Yuri brushed the tears from his eyes, letting his fingers linger for a brief moment.
Aeris spoke softly,
"Can we go back?"
Yuri nodded, a quiet understanding in his eyes.
Together, they returned to the shop, flipping the sign to OPEN.
They worked side by side, their conversation soft and gentle, and with every shared word and smile, they felt closer.
That night, Aeris stood on the balcony, gazing at the silver glow of the moon, lost in its quiet beauty.
Meanwhile, Ash stepped into the library. Usually, he was the only visitor, but that evening, something felt different.
He moved silently among the shelves, noticing a dancer boy seated by the window, staring at the moon.
Bathed in its gentle glow, the boy seemed almost unreal—ethereal, fragile, and captivating.
Ash approached slowly.
"Hello."
The dancer boy looked up, startled.
Ash offered a polite smile.
"Did I startle you? I'm sorry."
The boy shook his head.
"No, it's fine."
Ash asked without hesitation,
"If you don't mind… may I draw you?"
The dancer boy chuckled softly, bringing his hands near his lips.
Ash's eyes lit up, captivated.
Their gazes met—calm, curious, and holding an unspoken connection.
"What's your name?" Ash asked.
"Ash," he replied quietly.
"And yours?"
"Izan," the dancer boy said.
Their eyes held for a long moment—silent, intense.
Izan's lips curved into a faint, inviting smile.
"Draw me."
Ash painted without blinking, completely absorbed, his gaze never leaving Izan.
Izan's eyes followed every stroke, steady and calm.
Izan's POV
A memory flickered gently through his mind.
Ash painting before the endless ocean.
Izan standing quietly, watching him from afar.
Admiring the way the moonlight fell across his features.
He's so beautiful.
Your name is Ash, huh?
I never imagined I'd see you again…
This time, I want to truly know you.
Aerith walked into Yuri's flower shop.
He saw Yuri laughing and talking with someone else.
He forced a smile, though a tight ache clenched his chest.
The light in his eyes dimmed.
"Yuri," he whispered, almost to himself.
Yuri noticed him and came forward, enveloping him in a warm hug.
"This is… I'll explain everything later," Yuri said softly.
"For now, this is Aeris. We're very close."
The three shared quiet conversation, laughter echoing gently through the shop.
Aerith's gaze dropped slowly. Pain coiled in his chest as he struggled to watch Yuri and Aeris together.
His heart tightened. Breathing felt heavy.
He forced a fragile, trembling smile.
Aerith's POV
Yuri… you don't realize it yet, do you?
Aeris… he's in love with you.
No wonder…
You never even noticed my feelings.
I've loved you since high school…
Or maybe that's not quite right.
The truth is… you love him too.
And you haven't noticed either.
Aerith clenched his fists. The ache in his chest became almost unbearable.
"I… I can't bear this feeling anymore," he whispered.
Yuri froze, eyes wide.
"Aerith…?"
Aerith lifted his gaze, forcing steadiness into his voice.
"I'm leaving, Yuri."
Yuri's face fell.
"What? Why… what happened?"
Aerith managed a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.
He fought to stay composed, keeping the storm of emotion hidden.
"It seems… I have something I need to do."
And with that, he turned and ran.
Breath came in sharp, uneven gasps.
The world around him blurred, shadows stretching and twisting