The heaviness of Kei's words lingered, wrapping around Min's chest like a shadow. But even in that weight, Kei's hand never left his. That simple connection was enough to keep the darkness from swallowing him whole.
After a long pause, Kei finally stood, tugging Min gently to his feet. "It's late," he said softly. "You'll catch a chill if you stay down here any longer."
Min let himself be led toward the stairs, though his heart still raced with questions. Halfway up, he muttered, "You're still hiding things from me."
Kei glanced back at him, the corner of his lips tugging into a faint smile. "And yet you're still following me upstairs."
Heat crept across Min's cheeks. "That's different."
"Is it?" Kei teased lightly, his voice warm despite the shadows lingering beneath it.
When they reached Min's room, Kei lingered by the doorway, as though debating whether to step inside. Min, acting before he could overthink, reached out and tugged him in.
"Stay a little," Min whispered.
Kei's brows arched slightly, but he didn't resist. He sat on the edge of the bed, the lamplight casting soft gold across his hair. Min sat beside him, close enough that their shoulders brushed. For a moment, neither spoke—just the quiet comfort of breathing in the same rhythm.
Min finally broke the silence, his voice softer than usual. "I don't care how heavy your past is. You gave me a place here, Kei. A place where I don't feel like I'm floating anymore. So even if those shadows come back… I'm not going anywhere."
Kei's expression shifted, gentleness breaking through the calm mask. Slowly, he reached up, brushing a strand of hair from Min's forehead. His fingers lingered just a second too long, sending a shiver down Min's spine.
"You say that with such certainty," Kei murmured. "You really are stubborn."
"Maybe," Min whispered, his heart thudding. "But I mean it."
For the briefest moment, Kei leaned in, their faces close enough that Min could feel the warmth of his breath. But instead of closing the distance, Kei pressed a light kiss to Min's temple, lingering there like a promise.
"Rest," Kei said softly. "We'll face everything when the time comes."
Min closed his eyes, letting the warmth of that touch sink deep into him. For now, it was enough.
To be continued....