Back in the car, Akira lay stretched on the leather seat, head resting gently on Aki’s lap. Aki absentmindedly ran his fingers through Akira’s hair, a faint smile on his lips. The night air was quiet; only the rhythm of breath and engine noise filled the space between them.

Akira looked up, his rose-red eyes searching Aki’s face with a sadness that lingered just beneath the surface.

Aki bent forward, kissed his fingers, and laid them gently on Akira’s lips. “Did you feel anything?”

There was a pause. Then Akira murmured, “Even if I can’t touch you anymore… even if I can’t feel you… something still beats inside me with every gesture you make.”

He turned his body slightly, lying sideways now in Aki’s lap. The soft city lights from outside the car window passed over his pale face in fleeting strokes of gold.

A few hours later, K returned to the vehicle, sliding into the driver’s seat. “Sorry to keep you waiting, boss. I delivered the message.”

Akira sat up slowly. “Good. Then if you’re done playing around…” he narrowed his eyes, “…take me home.”

“Yes, boss.”

As they drove, Aki leaned forward, poking Akira’s cheek teasingly. “Aww, is my baby still sulking?”

Akira didn’t respond, eyes fixed outside the window.

Aki tilted his head. “If you’re feeling lonely, why don’t you just get married? Find someone real to hold. Wouldn’t that be easier?”

Akira’s eyes snapped toward him. “I have no intention of getting married, okay? You’re enough for me. It doesn’t matter what form you’re in.”

The outburst lingered in the car’s silence.

K, stunned by the sudden shout, glanced at the rearview mirror—and froze.

In the mirror, he could see Aki, smiling gently… stroking Akira’s hair.

But when he turned around to look directly into the back seat—there was only Akira. Alone.

His breath caught in his throat. Eyes wide, he whispered under his breath, “Aki… how…?”