The early morning sun peeked through the thin curtains of the hotel room. Soft golden light spilled across the bed where Ren and Akki lay — not too far, but not too close either.

Akki opened his eyes slowly, feeling the warmth on his skin. His heart still carried the gentle shock of last night — the way Ren leaned near him, whispered in his sleep, and kissed his neck. But he didn’t move. He wanted to believe maybe… just maybe… it was real.

Ren was still asleep, his chest rising and falling softly. His headphones were lying on the blanket. Akki sat up quietly, brushing his fingers through his own messy hair. What did that kiss mean? Was he dreaming? Or did Ren… actually mean it?

Just then, Ren stirred.

"You're up," Akki said, looking away toward the window.

Ren rubbed his eyes and gave a light nod. "Yeah... slept too well."

Akki stood up, pretending to look for his phone. But he was hiding the blush blooming on his cheeks. Ren watched him from behind.

“About last night,” Ren said suddenly.

Akki froze.

“…Did I do something weird?” Ren asked, looking serious now.

Akki turned slowly, heart pounding. “You don’t remember?”

Ren blinked. “Not exactly. I remember... listening to music. Then I think I said something in my sleep? Did I say something stupid?”

Akki looked down at his hands. He smiled faintly. “Yeah. Something like that.”

Ren frowned, a bit nervous. “Tell me.”

“You said you love me,” Akki said quietly, eyes still not meeting Ren’s.

Silence filled the room.

Ren sat up straighter, voice softer now. “Do you believe it?”

Akki didn’t answer right away. Then he whispered, “Do you mean it?”

Before Ren could say anything else, a knock came on the door. “Breakfast time!” Dai’s voice called.

Akki stepped away. “Let’s get ready.”

Ren nodded, watching him go toward the bathroom. His heart was thumping.

---

Later at the Hotel’s Breakfast Hall

All the boys were chatting and laughing at the long wooden table. Yuki came beside Akki with a cheerful grin. “Hey! You didn’t look too sleepy today. Did something good happen?”

Ren, sitting across, narrowed his eyes. Yuki again.

Akki smiled awkwardly. “Not really…”

Yuki leaned in. “Wanna explore the waterfall trail today? Dai told me there’s a secret spot behind it.”

Ren stood up suddenly. “Actually, I was thinking of going with Akki today. We didn’t get to do much yesterday.”

Everyone looked at them.

Yuki raised a brow. “You sure? I thought you were joining the beach team?”

Ren smiled slightly. “Plans change.”

Akki looked confused but didn’t say anything.

---

Later That Day – On the Waterfall Trail

Ren and Akki walked together in silence, shoes crunching over the dirt path. The air was cool and smelled of forest and flowers.

“I wanted to say something earlier,” Ren said.

Akki kept walking. “What?”

“I remember everything from last night,” Ren said. “The kiss. The words. All of it. I wasn’t asleep.”

Akki stopped walking.

Ren stepped closer. “I was scared… that you’d reject me. That maybe I messed everything up again. But… I’ve always felt something for you.”

Akki looked into his eyes. “Then why did you act like nothing happened?”

“Because I didn’t know if you wanted it,” Ren replied softly. “I didn't want to hurt you more.”

Akki’s eyes softened. “I did want it.”

A soft breeze passed. The silence between them now wasn’t heavy — it was warm.

Ren smiled. “Then let’s stop pretending.”

Akki nodded.

---

[To be continued in Chapter 20...]