Fragments Of You(LAD BL FANFIC)

The smell of something savory filled the air as Rowan stirred awake, blinking at the unfamiliar surroundings. It took him a moment to remember where he was Rafayel's studio. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow over the room.

His gaze drifted to the kitchen area, where Rafayel stood with an apron tied around his waist, his silver-blue hair tied in a loose bun. He was focused on the pan in front of him, moving with surprising precision.

Rowan sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes.

"Am I still dreaming, or is Rafayel actually cooking?"

Rafayel didn't bother looking at him.

"Shut up"

Rowan ran a hand through his messy hair, grinning.

"Sure, Master"

---

As they sat down to eat Rafayel begrudgingly shared a plate with him Rowan couldn't resist poking fun.

"Didn't peg you as the domestic type," he said, taking a bite.

"I'm full of surprises," Rafayel replied with a smirk, sipping his coffee. "And don't get used to this. I only cooked because I needed something to keep me from strangling you."

Rowan laughed. "Fair enough. So, what's on the agenda today? More painting? Or are you finally going to let me help?"

"Help?" Rafayel raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with skepticism. "And what exactly can you do?"

"I've got plenty of skills," Rowan said confidently. "Name something, and I'll figure it out."

Rafayel's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "How about staying quiet for five minutes?"

Rowan grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Touché."

---

After breakfast, Rowan wandered the studio, marveling at the artwork. He couldn't help but comment on nearly every piece, much to Rafayel's annoyance.

"This one's incredible," Rowan said, stopping in front of a painting that depicted a fiery sunset over the ocean.

Rafayel walked over, crossing his arms. "Obviously. I'm a genius."

Rowan chuckled. "Humble as ever."

"Why should I be?" Rafayel shot back, though there was a faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

Rowan smiled, shaking his head. "You're something else, you know that?"

"Glad you're finally catching on," Rafayel said with a wink.

---

As the day went on, Rowan made several attempts to get closer to Rafayel, though it wasn't easy.

"So, do you ever take a break?" Rowan asked, watching as Rafayel started a new painting.

"This is my break," Rafayel replied without looking up.

"Right," Rowan said, sitting on a nearby stool. "What do you do for fun, then?"

Rafayel paused, glancing at him. "You're looking at it."

"Painting?" Rowan tilted his head. "That's work, not fun."

"It's both," Rafayel said simply. "You wouldn't understand."

Rowan leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Try me."

Rafayel sighed, setting down his brush. "Why are you so interested in me, anyway?"

Rowan hesitated, then smiled. "Because I think there's more to you than just the sass and dramatics. Call it curiosity."

Rafayel stared at him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he shook his head, muttering, "You're insufferable."

"But you're not kicking me out," Rowan pointed out with a grin.

"Yet," Rafayel said, turning back to his canvas.

---

By the time the sun began to set, Rowan found himself sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall as Rafayel continued painting.

"You know," Rowan said, breaking the silence, "I think we're making progress."

Rafayel glanced at him. "What makes you think that?"

"You haven't insulted me in the past ten minutes," Rowan replied with a smirk.

Rafayel snorted. "Don't get used to it."

Rowan chuckled, closing his eyes. Despite Rafayel's sharp tongue and guarded demeanor, he felt a strange sense of comfort in his presence.

[Affinity Status]

Rafayel

Affinity: 0%

The path to building a bond with Rafayel is long. Focus on gaining his trust to increase your affinity.

Rowan froze. His heart skipped a beat. The screen... Was this really happening now, while he was here, in this world?

He quickly glanced over at Rafayel, who was still focused on his painting, completely unaware. Rowan rubbed his eyes, hoping the screen would disappear, but it remained, suspended in front of him.

It wasn't a dream or a glitch in the system. The game, the mechanics, the screen... It was all real, and it was happening now.