The day had been perfect, one of those rare, golden days that felt as if the universe itself had conspired to weave joy into every moment. William and Julius had spent hours exploring a nearby village just outside Seoul, wandering through cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops and flower stalls. They had laughed over shared snacks, posed for pictures in front of colorful murals, and teased each other about the trinkets they picked up along the way.

For a few precious hours, William forgot about the curse. He forgot about the looming shadow of Zeus’s wrath, the ticking clock that counted down his days. All that existed was Julius—his radiant smile, his infectious laughter, the way his hand would brush against William’s as they walked.

But as the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of amber and rose, the cracks in William’s fragile body began to show.

They were walking back toward the train station when it happened. One moment, William was laughing at Julius’s attempt to balance two cups of tea from a nearby stall. The next, his vision swam, and the ground seemed to lurch beneath his feet.

“William?” Julius’s voice was laced with concern as William swayed, his knees buckling.

The world blurred as William crumpled to the ground, his chest heaving as pain ripped through his body. He could hear Julius shouting his name, the panic in his voice cutting through the haze.

When William opened his eyes, Julius was kneeling beside him, his hands gripping William’s shoulders as if to anchor him. “William, what’s wrong? What’s happening?”

“I’m fine,” William gasped, though the lie was weak even to his own ears. “Just... dizzy.”

“You’re not fine,” Julius snapped, his voice trembling. “You almost fainted. You’re pale, and—” His voice broke, and he took a shaky breath. “We’re going to the hospital.”

William’s heart clenched at the fear in Julius’s eyes, but he shook his head, his hands weakly pushing against Julius’s grip. “No,” he said hoarsely. “I don’t need a hospital.”

“William, you—”

“Please, Julius,” William interrupted, his voice soft but pleading. “I just need to rest.”

Julius’s jaw tightened, his gaze filled with frustration and helplessness. “Rest won’t fix this,” he said, his tone almost desperate. “I don’t know what’s wrong, but I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

William closed his eyes, the weight of his secret pressing down on him like a leaden shroud. He wanted to tell Julius the truth, to explain why he couldn’t go to a hospital, why no doctor could save him. But the words caught in his throat, trapped by fear and the knowledge of how much it would hurt Julius to hear them.

Julius eventually helped William to his feet, his arm wrapped protectively around his waist as they made their way back to the train station. The ride home was silent, Julius’s worry hanging heavy in the air. 

William leaned against the window, his body aching with every movement, while Julius sat stiffly beside him, his hands clenched into fists.

When they reached Julius’s apartment, William allowed himself to be led to the couch, too weak to argue. Julius disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a glass of water, thrusting it into William’s hands.

“Drink,” Julius said, his voice clipped but gentle.

William obeyed, the cool water soothing his parched throat. When he set the glass down, Julius sat across from him, his dark eyes sharp and searching.

“You’re going to tell me what’s going on,” Julius said firmly. “No more excuses. No more brushing it off. I need to know what’s wrong, William.”

William’s heart ached at the pain in Julius’s voice, the way his worry seemed to radiate from every word. He wanted to tell him everything, but the fear of Julius turning away, of losing the fragile love they had built, kept him silent.

“I’m just tired,” William said weakly, his voice barely audible. “It’s nothing serious.”

Julius slammed his hand against the armrest, the sound sharp in the quiet room. “Stop lying!” he snapped, his voice breaking. “I can see it, William. You’re getting worse, and I’m terrified that one day you’re going to—” He cut himself off, his hands trembling as he buried his face in them.

William felt tears sting his eyes as guilt and sorrow crashed over him. “Julius,” he said softly, reaching out to place a hand on Julius’s knee. “I’m sorry.”

Julius looked up, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Then tell me the truth,” he whispered. “Please.”

William opened his mouth, the truth hovering on the edge of his lips. But when he looked into Julius’s eyes, the words died in his throat. How could he tell Julius about the curse, about Zeus, about the impossible task he had been given? How could he explain that his time was running out and that no amount of love could save him?

Instead, he lowered his gaze, his voice trembling as he said, “I’m scared.”

Julius’s expression softened, and he reached out, covering William’s hand with his own. “Then let me help you,” he said quietly. “Whatever it is, you don’t have to go through it alone.”