Who is this man, Noah?

The painting was not even halfway done. The clock ticked away, the only noise to shatter the creepy silence of midnight. In the distance outside, crickets sang, their melody intertwining with the faint rustle of the trees. Moonlight streamed through the window, creating silver streaks in the living room, blending smoothly with the golden light of the overhead lamps.

Noah let out a breath, stretching his sore arms. His fingers were smeared with paint, his eyes searing from lack of sleep. I wish I could sleep as soundly as both of them.

A quiet whisper brushed against his ear, causing him to stiffen in mid-stretch.

"Aren't you done yet?"

His breath caught, but the familiar aroma of coffee blended with cedarwood soothed him. A pair of hands offered a warm mug to him. He looked up, already recognizing who it was.

"Kai."

Noah took the coffee, sipping it slowly. The bitter heat anchored him.

"No, not yet," he muttered, his voice filled with exhaustion.

Kai reclined on the couch in front of him, lazily crossing his legs. His dark eyes flashed between Noah and the canvas, inscrutable.

"Hmm… Hope you get it done soon. Until then, I'll stay here."

Noah gulped. Kai's calm stare unnerved him. It wasn't that ordinary casual glance—this was more, something deeper. His hand shook slightly as he held the paintbrush.

"You don't need to sit with me. I mean… you can go to bed. I'm fine," Noah grumbled, attempting nonchalance.

Kai chuckled, leaning forward—too close. Their mouths were inches away.

"Suddenly so interested in my welfare?" His voice was low, teasing.

Noah's heart pounded against his ribs. He attempted a nervous laugh. "No, I was just saying it's your choice."

Kai settled back with a smug expression. "Then my decision is to remain."

Noah groaned, vanquished.

The silvery light of the moon slowly dissolved into a golden dawn. The living room was filled with warmth. Noah finally placed his brush beside him, stretching aching limbs. His eyes wandered to the sofa—where Kai lay deeply asleep.

His features softened when he slept, the hard planes easing. Lips parted, and chest rose and fell in easy rhythm.

Noah stood poised, then clutched the sweater and hung it over Kai. Kai instinctively curled in against the heat the moment before.

A languid mumble shattered the stillness. "Please… don't leave… whoever you are."

Noah froze.

His fingers twitched at his sides, but he didn't move away. Instead, he sat back down. Kai sighed softly, wrapping an arm around Noah's, holding him in place.

From a distance, Cherry peeked into the room, an amused smile tugging at her lips. She tiptoed closer, shaking Kai's shoulder gently.

Kai stirred, blinking groggily. "What happened?" he murmured sleepily.

Cherry put a finger to her lips. "Shhh… Noah dada is sleeping."

Kai's eyes flew open. He tracked Cherry's stare—and lo and behold, Noah was out cold, head cocked slightly to the side, glasses crooked.

Kai's breath caught.

Cherry grinned knowingly. "Umm, I see. Dada loves someone besides me now. Someone special."

Kai cleared his throat, trying to muster his normal blank face. "Go brush your teeth. I'll make breakfast."

Cherry laughed, skipping away. The moment she vanished from sight, Kai faced Noah once more, his eyes on him.

His hands tingled with the urge to follow the soft lines of his face, to commit the shape of his mouth, the slight incline of his nose to memory. The sweet, chocolatey musk hung in the air—Noah's scent.

How are you this handsome? It isn't fair.

His fingers drifted across Noah's cheek before coming to rest on his lips. The recollection of their first kiss slammed into him—the way Noah had grabbed hold of him, the way his lips had shaken. Kai gritted his teeth and drew back.

Shaking himself out of his trance, he gently picked Noah up in his arms and carried him to his bedroom. He placed him down, covering him with the duvet.

Just as he straightened up to leave, a tug on his wrist stopped him.

Noah, still half-asleep, murmured something incoherent, fingers curled around Kai's sleeve.

Kai's heart stuttered.

He carefully pried Noah's hand away and whispered, "Sleep well, angel. Your hard work will pay off."

Cherry sat at the dining table, arms crossed, pouting. "I'm starving, but it looks like someone doesn't care."

Kai rolled his eyes and tickled her, and she let out a burst of laughter. "Sorry, cutie pie. I was busy ensuring Noah dada got some rest."

Cherry's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Mmm, I see. Someone special, huh?"

Kai scowled, mussing her hair. Damn kid sees through everything.

She suddenly sat up. "Oh! Are you free for Phi-Noah's art gallery?"

Kai nodded. "Yeah, we got a few days off. We can go."

----

The campus hummed with anticipation. Noah held on to his work, nervous energy gnawing at his ribs.

Waiting by the art director's office door, he filled his lungs. What if I don't make it?

A firm hand patted his back. "Don't worry so much. You've got it."

Noah turned to catch Kai's intense stare.

"I hope so," Noah grunted before entering.

Kai sat on a bench nearby, tapping his foot. Time crawled. He checked the door every few seconds. His heart rate increased the longer Noah was inside.

At last, the door opened with a creak. Noah emerged, face unreadable.

Kai leapt to his feet. "What happened? Did they—"

Noah said nothing as they went outside.

Then, all of a sudden—

"I GOT SELECTED!" Noah shouted, his whole face alight. "BOTH MY PAINTINGS!"

Before Kai could react, Noah leaped at him, wrapping his arms around his shoulders. Kai barely managed to steady himself.

A deep, genuine laugh rumbled in Kai's chest. "I told you."

"Noah?"

A familiar voice made him freeze.

He quickly pulled away and turned to see Pong standing nearby, a wide grin on her face. She ran up and threw her arms around him.

"Congrats, bro!"

They bounced up and down excitedly for a moment before Pong's eyes moved to Kai.

Kai tensed. His cap and mask were still in place, but he recognized that look in her eyes—suspicion.

"Who's this guy with you, Noah?"

There was a quiet.

Kai tightened his fists. Damn it.