Chapter 21

Everything gradually returned to normal, but one thing was clear, Nani's mood was noticeably better. Not just better, but significantly improved, to the point that the entire company took notice. The once-icy atmosphere in the office had warmed, and the employees quickly figured out the reason behind their boss's sudden shift in temperament.

Word spread fast, and before Sky even realized what was happening, some employees had started bringing him snacks and drinks as tokens of appreciation. At first, he was confused, but then one of them grinned and said. "Thank you for keeping our boss in a good mood. You don't know how terrifying he gets when he's not."

Sky blinked, feeling embarrassment. "You're all exaggerating." he said politely, trying to downplay the situation.

But the employees shook their heads. "Not at all! You're the only one who isn't scared of him."

Sky sighed, sipping the drink they handed him. Was Nani really that bad?

As he glanced toward Nani, who was currently sitting in his office with a calm expression, Sky couldn't help but chuckle. Guess I really do have some kind of magic touch.

Sky walked into the office, placing Nani's breakfast on his desk with a casual thud. Nani barely glanced up, just lifting his face slightly to flash Sky a quick, almost absentminded smile before turning his attention back to his work.

And just like that, Sky's heart skipped a beat. Again.

It was ridiculous how easily Nani could do this to him, how a single, effortless smile could send his heart into chaos. Sky scowled at himself, annoyed by his own reaction.

Clearing his throat Sky pout slightly. "At least pretend to be grateful. I waked up early to made it for you."

Nani, still focused on his work, hummed. "Mm, thanks."

Sky narrowed his eyes. "That's it? Just 'mm, thanks'?"

Finally, Nani set his pen down, looking up at him with a smirk. "Would you rather I repay you with a kiss?"

Sky's face heated instantly. "Wha—who said anything about that?!"

Nani chuckled, amused. "Then sit down and eat with me."

Sky huffed but took a seat anyway, pretending not to notice the way Nani's gaze softened just a little when he did.

After finishing their meal, Sky pushed his chair back, ready to head to the restaurant, helping out where he could, making sure everything was running smoothly. But lately, things felt different.

He didn't have to do deliveries anymore. Not because he had chosen to stop, but because someone sitting in this very room had decided for him. Nani had arranged for extra staff, paying them himself to take over Sky's usual tasks.

And the worst part? His father had accepted it.

Sky still couldn't wrap his head around it. His father, the same man who had always been stubborn about Sky learning the business the hard way, had welcomed Nani's interference. His entire family had, in fact. They listened to Nani, agreed with him, trusted him in ways that unsettled Sky. Since when did they take Nani's word as law?

Sky was still frowning over it when Nani suddenly stepped closer. Before he could react, he felt the warmth of soft lips press against his cheek. His breath hitched, body freezing on instinct.

When Nani pulled back, he was holding out a bag.

"Get ready before seven." he said casually, as if nothing had just happened.

Sky blinked, looking down at the bag in confusion. It was light, the fabric inside crisp and smooth beneath his fingers. He didn't even have to open it to know it was something expensive.

"Wait—where are we going?" but before he could get an answer, a sharp knock echoed through the office.

Liza poked her head in. "Khun Nani, it's time for your next meeting."

Nani barely spared Sky another glance before turning away, already shifting into work mode. And just like that, he was gone.

Sky let out an exasperated sigh, staring at the bag in his hands.

--

As the clock neared seven, Nani arrived at the restaurant to pick up Sky. But this time, he wasn't behind the wheel, his driver was.

Sky stepped outside, tugging at the cuffs of the suit Nani had chosen for him. The crisp white jacket, paired with black trousers, fit him perfectly. The subtle gleam of luxury jewelry at his wrist added an air of elegance that felt unfamiliar. Gone was the usual carefree energy he carried. Instead, his reflection in the car's window showed someone sharp, refined almost unrecognizable.

Sky caught Nani staring, his gaze unwavering, unreadable.

"Huh?" Sky raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the way Nani's eyes roamed over him, like he was seeing something for the first time.

Nani didn't answer. He just smirked slightly and gestured toward the car. "Let's go."

They arrived at a five-star hotel, its grand entrance illuminated by golden lights. Staff greeted them with polite bows as they stepped inside.

Sky followed Nani toward the elevator, but something in his gut felt off. He didn't even know why he was here, dressed like this, being led somewhere without a single explanation.

Sensing the slight hesitation in Sky's steps, Nani reached out and took his hand—firm, steady.

Sky looked at their joined hands, warmth spreading through his chest. "Where are we going?" he asked, voice quieter than before.

Nani glanced at him but gave nothing away. "You'll know when we get there."

The elevator ride was silent, except for the occasional soft chime as they passed each floor. And then, ding. The doors slid open to reveal the top floor, where one of the hotel's most exclusive restaurants awaited them.

As they stepped out, a cheerful voice called out. "P'Nani!"

A young woman waved excitedly from across the room. Beside her sat an older woman, elegant and poised, her warm smile directed at Nani though Sky didn't miss the slight surprise in her eyes when she saw him.

Before he could process anything, the young woman practically threw herself at Nani, wrapping her arms around him.

Nani chuckled, patting her head gently. Nani turned to the older woman next, leaning down to embrace her with a warmth that softened the sharp edges of his usual demeanor.

And then, finally, they all took their seats.

Prim smirked as she looked between them. "You didn't mention you were bringing company tonight."

Nani leaned back, completely at ease. "Mom said that she wanted to meet the owner of that pearl-yellow mug," he said, voice calm but carrying weight. He glanced at Sky. "Mom, Here he is. Ask him whatever you want."

Sky stiffened.

The air shifted instantly.

Prim's eyes widened in realization. She had heard bits and pieces about her brother's "special person" from Win, but she never expected to meet him tonight. And certainly not like this.

Sky swallowed, suddenly feeling the weight of their stares. What the hell did I just walk into?

Nani's mother had always been a woman of grace and composure. She rarely showed surprise, and when she did, it was always fleeting masked behind the poised demeanor of someone who had seen and handled everything life had thrown at her.

This, she hadn't expected.

Her son, her heartless, impossible to read son had finally introduced someone special. And that someone was a man.

An innocent-looking man.

She had imagined many things about the kind of person who could soften her son's sharp edges. Perhaps a powerful business partner, someone who could match Nani in wit and control. Maybe an heiress from a prominent family, someone raised in the same world of power and expectations.

But this boy?

This boy, with his bright eyes and hesitant fidgeting, looked like he had no idea how deeply he had tangled himself in Nani's world.

Prim, catching onto the tension, leaned in with a teasing smile, trying to lighten the mood. "P'Nani, you didn't tell me your special someone was this cute."

Nani exhaled a small laugh, but his mother remained silent, still watching Sky.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she spoke.

"So, you're the one."

Sky straightened. "S-Sorry?"

She smiled "The one who made my son act out of character."

Sky glanced at Nani, who was casually sipping his wine, entirely unaffected by the weight of the moment. Sky didn't know what to say. He didn't even know what she was thinking. But what he did know was that he had just stepped into something far bigger than himself.

Nani finally dropped his hand around Sky's waist, a silent reassurance, a way of telling him that everything was okay, that he was here, right beside him. He could feel the tension in Sky's body, the slight stiffness in his posture, the way his fingers subtly clenched against his lap.

He knew his mother too well.

She was going to play with Sky, test him, push him just enough to see if he would back down.

And she didn't wait long to start.

"Well," she sighed, setting down her glass and folding her hands together. "I suppose I should be honest with you, Sky." Her voice was calm, controlled, yet there was an edge to it. "I can't say I approve of this... relationship."

Sky's breath hitched. He had expected something like this, but hearing it out loud still made his heart pound.

For a brief second, hesitation flashed in Sky's eyes. The easiest thing to do would be to lower his head, apologize, and tell her that he understood. That he would step away if that's what she wanted.

But that wasn't the truth.

He swallowed hard, bracing himself, and finally spoke.

"I..." He paused, gathering his thoughts, before looking straight at her. "I know that Nani seems scary to a lot of people. I thought so too, at first. But he's not heartless." His voice was steady despite the nervous shake in his hands. "He cares. He cares more than people realize. He just doesn't show it in the way most people expect."

Nani's mother raised an eyebrow, intrigued, while Prim leaned in, clearly entertained.

Sky took a deep breath and continued, "If you're really against this... if you truly don't want me by his side, I won't go against you." His voice was softer now, but firm. "But I won't leave just because I'm scared. I'll only step away if Nani tells me to. Because....." he swallowed "he's the only person I listen to. And he's the only person I'll love for the rest of my life."

A beat of silence.

Then—laughter.

Prim was the first to break, covering her mouth as she giggled. Nani's mother, after a long moment of studying Sky, finally let out an amused chuckle herself. Nani smirked, shaking his head slightly.

"Well." she mused, picking up her glass again, "at least I know my son has found someone who isn't easily scared away."

Sky, still catching his breath from the moment, blinked in confusion before realizing, she had never actually been serious.

He turned to glare at Nani, who only smiled in return, pulling Sky a little closer. "You did well."

Sky huffed again, his face burning, but deep inside, warmth bloomed in his chest. Because despite how terrifying the moment had been, he had stood his ground. And Nani had never been prouder.

Nani's mother continued with a warm smile "I'm sorry, you must be really nervous."

Sky let out a small breath, realizing he had been holding it. Before he could respond, Prim leaned in, eyes full of mischief.

"How does someone as heartless as my brother manage to find someone who adores him like this?" she teased, laughing.

Nani rolled his eyes but didn't let go of Sky's waist. "Maybe because I'm not as heartless as you all think." His mother chuckled, watching the way her son looks at Sky.

As they finished their dinner, Prim and Sky had already become fast friends. Their lively energy matched so well that by the end of the night, Prim was eagerly asking for Sky's contact, much to Nani's quiet amusement.

On the way back, Nani and Sky sat in the back of the car, the city lights flickering past the tinted windows. As they passed a late-night convenience store, Sky suddenly perked up.

"Nani, I want ice cream."

Nani barely reacted, just signal the driver to pull over. Sky hopped out of the car excitedly, and of course Nani followed after him without a word.

Inside the store, Sky carefully selected two ice creams, vanilla for himself and chocolate for Nani, knowing his favorite by heart. He even grabbed one for the driver, flashing a bright smile as he handed it over.

Then, instead of getting back into the car, Sky pulled Nani toward a bench near the beach across from the store. They sat there, the breeze gently rolling in, the night quiet. Sky licked his ice cream slowly before speaking.

"Thank you."

Nani glanced at him. "For what?"

"For bringing me to meet your mom... even though I almost passed out from the pressure." Sky admitted with a small, nervous laugh.

Nani chuckled at his words, shaking his head before reaching for Sky's hand. He held it loosely, rubbing his thumb over the back of Sky's hand in a way that was both comforting and grounding.

"To be honest," Nani murmured, "I don't really care if she accepts us or not. I just wanted you to feel special... to know that I brought you to meet my family because you are special to me. That's all."

Sky looked up at him, his eyes glassy, as if he was about to cry again.

Nani sighed, squeezing his hand. "Because I'm afraid... afraid that someone here will think I'm just playing with him."

Sky narrowed his eyes. "Are you talking about me?"

Nani smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Who else?"

Sky rolled his eyes dramatically, taking another bite of his ice cream. "Wow, so this whole thing" he waved his spoon in the air like he was presenting a grand performance "was just one big game to you, huh?"

Nani raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin playing on his lips. "Yep. A game where the prize is my undying attention. Tough competition, huh?"

Sky's eyes widened in mock offense. "Undying attention? Oh, I see. So you're just waiting for the day when you get bored of me, huh?"

Nani let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. "Not gonna happen. I'm stuck with you now."

Sky smirked, leaning back slightly. "Yeah? Well, I hope you're ready to lose the game, because I plan on being impossible to get rid of."