The night outside was calm.
Stars blinked faintly above the city, and soft music drifted from the gala hall behind them.
Aiden stood quietly, looking out at the skyline. His breath was still a little uneven from earlier.
Yuuto stood beside him, unsure what to say.
He wanted to help. To comfort. But something inside him was unsettled — like touching something he couldn't see.
So he did the only thing he could.
He reached out… and gently took Aiden's hand.
Aiden froze.
Then slowly… his fingers curled around Yuuto's.
The world felt quiet again.
Just them.
The lights.
And the wind.
---
"You seem different tonight," Yuuto whispered.
Aiden looked at him, expression unreadable. "Different how?"
"Softer. Sadder. Like something's… chasing you."
Aiden looked away. "Maybe it is."
Yuuto held his hand tighter. "Then don't run alone."
Aiden turned back to him. His voice dropped.
"If I gave you my heart… what would you do with it?"
Yuuto was silent for a long time.
Then, softly:
"I think… I'd protect it."
---
Back inside the hotel—
The hotel owner stood near the ballroom's edge, watching the balcony through the glass.
He saw the way Yuuto held Aiden's hand.
The way Aiden leaned in close.
The way the tension between them no longer looked like confusion — but closeness.
He didn't speak.
But the smile on his lips was no longer charming.
It was cold.
> "So you've chosen again."
He turned to his assistant.
"Call the design team."
"Sir?"
"Say it's urgent. I want Yuuto transferred to the penthouse division. Under my supervision."
---
Later that night—
Yuuto walked Aiden to his private car.
Neither wanted to say goodbye.
Aiden leaned close, brushing his fingers against Yuuto's cheek.
"Thank you for coming tonight."
Yuuto nodded. "Thank you for inviting me."
They stood there, the air thick between them.
Then, as if the world paused—
Aiden leaned forward…
…just close enough to kiss…
…but Yuuto turned slightly.
Not because he didn't want it.
Because his heart was confused.
He smiled nervously. "Goodnight."
And left.
Aiden stood there, watching him walk away — just like in another life.
But this time…
He wouldn't let fate win.