Chapter 14

All day, Nani had been oddly aware of Sky's absence. Normally, Sky would pop into his office around lunchtime, or swing by after his classes with that easygoing smile and his signature upbeat chatter. But today, there was nothing. Not a message, not a casual pop-in. Just silence.

It was weird. It shouldn't bother Nani, but it did. He wasn't the type to go looking for attention. Yet, there was something unsettling about the quiet, something that made him glance at his phone every few minutes, half-expecting a message that never came.

As the hours dragged on, his calm demeanor started to crack, just a little. Anyone who knew Nani well would've noticed it. His usual stoic expression wasn't as sharp, his attention drifting more than usual. He was used to being in control, but today, he felt... off.

Finally, the workday came to an end. Only one minute after that, he could heard the familiar voices of Win and Dew approaching.

"So" Win said with a mischievous grin "What have you prepared for Sky's birthday?"

Nani froze mid-movement. His mind went blank for a moment. Birthday? Sky's birthday?

Dew raised an eyebrow. "You seriously forgot?"

" Nani, don't tell me you don't know or don't remeber because it will make your inncont kid cry for the whole day." Win said

Nani quickly regained his composure, but a quiet panic settled in his chest.

"Alright, I need your help." Nani said, quickly grabbing his coat. "We're going to the mall."

The mall was bustling with activity as Nani, Win, and Dew made their way through the crowded halls. Nani walked with purpose, but it was clear he wasn't exactly sure what he was looking for. Win and Dew followed closely behind.

Nani walked past one store after another, scrutinizing every item as if it held some deep personal significance.

"Are you seriously not going to buy him anything?" Win teased, glancing at a nearby display of electronics. "Sky's not going to like it if you get him something like a charger or... I don't know, a pair of socks."

Nani scowled, brushing past another display. "It's not that. Nothing feels right," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's his birthday, you know? I need to get something... special. Something that suits him."

Dew, ever the voice of reason, chimed in. "You're overthinking it. Sky will be happy with whatever you get him."

"I'm not unsure." Nani snapped, though the frustration in his voice betrayed him. "I just... nothing feels right."

Win nudged Dew. "He's going to end up getting Sky a stuffed bear or something just because it feels 'right.'"

They continued walking, And then, as if on cue, he stopped in front of a high-end clothing store. He glanced through the window, and it hit him. The coat.

Sky always forgot his coat, he'd be shivering, leaving it behind somewhere, completely oblivious. It was so typical of him. Nani wasn't sure if Sky would ever remember to bring one on his own, but maybe... maybe this is it.

Nani strode into the store, with Win and Dew reluctantly following.

The store was sleek and modern, with various high-end jackets and coats displayed in neat rows. Nani scanned the racks, his eyes flitting from one coat to the next, trying to pick the right one for Sky.

Win leaned over to Dew and whispered, "Watch, he's probably going to get something expensive."

Dew grinned. "Probably. But it's Nani. I wouldn't be surprised if he went all out."

After several minutes of indecision, Nani pulled out three different coats. They were all stylish, warm, and in colors that would suit Sky, dark blue, grey, and a rich burgundy. Nani held each one up, scrutinizing the details, his brow furrowed as he imagined Sky wearing them.

"You can't be serious" Win said, unable to contain his laughter. "You're buying three coats? Are you going to dress Sky like a mannequin?"

"I'm buying him three coats so he can choose whichever one he likes. He always forgets his coat. Now he won't have an excuse."

Dew narrowed his eyes in disbelief. "Three coats? You're really doing this?"

Nani's expression remained unreadable. "Yeah. Three."

Win and Dew exchanged a look, completely speechless.

"If Nani ever put this much effort into getting us birthday gifts, I think I could rest in peace." Win muttered.

"But he never has." Dew shot back with a laugh, watching as Nani headed toward the cashier, coats in hand, his mind clearly occupied with thoughts of Sky.

Sky didn't show up all day, not because he was avoiding Nani, but because his family had taken him to the pagoda. It was an old tradition in his family—on a family member's birthday, they would visit the temple, prepare food for the monks, and make donations to those in need.



Sky, being himself, wasn't paying attention and ended up dropping his phone into the pond at the pagoda. And yes, the whole family was in trouble because of Sky's clumsiness too. By the time they finished everything and returned home, the sky had already turned dark.

As soon as Sky stepped inside, his sister-in-law surprised him with a cake, the warm glow of candles lighting up the room. His family cheered, clapping and teasing him about growing another year older. Laughter and warmth filled the air.

It was a simple celebration, but it was filled with love, the kind of love that made him feel truly blessed.

During the small family celebration, Sky stepped outside the restaurant to get some fresh air. The night breeze was cool against his skin, and he let out a small sigh, feeling content but also a little tired.

That's when he saw them. Win, Dew, and most unexpectedly Nani, standing a few steps away. For a second, Sky thought he was imagining things.

His heart skipped a beat.

The moment Nani walked toward him, carrying a shopping bag in one hand, Sky's face lit up. His eyes sparkled like a child who had just been given his favorite toy.

Win and Dew exchanged glances, nudging each other as if to say, Look at him. He's so happy.

Sky didn't even try to hide it. He grinned so wide his cheeks ached. "You—what are you guys doing here?"

Win smirked. "What do you think? We came to crash your birthday, obviously."

Sky's gaze shifted to Nani, who stood there, as unreadable as ever. But there was something softer in his eyes, something hesitant but sure at the same time.

"Happy birthday" Nani said, holding out the bag.

Sky blinked. "You got me a present?"

"Three, actually." Win muttered under his breath. Sky didn't know whether to laugh or be shocked. Instead, he just took the bag, his fingers brushing against Nani's for the briefest moment. His heart was still racing.

Win let out a dramatic sigh, crossing his arms. "Well, I guess Dew and I should just throw our gifts away then. Clearly, nothing we got can compete with this."

Dew nodded solemnly, playing along. "Yeah, what's the point? Our gifts are basically trash now."

Sky turned to them, eyes wide. "Wait, you guys got me something too?"

Win huffed. "Of course, we did! But now, thanks to someone buying you three expensive coats, our gifts look like cheap souvenirs."

Sky laughed, warmth bubbling in his chest. "Oh, come on, I still want them!"

Win pretended to think. "I don't know... Nani's gift might be all you need now."

Sky turned to Nani, tilting his head. "Why three coats, though?"

Nani, who had been quiet until now, shifted slightly. "You always forget your coat."

That simple, matter-of-fact statement made Sky's heart skip a beat.

Win and Dew groaned. "Oh, come on." Dew muttered. "He's not even trying to be romantic, but somehow, he's still winning."

Sky, completely ignoring them, tightened his grip on the bag and smiled soft, genuine, and full of happiness. "Thank you."

For a moment, Nani didn't say anything. He just looked at Sky, something unreadable in his gaze again. Then, he glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. Whatever."

Sky's family had long gotten used to seeing Nani, Win, and Dew hanging around.

Sky's mother, in particular, had taken a liking to them. She often greeted them warmly whenever they stopped by, sometime even making sure they ate before leaving. His father, while quieter, seemed to tolerate them well enough, occasionally nodding in acknowledgment. And his sister-in-law, was the most observant of them all, always smiling knowingly when she saw Sky get flustered around Nani.

Tonight was no different. After Sky had finished showing off his new coat—his mother cooing over how handsome he looked his family invited Nani, Win, and Dew inside.

"You boys are here so often, I should start charging rent." Sky's brother joked, setting down a tray of snacks.

Win grinned. "I don't mind, as long as the food stays free."

Sky's parent laughed. "Sky, your friends really know how to make themselves at home."

Sky sighed dramatically. "They don't even ask for permission anymore."

Dew smirked. "Why would we? We're practically family now."

Sky rolled his eyes, but his mother nodded in agreement. "It's true. It's nice seeing Sky surrounded by such good friends." She turned to Nani, who had been mostly quiet since they arrived. "And you, Nani. You're a bit quieter than these two, but I can tell you look out for Sky."

Nani straightened slightly. Sky's father raised an eyebrow. "So you're the one who bought him that coat?"

Sky stiffened, glancing at Nani, but before he could say anything, Win leaned forward with a teasing grin. "Not just one. Three."

Sky's mother gasped. "Three?"

Sky quickly tried to downplay it. "It's not a big deal..." But Sky's sister in law was watching closely, her gaze flicking between Sky and Nani, lips curling into a knowing smile. "It's sweet." she said lightly. "Not many friends would go that far."

Sky's heart pounded. Did she suspect something? Sky swallowed, forcing himself to stay calm, even as his fingers tightened slightly. Nani notice that quickly reply.

"He loses his coat all the time," Nani said casually, leaning back in his chair. "Figured it was easier to get him a few than hear him complain about the cold every other day."

Win, never one to let a teasing opportunity slip away, grinned. "Oh, you have no idea. Nani agonized over this. He rejected at least twenty other gifts before deciding on the coats."

Before Sky could react, Dew, sensing the shift in the conversation, swiftly stuffed a piece of food into Win's mouth. "That's enough from you." Win gave Win a pointed look before flashing a polite smile at Sky's family.

Sky's sister in law has her knowing smile deepened, but she didn't press further. Instead, she simply sipped her tea, watching them with amusement.

Sky felt like he had barely dodged a bullet. His family didn't know the truth about his feelings, but his sister in law... She was sharp. If anyone would notice first, it would be her.

And judging by the way she kept glancing between him and Nani, Sky had a feeling she already had.

Sky's family held tightly to tradition. His grandfather was Chinese, and with that came deeply rooted expectations, especially when it came to the younger generation's future partners. Marrying well, continuing the family name, and upholding their values, it all mattered.

If they ever found out that Sky had romantic feelings for Nani, another man, things might not end well.

Sky forced a smile and joined in the conversation, but a small knot of worry had settled deep in his chest.

As the night went on, Sky's brother decided it was the perfect opportunity to introduce Win and Dew to the family's traditional alcohol—strong, rich, and not for the weak-hearted.

"You're our guest," Sky's brother said with a grin, pouring them another round. "It would be rude not to drink with us."

Win, always up for a challenge, took the cup without hesitation. "I never say no to a drink."

Dew, on the other hand, looked at the deep amber liquid suspiciously but, not wanting to back down, followed Win's lead.

Nani shook his head, unimpressed. "You two are idiots."

Sky just sighed, knowing exactly where this was going. Sure enough, after several rounds of toasts, both Win and Dew were completely knocked out.

Sky's family, amused but considerate, decided to let them stay the night. His father ordered the house staff to prepare the guest room for them.

Sky's still family insisted that they stay for the night, but Nani, ever the responsible one, was trying to get them home, even though it was clear neither of his friends could move at this point.

"I think it's better if I take them home," Nani said, looking uncomfortable with the idea of staying the night at Sky's place. "I don't want to be a bother."

But Sky's family wouldn't hear of it.

"It's far too late, Nani," Sky's father said with a gentle but firm tone. "They're drunk, and we can't let you take care of them alone. It's only right that they stay here tonight."

Nani frowned. "But it might be uncomfortable for everyone here."

Sky's sister-in-law, who had been quietly observing, shook her head with a smile. "You're kind to worry, but it's better for everyone if they're taken care of here. It's not every day we get to host such dear friends of Sky's."

"Exactly." Sky's mother added with a warm nod. "Make yourself home. Don't worry about it."

Before Nani could protest further, the house staff stepped in, carefully moving Win and Dew to the guest room.

Nani stood there, still looking a bit reluctant, when Sky's sister-in-law turned to him. "You should stay in Sky's room for the night." she said with an innocent look. "It wouldn't be comfortable for you to sleep with two drunk people."

Nani's first instinct was to politely decline. "It's really not necessary. I can sleep somewhere else."

But Sky's sister-in-law wasn't having it. "No, no. It's really the best option. Sky, take care of your guest."

Sky led Nani to his room, not able to shake the nervous feeling settling in his stomach. He rummaged through his wardrobe for something that might fit Nani. After a moment, he grabbed a pair of pink pajamas.

"Here," Sky said, handing them to Nani. "This should fit."

Nani raised an eyebrow, looking at the pink pajamas with an incredulous stare. "Pink? Really?" He shot Sky a look, giving him a playful, yet questioning glare.

Even they get to spend a lot of time together, but Nani different expression still has a huge impact on Sky's innocent heart.

Sky blushed a little, his face flushed. "Uh, it was the only thing that would fit." He shifted awkwardly, hoping Nani didn't notice how flustered he was.

Nani, now looking slightly amused but still annoyed, grumbled something under his breath before walking into the bathroom.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door creaked open, and Sky's heart nearly skipped a beat. Nani walked out, wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist, droplets of water still clinging to his skin.

Sky's eyes widened in panic, his mind immediately going blank. He quickly turned away, his heart racing. "Uh... I-I'll just... wait outside," he stammered.

"What, you scared?" Nani could sense Sky's panic tease him slightly.

Sky's cheeks turned even redder as he rushed out of the room, unable to handle the situation. His mind raced, and his heart felt like it might burst out of his chest. It was all becoming too much.

Nani stood there, smirking at Sky's reaction, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You're fun when you're flustered, Sky."

Sky didn't answer. He just took a deep breath and leaned against the wall outside the room, trying to collect himself. Just one night, he repeated to himself, just one night...