It had been weeks since everything had shifted between Sailub and Pon, and the changes in their relationship seemed only to deepen over time. Now, with individual schedules winding down, the entire cast was back together, gearing up for their upcoming fan meet abroad. The rehearsal room was bustling with energy, laughter, and conversations, and everyone seemed excited for the big event.
Sailub leaned back in his seat, letting his gaze drift over to Pon. The omega was laughing with Michael, Benz, and Pooh, a look of pure joy lighting up his face. Seeing Pon so carefree and happy warmed Sailub's heart. He could feel a small smile tugging at his lips, his thoughts drifting to how much he cherished these peaceful moments with Pon—moments when he could just admire him from afar, content in knowing Pon was happy and safe.
Caught up in his thoughts, Sailub didn't notice Nut sitting down beside him until he heard the soft, hesitant voice. "S-Sai..." Nut started, his voice laced with emotion. "I'm... sorry for almost taking away your happiness." Nut's gaze was fixed on Pon as he spoke, and Sailub felt a wave of surprise wash over him, though he kept his expression steady, turning slightly to side-eye Nut.
The younger omega seemed nervous, his eyes flickering with remorse. "I know it'll take time for you to accept my apology, and I respect that." Nut's voice was quieter now, almost a whisper. "I just... wanted you to know how much I regret the pain I caused. I didn't realize back then how much Pon meant to you—or how much he meant to me as a friend. But now... seeing how happy he is with you, I get it."
Sailub's jaw tightened slightly, his gaze returning to Pon, who was oblivious to the heavy conversation happening on the other side of the room. He wanted to stay silent, to let Nut's words hang in the air without addressing them, but seeing the genuine remorse on Nut's face made him pause.
Nut glanced down, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "I really am sorry, Sailub. I don't expect forgiveness, but I hope one day... we can all be close again, like we used to be."
Sailub let out a small sigh, the tension he'd been holding onto finally loosening a bit. "Nut," he said, his voice steady but firm. "I can't say it doesn't still hurt, or that I'm over everything. But... Pon would want me to forgive, to move forward. He's... he's like that."
Nut nodded, a faint smile crossing his face. "Yeah, he is. That's just who he is, isn't it?"
They both sat there in silence for a moment, watching as Pon laughed and chatted animatedly with the others, his carefree energy filling the room. It was as if all the hardship and pain from before had melted away, leaving only the brightness of his spirit behind.
"Just... make sure he stays that happy," Sailub finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "He deserves it."
Nut's eyes softened as he looked at Sailub. "I will. I promise."
The quiet understanding settled between them, a tentative truce of sorts. It wasn't forgiveness, but it was a step—a step toward healing, for both of them.
Forgiving Nut was difficult enough, but things with Ping were a different story entirely. There had been no apology from Ping, and Sailub had no plans to offer one either. Instead, they existed in a cold truce, a silent understanding: as long as Ping kept his distance from Pon and didn't provoke Sailub, they could maintain a casual, if strained, peace. But there was always a tension between them, lingering in each exchange and look that passed between them.
Sailub's focus, however, shifted completely the moment he saw Pon approaching. The omega was walking towards him with a gentle smile, the brightness in his eyes enough to make Sailub's heart ache with gratitude. Pon's presence had a way of grounding him, even in the heaviest moments. Sailub couldn't help but feel like the luckiest person in the room.
