We became closer after that day. Then, started going out more until he won my heart.

I haven't told him yet, but he's already convinced that's how I felt. And now, he's trying to win Kaiden, too.

In the hospital room, there were several gift boxes containing clothes and other items a teenager might want.

Kaiden got pulled out for a moment for some tests before we even got here, so Akio and I are alone, waiting for him to come back.

And the room that once smelled like alcohol and medicine now smells like Akio.

"Your skin feels softer today." He mumbled while pecking my cheek, his arms loosely hugging my waist as we sat on the bench in the corner.

The butterflies in my stomach danced as I felt his breath on my ear. I pushed him a little, but only nuzzled my cheek.

The door suddenly opened, and I pushed him hard. He slammed into the wall, and he hit his head, creating a blunt sound.

I tried to act normally in front of Kaiden, who had just arrived.

"Hey buddy," I greeted, hugging his head so he'd stop staring at Akio, who was groaning in pain.

"What are you guys doing in here?" He scanned the room and then saw the pile of gifts; he smiled and went closer to them, kneeling as he picked up the tiniest one. "What are these?" His eyes sparkled.

"I don't know—find out?" I said, sitting on the bed.

He glanced at Akio, who's now standing beside me. Akio only nodded at him, telling him to go on.

Kaiden almost dove into them. Every time he opens a new one, his smile grows bigger.

It fills my heart to see him happy, and I don't have to spend a lot on them either.

Akio tapped an envelope on my shoulder and handed it to me.

When I opened it, my stomach dropped.

It was a scholarship form for Kaiden. His name sat right beside the gold emblem of Luxbury Academy of the Arts, one of those elite places that looked more like a museum than a school. Under "Sponsor" was Akio's name. The tuition listed below made my throat dry.

When I looked up at him, he was already staring at me. Kaiden was too busy, so I pulled Akio into the bathroom and shut the door behind us.

"You paid for this?"

He had his handsome smile plastered on his face. Then, his arms snaked around my waist as he pulled me closer.

"Yes," he replied. "Still part of my apology."

I pushed him away in embarrassment. I don't know why he's been doing these things.

The only reason I could think of is that he's been interested in me since we met at the club.

"Akio," I started, not looking into his almond eyes. "You should stop this. We could be friends... or anything else but—"

"But what?"

"We've only even known each other for a month. I no longer have any idea what this is about. You already gave me things costing more than what I needed."

There was a moment of silence, and he only breathed quietly while mine could be heard from outside.

"A-and," I stuttered, straightening my posture. "What if you got tired of us? I can't pay this back."

He finally smiled, his hand ruffled my hair as I tried not to glance back at him.

"Aiden. Don't worry." He kissed my lips softly, and I could only close my eyes. His hands held my waist, gripping it as if he wanted something more than this. 

But he just hugged me tight, with his chin resting on my shoulder as we swayed gently, as if he was cradling me to sleep.

"Seeing you smile is more than enough for me. That's how you give back." Then, he pinched my lips together. "If you smile more often, you'll put me in debt, so take it easy."

He kissed me one last time before leaving me in the bathroom.

I sighed, walked to the sink, and washed my face, trying not to overthink his kindness.

This could have been better if only I had known his motive. But he hasn't said a thing. 

And now, I'm dropping my guard. Even the tiniest things he does throw me off.

"Akio..." I groaned his name, covering my face as I chuckled silently.

Whatever. As long as it doesn't kill us, I'll play along.

When I went out, they were already goofing around, both wearing animal hats from one of the gifts.

Kaiden had a rabbit hat pulled low over his ears, the floppy ends bouncing as he laughed. Akio, of course, wore the wolf one, pretending to chase him around the room with a growl that made Kaiden squeal and hide behind the bed.

They both turned when they noticed me. Kaiden grinned widely beneath his twitching rabbit ears, and Akio was smiling too.

Something about the sight hit me all at once. Does this really look like something that could harm us?

"Wear this." Akio pulled a deer hat over my head. He got his phone from his pocket and turned on his camera, locking me in place by placing his arm over my shoulders. "Come here, Kaiden." We waited for Kaiden to settle beside me.

Kaiden stumbled a bit, and we laughed—and Akio snapped a photo before we could even stop.

"Hey! I wasn't ready," I complained, fixing my hat into place.

He smirked as he stared at the picture, then showed it to us.

We looked genuinely happy.

It was the most beautiful photo of Kaiden and me together.

I asked him to send it to me, and it's been my wallpaper ever since.

"You really love my face in that photo."

I flinched when I felt something cold touch my cheek. Akio chuckled, setting my iced coffee on the table as he sat down across from me.

We were now on a "date" at a café near the hospital—Kaiden included, of course.

He's now sipping his hot caramel coffee as he glares at both of us.

"Hey. This is getting suspicious." Kaiden squinted his eyes. "What's with you two? Are you guys in a gay relationship?"

I almost choked on my coffee. "Hey, you—" I groaned, scanning the café to see who heard.

My hand was about to hit him when he snickered. Akio just hid his face behind a book he grabbed from the shelf, but his shoulders were shaking from trying to hide his laughter.

I went nearer to Kaiden and gave his lips a light tap. "You might accidentally offend people, so keep your voice low."

"No. I am serious." He pointed at Akio. "Do you like my brother?"

"I do," Akio answered without a moment of thinking. He sipped his coffee while looking straight into my eyes.

My cheeks flushed, and I squirmed internally, caught up in the intensity of that gaze.

This person is becoming increasingly bold each day. It's as if he's not afraid of being rejected.

"Kaiden, do you want to go to school?" Akio dropped it. The reason we're here at the cafe is to make this announcement more special for Kaiden.

I looked at Kaiden, who's now looking speechless and confused.

"Can I?" Then, he stared at me with hopeful eyes. I signalled for him to look back at Akio.

"I'm offering you a scholarship to learn how to paint in Luxbury," Akio smirked. "In one condition." He grinned menacingly. I groaned, knowing he wouldn't say anything good. "Give me your blessing. I want your brother."

It feels like my seat has gotten warmer, and I don't know where to look. I never knew he wanted the announcement to be this way. I could only mutter profanities under my breath, trying to stay calm.

Kaiden's eyes widened as he looked back and forth between us. He wore a wide, uncertain smile, but I could tell he was more than happy to hear it.

"Ahem." Kaiden leaned back in his chair, ruminating, as if he were solving world peace. "I mean, I do want a nephew, though," he paused. "So if you can get him pregnant, then—"

I covered his mouth before he even finished.

Akio burst out laughing. Even Kaiden joined in, his mouth still restrained, and the sound caught the attention of a few nearby customers. I just let go of him and buried myself deeper into my seat, pressing a hand over my face.

"God, you two are impossible," I muttered, but my lips twitched despite myself.

If I die, this will be the reason.

They're totally laughing at the image of me, pregnant. But I can't bring myself to stop them.

Then, I gave in; chuckling along with them, with my brother and my—Akio.

I thought—this is what peace feels like.

Suddenly, Kaiden coughed.

Without thinking, I took the handkerchief from my pocket and pressed it against his mouth.
"Easy," I murmured, rubbing his back as he leaned forward, coughing harder.

It didn't stop. The coughs came faster. He tried to take a breath but wheezed instead, a thin, broken sound that made my stomach drop.

"Kaiden," I grabbed his inhaler from his pocket, but he barely managed a puff before another wave hit him.

Akio moved closer and rubbed his back as Kaiden leaned against me, his body trembling as if all his strength had suddenly drained away.

"My—" Kaiden said in between his coughs. "Aiden, my stomach hurts."

His hand slipped from mine, and that was when I realized this wasn't just another coughing fit.