Yuuto stood in the shower far longer than necessary. The hot water hit his skin, but it didn't wash away the guilt.
He had kissed Lucas.
No—Lucas kissed him… but he didn't stop it.
He'd told himself it was nothing. That it was a moment of weakness. But now, every time he closed his eyes, he felt Lucas's lips again. That wicked smile. Those hands that felt like temptation.
And Aiden… Aiden was in the next room, humming softly while cooking breakfast, wearing one of Yuuto's bunny-print aprons like it was perfectly normal for a CEO to look that domestic.
Yuuto gripped the edge of the sink and stared into the mirror.
I don't deserve him.
Aiden looked up as Yuuto entered the kitchen. "You okay? You look flushed."
"I just… didn't sleep well," Yuuto said, forcing a smile.
Aiden leaned in, brushing his fingers down Yuuto's cheek. "Was it the nightmares again? Or… something else?"
Yuuto opened his mouth to lie.
But he couldn't.
"I kissed Lucas."
Silence.
Aiden froze, his smile dropping, his fingers still on Yuuto's face.
Yuuto quickly added, "He kissed me first. I didn't… I didn't plan for it. I was confused. Angry. You were gone, and—"
"Do you love him?" Aiden asked softly, with terrifying calm.
"No." Yuuto's voice cracked. "I love you. But it scared me. Because when he kissed me, I didn't feel nothing."
Aiden turned away, his back trembling as he reached for the kettle.
"I'm not mad," he said after a long pause. "I knew this would happen someday. I knew someone would fall for you. And maybe… someone stronger. Healthier. Who could promise you more than ten years."
"Stop," Yuuto said, grabbing his hand. "Don't you dare talk like that."
Aiden looked at him, eyes filled with something unreadable. Not sadness. Not anger.
Resignation.
"I don't blame you. Lucas is persistent. And if I were him… I'd probably do the same."
Yuuto's heart ached. "Then fight for me."
Aiden finally pulled him in, kissed him slowly, deeply. "I will. Even if my time is short… I'll fight for every second with you."
But as they held each other, neither of them noticed the phone buzzing on the table.
Lucas had sent a message.
> You feel it too, don't you? This thing between us. I'm not giving up, Yuuto. Not now.
And somewhere, deep inside, Yuuto wasn't sure he wanted him to stop.