For a while, there was silence, just the occasional rustling of blankets as they settled in. Then, Elian spoke.

“Taro.”

“Hm?”

“When do you get a break from work?”

Taro turned his head slightly. “Not anytime soon. Why?”

Elian sighed. “We should go to a restaurant together. I’ll treat you and Aunty Yumi.”

Taro chuckled. “Aunty Yumi, huh? You’re really getting comfortable.”

Elian smirked. “Of course. She’s basically my second mother.”

Taro hummed in amusement but didn’t reply. After a pause, Elian’s voice turned softer. “Is your job okay? Are you happy with it?”

Taro blinked at the unexpected question. “It’s… fine, I guess.”

Elian turned to face him fully. “Just ‘fine’? Do you want to do something else?”

Taro frowned slightly. “I mean, it’s stable, and I don’t hate it.”

Elian studied him for a moment before asking, “Would you ever consider coming with me?”

Taro’s breath hitched. “What?”

Elian’s expression was unreadable, but there was something serious in his gaze. “You don’t have to, but… if you ever wanted a change, I could help.”

Taro exhaled slowly, turning onto his side to face the wall. His voice was quieter when he spoke again. “Elian… I can’t.”

Elian blinked. “What do you mean?”

Taro sighed. “I’m the only one supporting this house. My mom and my sister depend on me. She’s still in school. If I left, who would take care of them?”

Elian didn’t respond immediately. He hadn’t thought about that. He had been so focused on their reunion that he forgot how much responsibility Taro carried on his shoulders.

“…That’s a lot for you to handle alone.”

Taro let out a soft chuckle. “Yeah, but that’s just how it is.”

Elian stared at the ceiling, suddenly feeling a little guilty for asking. He had everything—fame, fortune, freedom—while Taro had obligations he couldn’t walk away from.

“…Still,” Elian murmured, “if you ever need a way out, just tell me.”

Taro closed his eyes. “Thanks, Elian. But I don’t need an escape.”

Silence stretched between them again.

“…Goodnight, Elian.”

Elian chuckled lightly. “Goodnight, Taro.”

As the night deepened, both lay awake longer than they expected, each lost in their own thoughts.