LMUC Ch 8

“Thank you so much for today, Ash.”

Koi sincerely said goodbye. Ashley, who had taken Koi’s old bike out of the trunk and put it down on the sidewalk, looked at him and asked.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay? Don’t need a lift home?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I only need to turn that corner.”

Ashley looked reluctant but didn’t insist on taking him home. He knew when to step back and when to push. Now was the time to step back.

“Alright, Koi. Take care.”

As Ashley said goodbye first, Koi waved back as well.

“Goodbye, Ash. Take care.”

Although they said goodbye, neither of them moved. Ashley realized that Koi would only head home after he left. If it had been an official date, Ashley would have taken Koi all the way home and wouldn’t leave until he saw the lights in Koi’s room turn on. But the time they spent together today wasn’t a date. He decided not to rush.

As Ashley got into the car and started the engine, Koi took a step back. As expected, Koi stood there until Ashley drove away.

After confirming he could no longer see him in the rearview mirror, Ashley pulled over to the side of the road.

“Haah…”

Letting out a deep sigh and leaning on the steering wheel, he finally released the tension he had been holding.

This feeling was new. Ariel wasn’t his first girlfriend, and he had experienced a few relationships and breakups before. They all matched well, and there was excitement. They ended the relationships by mutual agreement, but they still remained as good memories.

However, it was the first time he had been so nervous and tense the entire time they were together. It felt like every cell in his body was alive to remember Koi’s every action and word. On top of that, he had to constantly struggle to suppress his desire to kiss him.

Why was Koi so lovable?

He wanted to savor the overwhelming happiness a bit longer, but he still had things left to do. Things that couldn’t be delayed any further. Ashley checked the time, pondered for a moment, and then sent a message.

[Can we talk? I’ll come to your place.]

A notification came a few seconds later.

[What for?]

Ashley typed again.

[We’ll talk in person.]

The reply came quickly again.

[Okay. Message me when you get here.]

Ashley put down his phone and started the car. As he headed to Ariel’s house, he tried to empty his mind on purpose. In any case, he was in the wrong. He decided to accept whatever criticism Ariel had.

And he got slapped three times.

🏒

The weekend sky was as clear as ever. Koi slept in for the first time in a while and checked the empty fridge as always before heading out on his bike to buy food. He had bought bread for the weekend, but since Ashley threw it all away the previous day, he was out of food again.

He was about to head to a store that sold leftover bread from the previous day when he impulsively turned his direction towards school.

It would take longer to get there, but…

Despite that thought, Koi didn’t stop. The hockey team would probably be practicing by now. Even though he had met Ashley late the previous day, he wanted to see him again.

With an excited heart, he pedaled quickly.

Huff, huff.

Arriving at the school, Koi rode his bike slowly around the campus, looking over the field. He searched for Ashley among the hockey team members doing physical training, but he couldn’t spot him.

“Hey, Bill!”

Noticing Bill leaving the group to get some water, Koi quickly called out to him.

“Hi, Koi.”

“Hi, Bill.”

Catching his breath, Koi greeted Bill back and quickly got to the point.

“Hey, Ash isn’t here today. What happened? Is he not coming?”

“Oh? Ah.”

Bill answered while twisting off the cap of a bottle of water.

“He’s taking a few days off because he’s sick.”

“Ash is sick?”

Surprised by the unexpected news, Koi asked. After gulping down the water in one go, Bill wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and nodded.

“Yeah, he caught a cold.”

“Again?”

Remembering Ashley’s previous bout with the cold, Koi thought back to when they became closer because of it. But that didn’t mean he liked Ashley being sick.

“Is he very sick? To the point of skipping practice…”

For several days, even.

Koi asked cautiously, and Bill chuckled.

“Well, he might actually be sick or it could be something else.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Bill casually responded to the puzzled Koi.

“They broke up. Didn’t you know?”

“What?”

Once again, Koi’s eyes widened in surprise. The image of Ashley with his girlfriend immediately came to mind. The captain of the school’s hottest ice hockey team and the cheerleading captain had broken up. Bill, ready to return to the group, added.

“He was suddenly dumped, so he must be shocked. Don’t worry too much.”

“Bill, are you sure it’s not just a cold?”

When Koi hurriedly stopped Bill, who was about to leave, Bill gave a bitter smile.

“It could be a cold. But it’s a bit severe if he mentioned taking a few days off…”

Bill shook his head and left. Left alone, Koi stared at his departing figure for a while before getting back on his bike. Lost in thought, he pedaled much slower than usual.

A breakup.

Standing at the counter of a quiet part-time job, Koi mulled over the thought. He had never had a girlfriend. He had never even had a crush, so he had never thought about being dumped or breaking up with someone.

But Ashley was different. From what Koi knew, Ashley had had several girlfriends. His side, which used to be constantly occupied, seemed to have settled down after he started dating Ariel, but that seemed to have ended as well.

I thought they would get married for sure.

It’s common for couples who meet in high school to get married as soon as they turn twenty. Koi had vaguely thought the same about them, so he felt strange about the changed reality. The fact that Ariel dumped Ashley was shocking. Whatever happened between them, Ashley must be devastated.

He even mentioned taking a few days off practice.

Thinking of Ashley’s sunny smile, Koi looked at his phone with a serious expression. He hesitated several times but eventually gathered the courage to press the call button.

As the phone rang, he suddenly realized he didn’t know what to say, but his courage had already run out. Trembling and unable to hang up, the call finally connected, and silence followed for a moment.

—…Hello.

A low, subdued voice came through. Koi, surprised by Ashley’s cracked voice, cautiously spoke.

“A-Ash?”

There was a pause before he replied.

—…Yeah. What’s up?

Even with just a few words, his voice was filled with exhaustion. Hearing his deeply sunken, hoarse voice, Koi sighed in sympathy.

“Um, I ran into Bill by chance, and he said you were really sick. I called to check on you…you seem really bad…”

Ashley silently listened to Koi’s gradually fading voice.

Did he faint?

Just as Koi’s heart sank at the thought, Ashley’s voice came through.

—Resting will make me better. Thanks for caring.

“Uh…”

As Koi hesitated, Ashley spoke more gently and affectionately.

—Really, Koi. Let’s meet after the weekend.

“Will you be at school?”

—Of course.

Ashley laughed out loud. Hearing his cheerful laugh put Koi’s mind at ease, but Ashley’s small groan that followed made Koi’s heart sink again. After a pause, Ashley spoke again.

—Don’t worry. Bye…

Koi wanted to talk to him more, but Ashley wasn’t in the condition for it. Eventually, he mumbled a goodbye and ended the call. Sighing again, Koi fell into deep thought.

Ashley lived alone. Based on what Bill said and how he acted, it seemed like his friends weren’t visiting to take care of him either.

What should I do?

The image of a feverish Ashley kept flashing in his mind. It was clear he fell ill after breaking up with his girlfriend.

Finally, he made up his mind and picked up his phone again. After a few rings, Ashley’s voice came through just like before, and Koi quickly got to the point.

“I’ll come over after my part-time job.”

—What?

Ashley sounded surprised on the other end. It was an unusual reaction, but Koi quickly continued.

“I’m too worried to stand it. I’ll come over. Please let me.”

—…Should you really be asking for my permission?

Ashley asked, sounding bewildered after a pause.

“Yeah.”

Koi answered immediately.

“Honestly, I’m really nervous right now. But I’m really worried about you… If you really don’t need me, if you want to be alone…”

He took a tense breath and added.

“I’ll hold back. Even though I’m really worried.”

Ashley was silent for a while. Did I go too far? Koi began to worry. Did I get too excited because he was kind to me? What if Ashley is tired of me? Should I apologize now? Or just hang up?

—…Pfft.

Just as Koi felt like his heart would burst from nervousness, he heard laughter from the other end. Koi held his breath with an “Oh.” Ashley spoke with a voice that had a hint of laughter, as if conceding.

—Alright, come over. I’ll allow it.

“Ah…”

—But there’s something I need to tell you beforehand.

Ashley interrupted Koi, who was about to shout in joy without realizing it.

—My face is seriously messed up right now. You might be shocked when you see it. Brace yourself. It’s really awful.

Did he cry so much that his face got all puffy?

“No way, that can’t be.”

Koi said firmly.

“No matter what, Ash’s face will always be super cool. Even now, you must look amazing.”

—I hope that thought doesn’t change.

Ashley said with a still-laughing voice before hanging up. After confirming the call had ended, Koi stretched out both arms with a “Yay.” Fortunately, it seemed like he wasn’t in a very bad mood.

Maybe he cried it out and felt relieved.

Koi thought. He had never been heartbroken himself, but he resolved to do his best to comfort Ashley. With that thought, he quickly took out his phone and typed in a search query.

How to comfort a friend who has been heartbroken.

He quickly skimmed through the various methods displayed on the screen and meticulously noted down the ones he could do.

🏒

“Conner Niles, Buffalo High School.”

The guard, who was checking his student ID, looked sharply at Koi’s face. Koi had considered going around the mountain like before, but since he had gotten permission from Ashley, he decided it would be less troublesome to enter through the main gate. The guard kept Koi standing while he dialed a number on the phone. He was undoubtedly calling Ashley.

After a brief wait, the guard relayed Koi’s details and verified the visitor. While the guard ended the call and allowed entry, Koi passed the time anxiously and impatiently on his bike.

“…Yes, understood.”

The guard, having ended the call, gestured for Koi to enter. Koi hurriedly pedaled away at full speed. Wait for me, Ash. I’m coming!

🏒

Why would anyone build a house at the top of a hill?

Exhausted and pedaling, Koi gritted his teeth and thought. He knew the answer. Because being at such a high place afforded an incredibly magnificent view.

But what good is a great view if getting up there is so tough?

Of course, he also knew the answer to that. People who lived in such houses never climbed the mountain on an old bike.

A car zoomed past him, leaving him coughing in its exhaust. Wobbling, he continued pedaling up. By the time the mansion came into view, he was about to collapse.

“Huff, huff, ugh.”

He felt so out of breath that he was nauseous. Leaning against the wall, Koi waited for his breathing to calm down. Suddenly, the wide sky came into view. It was an endlessly stretching blue sky with nothing obstructing it. As he stared blankly, faint footsteps reached his ears. Koi listened carefully. The approaching steps were undoubtedly Ashley’s. Whenever Koi visited this house, there was never any sign of other people. Except for the footsteps of the person approaching now.

“Koi?”

At Ashley’s voice, Koi said “Yeah” and tried to move away from the wall.

“Wait.”

Suddenly, Ashley stopped him. When Koi halted in confusion, Ashley spoke from behind the wall.

“I need to tell you something before you see my face. Don’t be shocked.”

“Yeah, I’m ready.”

Koi solemnly promised. In his mind, various images of Ashley’s face appeared and disappeared. The common ones included a tear-streaked face and puffy eyes. But he still believed Ashley would look cool. That belief never wavered.

“Alright. You can come now.”

Ashley said. For some reason, his voice sounded more nervous than usual. Koi took a cautious step forward, feeling a hint of fear in his heart. Swallowing dryly, he finally turned the corner to face Ashley.

…Oh.

Koi’s eyes widened as he stood still. Ashley, standing a few steps away, didn’t look that different. He was wearing his usual comfortable t-shirt and jeans, barefoot in sandals. His hair was as messy as it usually was when he was at home. That much was as expected. What was completely different from what he had imagined was his face.

Ashley’s face was swollen. But instead of being puffy all over from crying, only one cheek was distinctly red with visible handprints. There were also scratches on his neck.

…A cat?

At first, Koi thought that. He had never raised a cat but had fed stray cats before. It took quite some time for the cats to warm up to him, and until then, they frequently scratched his hands. Eventually, they started hitting him with their paws without using their claws, which still hurt quite a bit.

Ashley’s face looked just like that. It looked like an unfriendly stray cat had scratched him up while keeping its claws extended.

If it weren’t for the handprint, he might have thought that.

The clear handprint indicated it was caused by a person. After silently staring at his face, Koi cautiously spoke.

“Ash.”

“Yeah.”

Ashley replied. His lips seemed a bit torn. Koi hesitated for a moment before asking.

“Is that by any chance…?”

Koi couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence, but Ashley spoke up.

“Yeah, Ariel hit me.”

“Gasp.”

Koi involuntarily took a sharp breath. Watching him, Ashley scratched the back of his head roughly.

“See? It’s not enough for you to worry about.”

“R-Really.”

Koi stammered. He felt like he should say something but couldn’t think of anything. He hesitated and then spoke.

“Uh, she must have been really angry.”

“Probably.”

Ashley said it as if it were someone else’s business. There was no hint of anger or gloominess. Koi hesitated and asked.

“Are you okay?”

“What?”

Koi hesitated before answering honestly.

“You got dumped by Ariel.”

“What?”

Ashley reacted the same way he did on the phone. This time, he seemed particularly surprised. Furrowing his brows and contorting his face, Ashley asked again.

“Ariel dumped me?”

Koi’s eyes widened in surprise at his genuinely shocked reaction.

“Was that wrong?”

Does that mean they didn’t break up?

While he was contemplating, Ashley blinked a couple of times before returning to an uninterested expression and scratching his head.

“No, that’s right.”

His reaction was clearly half-hearted. Must be a big shock. Koi thought.

“Don’t be too disappointed, Ash.”

Koi comforted him sincerely.

“I don’t know what happened, but forget about it. Ariel made a mistake.”

Recalling the information he had looked up earlier, Koi repeated it verbatim, and Ashley’s expression hardened.

“Ariel is a good person. I’m the one who messed up.”

“Huh?”

This wasn’t in the manual.

Koi looked up at him in confusion. Ashley chuckled at his expression. The atmosphere around them quickly softened, and the tension in Koi’s shoulders relaxed. Ashley turned around first and said.

“Come in. You’ll have dinner, right?”

“Uh, sure.”

Koi hurriedly followed him. Ashley, who had opened the front door first, stepped aside.

“Welcome.”

Smiling and bowing slightly with one arm outstretched, Ashley’s appearance made Koi smile unintentionally.

“Thanks for inviting me.”

Speaking as politely as he could, Koi stepped inside, and Ashley closed the door behind him. The low sound of the door closing echoed hollowly.

Huh?

Feeling something strange, Koi turned around. There stood Ashley, leaning against the door.

“You can’t leave now, Koi.”

He said in an unusually low voice. Ashley’s face looked cold in Koi’s wide eyes.

“You’re mine.”

…Huh?

Koi was bewildered by the unexpected situation. What’s happening all of a sudden? Did Ashley trap me? Why? For what reason?

Confused, Koi just stood there in a daze while Ashley moved away from the door. He took a step towards him.

One step, then another. Ashley gradually closed the distance. His gaze was fixed solely on Koi. Koi couldn’t take his eyes off him either.

An unknown tension surrounded them. He felt he should react but couldn’t move. He stood frozen, watching Ashley approach. It was the first time he saw Ashley like this. The chilling tension and fear made Koi shrink his shoulders.

Thud…

Ashley stopped his slow steps. There was now only one step left between them.

“Koi.”

Ashley called his name in a low voice. Koi watched as if spellbound as he lowered his head. As Ashley’s face got closer, Koi thought his neat face looked cold, like a glass statue. When he felt Ashley’s breath near his ear, he reflexively shut his eyes tightly.

“Boo!”

Suddenly, Ashley let out a short exclamation.

“Yikes!”

Koi screamed in surprise, and Ashley burst into loud laughter. Realizing Ashley had played a mischievous prank on him, Koi sighed in relief.

“What, you scared me.”

Koi lightly chided him, and Ashley, still laughing, took the lead.

“Where do you want to eat? In the garden like last time?”

“Uh, sure. Anywhere is fine with me.”

Hastily following, Koi said, while Ashley walked along, humming a little tune. His heart still pounded from the earlier incident, but at least Ashley didn’t seem too dejected.

But why did he feel a bit disappointed?

🏒

They decided to have their meal at the gazebo again. Koi took charge of the drinks and enthusiastically prepared and brought the related items. This time, Ashley brought two types of salads, hamburgers, and sandwiches.

“They look delicious.”

Koi marveled at the hamburgers with several thin sticks stuck in them, and Ashley, sitting across from him, picked up a drink.

“Was there any mango cola left?”

Koi responded to Ashley’s question.

“That’s the last one. I didn’t know what else to bring.”

Ashley silently added ice and poured the drink. They finished their meal without much conversation.

After dinner, Ashley made an unexpected proposal to Koi.

“Why don’t you stay over?”

“What?”

Koi blinked in surprise. Two thoughts simultaneously crossed his mind—whether to stay or not. His father wouldn’t allow an overnight stay. Of course, he would get angry. Fortunately, if he was sober, he might just grumble a bit. It would be wiser to go home quietly instead of taking unnecessary risks. The latter was the sensible choice, and he knew it.

But that wasn’t what Koi’s heart wanted.

“…Yeah.”

Koi nodded.

“I’ll stay.”

🏒

[I’ll be staying over at a friend’s house for a project. I’ll come back tomorrow for sure. Don’t worry. Koi.]

“…will come back…”

Koi read the message he had written aloud, nodded, and then pressed the send button. He immediately turned off his phone. He didn’t want his father calling him drunkenly.

Phew.

Even though he let out a trembling breath and patted his chest, he couldn’t calm down. I’ll worry about tomorrow when it comes. He repeated the phrase several times, but calmness didn’t come easily.

Calm down. You’ve already sent the message. It’s too late to regret it now.

“Phew.”

He let out another deep breath before turning around.

After finishing their meal, Koi and Ashley went inside the mansion. While Ashley loaded the dishwasher with dirty dishes, Koi went into an empty room to send a message to his father. Initially, he wanted to call, but his voice was trembling too much to speak.

If you’re so scared, just go home.

He scolded himself, but the temptation was much stronger than he anticipated.

Ashley invited me to stay, so I can’t refuse.

Koi resolved himself but ultimately didn’t make the call. Instead, he sent a message and returned to the hallway. Ashley was just coming out of the kitchen.

“Are you done already?”

“Y-Yeah.”

Koi hastily nodded in response to Ashley’s question. He worried that his actions might look awkward, but Ashley said, “Is that so?” and didn’t seem to care much.

Did I pull it off?

Koi didn’t trust his acting skills at all, but since Ashley didn’t seem to mind, it might not have been too bad. He had no choice but to think that way.

“Are you going to sleep right away? Or do you want to drink some more?”

“I’d like to drink more.”

It was too early to sleep. He answered quickly, and Ashley smiled. One of his cheeks was still swollen, but the handprint had mostly faded. By tomorrow, the swelling would be gone, and the handprint would vanish completely.

“You’ll be able to attend school on Monday.”

Ashley chuckled at Koi’s words.

“I told you I would.”

His confident response made Koi feel a bit mischievous. He pretended to be oblivious and asked.

“Even if you’re still like this?”

Ashley looked down at him.

“Who said I’d look cool no matter what state I’m in?”

Koi blushed.

“…I did.”

Ashley nodded, acknowledging it, then chuckled. As he walked leisurely ahead, Koi hurried after him, feeling a strange excitement in his chest.

🏒

“Haah.”

A satisfied sigh escaped him. Koi and Ashley sat side by side in the garden, gazing at the night sky. Various types of sodas and snacks were piled up beside them.

“The stars look like they’re about to fall.”

Koi said, reaching out his hand.

“It’s my first time seeing such a wide sky.”

“Didn’t you see it last time?”

Ashley’s teasing remark made Koi quickly correct himself.

“You can only see such a wide sky from this mansion.”

There were no electrical wires crossing the sky from utility poles, nor were there sporadically rising buildings that jaggedly disrupted the view. The endlessly wide sky always made Koi feel liberated.

“It must be easy to spot constellations.”

Koi said while sipping his drink.

“Do you want to?”

Ashley asked, and Koi turned to look at him.

“Is there another way to see them besides like this?”

Ashley mumbled nonchalantly.

“There is a telescope.”

“What? A telescope? An astronomical one?”

Ashley flinched at Koi’s raised voice and answered a beat late.

“Um, yeah.”

“Amazing! Where? Where is it? On the second floor? Third floor? Where? Can we see it now?”

Excitedly shouting, Koi suddenly paused.

“Sorry, I got too excited.”

Seeing Koi deflate so quickly made Ashley chuckle. The ears that had moved rapidly became still. Ashley resisted the urge to touch those ears and spoke.

“It’s not here. It’s at my family’s main house in the east.”

“Oh…”

Koi’s voice, which had been full of excitement, deflated. Ashley cleared his throat and asked.

“Do you like stars that much?”

Koi nodded.

“I’d love to study astronomy. I want to join NASA.”

“NASA?”

“Yeah.”

Koi’s mood brightened, and he spoke excitedly.

“I want to be an astronaut.”

“An astronaut?”

Ashley repeated again. Koi nodded once more.

“I want to experience space myself. How wonderful would that be? The endless, pitch-black space continuing infinitely. Way over there, that far away…”

As he spoke, he stretched his arm out. Koi already felt like he was in the middle of space. The indigo sky surrounding him felt like the universe. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Cold air filled his lungs. Koi felt like he was sinking into space.

“…Koi!”

Suddenly, Ashley called his name and grabbed his arm. Startled, Koi opened his eyes and looked at him.

“Ash?”

Koi, bewildered, called him. Ashley’s face was pale, with no trace of color. In the unexpected situation, Koi blinked and cautiously asked.

“Ash, what’s wrong?”

Looking at him with a pale face, Ashley blinked as if coming to his senses.

“…Oh, uh?”

Seeing his dazed reaction, Koi became more worried.

“Ash, are you okay? Is something wrong?”

Calling him again, Ashley finally relaxed, let out a deep sigh, and said.

“Sorry, I got a bit startled.”

“Why?”

Koi still didn’t understand and asked again. Ashley opened his mouth but then closed it again.

“…Never mind.”

Ashley whispered.

“Never mind, it’s nothing. Sorry.”

Koi wanted to know the reason but felt Ashley wouldn’t tell him. All he could do was look at Ashley worriedly.

“…Are you really okay?”

Koi asked after noticing some color returning to Ashley’s face. Ashley nodded.

“I’m fine now.”

Ashley smiled, but it was different from his usual bright smile. Koi tried to change his mood with a light joke.

“Were you afraid I’d disappear somewhere alone?”

Even though he laughed out loud, Ashley didn’t smile. He didn’t even turn his head away in embarrassment. He just stared intently at Koi’s face.

Ash…?

Koi, puzzled, waited in silence. Everything around them was still. He couldn’t even hear his own breathing.

…Huh?

Ashley tilted his head towards him. Amidst the overwhelming silence, another sound faintly reached his ears. It was the sound of his heart pounding rapidly.

Koi, with wide eyes, watched as Ashley approached. The excitement he had felt until now seemed to have dulled a bit. All his senses focused solely on Ashley. His eyes looking at him, his ears listening to him, every hair on his body stood alert to detect his actions.

Koi held his breath. He couldn’t predict what Ashley was about to do. He just watched him approach.

The few seconds felt endlessly long to him. He watched with a quietly beating heart. When he noticed how long and dark Ashley’s eyelashes were, Ashley spoke.

“Gotcha.”

Huh?

At Ashley’s sudden words, Koi blinked in surprise. A smile appeared on Ashley’s neat face as he raised one hand.

“There was a bug.”

“A b-bug?”

Ashley nodded readily at Koi’s stammered question. Standing up with one hand clenched, Ashley asked.

“Want some ice cream?”

“Huh? Yeah.”

Koi, who was still in a daze, nodded absently. Ashley smiled and walked away briskly.

Sitting there, Koi watched Ashley’s retreating figure. Hearing his heart pounding louder than ever, Koi thought.

I thought he was going to kiss me.

His face heated up belatedly.

That was close.

Only after Ashley had walked far enough to be out of Koi’s sight did he stop and pat his chest. Why did I do that? He couldn’t understand no matter how much he thought about it. The wind was too pleasant, the dark sky was clear and bright, and Koi, sitting beside him, made him feel like Koi was going to…

Leave far away.

“Hah.”

He closed his eyes and let out a trembling sigh. I’m so foolish. Even when daydreaming, there should be limits.

Ashley took rough steps towards the snack bar. While pulling out ice cream and drinks, he tried to find the cause of the recent embarrassing incident.

It’s not like this is my first relationship.

He slammed the refrigerator door shut and turned around.

🏒

After taking a deep breath, Ashley walked towards the garden where Koi was. Koi was sitting with his legs folded, hugging them, and looking at the night sky. Ashley sat beside him and handed him an ice cream.

“Thanks.”

Koi peeled off the spoon attached to the lid and scooped the ice cream into his mouth. The cold, sweet vanilla flavor spread throughout his mouth.

Delicious.

He couldn’t stop his mouth from breaking into a bright smile. Ashley glanced at him before turning his head away.

Just when he was about to drink, he realized he had brought the wrong can. Thinking it was root beer, he had taken the beer next to it. He put down the glass filled with the sharp-smelling alcohol and looked for another drink.

Seeing Koi gulping something down caught his attention.

“Wait a minute!”

Realizing Koi was drinking the beer he had mistakenly taken, Ashley tried to stop him, but Koi had already finished the entire can.

“Huh?”

Koi made a strange sound, putting down the empty can. Foreseeing the grim situation, Ashley sighed in frustration. Koi, looking dazed from the alcohol, spoke.

“This tastes weird.”

“Of course, it’s alcohol.”

Ashley ran a hand through his hair and frowned.

“Didn’t you notice the smell?”

Blinking at him, Koi soon chuckled.

“Oh, that’s why my nose tingled.”

Koi laughed with a buzzing sound, making Ashley flustered. He had never seen anyone drunk before. Does alcohol always affect people this quickly?

Shaking the can confirmed it was empty. He hadn’t expected Koi to get this drunk from just one beer. It might be because it’s his first time drinking.

Either way, I need to handle this.

Ashley tried to think rationally. Though unintentional, he was responsible for giving Koi alcohol.

The staff must have put the beer in the fridge. They might have intended to drink it while working, or just stocked it for guests. The reason didn’t matter now. Watching Koi laughing, Ashley sighed.

At least he seems to be in a good mood.

Watching his occasionally twitching ears, Ashley gave a bitter smile. Koi might feel guilty once he sobers up, but only they knew about this situation. Ashley wouldn’t broadcast his own responsibility, and for now, his priority was to take care of Koi.

“Get up, Koi. Don’t lie down here, you’ll catch a cold.”

“Huh? O-Okay…?”

Mumbling, Koi swayed unsteadily. Ashley sighed and picked him up.

“Ugh.”

He was much lighter than expected, almost hurting Ashley’s back. Looking down at the giggling Koi, Ashley had a bewildered expression. Koi still didn’t seem to understand, just laughing.

“Ash, I’m floating.”

“Yeah, that’s because I’m carrying you.”

Answering indifferently, Ashley moved towards the mansion. As they entered, Koi kept mumbling.

“Amazing. It feels like someone’s flying with me.”

Is he really not pretending to be drunk?

Ashley furrowed his brow and looked down at Koi with suspicion. Just as he was about to climb the stairs, Koi suddenly flailed his arms.

“Hey, watch out!”

Startled, Ashley hurriedly adjusted his grip, and Koi burst into laughter.

“I flew, I flew!”

“Try drinking again, and you’ll see.”

Ashley warned, but Koi didn’t seem to hear him.

“I’m an astronaut, I became an astronaut!”

Making “whooshing” noises with his mouth, Koi was watched silently by Ashley, who then resumed walking.

While climbing the stairs, Koi laughed, made wind noises, and randomly listed constellations. Ashley remained silent and just kept walking.

“Mmm…”

Ashley pushed the guest room door open with his shoulder and laid Koi on the bed. Koi mumbled in his sleep. Seeing him pass out after just one can of beer, Ashley didn’t know whether to find it pathetic or amusing.

Ashley gazed at Koi, sprawled out on the bed. His slightly parted lips and flushed cheeks, possibly due to the alcohol, caught his eye.

“…Koi.”

Ashley called him softly. If Koi were awake, he would have responded, but now only deep breaths were heard.

“Koi.”

Ashley whispered even softer. Leaning cautiously over Koi, he gently stroked his cheek. He could feel Koi’s warmth on his palm.

Koi.

Ashley mouthed his name.

“I want to kiss you.”

He confessed in a voice as quiet as a breath. He couldn’t tell if the heat on his cheeks was his own or Koi’s. The temptation was strong. A light touch would be fine. Just lips touching, very lightly.

…No way.

Ashley gathered all his self-control and forced himself to stand up. Resisting such intense temptation took enormous courage.

Breathing heavily, he sat by the bed and looked out the window. The dark blue sky entered his view again.

“Hah…”

He let out a deep sigh, feeling as if all his energy had been drained at once.

After staring at the sky blankly for a while, he eventually sighed and stood up. He left the room without looking back at Koi until he closed the door behind him.

🏒

“Mmm…”

Stretching widely as he woke up, Koi lay still, blinking his sleepy eyes. The view was unfamiliar. The bed was astonishingly wide, soft, and fluffy like a cloud. It felt like a dream.

Maybe I am still dreaming.

Koi closed his eyes again and turned to his side. There was no musty smell from old, dirty sheets. Instead, freshly laundered sheets enveloped him gently. Koi sighed and rubbed his face against them.

Huh?

Just as he was about to fall back asleep, a strange feeling overcame him. Can a dream feel this real?

No way!

Koi’s eyes flew open, and he quickly sat up, looking around. The room remained unchanged. The antique bed and furniture, the walls with their fresh colors, and the large windows letting in the sunlight all looked softer.

Here…

Koi’s memory came back. The events of the previous night rushed in. The stars, the glowing sky in the night, the refreshing breeze that made his heart race.

And then…

I drank alcohol!

Koi’s eyes widened in shock. It was an accidental mistake, but he couldn’t believe he had committed such an error. Koi, who had never broken even a minor rule, had broken the law.

Oh my God, how did I commit such a crime?

Koi paled and grabbed his head.

What do I do now?

🏒

“Good morning, Koi.”

After wandering through the vast mansion to find Ashley, Koi finally located him in the tea room. Ashley, preparing breakfast, smiled and greeted him.

“Having breakfast? Come, have a seat.”

“Uh, yeah.”

Koi nodded absently, then spoke belatedly.

“Is there anything I can help with?”

“No, it’s all done. Just sit down.”

“Okay.”

As Koi sat, Ashley asked.

“Coffee? Black tea? Herbal tea? Or…”

Ashley casually listed options and then added playfully.

“Beer?”

“Pfft.”