Nagomi clasped his sweaty hand together with Haruto, his heartbeat so loud that he feared, if it could be heard by the latter too. Sweat beads formed on his forehead as the anxiousness started to deluge him. 

His nerves rose with each breath he took but it didn't show in his face as he had a stoic expression on display. 

He took a deep breath and hoped that this year, too 'best song of the year award, has his name engraved on it. He was never the one to care for such materialistic recognition but this time it was different, he has Haru by his side now and who doesn't want to show his cool side to their lover. 

Haruto chuckled at his lover's antics and squeezed his hand a bit tighter, his way of saying that he was not alone. 

"Don't worry, it's going to be alright." 

It barely took those few words from Haru for Nagomi to feel his soul that almost had left his body, returning. 

The coldness from his body swept away and a newfound warmth engulfed his chest. 

He again took a deep breath but this time assuring himself that it will be okay just like Haruto said. 

"And the 'best song of the year' goes to...." 

The presenter paused before stating the name, everyone present in the show held their breath in the process. 

"XX by Sato Nagomi." 

The hall which was dead silent immediately roared with applause and the cheers of people. 

Nagomi stood up and bowed to everyone, stealing glances at Haruto who was grinning from his ear to ear. 

'It was worth it.'  

Nagomi thought to himself, before making his way towards the stage, bowing to and shaking hands with everyone on the way. 

After delivering his speech and expressing his warm appreciation towards everyone who has supported him, he went to his seat and gave a small smile to Haruto. 

After the award show, it was an after-show party, everyone attending the show had to attend it compulsory as it was also a chance to expand their connections and relationships with other public figures. 

Haruto having his dad too present in the show excused himself and went to his dad. 

Nagomi greeted a few guests and after receiving a few 'Congratulations', it was empty on his side. 

He searched for Haruto but soon halted his steps as he saw how Haruto was surrounded by so many people, given the fact his father had another circle of his own. 

He blended so easily with the crowd, it felt like he belonged there. 

Watching Haruto, sharing his ideas and values with so much confidence, made Nagomi realise how much of a social gap he and Haruto had been living on. 

He was someone with nothing more than his music, while Haruto without having to do anything was like a light attracting everyone towards him. 

He was a born leader. 

He was just a few steps away but the distance felt too far for Nagomi. 

He knew that Haruto was doing this for Nagomi and his career development but it didn't make loneliness inside him any smaller. 

'He has his circumstances, don't worry.' 

He tried to convince his inferior self.

Right now the achievement and the award meant nothing to him as his only was not by his side, smiling at him. 

'Come on Sato, it's nothing. You are used to being treated like a ghost. Nothing new.'
He said to himself, watching his lover having fun. 

He knew he had to change, he knew how much of a social butterfly Haruto was but all he wanted was him to be by his side.
He wanted Haru all for himself, he was being greedy and Nagomi hated that about himself.

After the party, Haruto drove back, Nagomi to his apartment. 

"Sato-san, I am staying over tonight." He announced, Nagomi not being in a good mood just nodded without giving it a thought. 

Maybe he too wanted Haruto to fill in the gap that he was feeling at the moment.

Haruto engulfed Nagomi in a back hug as soon as they entered, inside the room. 

He nuzzled his nose in Nagomi's Nape. 

"Congratulations, this was the first time I was with you when you won the award." 

He turned Nagomi towards him, cupping his cheeks in his hands. 

"I am so proud of you."
He touched Nagomi's forehead with his. 

"Then why didn't you congratulate me then and there?"
Nagomi meant to keep it inside but he subconsciously voiced it out. 

Haruto awkwardly scratched the back of his head. 

"Because I was not confident in myself." 

"Confident for what?" 

"In my self-control, after seeing you giving your speech in the presence of so many people but you having your eyes only on me. What if I had hugged you or kissed you there? You were too in-resistible." 

Nagomi gaped his mouth open. 

"Was that all?" 

Haruto had a perplexed look etched on his face. 

"Yeah, that's all?" He sounded uncertain.
"Was there something I had to look out for?" 
Nagomi chuckled at his lover's clueless face, standing on his toes he stretched towards Haruto, placing a kiss on his forehead. 

"No. It's not something you need to worry about."
He stated before wrapping his arms around Haruto, the latter followed the same half-confused and half-convinced.

'There will come so many happenings and misunderstandings as today but it will be okay as long as we are together and happy.'