Aerith:
"It's really nice to see you again."
Aerel responded in sign language:
"Me too."
Aerith watched him, a little puzzled
Aerel smiled gently, typed something on his phone, and held the screen up for Aerith to read
Aerith's expression softened, a warm smile spreading across his face
Sponsor:
"We're participating in the upcoming contest. So everyone, get ready and give it your all!"
Everyone:
"Yes!"
Sponsor:
"And Aerith, you'll write the song."
Aerith:
"Yeah."
Aerel typed quickly and showed his phone to Aerith
Aerel (typing):
All the best
Aerith:
"Thanks."
Later, they walked together through the glowing city streets,
side by side in comfortable silence
Neon lights shimmered around them, the night alive yet peaceful
After a moment, Aerith spoke
Aerith:
"Were you mute since you were a child?"
Aerel nodded
Aerith:
"Wasn't it hard?"
Aerel typed again
Aerel (typing):
Yeah
Aerith slowed his steps, looking at him thoughtfully
Aerith:
"But I think sign language is beautiful."
Aerel stopped and stared at him as Aerith continued, a little shy now
Aerith:
"If I knew sign language… it would be easier to talk with you."
Aerel chuckled softly
Aerith POV:
He's adorable
Aerel typed once more
Aerel (typing):
Wanna learn?
Aerith's face lit up
Aerith:
"I'd love to."
Aerith:
"Aerel… give me your phone."
Aerel handed it to him without question
Aerith typed quickly and returned it.
Aerith:
"Here. That's my number."
Aerel nodded, smiling—his grip on the phone just a little tighter than before
Aerith opened the apartment door and froze for a moment
Yuri and Ash were huddled on the sofa, eyes wide, watching a horror movie
Every few seconds, they jumped and whispered nervously to each other
When they saw Aerith, both of them screamed
Aerith chuckled, flipping on the lights
Aerith:
"Why even bother watching it if you two are that scared?"
Ash and Yuri just glared,
still trembling slightly
Moments later,
the three of them ended up on the sofa,
arms wrapped around each other,
eyes glued to the screen and when the ghost suddenly appeared on the TV… all three screamed in perfect unison
Aerith laughed, burying his face in Ash's shoulder, while Yuri clutched Aerith's arm tightly
It was chaotic, it was silly… and somehow, it was exactly how they liked spending time together
After the movie, they chatted quietly
Aerith:
"There's an upcoming contest, and I need to write the lyrics. I'm still thinking about it."
Ash:
"Woah… that's really nice."
Yuri smiled
Yuri:
"So, what are you going to write about?"
Aerith:
"Not decided yet."
The next day, Aerith and Aerel were alone in the band room.
Other band members:
"We'll be back later—we're going out for a bit."
Aerith and Aerel:
"Okay."
The room fell into a comfortable silence
Aerith staring at his notebook, deep in thought
Aerel noticed and gently tapped him on the shoulder
Then he held up his phone, showing something to Aerith
Aerel (typing on phone):
"What are you thinking about so deeply?"
Aerith looked up, a small smile forming
Aerith:
"Nothing… just thinking about the lyrics."
Aerel's eyes softened, and he nodded, giving him space but staying close
The quiet hum of the band room surrounded them, warm and comforting