REMI
We’re all talking about work, full and content after demolishing our pies, already halfway through a second round of beers, when I notice something shift in Sebastian.
He goes pale. Jaw clenched, shoulders tight, like every muscle in his body just locked up. For a second, he looks like he might pass out.
I’m about to get up when I spot someone standing behind him.
Ian.
A friend of Anne’s.
We’ve bumped into him here at the pub a few times, if I’m remembering right.
I have no idea what’s going on, but Sebastian’s expression sends a jolt through me; he looks like he’s been punched in the stomach.
Before I can reach him, Anne’s already on her feet.
She’s heading toward Ian with quick, confident steps and greets him with a warm hug.
He hugs her back, smiling, then glances toward the rest of us with a casual wave.
Anne turns to the table, cheerful and unaware.
“Guys, this is my friend Ian, you remember him, right? He’s from Stratford too. Same as me, Maddie, and Sebastian. We’ve run into him here at the Blackbird a few times.”
Ian clears his throat and greets everyone, sounding oddly emotional.
“Evening, and sorry for barging in… I’m here with some mates, and when I saw Anne, I had to say hello. Then I spotted someone I haven’t seen in ages…”
He turns his full attention to Sebastian, beaming.
“How long’s it been, Seb? Back in Stratford, fresh out of sixth form, we were just kids.
Look at you now. You’ve changed so much. You’ll have to tell me everything.
Hey, why don’t you give me your number? Maybe we can catch up sometime.”
He keeps talking, completely undeterred, but Sebastian only replies with quiet nods and short, clipped words.
He’s still as white as a sheet, and all the lightness he had earlier is gone.
If anything, he looks like he’s about to be sick, but no one else seems to notice.
I don’t care about the curious glances. I step in.
“Sebastian, didn’t you say we needed to make that video call to Maddie?”
I keep my tone light, casual. “She just messaged, said she’s free now. Perfect timing.”
He nods quickly, visibly relieved. I hear him exhale, like he’s been holding his breath since Ian walked in.
He gets up without a word, and I follow his lead.
“Sorry, guys, just going to step out and call Maddie,” I say to the table. “To somewhere quieter.”
Everyone nods, oblivious. Ian looks faintly disappointed, but I ignore him. I reach for Sebastian’s hand and guide him with me. He follows without a word.
His hand is small, soft, and damp with cold sweat.
If I had any doubts before, that settles it. Something’s definitely wrong.
I head straight for the men’s restroom. Once inside, I lock the door behind us and turn to face him, suddenly feeling awkward myself.
“What’s going on, Sebastian? You look like death.
Just a minute ago, you seemed fine, relaxed, even.
Did that guy Ian say something? Did he do something that made you uncomfortable?”
Sebastian’s eyes widen slightly, and then drop.
He shakes his head.
“No, Remi. Ian didn’t do anything. I haven’t seen him in forever. Don’t worry; I’m just… really tired.
It’s been a long day, with the trip and everything.
I think I’d rather just go home, if that’s okay with you.”
But I’m not buying it.
“Look, I don’t want to push you,” I say, more gently this time. “But Maddie asked me to keep an eye on you.
And I saw how you reacted when Ian walked in. You went pale, like something had really shaken you.”
I hesitate, then add, “If he did something, even if it was years ago, it still matters. I just want to make sure you feel safe. Especially here.”
He looks up at me like I’ve just grown a second head.
And honestly? I can’t blame him.
This isn’t like me. I don’t usually jump to conclusions. And Ian didn’t exactly seem threatening…
But the way Sebastian looked, something was off.
And in that moment, I was ready to throw down if it meant keeping him safe.
Keeping him safe?
Okay, that’s… odd.
How is it possible I’m already thinking of Sebastian as someone who needs protecting?
We barely know each other, and yet here I am, on edge, ready to fight half the pub if I have to.
He just looked so vulnerable for a moment. And that same strange stirring came back, tight in my chest, unfamiliar, impossible to name.
There’s a pressure building in my chest, and I don’t even know why. It's not mine to feel.
I’m about to storm out and say something to Ian, anything, when Sebastian gently places a hand on my shoulder.
“Remi, can you just listen to me for a second?”
His voice is calm, but there’s a slight edge to it. “Why are you getting so worked up? I told you, Ian didn’t do anything.”
He lifts my hand off his shoulder with quiet insistence, then walks over to the sink. He splashes cold water on his face, breathing deeply. When he turns back to me, he looks more composed, damp curls clinging to his forehead, jaw tight, but steady.
“I know you picked up on how uncomfortable i was.
And I do appreciate you stepping in with that very convenient excuse, i needed the break. And yes, you’re right.
It wasn’t just tiredness.
But I’m not ready to talk about it. Not now.
Just know that Ian didn’t hurt me, and I’m feeling better.
Can we please just go back out?”
I study him carefully.
The colour’s come back to his cheeks, softening the delicate lines of his face. He looks steadier now, even if a part of me keeps circling back, wondering what really happened between him and Ian.
But he’s right. This isn’t the moment. And it’s not my place to push.
So I nod.
Then, a little uncertain, I reach for his hand again.
I glance at him for permission, he hesitates, just for a beat, then lets me take it.
We head back toward the restaurant in silence.
Halfway down the hall, it hits me: I never actually called Maddie.
Sebastian probably guessed I made that up just to help him get away, but still. I should have called her.
For now, though… that call will have to wait.