Aiven never realized how small his apartment was… until two grown men were in it.
Raze sat on the far end of the couch, trying to look calm but glancing at Aiven every few seconds.
Draven was sprawled on the floor, already stealing Aiven's favorite blanket and grumbling dramatically.
"This is discrimination," Draven muttered. "Why does he get the couch?"
"Because I'm not the one who almost attacked someone with a frying pan," Raze replied.
"Almost? I was ready to protect Aiven's beautiful face."
"I protect Aiven's face," Raze shot back instinctively.
The room froze.
Aiven blinked.
Draven smirked.
Raze looked like he wanted to swallow his own tongue.
Aiven's cheeks turned bright red.
"C-can we just watch a movie?"
Draven snorted.
"You two should watch yourselves. That's the real romance drama."
Aiven threw a pillow at him.
Raze's lips curved… tiny, amused… soft.
His shoulders relaxed just a little.
And suddenly, the room felt warm.
---
Later that night, the three of them settled down.
Aiven sat between Raze and the arm of the couch, close but not touching.
He held a bowl of popcorn awkwardly, pretending the movie was interesting.
It wasn't.
Raze was right beside him, thigh almost brushing his, warmth radiating like a quiet storm.
Aiven had no idea what the movie was about.
His heart was too loud.
Draven, of course, noticed everything.
He leaned over and whispered loudly,
"Just kiss already—"
Aiven slapped a hand over his mouth.
"Shut up!"
Raze snorted under his breath.
Draven removed Aiven's hand and continued whispering anyway.
"You're blushing like a tomato."
"I'm not!" Aiven whispered back harshly.
"Yes you are," Raze murmured softly.
Aiven froze.
Raze's eyes flicked to him, gentle and unreadable.
Not teasing.
Not smug.
Just… noticing him.
Aiven swallowed.
"Raze… about the kiss…" he whispered, voice trembling.
Raze leaned closer.
His voice was barely a breath.
"You don't have to explain."
"But I want to," Aiven whispered.
"I—I was shy. I panicked. It was embarrassing. I wasn't ignoring you on purpose."
Raze's jaw tightened, as if holding back something overwhelming.
"Aiven," he said quietly, "you never have to be embarrassed with me."
Aiven looked down at his lap.
"I don't understand why you like me."
Raze paused.
Draven rolled over on the floor dramatically and covered his ears.
"If you two start being cute again, I'm leaving—"
"Then leave," Raze said without breaking eye contact.
Aiven felt his heart jump.
"What do you mean?"
Raze inhaled slowly.
Carefully.
As if choosing every word.
"You're the only person who sees me as… human," he whispered.
"Not an idol. Not the center. Not a product."
Aiven's breath hitched.
"You saw me before I could show you anything. And you still cared. That's why I like you."
Aiven's eyes softened.
His voice came out small and honest.
"I like you too."
Draven sat up.
"FINALLY."
"Draven—" Aiven hissed.
But Raze was staring at him, stunned.
"You… like me?" he whispered, as if the words were made of glass.
Aiven nodded, shy but brave.
"But that doesn't mean I'm not scared. Your fans already hate me. Someone came to my house. People took pictures. I don't want your life to fall apart because of me."
Raze didn't hesitate.
"If my life falls apart, I want you in the pieces."
Aiven's entire soul stalled.
Draven gagged so loudly the neighbors probably heard it.
"Oh my GOD you two are insane."
Aiven buried his face in his hands.
Raze gently removed Aiven's hands from his face.
"Aiven," he whispered, "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
Aiven's heart jumped so violently he thought it might explode.
They didn't kiss.
Not tonight.
But they stayed close—shoulder brushing shoulder, warmth seeping into warmth.
A silent promise grew between them.
And when the lights finally went out, and Draven snored on the floor, Aiven fell asleep…
…leaning against Raze's shoulder.
And Raze stayed awake for hours, watching over him like he was the most fragile, precious thing in the world.