Chapter 1: Stormy Reunion

Summary:

In a tumultuous and beautiful love story, two individuals named Josh and Justin attempt to revisit their past after eight years. Despite their deep affection for each other, their paths diverged in opposite directions. But fate conspires to reunite them, this time as coworkers.

Author's Note:

• This is a JOSHTIN FANFICTION.
• All places, events, and names are purely products of the author's imagination.
• The story contains mature scenes, curse words, and other elements.
• Typographical errors may be present.
• Updates will be slow. 😊 

Pablo sighed and glanced at his brother-in-law and friend. "Are you losing it, Jah? We can't cancel this merger now. They're on their way here!"

Justin remained silent, staring out of the office window at the overcast sky. The brewing storm outside seemed to mirror the turmoil within La Luna Entertainment.

Why now? That question echoed in his mind as he looked at the letter they had received that morning. The signature at the bottom seemed to taunt him, reopening old wounds.

Pablo rubbed his temples, trying to ease the headache caused by the situation. All he wanted was to go home and play with his child.

"What's the problem, Jah? We agreed to this merger three months ago. They're our last hope to save the company. This is the best deal we've ever had. I don't understand. You were the one pushing for us to accept their proposal," Pablo said.

"That was before I found out that Josh Cullen Santos is their representative," Justin replied, still gazing out the window, tracking raindrops as they hit the glass.

"Santos? He's the one bothering you? You'd jeopardize our company's future because of your issues with Santos?" Pablo took a sip of water and studied Justin. "I assume you know him?"

"Know him?" Justin managed a sad smile. "You bet I know him. Josh is my ex-boyfriend."

"I see. Well." Pablo sat back, coughing. "I get that it'll be awkward for you, but that's no reason to back out now. It's been years since you two broke up. You're married to Sharlene now."

"It happened when we were in college. We split up about a year before I started working here. Before I even met Sharlene."

"Ah, I see. It's ancient history. Why are you still hung up on it?"

Justin's heart twisted at his friend's words. "You may be right that it's in the past, but that doesn't mean I want to see him or work with him."

"Look, Jah," Pablo leaned back. "I'm sorry if this is difficult for you, but we can't afford to lose this merger. Not now. We need this."

Justin stared at Pablo before returning his gaze to the rain. Just then, the secretary knocked, delivering news that Justin ignored. It was probably bad news, judging by Pablo's frustrated reaction. Not wanting to know the specifics, Justin let his mind wander as he hugged himself.

What Pablo didn't understand was that Josh wasn't just a college fling. Justin had loved Josh to the point where he didn't need anyone else. Josh was his world—a quiet, brooding, intelligent man who had captured Justin's heart.

From the moment they met, Josh had ignited something in Justin. He'd introduced him to a world of firsts. Justin had fallen head over heels in love with Josh, and when Josh had finally asked him out, it felt like a dream.

They spent every day together, but Justin wondered why their relationship remained innocent. Josh kissed and held him, yet always stopped before things went further. Justin had no idea how conflicted Josh was about their connection—until the day Josh invited him to his apartment.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Justin's breath caught as he stepped into Josh's dimly lit apartment. The tension in the air was palpable, and he wondered what Josh was thinking. The room was small—barely more than a garage conversion—with peeling paint on the walls, worn-out floors, and mismatched furniture. A lumpy sofa, a couple of patched-up bean bags, and a narrow bed occupied the space.

"Uhm, it's very...cozy," Justin said, trying to find the right words.

"It's a dump," Josh replied, standing near the entrance. He faced Justin, his expression a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "You don't have to put up with this, Jah. I'll take you home."

"No, Josh." Justin's voice was firm. "I want to stay."

Josh gestured around the room, frustration etching lines on his forehead. "Look at where we are, Jah! This is all I have. It won't always be like this—I'll succeed someday—but for now, this is it. If you stay, there's no turning back. If you stay, you're mine. Do you get that?"

Justin's heart swelled with joy. Finally, he understood Josh's struggle. He stepped closer, stopping just inches away, and cupped Josh's cheek. "I love you, Josh. No matter who you are or what you have, I'll always belong to you, and nobody e–"

Before he could finish, Josh kissed him fiercely, breaking down the walls they'd both built. All the longing, all the love, surged between them as Justin wrapped his arms around Josh's neck, pulling him closer. It was as if they were trying to melt into each other, desperate to erase the years of separation.

"I love you so much, Justin," Josh whispered, his lips brushing against Justin's. He lifted Justin and carried him toward the bed. Their clothes fell to the floor, forgotten, as they held each other close. "I'll love you forever."

-=-=-=-=-=-

But forever was a fleeting promise. Their love lasted less than a year.

"Well? What now?" Pablo's secretary emerged, tears in her eyes. "Do we sign or not?"

Pablo's anger, thinly veiled, weighed on Justin. In all their years of friendship, Pablo had never been angry with him. He'd accepted Justin into his family, becoming the best big brother Justin could ask for. Justin knew Pablo's anger stemmed from fear for the company, and he felt guilty for adding to it by resisting the merger.

Neither of them wanted to relinquish control, but they knew it was necessary. Pablo was eager to return to the studio, create music again. Justin didn't want to take that away from him.

"Fine," Justin said, handing the crumpled paper back to Pablo. "We'll sign, but it doesn't mean I like this one bit."

And so, their company's fate hung in the balance, echoing the fleeting love that had slipped through their fingers like sand. Forever was a fragile promise, and Justin wondered if anything truly lasted.