~~~~~~~~{ [ Chapter 8 ] }~~~~~~~~

Dion blushed intensely at being laughed at. He immediately covered his face using his hand and looked away.

This is the first time he felt like this, he is a total bit naive in figuring this new emerging emotions that he starting to have but he can't seem to ignore it either.

He appears to have the urge to not let go of this pretty man he just met for some unknown reason.

----

"Aki, look at this... I think it will suit you"

"This one too! They have the same colours as your eyes!"

"Aki, try this! I eat one earlier and it tastes to good"

"aki, where do you think will go next? "

"Let's try this one"

"That one too! "

"Aki!"

....

Under the silent starry night and rowdy people roaming around.

Two young men can be seen sitting at one of the benches found on the sidelines of the buzzing streets.

No one paid attention to the two of them.

Everyone appears to be enjoying themselves to care for anything and anyone else.

Akira took a deep breath, wiping the sweats dripping on his forehead. He felt the exhaustion bursting over, he gently lean his head on top of the bench and close his eyes.

"....Huu"

"....!"

Dion, on the other hand are not sweating much despite the fact that he was the most enthusiastic out of the two.

He glanced at Akira, giving the other an apologetic glance.

"....Uhh, I am sorry for dragging you into this"

He scratched his cheeks, lowering his head and voice sounded so sheepish.

"...You.. see, I... I'm sorry, I didn't noticed how tired you are... dragging you everywhere and there.... I am really sorry"

Akira slowly opened his eyes and tilted his head sideways to take a look on Dion.

He can't help but sigh inwardly seeing the man fidgeting beside him, unable to looked at him directly.

The sight made him smile unconsciously.

How naive.... and innocent....

Like a dejected puppy... getting scolded by it's owner. "...Haha", He giggled softly, but then halted quickly. He then cough for several times to cover up his laugh.

They've been walking around aimlessly for around 3 hours. It's natural for him to be tired and exhausted but it's not Dion's fault.

Really. This new guy...

How can world be this harsh and ruthless..

Letting him met this man who not only share the same features of the boy from his past but also coincidentally, have the same behaviors that made Akira speechless.

".....Pretty... Incredibly beautiful..."

Akira's eyes widen in surprised.

"...Ha?"

"....Uh! Sorry!....it looks like I said my thoughts out loud!"

Dion explanation didn't help to calm down Akira's rapid heartbeat. Unmatch eyes dilated in flustered manner, but Dion misunderstood it as a hateful gaze directed towards him.

He tried to reach out his hand but Akira moved away a little, and stood up quickly.

"Uhm!"

"I-I need to go!....It's already late, BTW, thank you, It's truly a wonderful night!...see ya!"

Akira turned around and left hurriedly.

"...Wait!... Aki,.....I... "

Dion tried to call him back but it was futile. Akira were too absorb on calming himself down than to care about those around him.

Meanwhile, one young man was left alone in the rowdy street, despite the buzzing noise made by the people roaming around, his heart was at loss and in state of contemplating quietly.

Navy blue eyes looked coldly in the direction where he last saw the fleeting back of that 'person'.

Dion frowned deeply. He feel cold and empty.

He don't like it. He hated the feeling of losing something precious.

Navy blue eyes suddenly hardened. And coldness with a bit of darkening immediately shown to his face.

The once bright and dazzling face of his that he shows in front of Akira has nowhere to be found, as if it have never been truly existed from the very start.

"...Your highness"

An old man in a black robe suddenly appear behind him.

Dion's gaze went to the old man's face. Eyes cold, too indifferent.

"....Would you want me to follow him? "

"No need."

The swift rejection confused the old man, but he didn't say anything else.

He took a step back and watch his master silently.

'...I see... You've already found your other half, Your Highness.... This old man is extremely happy for you!'

The old man thought, crying happily from inside.

Dion sighed inwardly and turned to the old man.

"Let's go"

"Yes, your highness"

The two left hurriedly without their presence being acknowledged.

'...There's no need to fret about it.... I have a feeling.... Our paths will crossed once again.... The next time we will meet again, I will never let go of you ever again...'

A relaxed smile with a narrowed navy blue eyes were shown underneath the brown robe.

----

Before long, Akira arrived home.

Coming out from the carriage, he felt a sudden chills for some unknown reason.

Unfortunately, he came to understand why he suddenly felt like that when he saw his father and brothers, standing from afar.

Looking directly at his direction while aura being madly concerning.

He gulped nervously and reluctantly walked towards them.

'..Wait, Why am I feeling nervous?...'

Even if he thought of it, he can't still help feeling nervous, seeing the undisguised madness on his family's eyes.

'..Shit!'

"..Uhm"

He stopped in front of them, with lowered head, He can't help but fidgeted just standing there.

'..Mad! They're really mad!... What do I do?'

Akira frantically thought.

Then he heard a soft sigh.

"....I'm glad....You're fine..."

Hades hugged his youngest son, tightly.

It was sudden but Akira eventually let him.

It is no surprise that he got startled when the Grand Duke suddenly embrace him but the warmth and gentleness made him relaxed and finally feel at ease.

'...So, It's okay to assume that they are not mad...right?'

His hands reluctantly grabbed Hades cloth from the back, grasping it tightly.

Akira buried his face to the Grand Duke's chest.

Warm.

How can someone be this warm?

Hades, feeling the smalls hands wrapped around his back in a cute manner held his youngest son closer. He could feel every beat of his son's heart against his chest as they stayed locked together for what felt like eternity. In this moment, all of his worries melted away and only joy remained.

How can his youngest be this cute?

In front of the Grand Duchy Mansion two souls were connected by unconditional love, while another two were left alone and was decided upon to be the watchers and decoration.

"Hell Nah! Let me hug him too!"

"Fufu, you're not the only one who're worried sick, right father?"