Unexpected

Chapter 8

The four couples had planned a small getaway to a cozy resort at the edge of the city, a chance to unwind together and have some fun. Nani had initially been hesitant about joining the trip, worried that he’d have to keep up his act with Sky. But something about being surrounded by his cousins and their partners made the whole experience feel lighter, almost enjoyable.

That evening, they all gathered around a small campfire by the lake. Joong and Dunk took turns telling stories, each one funnier than the last. Fourth and Gemini teased each other like two schoolkids, and Phuwin and Pond sat closely together, whispering and laughing like they were the only two people there. Sky, always the social butterfly, had quickly become the heart of the group, his infectious laughter and endless supply of jokes keeping everyone in high spirits.

As the fire crackled, Sky leaned in closer to Nani, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. "Having a good time?" he asked, his voice low and soft, just for Nani to hear.

Nani nodded, his gaze lingering on Sky a bit longer than he intended. The warmth of Sky’s smile, his unbridled joy—it all made Nani’s heart flutter in a way he didn’t quite understand. “Yeah, it’s… actually kind of nice,” he admitted.

Sky’s eyes widened a bit, as if he hadn’t expected such an honest answer. “Good! I’m glad. I was worried you wouldn’t be into it, but you seem more relaxed.”

Nani chuckled, rolling his eyes. “Don’t push your luck, Sky.”

They sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the fire burn lower as the others gradually wandered off to their rooms. Eventually, it was just the two of them sitting there, the stars twinkling overhead and the cool breeze rustling the leaves.

Sky glanced over at Nani, his voice barely above a whisper. “I… I know we’re not perfect, but… I’m really glad you’re here. And I’m glad it’s with me.”

Nani looked over, surprised by the vulnerability in Sky’s words. The usual goofy, sunshine-filled personality had softened, leaving a hint of raw sincerity that Nani hadn’t seen before. He felt his heart skip a beat as Sky’s words lingered in the air between them.

Before he could overthink it, Nani reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and brushed a stray lock of hair from Sky’s forehead. “Thank you, Sky,” he murmured softly, not entirely sure what he was thanking him for—maybe for being patient, maybe for just being himself. “For… everything.”

Sky blinked, his cheeks turning pink. He looked like he was trying to hold back a grin, his puppy-like energy bubbling up, barely contained. “Anytime, Nani.”

Acting purely on impulse, Nani leaned in and gave Sky a gentle peck on the cheek. It was quick, soft, but it was enough to leave them both speechless. Nani pulled back, feeling his own face heat up as he registered what he’d just done. He wasn’t sure what had come over him; maybe it was the peaceful night or Sky’s endless kindness finally breaking down his walls.

Sky, on the other hand, was frozen, his eyes wide with shock and pure happiness. “Did you just…?”

Nani rolled his eyes, trying to play it off casually. “Don’t make a big deal out of it. Just… take it as gratitude or something.”

Sky’s face broke into a grin, his eyes sparkling. “Oh, I’m definitely taking it as more than gratitude,” he teased. “You know, I’ll probably be talking about this for the next month.”

“Please don’t,” Nani groaned, but a small smile tugged at his lips. It was hard not to smile when Sky was beaming at him like that, as if he was the only person in the world who mattered.

They walked back to their cabin together, Sky’s hand brushing against Nani’s a few times, lingering just a bit longer each time. Nani found himself not pulling away, not shying from the closeness that Sky seemed so eager to offer. The warmth of Sky’s presence, the way he kept stealing glances at Nani with that lovesick puppy gaze—it made Nani’s heart flutter in a way that was entirely new.

As they reached their cabin door, Sky hesitated, looking down at his feet, then back up at Nani. “So… that was nice, right? You didn’t hate it?”

Nani gave a slight nod, his voice softer than usual. “Yeah… it was nice.”

Sky’s face lit up, and he looked as though he might burst from happiness. “Great! Because, you know, I think we make a pretty good team.”

Nani let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “You’re so ridiculous,” he muttered, but his voice held no real annoyance. In fact, there was a hint of affection that even he couldn’t deny.

Sky shrugged, still grinning. “Maybe I am. But hey, you did kiss me on the cheek, so I must be doing something right.”

Nani rolled his eyes, but he didn’t argue. In truth, a part of him was starting to believe that maybe, just maybe, Sky’s relentless optimism and pure-hearted sincerity were things he didn’t mind having around. He didn’t know where these feelings would lead, or if they would ever be as intense as what he once felt for Dew. But for the first time, Nani allowed himself to wonder if there was a future here, one where he and Sky could be more than just two people in an arranged marriage.

As he lay in bed that night, Nani found himself smiling, a small, soft smile that he hadn’t worn in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, letting Sky in wasn’t the worst thing in the world. And maybe, just maybe, he was ready to take one small step closer to whatever it was they were building together.