The bus slowed down near the beachside hotel.

The sea waves crashed softly on the shore.

The sky had turned cloudy, and a light drizzle tapped against the windows.

A cool breeze came in, making Ren shift in his sleep.

He slowly opened his eyes, still feeling the warmth on his lips from earlier — the kiss he gave to Aki.

But as he looked beside him…

Aki was staring out the window, quiet, as if nothing happened.

Ren turned his face away.

> “Maybe it didn’t mean anything to him…”

Just like that, he started ignoring Aki again — just like before.

Aki felt it. His chest felt heavy.

The bus stopped.

Everyone got down.

Dai noticed Ren’s silence and walked beside him.

> “What’s wrong? You looked happy in the bus a while ago.”

Ren didn’t answer at first. But then… he stopped walking.

The sound of sea waves filled the silence.

> “I messed it up,” Ren said. “I kissed him… and now he’s avoiding me again.”

Dai looked at him, surprised.

> “Then go fix it, idiot. Don’t let it hang like that.”

Ren took a deep breath, turned, and walked back.

Aki was standing alone, near a tree, his bag still on his shoulder.

Ren walked up to him slowly.

> “Aki…” he said softly.

Aki looked at him.

Their eyes met — just like before.

> “I like you,” Ren said, his voice trembling slightly.

“I know I didn’t say it the right way. I kissed you in my sleep… and maybe it was stupid… but it was real. I mean it.”

Aki looked at him, silent.

The rain had stopped.

Only the sea remained, quietly crashing behind them.

> “I… want to be your boyfriend,” Ren continued. “Will you… go out with me?”

Aki looked down, then back at him.

> “No,” he said quietly.

Ren’s heart dropped. His lips parted slightly, breath caught.

But before he could say anything, Aki spoke again.

> “I mean… not now,” Aki said softly.

“It’s not a ‘no’ forever… I just… want to be friends first. Is that okay?”

Ren stared at him. He couldn’t stop the small smile forming on his lips.

> “Yeah,” he said. “I can wait.”

Aki smiled back — just a little.

Then one of their friends came running.

> “Come on!! Let’s go to the beach!”

Everyone ran to the shore.

Ren laughed and grabbed Aki’s wrist.

> “You’re coming too!”

Aki tried to protest, but before he knew it, Ren pushed him into the water.

> “Ren!!” Aki shouted, soaked.

Ren laughed out loud.

Everyone was laughing, splashing, chasing waves.

Even Aki — he laughed too.

For the first time, he felt light.

---

Later That Evening...

The group arrived at the beach hotel. It was beautiful — old but cozy.

The owner came out to greet them.

> “Welcome! I’m the father of Dai — so enjoy like home!”

Rooms were quickly divided.

Yuki and Aki were going to share… but Dai appeared.

> “Yuki, come with me,” he said, cheeks red. “Let’s share.”

Aki looked surprised but didn’t say anything.

Now, Ren and Aki were left to share the room.

Their room had one big window facing the sea, and two beds.

Night came. They changed into comfortable clothes.

Both sat on their beds in silence.

The moonlight came through the curtains.

Ren looked at Aki.

> “You know… you smile more when you’re with Yuki.”

Aki looked at him, surprised.

> “That’s because… I’ve known him since childhood.”

> “Hmm,” Ren mumbled. “I want to know you like that too.”

Aki didn’t reply.

A long pause.

Ren slowly stood up and walked over to Aki’s bed.

He sat beside him.

> “What were you like before transferring here?” he asked gently.

Aki looked down.

> “Quiet. Always in the music room. People ignored me mostly.”

> “They were stupid,” Ren said. “You’re… amazing.”

Aki turned to him, eyes shining a little.

Then Ren leaned in slowly.

Aki didn’t move.

Ren kissed him — soft and warm, just for a moment.

No one said anything.

Ren smiled after the kiss.

> “Good night.”

He stood and walked to his bed.

Aki touched his lips with his fingers.

> “Why… does my heart feel like this?”

He turned to the window and smiled to himself.

They both fell asleep — with soft hearts and silent hopes.

---

To be continued… 🌙🌊💙

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