was steady, purposeful, but there was something off about it—like he was walking just to move, not to go anywhere.

Billy let the quiet sit for a moment before breaking it.

"Where are we headed?"

No response.

His brows furrowed. He tried again. "What's wrong? Already tired of the party?"

Artur's steps didn't falter, but his voice came a beat too late. "Nothing. It's just boring."

Billy huffed a quiet chuckle. "It's quite fun."

"Sure, for you." Artur's tone was flat, unreadable. "You're enjoying it, right? Then go back and enjoy."

Billy frowned. That wasn't just boredom talking.

Before Billy could reply, Mr. Dand waved at them with a casual smile. "Hey, boys."

"I thought you'd be celebrating with your friends," he added, glancing at Artur. "Is the party over already?"

"Yeah, it is," Artur replied. "Got any work to do?"

Mr. Dand glanced between them, noting the shift in Artur's tone—the way his words came out clipped, his shoulders tense. He wasn't blind. Something was off.

His eyes flicked toward Billy, who was watching Artur with that same searching gaze, lips pressed together like he wanted to say something but held back.

"Well," Mr. Dand said, dusting his hands, deciding not to pry just yet. "I was about to check on the tools near the west field.

"I'll do it," Artur said immediately. Too quickly.

Billy raised a brow. "You sure? Sounds like unfinished work nearby was just an excuse to run off."

Artur exhaled sharply through his nose, turning away. "Believe what you want."

Mr. Dand hummed, his amusement barely hidden. "Still as stubborn as ever, I see."

Artur shot him a look, but Mr. Dand ignored it, smirking.

Billy, sensing something, folded his arms. "Oh? Still as stubborn? You make it sound like this is a habit."

"Oh, it is," Mr. Dand mused, stroking his chin like recalling a fond memory. "He's been like this since he was a kid. Always storming off when something gets under his skin."

Billy's grin grew. "So this is normal."

"Completely," Mr. Dand nodded. "I remember one time when he lost a bet to Ren—"he refused to talk to anyone for two days."

Artur groaned. "Why do you always have to bring that up?"

Billy's grin widened. "A bet, huh? What was it?"

Mr. Dand chuckled. "Ren dared him to—"

"We are leaving," Artur cut in sharply, grabbing Billy's wrist and pulling him along, before his father could expose more of his embarrassing childhood.

Billy burst into laughter, not resisting as he was half-dragged away.

But even as Artur led him forward, his grip firm, his steps slightly hurried—Billy felt it.

The tension.

The weight of something Artur wasn't saying.

And deep down—Billy wanted to know.

Billy let Artur pull him forward without resistance, still grinning from Mr. Dand's teasing. But as they walked, the silence between them stretched—thick, almost suffocating.

Artur's grip on Billy's wrist wasn't forceful, but it lingered, his fingers slightly tense before he finally let go.

Billy rolled his wrist absently, studying Artur's rigid posture—the locked jaw, the way his hands flexed and curled at his sides, as if resisting an impulse.

He considered teasing him, a well-placed remark to break the tension. But something in Artur's silence—coiled and heavy—made Billy hesitate.

Instead, he sighed dramatically. "You know, if you wanted to avoid hearing embarrassing childhood stories, you could've just said so."

Artur didn't look at him. "Not avoiding anything."

Billy snorted. "Right. That's why you practically ran off the second your dad started talking."

Still no response.

Billy's smirk faded slightly as he eyed Artur's profile, his gaze sharp. "Or maybe it's something else."

Artur's steps faltered for just a fraction of a second before he kept walking.

Billy didn't miss it—the split-second hesitation, the way Artur's steps stuttered before recovering.

Gotcha.

His grin was slow, deliberate. He stepped in a little closer, his shoulder brushing against Artur's. "You never answered my question earlier."

Artur stiffened slightly at the contact but didn't pull away. "What question?"

Billy hummed. "Are you mad?"

Artur exhaled through his nose. "No."

Billy raised a brow. "Then what's with the whole brooding in silence thing? Feels like you're mad."

"I'm not."

Billy tilted his head, considering him. "Alright, then what's wrong?"

Artur didn't answer immediately. His fingers curled slightly at his sides, jaw tightening, as if weighing his words before finally muttering—

"Nothing."

Billy stopped walking.

Artur took two more steps before realizing and halting as well. He turned, eyes flicking toward Billy, questioning.

Billy studied him, arms crossed, waiting.

The silence stretched between them.

Then Billy exhaled, raking a hand through his hair. "You know, for someone who claims nothing's wrong, you sure as hell act like something is."

A flicker of something crossed Artur's face—too quick to name, but not quick enough to miss.

Billy felt it then, a shift in the air between them.

Artur wasn't just irritated.

Something was really bothering him.

By what exactly—Billy wasn't sure.

But he had a feeling Jay was somewhere in the middle of it.

And the thought made something shift in Billy's chest.

He let the silence settle between them a second longer before finally shaking his head with a small smirk. "You really suck at pretending, you know that?"

Artur exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck, looking away.

Billy took a slow step closer. Not enough to crowd, but enough that the space between them felt smaller.

"You can't hide what you're feeling forever, Artur," Billy said, his voice quieter now, lower. "You're not as unreadable as you think."

Artur's fingers curled at his side, but he said nothing.

Billy didn't press further.

Not yet.

But something between them had shifted.

And neither of them could ignore it.

Artur shifted on his feet, his expression carefully neutral. But Billy could see through it—the tightness in his shoulders, the way his fingers flexed and curled as if resisting the urge to do something.

A beat passed. Then another.

Billy let the silence linger before tilting his head, his voice carrying a teasing edge. "So... are we just gonna stand here all day, or are you actually gonna tell me what's eating at you?"

Artur scoffed, looking away. "You really like running your mouth, don't you?"

Billy grinned. "And you really like avoiding things."

Artur's jaw tensed, but he didn't bite back with his usual sharpness. Instead, he exhaled and turned, starting to walk again. "Come on. We're wasting time."

Billy sighed dramatically but fell into step beside him. "You really suck at changing the subject, you know that?"

Artur didn't respond.

Billy chuckled to himself, shoving his hands into his pockets. His gaze flickered toward Artur, studying the way his brows were still drawn together in that faint crease.

The tension hadn't left him.

Billy let a few beats of silence pass before speaking again, this time more casual. "So, are you actually planning to work, or was that just an excuse to escape?"

Artur shot him a sidelong glance. "It wasn't an excuse."

Billy smirked. "Sure, sure. Very convincing."

Artur sighed through his nose. "I actually have things to do."

Billy hummed. "Right. And definitely not avoiding Jay and the others."

Artur's steps faltered for half a second.

Billy grinned. Gotcha.

Artur recovered quickly, his voice flat. "You're annoying."

Billy laughed. "I know."

They walked in silence, the path stretching ahead of them, quiet except for the distant sounds of the village settling into the evening.

Artur's strides were steady, his hands in his pockets, but Billy could see the stiffness in his shoulders—the way his posture was just a little too rigid, like he was holding something back.

Billy glanced at him before breaking the silence. "You know, you didn't answer my question earlier."

Artur didn't look at him. "Which one?"

Billy smirked. "Where we're headed."

Artur exhaled sharply through his nose. "To check on the tools My Dad mentioned. Shouldn't take long."

Billy hummed. "Sounds thrilling."

Artur shot him a dry look. "If you don't wanna come, go back."

Billy grinned. "Nah, I'm invested now. Wouldn't miss out on an exciting errand run."

Artur rolled his eyes but didn't argue.

They walked a little further before Billy spoke again, more thoughtful this time. "You seem different today."

Artur frowned slightly. "Different how?"

Billy shrugged. "I don't know. Tense. Quiet." He paused before adding, "You don't usually let things get to you."

Artur's jaw tightened, but his voice was level. "I'm fine."

Billy studied him, unconvinced.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

Then Billy, in a lighter tone, nudged him with his elbow. "You know, you can talk to me. I am very trustworthy."

Artur sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're also very annoying."

Billy chuckled. "That's just a side bonus."

Artur shook his head but didn't push him away.

They reached the small shed where Mr. Dand had mentioned the tools, and Artur went straight to checking through them. Billy leaned against the doorway, watching.

He tilted his head. "You're really not gonna tell me what's bothering you?"

Artur didn't pause. "Nothing's bothering me."

Billy smirked. "Right. And I suppose the way you've been acting today is totally normal."

Artur exhaled, setting a tool down with a little more force than necessary. "I just don't like wasting time."

Billy arched a brow. "And yet, you agreed to stay back at the gathering."

Artur stiffened.

Billy caught it.

A slow grin spread across his lips. "So that's what this is about."

Artur turned, narrowing his eyes. "What?"

Billy crossed his arms. "You weren't going to stay at first. But then you did." He tilted his head. "Why?"

Artur's lips pressed into a thin line. "Does it matter?"

Billy hummed. "It's just interesting."

Artur picked up another tool, examining it. "You're imagining things."

Billy didn't miss the way Artur's grip on the tool was just a little too tight.

He let the silence linger between them, but the air had changed.

Something was there—unspoken but felt.

Billy didn't push further—at least, not immediately. Instead, he wandered deeper into the shed, running his fingers lightly along the wooden shelves stacked with tools, old cloths, and small containers filled with nails and screws.

The space smelled of wood, earth, and a faint metallic tang from the tools. It was dim, the single lantern Artur had lit casting long shadows against the walls.

Artur stayed focused, or at least he pretended to be, methodically inspecting a hammer, his movements just a little too careful—like he needed something to keep his hands busy.

Billy finally spoke, his tone casual. "You know, for someone who says they don't like wasting time, you sure are taking your time here."

Artur glanced at him. "Making sure everything's in order isn't wasting time."

Billy smirked. "Uh-huh. Or maybe you just didn't feel like going back."

Artur didn't respond, which was a response in itself.

Billy leaned against the table beside him, tapping his fingers against the wood. "You could've just said you weren't in the mood to celebrate. Would've saved you all that suffering sitting through Jay's teasing."

Artur's jaw twitched.

Billy watched him closely, his voice light but careful. "Or... was it something else?"

Artur exhaled sharply and set the tool down, finally turning to face him. "Why do you always do that?"

Billy blinked. "Do what?"

Artur gave him a flat look. "Talk like you already know the answer to your own questions."

Billy grinned. "Because most of the time, I do."

Artur ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "You're insufferable."

Billy laughed. "That's not a denial."

Artur turned away, exhaling sharply, but as he moved, his foot caught the edge of a wooden crate. He stumbled.

Billy reacted instantly, reaching out and steadying him before he could fall.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Their faces were close—too close.

Billy felt Artur's breath against his skin, warm and uneven. His fingers were still curled around Artur's arm, and he swore he could feel the faint, quickened beat of his pulse beneath his grip.

Artur froze, his body tense, but he didn't pull away.

Billy swallowed. The space between them seemed to shrink, the air thick with something neither of them dared name. His eyes traced over Artur's features—the sharp lines, the furrow of his brows, the way his lips pressed together like he was trying to keep something in.

And then—that night flashed in Billy's mind.

The kiss.

The feeling of it.

His chest tightened.

But before he could process it—before he could even think—Artur moved.

Quick, almost abrupt. He pulled away, clearing his throat, forcing distance between them.

Billy smirked slightly, watching the way Artur straightened, clearly flustered but trying to act like nothing had happened.

Artur didn't say a word.

Billy didn't either.

He didn't have to. The faint color dusting Artur's ears, the stiffness in his movements—it was enough.

And it was hilarious.

Billy bit back a grin. He knew Artur was embarrassed. Knew he wouldn't acknowledge it.

But the way he dragged a hand through his hair, avoiding Billy's gaze, said more than words ever could.

A few beats of silence passed before Artur finally muttered, "Let's head back."

He didn't bother checking the tools anymore. Didn't pretend to be busy.

He just turned and started walking, his pace brisk, as if putting distance between them would erase what just happened.

Billy followed.

They walked side by side, neither speaking.

But even in silence, the moment lingered.

Unspoken.

Undeniable.

The walk back was quiet.

Not awkward—just charged.

Artur kept his gaze ahead, his shoulders slightly tense, as if forcing himself to focus on the path instead of what had just happened.

Billy, on the other hand, walked at a leisurely pace, hands in his pockets, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. He stole a glance at Artur from the side, taking in the way his jaw was set a little too firmly, how his hands flexed at his sides as if he was trying to shake off something.

You're still thinking about it, aren't you?

Billy didn't say it out loud, but he knew.

And that alone made it amusing.

The village around them was still lively despite the late afternoon sun dipping lower. A few villagers passed by, greeting them casually. Artur nodded stiffly in response, his usual ease replaced with something else.

Billy hummed lightly, breaking the silence between them.

"You know..." he started, dragging out the words just enough to make Artur glance at him. "You should be more careful."

Artur frowned. "What?"

The 𝘮ost uptodat𝑒 novels are pub𝙡ished on freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

Billy grinned, slow and teasing. "Almost falling on your face like that. Imagine if someone else saw."

Artur exhaled sharply through his nose, his pace quickening. "I didn't almost fall."

Billy chuckled. "Right. Just like you didn't look completely flustered after I caught you."

Artur stopped walking.

Billy nearly bumped into him but took a quick step back, watching as Artur turned to him with an unreadable expression.

For a second, Billy thought he'd finally pushed too far.

But instead, Artur just exhaled through his nose again, shaking his head before muttering, "You talk too much."

Billy grinned. "And you're too serious."

Artur didn't argue, just resumed walking. But Billy caught the way his lips pressed together—like he was holding back something.

Maybe a retort.

Maybe something else entirely.

Either way, Billy liked it.

And as they neared the house, he had a feeling—

This tension?

It wasn't going anywhere.

As they approached the house, Billy kept glancing at Artur, watching the way he walked—still stiff, still pointedly not looking at him.

He knew Artur wasn't actually mad.

But he was something.

And Billy liked knowing he was the cause of it.

"As they disappeared into the house, Billy couldn't shake the feeling that Artur's secrets were only just beginning to surface."

"He smiled to himself, knowing that he'd gotten under Artur's skin, but he couldn't help wondering what it would take to get Artur to open up."