Chapter 22

As usual, Nani was in his office, even though most of the staff had already left for the day. His two completely useless friends, Win and Dew, were lounging in his office as if they had nothing better to do.

While working, Nani couldn't help but thought how animated Sky became whenever he talked about architecture, far more than when discussing business, the course he was actually studying. The thought lingered in Nani's mind. He wanted to ask about it, but hesitation held him back. If Sky truly loved architecture, shouldn't he be studying what he was passionate about?

Without looking up from his work, Nani spoke. "Win, you love teasing people because it's what makes you happy, right? And Dew, you enjoy staying quiet because you like observing everything around you." He paused, then continued, "So tell me, is it weird for someone studying business to love talking about architecture instead?"

Win and Dew exchanged glances, sensing the weight behind Nani's seemingly casual question.

Win leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "So, what's the deal? You suddenly care about what Sky likes? That's very... boyfriend-like of you."

Nani shot him a glare, but Win just grinned wider. "Relax, I'm just saying. It's cute. You're cute."

"Win." Nani's voice carried a warning, but before he could throw something at him, Win's teasing expression faded slightly, turning more thoughtful.

"Look." Win said, more seriously this time. "If he really loves architecture, maybe you should ask him about it. I mean, it's his life. Maybe he just needs someone to tell him it's okay to want something different."

Nani leaned back in his chair, staring at his laptop screen, though his mind was elsewhere. Was Sky really just going along with what was expected of him? Would he even consider changing paths?

Nani's Condo

Nani let out a long sigh, staring at the two unwanted guests who had shamelessly invited themselves over. He had planned for a peaceful night with Sky, maybe even some alone time, but instead, here they were, Win and Dew, making themselves right at home in his condo.

Sky, of course, didn't seem to mind. He had even brought food from his father's restaurant, setting everything up neatly on the coffee table while Nani sulked on the couch.

Win clapped his hands together. "Alright! Movie time! I'm picking."

Nani groaned. "That's exactly why I don't want you here."

Win ignored him and scrolled through the movie options until he landed on a detective thriller. "Oh! This one has amazing reviews. Super intense, lots of twists...."

Sky perked up. "I love mystery movies."

Dew simply nodded, settling in comfortably.

Nani just shrugged, too tired to argue. "Fine. But if you get scared, don't scream in my ear."

Win scoffed. "Me? Scared? Please."

40 Minutes Later...

A blood-curdling scream echoed in the room.

It wasn't from the movie. It was from Win.

Win was clutching Sky's arm so tightly that Sky looked mildly concerned. His wide eyes were glued to the screen, but the moment a sudden jump scare happened, he let out another high-pitched yelp and buried his face against Sky's shoulder.

Sky blinked, torn between amusement and mild discomfort. "Uh... Win? You okay?"

"I just wasn't expecting that!" Win tried to defend himself, but his grip on Sky didn't loosen.

Nani shot him an unimpressed look. "So much for 'I don't get scared.'"

Dew, on the other hand, was completely unbothered, calmly chewing his food. "This is the third time you've screamed."

Win waved him off. "No, no. That last one was different. It caught me off guard!"

Sky tried to gently pry his hand away. "Win, I can't feel my arm."

Win immediately clung harder. "I'm your boyfriend's friend! Protect me!"

Nani exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Unbelievable." He reached forward, grabbed a pillow, and smacked Win in the face with it. "Let go of Sky, you coward."

Win gasped dramatically, finally releasing Sky. "You don't get it, Nani! That scene was terrifying!"

Dew finally spoke, completely deadpan. "It was a shadow."

"An ominous shadow" Win corrected.

As the movie continued, Sky leaned closer to Nani, subtly resting his head on his shoulder. Nani glanced down at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. Maybe their alone time was ruined, but at least Sky was here, right where he belonged.

The movie had long since ended, leaving only the soft hum of the credits rolling in the background.

Win was sprawled out on one end of the couch, one leg dangling off the edge, his mouth slightly open as he snored. Dew, as composed as ever, was sitting upright, arms crossed, his head tilted slightly downward as he dozed off.

And then there was Nani, curled up on the other side of the couch, his head resting against the cushions. Unlike the others, he looked peaceful, his usual sharp features softened in sleep.

Sky, however, was still awake. He had been watching them for a while, debating whether he should wake them up or let them sleep there for the night. But when he glanced at Nani again, his chest tightened with something warm.

Quietly, he leaned over and shook Nani's shoulder gently. "Nani... wake up."

Nani groaned, shifting slightly but not opening his eyes.

Sky sighed. "You'll hurt your back sleeping here."

Nani barely cracked an eye open, looking at Sky through heavy lids. "Carry me."

Sky blinked. "What?"

Nani stretched his arms lazily, then let them fall back down. "You heard me. If you want me to move, carry me." His voice was groggy.

Sky glanced at Win and Dew, still completely passed out. He sighed, shaking his head.

Nani hummed in response, clearly thinking the conversation was over and that he could just sleep there.

Sky reached for Nani's hand, gently guiding it up and around his neck. Nani instinctively let his arms drape over Sky's shoulders, still not fully awake.

Then, without hesitation, Sky leaned down, wrapped one arm around Nani's back, and slid the other under Nani's leg to wrap around his waist.

In one smooth motion, he lifted him up. Nani blinking his eyes open a little more. "Huh?"

Sky adjusted his grip, effortlessly holding Nani against his chest. "You told me to carry you, didn't you?" Nani huffed, resting his forehead against Sky's shoulder. "Didn't think you'd actually do it..."

Sky chuckled, shifting Nani's weight slightly as he made his way toward the bedroom. "You really underestimate me sometimes."

As he reached the doorway, he heard a sleepy mumble from the couch.

"...Did Sky jus carry Nani?" Win's voice was groggy, still half-asleep.

Dew barely stirred. "Go back to sleep."

Win let out a tired chuckle before go back to sleep because of Dew pull. "Damn... wish I recorded that."

Sky ignored them, pushing open the bedroom door with his foot before softly setting Nani down onto the bed. Nani grumbled, shifting under the covers as Sky pulled them up over him.

Just as Sky was about to step back, Nani caught his wrist, his grip weak but firm enough to stop him.

"Stay." Nani murmured, eyes barely open. Sky's lips curled into a fond smile as he slid under the covers beside him.

Sky held Nani close, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. The warmth of Nani's body against his own was comforting, but it didn't stop his thoughts from spiraling.

His business course was almost over. Soon, he would have to make a choice, one that had been weighing on him for years.

Architecture.

It was what he had always loved, what he had always wanted to do.

But the last time he brought it up, it had ended in a fight. Back then, Sky had backed down. He had swallowed his dreams, convinced himself that maybe his father was right. That maybe following the path laid out for him was the safer choice. But he doesn't want to run anymore.

But What if his father never accepted it? What if choosing architecture meant losing the approval he had spent his whole life trying to earn?

His grip on Nani tightened slightly, as if grounding himself in the present. Nani felt the shift in Sky's grip, the subtle tension that told him that Sky was still caught up in the whirlwind of his thoughts.

"Sky" Nani whispered, his voice soothing yet firm. He pressed his forehead gently against Sky's, their breaths mingling as he spoke. "You're overthinking again."

"Sleep now, Sky. Whatever happens tomorrow, we'll face it together. There's nothing to worry about. I'm here with you."

Sky's breath hitched for a moment, then slowly, he let go of the weight on his chest, closing his eyes as Nani's steady presence enveloped him. The warmth of Nani's embrace, the steady pulse of his heart, became the anchor he needed. With a final deep breath, Sky allowed himself to relax.