Bound by Fate [ DewNani ]

A Shifting Bond

Days melted into weeks, and the dynamic between Dew and Nani transformed in subtle yet profound ways. The underlying tension remained, but it had softened, and there was an unspoken understanding between them that they were both careful not to acknowledge too openly. They still bickered, of course—old habits died hard. But now, each argument had a gentler edge, almost like a dance that neither wanted to end. Beneath the teasing remarks, shared glances lingered a second too long, each one holding unspoken words they were afraid to voice.

One cool evening, they found themselves in the kitchen, both unknowingly reaching for the last pack of instant noodles. Dew's hand grazed Nani's, and he immediately pulled back, clearing his throat awkwardly.

“You can have it,” Dew muttered, his gaze avoiding Nani’s.

“Wow, what a gentleman,” Nani teased, unable to resist. He turned to prepare the noodles, and Dew, feeling strangely self-conscious, hovered nearby.

As Nani stirred the pot, Dew found himself asking, “Do you remember that story you told me about your mom’s secret recipe? The one that supposedly tastes ‘like heaven?’” He made air quotes, trying to keep his tone light.

Nani chuckled, caught off guard by Dew’s interest. “Oh, you mean my mom’s legendary spicy miso ramen? I’d offer to make it, but there’s no way you could handle the heat.” He smirked, a glint of challenge in his eyes.

“Is that so?” Dew shot back, raising an eyebrow. “I can handle anything you throw at me, Nani.”

“Oh really?” Nani’s smile widened, amusement sparking between them. “Careful what you wish for.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to pause, their laughter fading into a comfortable silence. It was strange, this newfound ease between them. Dew felt the walls around his heart weaken, a vulnerability creeping in that he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time. And Nani, usually so quick with a retort, found himself at a loss for words, suddenly aware of how close Dew was standing, the warmth radiating from him.

But just as the air grew thick with something neither could name, Dew pulled back, clearing his throat with an awkward laugh. “Well, maybe next time,” he said, breaking the moment before it could become too real.

Nani watched him go, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. Something inside him wished that “next time” would come sooner rather than later.

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