Ice cream

Chapter 16

Nani stopped his big bike in front of the Nadao Bangkok company, his concern already growing when he received Sky's call that he wasn't feeling well and asked if Nani could picked him up.

After a few moments, Sky finally appeared, but the usual brightness in his steps was missing. His walk was slower. When Sky finally reached Nani, he gave a tired smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. Nani slid off the bike and stepped towards Sky, his arms reaching to steady him.

"You're not okay, are you?" His fingers brushed lightly over Sky's arm, trying to offer comfort, as if his touch could somehow take away the exhaustion Sky was carrying.

Sky nodded. "I'm okay... Just a little tired. It's nothing big."

Sky's tired smile softened, but there was a hint of gratitude in his eyes. He leaned on Nani, too tired to argue, and let Nani help him onto the bike.

Divika and Ter preparing to leave the company as well. However, their steps faltered as they noticed the scene unfolding in front of them.

Divika, ever the observant one, couldn't help but smirk as she watched Nani gently help Sky onto the bike. Her gaze shifted to Ter, her hand slipping into his as she spoke in a quiet but knowing tone.

"Sky might be the one who fell first, but it seems like Nani's the one who's fallen harder," she said with a teasing yet affectionate edge, her eyes twinkling as she watched the pair. There was no mistaking the warmth between them, the quiet care that Nani showed for Sky, even if neither of them had said a word about it yet.

Ter gave a soft chuckle, his eyes following the two. "Guess you could say Nani's already all in, huh?"

From a distance, Nani had no idea that Divika and Ter were watching. All he cared about in that moment was making sure Sky was alright, his full attention on him.

Nani was about to rev the engine and pull away but he suddenly felt a shift. There was something missing—Sky's hands, which had usually found its way to his waist by now, wasn't there. His brow furrowed in concern, and he quickly turned his head to check on Sky. Nani gently took Sky's hand and guided it back to its usual place around his waist.

Sky's fingers tightened just slightly around Nani's waist, and in that quiet, vulnerable moment, Sky rested his head against Nani's shoulder. Nani's heart softened as he felt Sky settle against him, the weight of Sky's head against his shoulder grounding him. Nani's hands gripped the handlebars a little more firmly.

"Rest, okay?" Nani murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper, as he felt Sky's head resting against his shoulder.

Sky hesitated for a moment, his voice quiet but carrying a hint of determination. "Nani, could we go somewhere else first?"

Nani turned his head slightly, his concern still etched on his face. "Where do you want to go?" he asked gently, his tone soft.

Sky's tired smile returned, though it was tinged with a little disappointment in himself. "Ice cream," he said, his voice almost shy. "I dressed up and planned to go on an ice cream date with you. But... look at me, so tired."

"What about you rest first, and we'll go later?" Nani asked softly, glancing over his shoulder at Sky, hoping Sky would agree to take it easy.

But Sky, ever the stubborn one, immediately shook his head, his pout forming as he leaned closer to Nani. "Nooo." he protested. His lips jutted out slightly, and his tired eyes had just a hint of pleading in them.

"I dressed up for this, Nani. Ice cream date now. Rest later," he insisted, his voice soft but firm.

Nani sighed, but his smile betrayed him. He couldn't say no to Sky, especially when he looked at him like that. "Alright, alright." he relented, shaking his head with a small laugh. "But don't blame me if you fall asleep in the middle of your ice cream."

Sky's pout turned into a faint smile, his stubbornness paying off. "I won't." he promised, though his voice was still drowsy.

"Alright then." Nani said, revving the engine. "Ice cream it is. But you better hold on tight. you're not allowed to drift off just yet."

Sky rested his head on Nani's shoulder again, his arms wrapping a little tighter around Nani's waist. "I'll stay awake... I promise," he mumbled, though Nani wasn't entirely convinced. As they pulled away, Nani couldn't stop smiling.

Nani didn't ride as fast as he usually did. He wanted to make sure Sky was comfortable, that the ride wasn't too jarring for him in his tired state. The cold evening air wrapped around them, crisp and refreshing, but it didn't feel harsh, it was softened by the warmth they shared in each other's presence.

Nani stopped in front of a charming Italian ice cream shop, one of the city's most beloved spots that Sky usually mention that he wants to come. The soft glow of the sign and the inviting warmth from inside seemed to lift Sky's spirits almost instantly. Even though he was still tired, there was a flicker of excitement in his eyes that made Nani's heart soften.

Sky had always loved going on dates that felt a little different—an ice cream parlor here, a quiet bookstore there, or even a late-night stroll through an aquarium. Nani had never refused him, always agreeing without a second thought. Seeing Sky happy was more than enough for him.

But as he watched Sky hop off the bike with a determined little bounce, Nani couldn't help but wonder: Have I been spoiling him too much? Is that why he's so stubborn about this today?

Sky turned back, his smile soft. He reached out and tugged lightly at Nani's hand. "Come on, Nani. I promise you'll love it," he said, his voice a little weary but still carrying that familiar spark.

Nani let out a small chuckle, shaking his head as he followed. Maybe I do spoil him, he thought, watching Sky's face light up a bit more with every step closer to the shop. If letting Sky have his way brought even a little more light to his day, Nani didn't mind at all. Besides, he knew deep down that Sky had a way of spoiling him too, just in his own gentle, unspoken way.

"What flavor are we getting?" Sky asked as their turn to order finally came up. His eyes scanned the colorful options behind the glass, but he still turned to Nani for input, his tiredness making him crave the comfort of shared decisions.

"Chocolate and coconut?" Nani suggested. He already knew the answer, it was as if Sky's love for coconut had been keeping into his mind.

Sky's eyes brightened a little, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You remembered."

"Of course, I did. Idiot." Nani replied with a gentle shrug.

Sky let out a soft chuckle, the sound light and soothing. "Then chocolate and coconut it is," he said, leaning against Nani just slightly as they placed their order.

For Nani, the moment felt simple yet perfect. They could have been anywhere, doing anything, and it wouldn't have mattered. What mattered was that Sky was there with him, sharing a quiet joy over something as small as an ice cream date. Sky's laughter, soft and genuine, filled the air as he took a bite of the coconut scoop, his eyes lighting up in that way Nani loved.

They were lost in their little world, savoring the sweetness of the moment, oblivious to everything else around them.

But outside the shop, a shadow lingered. A man stood near the window, camera in hand. He snapped photo after photo, his gaze fixed on Nani and Sky through the glass.