BELOVED BY THE TWINS

CHAPTER 22

"BELOVED BY THE TWINS"
by: Dark Flame Master

Once they finally left Juri’s apartment the three of them headed to the car. As usual, Luca took the driver’s seat while Ruka and Shin sat in the back. The car was quiet and the night air still and peaceful perfect for a late-night drive.

Luca adjusted the rearview mirror and noticed Shin yawning, his eyes barely staying open. Shin was clearly still tired and it didn’t help that the dim lights from the passing street lamps created a relaxing atmosphere.

Without saying a word, Luca reached over and turned on some soft music. It was a gentle melody. It was something calm and soothing meant to help Shin relax even more. As they drove, Shin stared out the window completely lost in his thoughts. His head swayed slightly as if he was fighting the urge to sleep again. He had already slept at Juri’s apartment but he was still struggling to keep his eyes open.

Ruka noticed this and without hesitation, reached over and grabbed Shin’s shoulder. With a gentle push he made Shin lay down with his head resting on Ruka’s lap.

“Wha—what are you doing?” Shin was surprised by the sudden movement. He was about to sit back up but Ruka firmly placed his hand on Shin’s head holding him in place.

“Just sleep if you’re still tired,” Ruka said softly, running his fingers through Shin’s hair in a relaxing motion. He didn’t seem to care if Shin resisted.

Shin blinked up at him, confused. “But I already slept enough at Juri’s place. I’m fine,” he tried to argue though his voice lacked the energy to back up his words.

However Ruka wasn’t taking no for an answer. He continued to stroke Shin’s hair. “It’s fine. Just sleep,” he repeated, his voice calm and gentle almost like he was talking to a child.

From the front seat, Luca glanced at them through the rearview mirror catching sight of Shin’s tired face. “Shin, be careful, okay? Don’t just fall asleep at random places,” he said, his tone slightly more serious than usual.

Shin sighed and still rested on Ruka’s lap. “But Juri’s a friend. Nothing happened,” he replied, his voice soft and a bit defensive.

Luca smiled faintly, his eyes back on the road. “I know. But just be cautious, okay? You never know,” he said. His words carried a protective tone though he wasn’t exactly worried about Juri. He just didn’t want Shin to be vulnerable.

Ruka continued to play with Shin’s hair, his fingers moving in gentle circles. He was enjoying the feeling of Shin’s soft hair between his fingers when all of a sudden Shin shifted. Turning to face Ruka he looked up at him. Shin's eyes are half-closed but still clear enough to focus on Ruka’s face. The sudden movement caught Ruka off guard and he felt his heart skip a beat as their eyes met.

For a moment neither of them spoke. Shin’s face was so close to Ruka that he could feel the warmth of his breath against his skin. Ruka felt his face heats up. Shin’s sleepy expression and the way he was lying so comfortably on his lap. It was all too much.

“You’re red,” Shin said with a small teasing smile, his voice soft and almost playful.

Ruka swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest and he cursed silently to himself. "Fuck....It's bad for my heart, really," he mumbled under his breath though he wasn’t sure if Shin could hear him.

Shin tilted his head clearly confused. “What is?” he asked, his eyes still locked on Ruka’s.

Ruka leaned down bringing his face closer to Shin’s ear. His breath was warm against Shin’s skin as he whispered, “Nothing.”