Page 37 of Sweet Omega
“What are you two whispering about?” Hym asked, pausing mid-bite to glance between them.
“Nothing,” Ludiin answered quickly, grabbing his plate and heading to the table.
Tarymn’s smile lingered as he watched him retreat. He scooped food onto his plate and joined them at the table.
The three sat together, the air rich with the scent of food, and peaceful silence.
Then Hym just had to open his mouth.
“Roc asked about you today,” he said, smiling at Ludiin.
And just like that, the pounding in Tarymn’s skull returned full force.
***
Ludiin
Ludiin tried not to squirm as every pair of eyes at the table shifted toward him, pinning him in place. His fork hovered uselessly above his plate.
Why did Hym have to bring this up now, of all times?
“He did?” Ludiin asked tightly.
“Yes,” Hym said excitedly. “I think he likes you. Do you mind if I give him your code?”
Heat surged up Ludiin’s neck, crawling to the tips of his ears. Ludiin’s gaze dropped instantly to his plate as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world.
“I… I guess that’s okay,” he murmured, his words barely audible as he pushed his food around to avoid looking at anyone.
“Must we talk about that now?” Tarymn’s voice cut through the tension.
“Yes. I’m helping Ludiin. Who knows, him and Roc might hit it off,” Hym said with a shrug, shoving food into his mouth.
“Does he want that?” Tarymn asked darkly as he turned to his brother. Ludiin froze, every muscle tight as he glanced between them. “Have you even asked him if he likes Roc or not?”
Hym’s chewing slowed. He stared at Tarymn for what felt like forever, the silence stretching thin before he finally turned to Ludiin. “Do you like Roc?”
Ludiin shook his head quickly, mortification twisting in his gut. He couldn’t believe they were having this conversation.
“Fuck. Why didn’t you tell me?” Hym asked, genuine surprise in his tone.
“You didn’t ask me,” Ludiin muttered.
Hym sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Ludiin said softly. “I should have spoken up.”
The table fell into a heavy, awkward silence. Ludiin forced himself to eat the rest of his food, each bite like cardboard, before excusing himself. As he made his way up to his room, relief washed over him — relief that he wouldn’t have to face Roc. But beneath it, something raw pulsed in his chest.
He felt seen. Understood. By Tarymn.
His pulse thundered in his ears as he stumbled into his room. He dropped onto the bed and lay flat on his back, staring up at the ceiling as an unbidden smile tugged at his lips.
“It feels… nice to be seen,” Ludiin whispered to the empty room.
***
After that, running into Tarymn around the house wasn’t as nerve-wracking as it was. The tension between them hadn’t completely vanished, but it had settled into something quieter, something Ludiin could handle as long as Tarymn kept his distance. But lately, Tarymn seemed to be near a lot. Checking on him in the den. It was awkward and strange, and Ludiin didn’t know what to say half the time
