The wind carried a faint chill into Aiden's room that evening, rustling the curtains like restless ghosts. Aiden sat curled on his bed, hugging a blanket, his mind replaying memories that refused to fade.
He couldn't stop thinking about that night at the ball—when Shinomi had offered him his hand in front of nobles and courtiers.
He remembered the hesitation in his own chest.
The way he'd smiled nervously, then stepped away and accepted a dance with a noble lady who had asked him first—trying not to draw attention to himself.
He thought it would protect him. Protect Shinomi.
But now... had it hurt him instead?
And Cassian—he'd tried to guide him that night too, offering to fetch him a drink, asking to share a dance in jest. And Aiden had politely laughed it off, keeping his distance as usual.
He thought he was being smart.
Now he felt like a fool.
---
The palace buzzed that night with soft music and noble laughter in the drawing room, where Cassian, Celestia, and Shinomi sat in a rare moment of calm.
Cassian sipped wine lazily, his eyes fixed on the window. "He hasn't smiled in two days," he muttered.
Celestia crossed one leg over the other and gave Shinomi a side glance. "Your little game isn't going well."
Shinomi didn't answer. He just stared at the fire, fingers tight around the cup in his hand.
Then the door burst open.
All three heads turned—and in stumbled Aiden, flushed, clearly tipsy, his hair messy, his cheeks dusted pink from wine he shouldn't have touched.
"Aiden—" Shinomi rose halfway.
But Aiden didn't stop. He barely registered Cassian. Didn't acknowledge Celestia at all.
He staggered forward, eyes locked only on Shinomi.
"You..." he murmured, pointing, "You're the only reason I even stayed in this damn book."
Cassian blinked. "Book?"
Shinomi stepped forward quickly, but Aiden caught him first.
Without hesitation, without a second thought, he rose on his toes and pecked Shinomi's lips—soft, fleeting, but trembling with emotion.
Then he looked up at him, eyes glossy.
"Do you... hate me already?"
Shinomi's eyes widened. "What?"
"You ignored me… you wouldn't even drink my tea," Aiden whispered, wobbling slightly. "Do you already hate me now?"
And before Shinomi could speak, Aiden collapsed into his chest, arms limply wrapping around him as he fell asleep, face buried against his shoulder.
Cassian stood up, stunned.
Celestia raised a brow, looking mildly entertained.
But Shinomi...
He slowly dropped his cup, letting it roll across the carpet.
And wrapped his arms around the boy now fast asleep in his embrace.
He didn't care who was watching.
---