Richie eyes trailing Alex’s retreating figure as he disappears down the hallway.

A satisfied smirk spread across Richie’s face. The look of pure shock on Alex’s face was priceless, but Richie wasn’t done yet.

He had more to say, and it was something that had been long buried until now.

He stood there for a few seconds, pondering his next move before he stepped forward, his tall frame catching up to Alex just before he reached the exit.

“Alex!” Richie’s voice was calm but firm, making Alex stop in his tracks.

Alex turned, wiping the sweat from his brow. His hands were still shaking from the emotional storm that had...