---
The feast grew livelier as the night deepened. Laughter echoed, glasses clinked, and the employees slowly relaxed into the evening, swaying with the music and lingering by the dessert table.
Aiden stood near a corner, sipping juice quietly while observing the room. His eyes kept drifting back to Sion, who stood surrounded by board members yet still managed to throw him the occasional glance.
Sion was composed as ever, charming and calm—but Aiden could feel something beneath that polish. Something familiar. Something restless.
The thought twisted in his chest again.
Was he… Shinomi?
He wanted to ask. He really did.
But how could he?
What if he was wrong? What if he broke whatever strange, fragile connection they had by bringing up something Sion wouldn't understand?
So he chose a different path.
"Let's play a game!" one of the marketing girls called out as a group began gathering near the stage area. "Everyone take turns talking about their first love!"
Groans and laughs filled the space. Some people ducked out, but others eagerly joined.
To everyone's surprise, Aiden stepped forward. Sion, standing by the buffet now, raised an eyebrow.
Aiden took a breath. This wasn't about fun for him—it was a test.
"My first love…" Aiden began, his voice calm and low, "was someone who didn't even realize he was loved."
People laughed gently. Aiden continued.
"He was stubborn. Prideful. A little bit cold on the outside… but the kindest person I've ever known. He protected people like it was his purpose, even if it meant hurting himself."
Sion's hand—resting casually on the edge of a glass bowl—tensed slightly.
Aiden didn't stop.
"I first met him when I was at my lowest. And he stood in front of me, sword in hand, ready to protect me without asking who I was. Back then, I thought he was just annoying. Arrogant. But over time, I saw him for who he truly was."
A soft smile touched Aiden's lips, sad and nostalgic.
"He never let himself feel loved. No matter how much I tried. And in the end… I couldn't even say goodbye."
He glanced around. Some coworkers looked awkward. Others were blinking back tears. Sion… was watching him. Unmoving. His face unreadable.
"So yeah," Aiden concluded, "he was my first love. And maybe… my last."
A hush fell.
Someone tried to lighten the mood with a joke, and the crowd shifted, moving on to the next person. But Sion didn't laugh. His eyes didn't move from Aiden, not even once.
Aiden stepped down quietly, heart pounding. He wasn't sure what he expected—shock, confusion, denial…
But instead, Sion remained calm. Too calm.
He said nothing the entire evening.
---
Later that night, when most guests had left, Sion approached Aiden as he stood alone under the canopy lights.
"That story…" Sion said, voice quiet.
Aiden looked up. "Hm?"
"Must've been someone… unforgettable."
Aiden held his breath. "Yeah. He was."
Sion's lips curled into a strained smile.
"Lucky guy," he murmured—and walked away before Aiden could respond.
Aiden stared after him, pulse racing, trying to decide…
Was that jealousy? Or just good acting?
Either way, he was sure of one thing now:
Sion knew something.
---