Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Birds chirped softly outside the hotel.

All the boys came out of their rooms, fresh and ready for breakfast. The mood was bright — some were sleepy, others excited about their beach plans.

At the breakfast table, Aki quietly poured himself a cup of tea.

Just then, Yuki came and sat beside him.

> “Aki…” Yuki said, voice gentle.

“I was a little sad yesterday… you didn’t share the room with me. But it’s okay. It’s not like we won’t get to spend time together.”

Aki smiled a little.

> “Yeah… I was also hoping to talk with you more…”

Before the moment could grow warmer, Ren suddenly appeared. His expression unreadable.

He came straight to them and stood between their chairs.

Then, without warning, he placed his hand on Aki’s shoulder and pulled him slightly toward himself.

> “Actually,” Ren said sharply, “I have plans with Aki today.”

“We’re classmates, so we should spend more time together. You’re childhood friends, right? You can talk later.”

The words felt sharp. Yuki looked away.

Aki looked surprised but said nothing.

Just then, Dai came skipping in with his usual cheerful grin.

> “Guys! Don’t fight,” he laughed. “Let Aki and Yuki go together! In fact—” he looked at Yuki, “I wanted to give you a surprise!”

Yuki blinked.

> “Surprise?”

> “Yeah! I’ll take you on a mini tour of this hotel — my dad’s property. It’s got secret spots you’ve never seen.”

Yuki smiled. Aki looked at him and nodded.

> “Let’s go,” Aki said.

---

✨ Around the Town

Aki and Yuki spent the day walking through the old streets near the hotel. They tasted local sweets, bought tiny souvenirs, and laughed while trying weird flavored ice creams.

At one corner, they found a hidden waterfall, tucked behind a rock garden. Aki reached into the cool water, smiling like a child.

> “This place is so peaceful,” Aki said.

“It reminds me of how things used to be. Simple.”

> “You’ve always liked quiet places,” Yuki replied.

Later, as the sun dipped low, they bought two cones of mint-choco ice cream and sat near the seaside.

Waves crashed softly.

A warm breeze blew over them.

---

🌙 That Night by the Sea

The sky had turned dark. The moon shone bright, casting a silver glow over the ocean.

Aki and Yuki sat on a stone bench, their legs stretched forward, eyes on the horizon.

There was silence — the good kind.

Then suddenly…

Aki turned to Yuki.

His eyes were soft. Vulnerable.

> “Yuki…” he said slowly, “Do you remember the day I told Ren we weren’t that close…?”

Yuki nodded.

Aki looked down.

> “I said that… not because I didn’t care… but because I thought…”

“I thought he and Huru made a better pair. She was always with him. She looked like his type. And I… I didn’t feel like I belonged.”

Yuki listened, calm and quiet.

> “So I tried to step back,” Aki continued, voice shaky.

“I tried to make it easier by pushing him away. But instead… he completely ignored me. It hurt more than I expected.”

He turned to Yuki, eyes shining.

> “But now… after today… after spending this time with you…”

“I feel something I’ve never felt before.”

He leaned closer.

And then—he kissed Yuki.

Softly.

Not in panic. Not in fear.

But with warmth.

With meaning.

Yuki’s eyes widened… but he kissed back. Slowly, gently.

Aki whispered against his lips,

> “I love you, Yuki. I really do.”

Yuki smiled faintly.

> “I love you too, Aki.”

They stayed like that — sharing the warmth of their hearts in the quiet night.

No noise. No past. No confusion.

Just them.

---

🏨 Later That Night...

They walked back to the hotel.

Most boys were asleep, the hallways dark.

Inside the room, Aki and Yuki sat close, their hands still tangled.

No words needed anymore.

Yuki gently touched Aki’s face.

Aki closed his eyes.

Their lips met again — this time deeper, longer.

They spent the night curled up beside each other, talking quietly, laughing softly.

The walls of hesitation had finally melted.

---

To be continued… 🌙💙

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