Unexpected

Chapter 6

The family trip had been planned months in advance, and despite the unsteady foundation of their marriage, both Nani and Sky knew they had to put on a convincing act. They were expected to appear as the perfect couple—happy, affectionate, and utterly at ease with each other. The thought of it made Nani wary, but he couldn’t deny the subtle excitement that flickered within him, wondering how this week together might unfold.

Sky, on the other hand, was downright elated. It was his chance to be close to Nani, to finally have a week without the constant rejection and guarded distance that defined most of their days. He’d promised himself that he’d make this trip memorable for both of them, a glimpse of the happiness he dreamed of sharing one day.

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The trip began with little gestures, a hand lingering longer on Nani’s back, and Nani, for once, didn’t pull away. They had both agreed to “act” like a couple, after all. But for Sky, every touch, every glance, wasn’t acting at all—it was a wish, a hope he held close to his heart. Nani might not love him yet, but Sky would show him what it could be like if he did.

At one point, while mingling with other family members, Nani allowed Sky to wrap an arm around his waist. Sky tried to remain casual, but his heart raced, and he could hardly stop the grin from spreading across his face. He glanced down, catching a quick look from Nani, who rolled his eyes but didn’t pull away. Sky felt like he was on cloud nine.

In quiet moments, Nani began to observe Sky in a new way. He watched as Sky moved around with a natural, open warmth, laughing and chatting with relatives, making everyone around him feel welcome and loved. He was playful, caring, and a constant source of energy—qualities that seemed boundless and effortlessly real. Nani found himself wondering how someone could be so genuine, how Sky could find it in himself to keep being so kind to others when Nani himself barely acknowledged it.

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One afternoon, Sky was looking for Nani when he heard familiar laughter coming from the back garden. He followed the sound, rounding the corner to find Nani crouched down, playfully coaxing a smile out of Sky’s little cousin, a bright-eyed five-year-old with boundless energy. The child giggled and tugged at Nani’s hand, asking him to spin them around, and Nani—who Sky rarely saw smile openly—grinned with genuine warmth as he indulged the child.

Sky stopped in his tracks, mesmerized. Nani’s smile was real, soft, and unguarded, his eyes crinkling as he laughed along with the child. For a moment, Sky was completely captivated. He felt his chest tighten, something gentle but fierce blooming in his heart. It was in that moment he realized just how deeply he wanted to be the reason for that smile, to be the one who could bring that light to Nani’s face. Nani was breathtaking when he let his walls down, and Sky’s resolve only strengthened—to be someone Nani could trust, someone he could care for, and one day, perhaps, love.

“Are you just going to stand there and stare?” Nani’s voice broke through Sky’s thoughts, his tone a bit teasing, though there was a subtle warmth to it. He was still holding his little cousin’s hand, and Sky noticed the brief look of curiosity that flashed in his eyes.

Sky chuckled, stepping forward. “Well, how could I not? I mean, look at you. You’re… amazing with kids,” he said, feeling his face warm as he admitted it.

Nani rolled his eyes, brushing off the compliment. “It’s just a kid, Sky. You make it sound like I did something remarkable.”

“You did,” Sky replied sincerely. “Seeing you like this… it’s a side of you I wish I could see more often.”

Nani’s expression softened, though he quickly looked away, focusing on the child who was now tugging at his sleeve. “Don’t get used to it,” he muttered, though his voice lacked the usual sharpness.

Sky smiled, grateful for the small opening, even if Nani wouldn’t admit it. He watched as Nani continued playing with the child, his smile lingering. It was in these small moments that he saw the possibility of something deeper, something real. And he held on to that hope, telling himself that maybe, just maybe, Nani could someday look at him with that same warmth.

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As the trip went on, they continued their “act,” though it was becoming more natural than either had anticipated. They shared meals, took walks together, and even spent evenings with family members, laughing and talking as if they truly were a couple in love. Nani found himself lowering his guard, letting Sky’s endless energy and positive spirit fill the spaces around him.

There was a warmth in Sky that was impossible to ignore. No matter how cold or indifferent Nani tried to be, Sky remained unfazed, his kindness unwavering. He was goofy and sometimes a bit clumsy, but he was also endlessly caring, always trying his best to make everyone happy, even Nani, who had done nothing to deserve it.

One evening, as they sat outside on the porch after a long day, Sky leaned back, glancing at Nani with a soft, hopeful smile. “You know,” he began, his voice low, “I’m really glad we came on this trip.”

Nani arched a brow, trying to keep his tone casual. “Why’s that?”

“Because… it’s given me a chance to see you in a different light,” Sky admitted, his gaze softening. “I’ve always known you’re strong and intelligent, but now I see there’s more to you. You’re kind, too, even if you don’t let it show often. And… I like that side of you, Nani.”

Nani looked away, his expression unreadable. His heart beat a little faster, but he kept his voice steady. “Don’t read too much into this, Sky. We’re just here because we have to be.”

Sky nodded, his smile never faltering. “I know. But I still meant what I said.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the cool night air wrapping around them. Despite Nani’s words, he couldn’t deny the feeling of warmth that settled in his chest, the faintest hint of something that he didn’t dare name. He told himself it was nothing, that it didn’t mean anything.

But even as he repeated those words in his mind, a small part of him couldn’t help but wonder if, just maybe, he was beginning to see Sky in a new light too.