Leave Me Alone, Big Brothers! [BL]-Chapter 73: The Fear

Chapter 73: The Fear
Inside the room, Zimmer sighed and packed his belongings.
But then, footsteps were heard. He became alert, certain that they were different from Nael’s energetic steps.
His face instantly paled when he saw Lucas standing in the doorway. The young man entered the room, his gaze sweeping around the space.
"I never thought you would use this old building, Mr. Hans," Lucas said, kicking a loose piece of brick on the floor and creating a hollow echo.
Zimmer stood frozen. "Lucas, what are you doing here?"
Lucas took a dramatic breath, staring at the man in front of him. "Nothing. Just confirming something."
Zimmer tensed, then gave his usual calm smile. "You will find nothing. I only do my research here. It’s quiet."
Lucas nodded as if he understood, though his gaze was scornful. "Quiet? For having sex?"
Zimmer cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"I know you lure many children. I really didn’t think the rumors were true," Lucas continued. "But this time, it seems you’ve targeted the wrong kid, Mr. Hans." He clicked his tongue dramatically.
"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Zimmer said stiffly.
"No problem. You’ll know soon enough. Just make sure you prepare everything."
Zimmer’s body went rigid. "Please, don’t make things up."
But before he could say anything else, Lucas had already walked out, leaving Zimmer alone with an overwhelming sense of fear.
Outside, Lucas contacted Alexander. He felt a twinge of guilt for having missed something like this. He hadn’t expected Zimmer Hans to hide it so well.
Luckily, Alexander had ordered him to watch Nael today. Lucas didn’t know how the man had sensed something was wrong.
Today, he had uncovered far more than expected: Nathan’s situation, and the most dangerous issue of all, Nael and Zimmer.
"It’s Zimmer Hans, our biology teacher," Lucas ed. "I don’t know exactly what they were doing inside, but they stayed there for quite a while."
Alexander’s voice came through the phone. Lucas listened, then replied, "What are you going to do? If you suddenly stop their relationship, I’m afraid Nael will get depressed."
Alexander spoke again. Lucas nodded quietly. "Okay. I’ll leave for now. And about Nathan... you need to talk to Franc. He’s made everyone in school know that Nathan came from an orphanage."
The news of the "Salazar Orphan" spread with the viral speed of a forest fire, and Nathan stood at its smoldering center.
He moved through the crowd with a stony expression, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He was beyond angry, he was exhausted.
Earlier, he had brushed past Eli, ignoring the boy’s worried call. He didn’t want comfort. He didn’t want pity. He just wanted to find Nael, drag him to the car, and go home before he punched someone.
Nathan rounded the corner from the lockers, but a tall, lean figure stepped into his path, blocking him completely.
Zane stood there. He didn’t say a word, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets, staring at Nathan with an intensity that made the air feel thin.
"Tsk." Nathan clicked his tongue, his gaze narrowing. "I’m not in the mood. If you’re here to throw insults about where I came from, just get it over with so I can leave."
Zane didn’t move. He looked down for a second. A brief flash of hesitation crossed his face before he regained his usual cool mask.
"I never wanted to insult you," Zane said, his voice low and steady. "If anything... I finally understand why you look so different from the rest of your family. It makes sense now."
Nathan’s jaw tightened, his defenses rising. "So? Why am I different? Do I look like I don’t belong in your pristine little world? Like I’m not ’compatible’ enough to sit in the same room as you?"
Zane looked up. For a moment, the cold gray of his eyes softened. "Maybe to you, it’s not a big deal," he said, ignoring the bite in Nathan’s tone. "But this school is built on status. These people use their names as armor. They’ll look at your background and try to make you feel small."
Zane stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But I’m not here for that. I don’t care about what they say."
Nathan stayed silent, caught off guard by the honesty in Zane’s tone. It wasn’t the usual arrogance. He didn’t know what was going on with the guy today.
"Don’t pity me. I don’t need that," Nathan said, walking away with his bag.
Zane stayed silent, hesitating for a moment, until he saw Nathan getting farther away.
"Well, Salazar!" he suddenly called out, making Nathan stop.
"I didn’t come here to pity you. Don’t think you have the right to act like you’re the most miserable person alive."
Nathan narrowed his eyes. "What?"
Zane took a deep breath, panic rising in his chest. He paused.
Nathan noticed. He stepped closer. "You okay?"
Zane took another breath, looking away.
"I... still have bento in my bag, if you want." Asking Nathan to eat together took all his courage. His face turned as red as a boiled shrimp.
Nathan stared at Zane’s flushed face, then couldn’t hold back a chuckle.
"Are you asking me to eat with you?"
Zane cleared his throat. "No. Yes... Whatever."
Nathan looked amused now rather than annoyed. He wanted to refuse, but then he met Zane’s eyes and saw the genuine, awkward sincerity beneath the layers of cool indifference. This was Zane’s way of saying he was on Nathan’s side.
He was about to reply when his phone vibrated.
Nael.
Nathan read the message with a frown. Nael was already in the car waiting for him. It was unusually early. Usually, he was the one waiting.
"Sorry," Nathan said, turning back to Zane. "I have to go. Nael’s waiting for me in the car... he’s actually early for once."
Zane blinked, his hand still holding his bag midair. He glanced down the hallway, then back at Nathan. The fragile connection between them snapped like a brittle twig, his expression returning to guarded boredom.
"Well," Zane said flatly.
"Zane..." Nathan said before leaving. "I’ll see you tomorrow. No need to bring bento. I’ll bring you one."
Nathan turned and ran toward the car, leaving Zane standing alone and confused in the emptying hallway.
Zane felt as if his ears had misheard.
Nathan was going to bring him bento?