Roman Kade

Roman. A name fit for a conqueror. Andrew remained silent for precious seconds, his lips concealed by his drink as he took in the other man’s appearance in a brazen way – something he had not done often before. Usually, when someone caught his interest, he would occasionally glance their way. See the microexpressions on their face, the way they moved, stood and walked. If their gazes met, he would offer them a polite smile, one that secretly held unspoken promises. It was unlike him to just take in someone’s physique and presence in such an open way. Maybe it was his surroundings that lifted the veil of inhibition, or perhaps the simple fact that he did not have to continue with that masked dance he had done all his life.

Roman let the silence stretch for a moment longer than necessary, letting Andrew take him in — because there was something electrifying about being watched so openly. Most men tried to hide it, swallowing their hunger behind politeness or ego. But Andrew… no. He looked at Roman like he was studying a rare, dangerous animal, one he wasn’t sure he wanted to pet or provoke. Roman liked that. A lot. He angled his body slightly, shoulders opening, jaw tilting just enough to let Andrew see every bit he was admiring. Confidence wasn’t an act for Roman; it lived in his bones, rolled off him like heat. And Andrew? Andrew didn’t shrink from it. He met it, matched it, fed it. “A break,” Roman echoed, his voice dipping with a slow, knowing grin. “Funny. I came here looking for the same thing. Seems we both needed to get out of our own heads for a while.”

Compliments and flirty comments came to Mason almost too naturally - even before being employed at the resort, he'd never been one to hold back with speaking his mind, particularly when he had something nice to say, and from his point of view, what differed most in this place was the reaction he'd receive from people. Back home, some would find his openness refreshing, others would be irritated - and here on the island, many took it as a welcome opportunity to reciprocate, to let gazes and small comments lead them further down a path that could lead to all sorts of places. Of course Mason didn't mind receiving that kind of response - who in their right mind would be displeased with men as gorgeous as those here to flirt with them? - but there also was something refreshing, relaxing about someone like this guy, who seemed entirely unfazed, apparently not yet consumed fully by what so many liked to reduce this beautiful place to.

Roman listened without interrupting, letting Mason’s easy stream of words flow the way the tide did around their ankles. He wasn’t surprised the man was so open — the island seemed to encourage it — but he didn’t mind it either. There was something almost grounding about how earnestly Mason talked, how he filled the silence without expecting Roman to return the same kind of energy. “Different focus,” Roman echoed with a small nod, eyes still on the dimming horizon. “Makes sense. Everyone’s got their own way of staying centered.” He shifted his weight slightly, posture relaxed but unreadable, taking in the last streaks of orange across the water before finally looking back toward Mason.

Once the music started, it felt like home. Andrew owned more than enough clubs to feel familiar with that specific sensation. The time when the music would play and all inhibitions and concerns would be tossed out the window. People came to bars to relax. To drink, whether because they were in a good mood or to forget something that troubled them. To dance, either because they wanted to expunge what concerns they had or simply because they wanted to feel… free. He had seen it so many times that being at a nightclub was almost like a second nature to him. He had started as a PR for one – and years later, he owned his own chain of bars and clubs. Because why not? Just because he was trapped within a gilded cage, it did not mean that others had to do the same. He lingered for a bit. Drink in hand while moving past people like he was made of water. Elegant and controlled. Like the setting they were in was… well, home. His lips curled into a smile. A genuine one, born from familiarity with his environment. No matter where he would go, what he would do – at a club, everything was the same for everyone. The need to let go of worries and problems. Let loose and be free. Whether by dancing, drinking, or flirting. They were all people at the end of the day, no matter what backgrounds they came from.

Roman watched him move long before he ever opened his mouth — the way Andrew cut through the crowd like he’d been born to do it, all polished confidence and smooth lines, a man who understood the way bodies moved in clubs the same way Roman understood how desire worked on a pulse. When he finally slid into the alcove, Roman couldn’t help the slow, appreciative smile tugging at his mouth. Andrew didn’t just sit. He arrived — graceful, self-possessed, framed in the low gold lighting like sin wearing a tailored suit. Roman shifted just a fraction closer, enough that the heat and cologne between them mingled, both familiar and brand new all at once. “Didn’t think you’d stand,” he said, voice low and warm, meant only for the space between their mouths. “You strike me as the kind of man who always knows exactly where he wants to be.”

Ironically, the natural ambience of the waves rolling against the rocks and sand at the beach was also part of what had drawn Mason here, albeit to find a contrast to the quiet he experienced for the bigger part of his days. It was true that the resort was always busy with energy and the buzz of socializing, though of course, as a wellness instructor he happened to work at one of the more quiet and soothing spots on the island. But helping others find their balance and relieving them of stress was one thing - doing the same for himself was another. For that, Mason preferred to step away from his usual surroundings.

Roman didn’t miss the way Mason turned toward him, nor the appraising glance that followed, but he let it roll off him without reaction. Compliments weren’t new, and on Azure Haven they came with the scenery — casual, effortless, expected. He stepped a little closer to the edge of the tide, letting the cool water wash over his feet as he listened. “Good to know,” he said, voice even, relaxed. “Didn’t want to throw off your rhythm.” His gaze stayed on the line where the sun met the water, steady and unbothered, letting the quiet settle between them for a moment in a way that felt grounding instead of awkward.

LOCATION: Lover's Descent - Beach (around sunset)

Roman had come to Lover’s Descent for the quiet more than anything else. The beach was one of the few places on the island where the sound of the waves could drown out his own thoughts, and after a long day navigating the resort’s nonstop energy, solitude felt like a small luxury. He noticed the man on the sand only as part of the landscape at first — a figure moving through steady, controlled motions with the sunset outlining his form. Roman paused out of instinct more than interest, taking in the scene as he let the warm breeze settle over his skin. When the man spoke, Roman shifted his attention fully, offering a small nod of acknowledgment.