Chapter 5 Breaking the Ice

The festival buzzed with energy, the stage lights flickering in sync with the rhythm of the music. The Fine Arts and Engineering groups had claimed a spot near the front, cheering loudly for the performers. Wind found himself caught in the middle of it all singing along, swaying to the beat, stealing occasional glances at Sea, who stood just a few feet away.

Sea looked… relaxed. Almost like he was enjoying himself. Wind wasn't sure why that made his chest feel light.

Nearby, Gun and Yotha stood close together, their shoulders brushing as they whispered while smiling ear to eat . Jam had pulled Babe into a twirl, laughing as she spun her around. Even Minnie and Fai had found themselves side by side, bickering over song lyrics. It was as if, for a moment, everything was in harmony.

Wind didn't notice when Autumn and May motioned for everyone to gather near the food stalls.

"We need to talk," Autumn whispered urgently, pulling Gun, Yotha, Jam, Babe, Minnie, Fai, and Tan into a huddle.

May nodded. "So you guys should know about our mission already ."

They all said yes seeing how obvious they were. Only Sea and Wind didn't notice because they were busy with themselves.

"Ok so we need everyone's help now . It'sour second mission and we need to get them alone to break the ice ." Autumn said.

Gun smirked. "Honestly, I think they're already halfway there.

Did you see how Wind kept looking at Sea during the concert?"

"More like staring," Tan added, amused.

Fai crossed her arms. "Okay, so what's the plan now?"

May glanced toward where Wind and Sea stood, still oblivious. "We already got them paired up for everything today. Now, we need to force them into a real conversation."

Jam gasped. "Oh! Are we locking them in a room together?"

"Too dramatic," Yotha said. "But I like where your head's at."

Autumn rolled her eyes. "No, we just need them alone. That's why we're making sure Sea drives Wind home tonight."

"How do we do that?" Minnie asked.

"Easy," May smirked. "We all leave. Fast."

Everyone exchanged mischievous glances before nodding in agreement.

"Operation Breaking the Ice is a go," Gun declared.

As the festival ended, the group started leaving suspiciously fast.

"Wait what's the rush?" Wind called out, confused as Gun and Yotha practically jogged toward the exit.

"Ah, we're just… really tired!" Gun waved.

"We'll see you tomorrow!" Babe added before disappearing into the night with Jam.

Before Wind could protest, only he and Sea remained.

"…Did they just abandon us?" Sea asked, staring at the now-empty space where their friends had stood.

A moment of silence passed before Wind groaned and mumbled "Why did you have to leave me with him of all people."

Sea exhaled unsure what to do next .

They stood awkwardly, neither making the first move. Then Sea sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Come on. I'll drive you home."

Wind hesitated. He could refuse, but… did he really want to walk home alone after a night like this? With a sigh, he followed Sea to his car.

The car ride was too quiet at first. Wind shifted in his seat, sneaking a glance at Sea, who was focused on the road. His fingers tapped against the steering wheel to an imaginary beat something Wind found oddly endearing.

"So," Wind started, just to break the silence, "you looked like you were enjoying the music."

Sea huffed a small laugh. "I like live performances."

Wind tilted his head. "Really? You don't seem like the type."

Sea raised an eyebrow. "And what type do I seem like?"

Wind thought for a moment. "The type to yell at me over stupid things."

Sea scoffed. "That's your fault for being annoying."

Wind rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. The conversation felt… natural. Almost too natural.

Then the air shifted.

Sea inhaled deeply, gripping the wheel a little tighter. "Wind."

Wind turned toward him, sensing the change in tone. "What?"

Sea hesitated before speaking. "What happened that day… infrastructure of the art faculty building .Do you ever think about it?"

Wind's stomach twisted. He knew exactly what Sea was talking about the accidental kiss, the lingering tension, the way his heart still pounded when he thought about it.

Wind scoffed, leaning against the window. "No. Why would I?"

Liar.

Sea glanced at him briefly before returning his focus to the road. "Right. Of course not."

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words.

Wind crossed his arms, jaw tightening. "Why? Do you think about it?"

Sea's grip on the wheel tightened. "I don't know." His voice was quieter now, almost uncertain. "It just… doesn't make sense."

Wind swallowed hard. "What doesn't?"

Sea finally turned to him at a red light, his expression unreadable. "Why it felt like something."

Wind's breath hitched.

The light turned green, and Sea looked away, driving forward as if he hadn't just shattered Wind's ability to think properly.

Wind's heart pounded against his ribs. He wanted to say something anything but his mind was a mess.

Instead, he stared out the window, watching the blurred city lights, pretending he didn't feel like he was on the edge of something terrifyingly real.

Because if he admitted it felt like something too…

What then?