_Chapter 6: Comforting Embrace_
Sota's patience snapped. "Lulu, that's enough!" he growled, eyes blazing.
"You think you can humiliate Akio like that? You're sick!" Sota spat.
Lulu's smirk faltered, taken aback by Sota's fierce defense.
Sota stormed off, leaving Lulu stuttering.
He rushed to Akio's dorm room, concern etched on his face.
"Akio?" Sota called softly, knocking on the door.
No response.
Sota entered, finding Akio curled up on the bed, tears streaming down his face.
Sota's heart ached. He sat beside Akio, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm here," Sota whispered.
Akio's body shook with sobs. Sota pulled him into a warm embrace.
"I'm sorry, Akio. I should've stood up to Lulu sooner," Sota apologized.
Akio's tears slowed, his face buried in Sota's shoulder.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sota's comforting words and gentle strokes soothed Akio's anguish.
Exhaustion took over, and Akio's eyelids drooped.
Sota guided Akio to lie down, then settled beside him, holding him close.
Their bodies intertwined, a sense of security and trust washed over them.
As they drifted off to sleep, Sota felt Akio's steady heartbeat against his chest.
In that moment, Sota realized:
His feelings for Akio went far beyond friendship.
_End of chapter 6_
