Chapter 6 Crossing the Line

The drive to Wind's apartment had fallen into silence. Not the awkward kind from earlier, but something heavier like both of them were lost in their own thoughts, unsure of where to go from here.

Sea pulled up in front of Wind's building and put the car in park. Neither of them moved at first.

"…I'll see you to the door," Sea said, finally breaking the quiet.

Wind turned to protest, but Sea was already stepping out of the car. With a sigh, Wind followed.

The walk to his apartment door was short, but each step felt longer than it should have. The night air was cool, the sound of distant traffic filling the empty space between them. When they reached the door, Wind hesitated, his fingers hovering over the handle.

Something about this moment felt unfinished.

He could let Sea leave, pretend none of this mattered but the truth sat heavy in his chest, refusing to be ignored.

Wind clenched his jaw before finally turning to face him.

"…What if I also felt something that day?"

Sea froze.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Wind felt his pulse quicken, watching as Sea's expression shifted conflicted, surprised, maybe even a little relieved.

"You " Sea exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "You're just saying that."

Wind shook his head. "I'm not."

The tension between them crackled like a live wire. Wind wasn't sure what he was expecting denial, maybe. Or some snarky remark. But Sea just stood there, staring at him as if trying to read between the lines of something Wind wasn't saying.

Finally, Sea let out a breath. "So what now?"

Wind swallowed. "I don't know."

Sea huffed a small laugh, but there was no humor in it. "You really know how to make things complicated."

Wind crossed his arms, trying to ignore the way his heart was racing. "Like you're any better."

Sea stepped closer, just enough that Wind could feel the warmth of him in the cool night air. "Maybe we should stop pretending we hate each other."

Wind's breath hitched.

Was that what they had been doing this whole time? Pretending?

Sea's gaze flickered to Wind's lips for just a second before he looked away, stepping back like he was afraid of what might happen if he stayed too close.

"I should go," Sea said, voice quieter now.

Wind nodded, but when Sea turned, something in him panicked.

Before he could think, he reached out, grabbing Sea's wrist.

"…Let's figure this out." Wind's voice was barely above a whisper. "Without all the stupid rivalry."

Sea looked at him for a long time, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he nodded.

"Yeah," he murmured. "Okay."

Wind let go of his wrist, stepping back as Sea finally left.

The moment his door shut behind him, Wind let out a shaky breath, pressing his back against the wood.