Work Text:
Kan liked to think he was a reasonable, calm human being.
Unfortunately, two things kept destroying that illusion:
First, his boyfriend Thua
Second, his best friend Akk, who had been aggressively single for twenty-three years.
Right now, both problems were sitting in his living room.
Thua was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone, a fond smile softening his face. Akk sat on the floor by the coffee table with perfect posture, organizing a stack of notes that absolutely did not need organizing, glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, hair too neat, expression too serious for a Saturday afternoon.
Kan stared at him.
“Bro,” he finally said, “you need a boyfriend.”
Akk didn’t even look up. “No, I need to finish these papers.”
“You finished them yesterday.”
“They need to be re-checked.”
Thua snorted. “No, you’re avoiding human contact.”
Akk paused. The tips of his ears pinked slightly. “That’s not true.”
“It’s very true,” Kan replied, flopping next to him. “Akk, you’re twenty-three. When’s the last time you went on a date?”
Akk pushed up his glasses. “Never.”
Silence.
Kan looked at Thua. Thua looked at Kan.
Both immediately sat up straighter.
“WHAT?” they said at the same time.
Akk blinked, confused. “I—I don’t know why you’re yelling.”
Kan placed hands dramatically on Akk’s shoulders.
“You have NEVER dated? Like—never never?”
Akk shrugged, looking embarrassed. “I was busy. School. Clubs. Responsibilities. And… I don’t think I’m very—”
Thua cut him off. “Akk, you’re hot.”
Akk choked on air.
Kan nodded aggressively. “You are VERY hot. You’re like… the secret hot guy. Hidden hot. That type.”
Akk looked horrified.
Kan turned to Thua. “See? This is EXACTLY why he needs help.”
Thua hummed. “Good thing I also have a friend who’s aggressively single.”
Kan’s eyes lit up. “Oh God. You’re thinking what I’m thinking.”
Thua grinned. “Ayan.”
Kan slapped his thigh. “YES.”
Akk looked between them nervously. “What are you two planning?”
“Nothing,” both said too quickly.
Kan leaned back. “Anyway, we should watch a movie this weekend. A group thing.”
Akk hesitated. “I have work to do—”
“You don’t,” Kan said confidently.
Thua added, “You’re coming.”
Akk sighed, defeated. “Fine.”
The moment their friend left the apartment, Kan and Thua turned to each other like criminals finalizing a heist plan.
Thua smirked. “Operation Match Akk begins.”
Kan raised his hand for a high-five. “Let’s create true love.”
--------------
Ayan lay upside-down on Thua’s couch, legs hanging over the backrest, head dangling off the edge as he watched videos on his phone.
Thua, standing over him, crossed his arms.
“You’re coming with us this weekend.”
“No,” Ayan said immediately.
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Ayan.”
Ayan flipped over dramatically and pressed a pillow over his face. “I’m so tired. Socializing is exhausting.”
“You haven’t left this apartment in four days.”
“Exactly. My natural habitat.”
Thua pulled the pillow away. “Come. Movie night. It’ll be fun.”
Ayan groaned. “Who’s coming?”
“Kan. Wat. And… someone you haven’t met.”
Ayan peeked over the pillow. “Someone cute?”
Thua smirked. “Maybe.”
Ayan sat up instantly. “Fine. I’m in.”
---------------
Kan and Thua reached the theater first, dragging Akk with them.
Akk stood stiffly in the lobby, holding popcorn like it was a foreign object. He wore a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows, hair combed in that clean, scholarly way that made him look both older and younger at the same time. His big brown eyes darted around nervously. The small mole under his left eye and the one on his chin softened his serious face just enough to make Kan jealous of how naturally attractive his friend was.
Kan patted him. “Stop looking scared. You look adorable.”
Akk glared. “I’m not scared.”
“You’re terrified.”
Wat joined them with a soda and nodded politely at Akk. “You look like you’re being forced to attend your own trial.”
“I feel like it.”
Before Kan could tease him more, Thua’s voice cut through the crowd.
“Akk! Kan! Wat!”
They turned.
Ayan was walking toward them.
And Akk wasn’t the only one who froze.
Because Ayan stopped dead in his tracks.
The theater noise faded. Lights blurred. Time slowed.
The moment Ayan’s eyes landed on Akk, something in his chest slammed painfully hard.
Akk, standing there awkwardly with popcorn in his hands, looked—
stunning.
White shirt.
Soft black hair catching the lobby lights.
Warm brown eyes peeking shyly from behind glasses.
That damn mole under his left eye.
The other one on his chin.
And then—
Akk smiled politely.
Ayan forgot how to breathe.
“Holy shit,” he whispered.
Thua elbowed him. “Behave.”
“I can’t. What—who is he?”
Kan stepped forward. “Akk, this is Ayan.”
Ayan straightened and tried to act normal. “Hi.”
Akk’s voice was soft. “Hello.”
Ayan nearly melted on the spot.
Akk had no idea the effect he was creating. He simply nodded once, eyes shifting away, posture a mix of discomfort and shyness that Ayan found stupidly endearing.
His heart was already gone.
---------------
Their seats were arranged—thanks to Kan and Thua’s plotting—so that Ayan ended up right next to Akk.
Kan whispered loudly to Thua, “What a coincidence.”
Thua kicked him.
Ayan sat down, trying very hard not to stare.
Akk sat straight, hands neatly folded, as if terrified to move even a centimeter.
Five minutes into the movie, Ayan leaned slightly toward him. “You can relax, you know.”
Akk stiffened. “I—am relaxed.”
“You’re sitting like someone’s taking a photo for your funeral.”
Akk quietly adjusted his posture. “Better?”
Ayan smiled. “Much.”
Their hands brushed in the popcorn bowl.
Akk froze.
Ayan swallowed.
Kan saw it happen and quietly fist-pumped.
Wat texted him:
Bro, Akk might pass out.
Kan replied:
GOOD.
---------------
After the movie, Kan and Thua ensured Ayan and Akk sat together again in restaurant since they need to get a dinner.
Ayan tried to play it cool but kept sneaking glances.
Akk tried to act normal but jumped slightly every time Ayan’s knee brushed his under the table.
“So, Akk,” Ayan said casually, “what do you like to do?”
Akk blinked. “Uh… read.”
“Of course you do.”
Akk frowned. “Is that bad?”
Ayan shook his head. “No. It suits you.”
Akk blinked again, slightly confused. “Oh.”
Ayan leaned closer. “You have a nice smile, by the way.”
Akk nearly dropped his fork.
Kan and Thua silently high-fived under the table.
---------------
When everyone said goodbye, Ayan kept looking at Akk as if trying to memorize him.
Akk bowed his head politely. “Good night.”
Ayan bit back a grin.
“…Good night.”
Thua dragged Ayan away before he could stare any longer.
The moment Akk walked out of hearing range, Ayan grabbed Thua’s arm.
“THUA. GIVE ME HIS NUMBER.”
Thua laughed so hard he nearly fell over.
---------------
Ayan had always been the kind of person who moved fast when he was interested in someone.
So the moment Thua sent him Akk’s number (“don’t be weird, Aye, please”), he didn’t even wait ten seconds before saving it.
Akk (Kan’s friend?) → No.
Akk (cute mole guy) → Too much.
Akk → Simple. Clean. Perfect.
He stared at the name for a moment, grinning to himself before typing his first message.
Aye:
Hi. This is Ayan. From yesterday. Kan and Thua’s friend.
He deleted it. Too formal.
Ayan:
Hi Akk! Got ur number from Thua hehe. Hope u don’t mind.
Delete.
He sighed, rolled on his bed like a lovesick puppy, and finally typed something that sounded like him.
Ayan:
Hi Akk :) It’s Ayan.
He hit send before he could overthink it.
A minute passed.
Then another.
Ayan sat up, clutching his phone like it might disappear.
What if Akk didn’t want him to text? What if he was annoyed? What if—
His phone buzzed.
Akk:
Hi. It’s okay Ayan.
Ayan covered his face with both hands, trying not to scream.
He looked at the message again.
Akk didn’t use emojis, but somehow the simple words felt warm. Tentative. Shy.
Ayan typed back quickly.
Ayan:
What are u doing?
It took a while before Akk responded.
Akk:
Reading.
Ayan grinned.
Of course he is.
Ayan:
Do u always read at night?
A longer pause.
Ayan imagined that shy, quiet guy frowning at his phone, thumbs hovering awkwardly over the keyboard.
Akk:
Yes. Usually.
Ayan:
That’s cute.
The reply came faster than expected.
Akk:
Cute?
Ayan burst into laughter, flopping onto his pillow.
Ayan:
Yeah. Cute. Like… u look like the type who reads under a lamp with glasses on.
Akk:
I don’t wear glasses.
Ayan:
Shame. Would’ve been extra cute.
For a moment, there was no reply.
Ayan wondered if he pushed too far—until his phone buzzed again.
Akk:
…Thanks?
The typing bubble appeared again.
And again disappeared.
Ayan smiled softly, imagining Akk struggling between wanting to continue the conversation and not knowing what to say.
So Ayan helped.
Ayan:
What book?
Akk:
“The Night Circus.”
Ayan immediately searched it up.
Ayan:
Ooooh. Fantasy and romance, huh? That fits u.
Pause.
Akk:
How?
Ayan:
Quiet guy with secret softness inside. Definitely fantasy-romance coded.
A lengthy silence.
So long Ayan thought Akk had fallen asleep or blocked him or thrown his phone off a balcony.
Then—
Akk:
People don’t usually call me soft.
Ayan sat up.
His chest felt unusually warm.
Ayan:
Well, I’m not “people.”
And I call you soft because I can see it.
Akk:
You just met me yesterday.
Ayan:
Sometimes that’s enough.
Call me Aye, okay? Only my friends do and… I want u to be one.
Another silence—shorter this time.
Akk:
Okay. Aye.
Ayan melted.
He hugged his pillow with a quiet, muffled squeal before typing back.
Aye:
Good. And hey…
If u ever want to talk… I’m here. I like talking to you.
Akk’s reply was simple—just one short line.
Akk:
I like talking to you too.
Ayan pressed the phone to his chest, staring at the ceiling with a grin so wide it hurt.
This—
This was how it started.
Not with confessions.
Not with grand gestures.
But with a quiet boy reading a book…
and another boy who wanted to be the reason he smiled at his phone in the dark.
---------------
Ayan woke up with a smile on his face.
Not because it was morning.
Not because he had slept well.
But because the very first thing he saw was a notification on his lock screen.
Akk:
Good morning, Aye.
Ayan sat up so fast he nearly head-butted his own pillow.
He reread it.
Again.
And again.
Akk texted first.
At 7:03 a.m.
Before Ayan even woke up.
“Akk, you adorable quiet thing,” Ayan whispered to himself as he typed back.
Aye:
Morning, Akk :)
How’s ur day starting?
Akk responded a minute later, short and neat, like he always did.
Akk:
Fine. I’m having breakfast. You?
Aye:
Still in bed. Haven’t even brushed my teeth lol
Akk:
Go brush your teeth.
Ayan laughed, out loud this time.
Aye:
Why, do u care that much about my hygiene? ;)
A long pause.
Ayan imagined Akk sitting there with his spoon halfway to his mouth, freezing, trying to decide whether he should ignore that, respond normally, or pretend he doesn’t understand.
Finally:
Akk:
Yes. You should take care of yourself.
Ayan bit his lip.
Not expecting that.
Not expecting his heart to do that fluttery thing either.
Aye:
Are you always this sweet in the morning?
Akk:
No.
Aye:
So… special for me?
A full minute passed.
Akk:
I don’t know.
Ayan held the phone to his chest like it was something fragile — something warm.
He didn’t reply right away.
He let the butterflies settle.
---------------
Kan and Thua had a private mission:
Monitor the progress of Operation Matchmaking.
They added Ayan and Akk to a group chat under the most cursed name possible:
“Movie Night Survivors”
Kan:
OKAY GUYS movie night again next week? Akk, you’re free right?
Akk:
…Yes?
Thua:
Great!! Ayan, you’re coming too right?
Aye:
*Of course I am ;) *
Akk saw the wink.
Ate nothing but air for the next three seconds.
Wat:
Why does it feel like we’re third-wheeling something
Aye:
You’re imagining things Wat
Kan:
Are we? Are we REALLY?
Akk:
Can we talk about the movie instead?
Ayan sent a private message right after.
Aye:
they’re teasing u lol
Akk:
I know.
Aye:
*Are you embarrassed? :) *
Akk:
Maybe.
Ayan smiled.
Aye:
It’s cute.
Silence.
Then the faintest, bravest message Akk had sent so far:
Akk:
Stop calling me cute.
Ayan blinked.
Then laughed.
Aye:
Why? U are cute.
Akk:
I’m not.
Aye:
Akk… I have eyes.
Akk:
…
But then:
Akk:
I don’t really… know how to talk like you do.
Ayan paused.
This was the first crack in Akk’s armor — the first glimpse of insecurity Ayan suspected existed beneath that composed exterior.
Aye:
Like how?
Akk:
You talk like it’s easy.
I don’t know how to… flirt back.
Ayan’s breath caught.
So Akk did know he was flirting.
He noticed.
He thought about it.
Ayan felt his smile soften.
Aye:
You don’t need to flirt back, Akk.
Aye:
Just be yourself. I like talking to you the way you are.
Ten seconds.
Fifteen.
Twenty.
Then:
Akk:
Okay.
Ayan closed his eyes.
That one word meant more than any long paragraph could.
---------------
Movie night was supposed to start at 7 PM.
Ayan arrived at 6:15 PM.
Thua opened the door, stared at him, and sighed deeply.
“You’re too obvious.”
“I’m early,” Ayan corrected, flashing a grin. “Very different.”
Kan called from the living room, “Aye, you’re so early, even the snacks aren’t ready.”
“Maybe I didn’t come here for snacks,” Ayan shot back.
Kan raised both eyebrows. “I’m texting Akk and telling him to hurry.”
“NO—” Ayan lunged.
Too late.
---------------
A knock on the door.
Ayan—young, hopeful, heart beating way too fast—exhaled quietly.
Thua opened the door.
Akk stood there, wearing a simple white t-shirt and a soft gray hoodie.
Hair still slightly damp from a shower.
Eyes warm but unsure.
The mole under his left eye catching the hallway light.
Ayan forgot how to breathe.
Akk stepped inside, shy, careful as always.
Until his eyes found Ayan.
He blinked—once, slowly.
A pause, subtle but real, like a glitch in his usually calm system.
“Aye,” Akk said softly.
Ayan melted on the spot.
“Akk,” he answered, smiling wider than he meant to.
Kan looked between them.
Then fake-coughed loudly.
“Wow. So much tension already and we haven’t even turned on Netflix.”
Akk blushed.
Ayan enjoyed every second of it.
---------------
They all gathered on the couch.
Wat on one side.
Kan and Thua squished together like the disgustingly in-love couple they were.
And then—
Only one space left.
A small one.
Right next to Akk.
Ayan sat down without hesitation.
Akk stiffened for 0.2 seconds before settling, hood pulled slightly forward like he hoped it could hide his red ears.
The movie started.
Ayan pretended to look at the screen.
In reality, he stole glances every few minutes.
Akk was too cute.
Cute when he focused.
Cute when he pushed his glasses up—wait.
“You do wear glasses,” Ayan whispered.
Akk blinked.
“That’s… only for movies.”
Ayan grinned.
“You’re so cute, Akk.”
Akk’s breath hitched.
“Stop saying that.”
“Make me.”
Akk’s ears burned red.
Kan elbowed Thua.
Thua elbowed Kan back.
Wat looked like he was watching a live drama more interesting than the movie.
Half an hour passed.
The couch felt warmer.
Then—inevitably—
Ayan’s knee brushed Akk’s.
Akk froze.
Completely.
Ayan didn’t move away.
Akk did not move either.
Ayan let his knee rest there, just lightly touching.
Testing.
Asking without saying anything.
And Akk… allowed it.
---------------
At one point, the movie had a sudden loud scene.
Ayan flinched slightly—only a bit.
A natural, tiny jump.
Akk, instinctively, quietly leaned in.
Not touching.
Not holding.
Just close.
Close enough that Ayan felt the warmth of him.
Ayan whispered, “You’re sweet.”
Akk cleared his throat.
“I just—thought you were scared.”
“I am,” Ayan whispered. “Of how cute you are.”
Akk inhaled sharply.
Kan choked on popcorn.
Wat paused the movie.
Thua buried his face into Kan’s shoulder, shaking silently with laughter.
Akk wanted to disappear.
Ayan wanted to grab his face and kiss him stupid.
But he didn’t.
Not yet.
Slow burn is sweeter.
---------------
They took a break halfway through for snacks.
Ayan followed Akk to the kitchen like a puppy—subtle enough to pretend it was coincidence, obvious enough that Kan whispered “my god” in the background.
Akk opened the fridge.
Ayan leaned on the counter.
They didn’t speak at first.
Then Akk said quietly, “You’re staring.”
Ayan grinned.
“I like the view.”
Akk froze.
“…You’re too much.”
“You like it.”
Akk didn’t respond.
He didn’t need to.
The tips of his ears turned red again—Ayan already knew the truth.
While getting cups, Akk suddenly said:
“Aye.”
Ayan blinked.
“Yeah?”
Akk didn’t look at him.
His fingers tapped nervously on the counter.
“Aren’t you… like this with everyone?”
Ayan straightened.
“No.”
“You flirt a lot,” Akk said quietly. “You’re charming. People like you.”
Ayan stepped closer.
“Akk.”
Akk finally lifted his eyes.
Brown, deep, vulnerable.
“I’ve never dated anyone,” he whispered. “I don’t know how… to do any of this.”
Ayan felt it—like his heart had been squeezed by gentle hands.
He moved in front of Akk, slow and careful.
“Akk.”
Akk looked away.
Ayan touched his arm—light, just enough to anchor him.
“I don’t need you to know what to do.”
“I just need you to be you.”
Akk swallowed.
Ayan gave a small, soft smile.
“And I’m not like this with everyone.”
“I’m like this with you.”
Akk stared at him, breath caught.
Ayan could see it—the realization flickering across his eyes.
That this wasn’t a joke.
Or a game.
Or a random crush.
This was real.
Akk whispered, “Why?”
Ayan grinned.
“Because I like you.”
Akk froze.
Ayan leaned in—not too close, just enough that Akk felt the warmth of him.
“And because I want you to call me Aye again.”
Akk’s lips parted.
“…Aye.”
Ayan closed his eyes for one second, letting the sound settle in his bones.
Then—
“Akk,” he whispered back, “you’re really easy to fall for, you know that?”
Akk turned red from the tip of his ears down to his collar.
---------------
Movie night ended around 10:30 PM.
Wat left first.
Kan and Thua stayed behind to clean up.
Ayan, of course, volunteered to walk Akk out.
“It’s late,” he said casually, slipping on his shoes. “I’ll walk you to the station.”
Akk blinked. “You don’t have to.”
“I want to.”
Simple. Direct.
Akk had no defense against it.
They stepped outside, the night air cool and quiet, the street lamps casting warm glows along the sidewalk.
Ayan walked close.
Not touching.
But near enough that Akk could feel the gravity of him.
They didn’t talk at first.
Just walked.
Akk shoved his hands in his hoodie pockets, shoulders slightly hunched—his usual posture when he was nervous.
Ayan glanced sideways, smiling.
“So,” Ayan said, “did you have fun?”
Akk nodded. “Yeah. It was nice.”
“You were nice,” Ayan replied softly.
Akk stumbled over a crack in the sidewalk.
Ayan bit back a laugh.
As they walked, Ayan’s hand brushed against Akk’s.
Light.
Barely there.
Like testing the water.
Akk stiffened.
Then pulled his hand slightly away—
Not completely.
Just a little.
Ayan noticed.
He slowed down his pace, letting their hands brush again.
Akk’s breath caught—Ayan heard it.
“Akk,” he said quietly, “it’s okay.”
Akk didn’t answer.
His hand trembled.
Ayan gently moved his fingers just enough to touch Akk’s again.
This time, Akk didn’t pull away.
He didn’t grab either.
But he let their fingers stay close, touching at the edges.
A small, tiny contact.
Ayan felt warmth rise in his chest.
“This is nice,” he murmured.
Akk swallowed.
“Is it?”
“Yeah. You feel warm.”
Akk looked like he was about to short-circuit.
“I—my hands are always warm,” he said, voice cracking slightly.
Ayan leaned closer, teasing.
“Can I hold it then?”
Akk froze mid-step.
Completely.
Ayan stopped walking too.
“Akk?” he said softly.
Akk stared at the ground, face red under the streetlight.
“I don’t… I’ve never…”
Ayan’s expression softened instantly.
“Hey,” he whispered. “It’s okay. I won’t force anything.”
Akk’s eyes flickered to him—hesitant, vulnerable, questioning.
Ayan inhaled slowly.
“Can I tell you something?” he asked.
Akk nodded.
Ayan stepped just a bit closer.
“You don’t have to know how to do everything,” he said gently.
“You don’t need experience to let someone like you.”
Akk blinked.
Ayan smiled.
“You’re easy to like, Akk. Really easy.”
Akk’s lips parted—but no words came out.
Ayan took a breath.
“And I want to go slow, okay? Slow is good. Slow means I get to enjoy every bit of you.”
Akk turned so red that Ayan almost felt bad.
Almost.
“I…” Akk whispered. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“You won’t.”
“…How do you know?”
Ayan’s answer came without hesitation:
“Because you’re already more than enough, just by being here.”
Akk looked at him like the words physically hit him.
Then—
Slow.
Careful.
Akk moved his hand.
Just slightly.
Just enough that his fingers brushed Ayan’s again—intentionally this time.
Ayan froze.
Akk whispered, barely audible:
“You can… hold it.”
Ayan’s heart nearly punched through his chest.
He looked down.
Akk’s hand was there—shaking just a little, but offered.
Ayan took it.
Gently.
Interlacing their fingers like it was the easiest thing in the world.
Akk inhaled sharply.
“You okay?” Ayan asked quietly.
Akk nodded.
“I think so.”
Ayan squeezed lightly.
Akk squeezed back.
They walked the rest of the way like that.
Hand in hand.
Akk looked straight ahead the whole time, face burning.
Ayan looked at him the entire time, smiling like he’d discovered his new favorite place on earth.
When they reached the train station, neither of them let go immediately.
Akk stared at their hands.
Ayan stared at Akk.
Finally, Akk pulled his hand away gently, almost shyly.
“I…” he whispered.
“Thanks. For today.”
Ayan took a small step closer.
“Thank you,” he said. “For trusting me.”
Akk hesitated.
“Aye,” he said softly.
Ayan felt his stomach flip.
Hearing his nickname in Akk’s quiet voice was too much.
“Yes?” Ayan asked, smiling.
Akk opened his mouth.
Closed it.
Opened it again.
“…Goodnight.”
Ayan’s smile turned into something warm and fond.
“Goodnight, Akk.”
Akk turned, walked toward the station gate—
Then paused.
He didn’t look back.
But he raised one hand slightly, shyly, in a half-wave.
Ayan’s chest hurt.
In the best way.
---------------
The moment Akk’s train pulled away, Ayan texted him.
Aye:
*So… I’m allowed to hold your hand now? :) *
Ayan waited.
The reply came three stations later.
Akk:
…Maybe.
Ayan laughed in the empty street, throwing his head back.
Aye:
I’ll take that as a yes.
Akk didn’t reply.
But three minutes later—
Akk:
Goodnight, Aye.
Ayan pressed a hand over his heart.
Yeah.
He was gone.
And Akk was slowly, slowly, falling too.
---------------
Ayan woke up with the kind of smile that should be illegal.
His first thought?
Akk’s hand is really warm.
His second thought?
I want to hold it again.
He stretched across his bed, grabbed his phone, and immediately typed:
Aye:
Morning Akk :)
He deleted the smiley.
Too much?
No.
Never too much.
Hit send.
A minute passed.
Then—
Akk:
Good morning, Aye.
Ayan kicked his blanket in pure joy.
---------------
Akk was sitting at his desk with a book open in front of him.
He’d read the same paragraph four times.
His phone screen lit.
Aye’s name.
He didn’t smile.
He tried not to.
But the corners of his mouth betrayed him a little.
Akn placed the phone face-down.
Picked up his pen.
Tried to focus.
Thirty seconds later, he flipped the phone over again.
He typed:
Akk:
Did you sleep well?
It was the boldest morning text he had ever sent in his life.
Ayan’s reply came within seconds.
Aye:
*I did. I dreamed about something nice ;) *
Akk stared at the winking emoji.
Heart rate skyrocketing.
He typed—
Then deleted.
Typed again—
Deleted.
Finally:
Akk:
…What did you dream about?
Aye:
Holding your hand again.
Akk’s brain short-circuited.
He set the phone on the table.
Stood up.
Walked in a small circle.
Sat back down.
Picked up the phone.
Covered his face with both hands.
Then finally typed:
Akk:
…Oh.
Ayan laughed so loudly his neighbor probably heard.
Aye:
Oh? That’s all?
Akk’s fingers hovered nervously.
Akk:
I don’t know what else to say.
Ayan softened instantly.
Aye:
Then I’ll say it for you:
I liked holding your hand.
Akk’s breath caught.
Akk:
…Me too.
---------------
Later that afternoon, Akk dropped by Kan and Thua’s apartment to return a book.
He didn’t realize he was walking into a trap.
Kan opened the door and immediately pulled Akk inside.
“Akk!” Kan grinned. “You’re glowing.”
Akk blinked. “What?”
Thua walked in from the kitchen, drying his hands.
“Oh my god, he really is glowing.”
“I am not,” Akk muttered.
“You are,” Kan insisted.
“Did something happen yesterday? With Ayan?”
Akk froze.
Kan saw it immediately.
“Oh my god,” Kan whispered. “SOMETHING DID HAPPEN.”
Thua leaned forward like a scientist examining a rare creature.
“Akk. Sweetheart. Did you guys kiss?”
Akk turned red.
“NO.”
“So what then?” Kan demanded, dramatic as always.
Akk looked away.
“…We held hands.”
Kan screamed.
Thua gasped like someone slapped him with a bouquet.
“WHAT?!” Kan yelled. “YOU DID? YOU? AKK, MY AKK??”
“It was just—” Akk stammered, voice soft, “walking to the station.”
Thua smacked Kan’s arm.
“Kan! Our plan is working!”
Akk buried his face in his palms.
“This was a mistake. I should go home.”
Kan and Thua grabbed him like prisoners grabbing the last piece of bread.
“You’re not going anywhere,” Kan declared.
“You’re going to SIT and EXPLAIN.”
Akk muttered something about betrayal but sat down anyway.
“Okay,” Kan said, leaning in.
“Tell us everything.
Did you like it?”
Akk looked at the table.
Swallowed.
Then whispered:
“…Yes.”
Thua clasped both hands dramatically.
“He likes him.”
Kan squealed.
Akk flinched.
“I didn’t— I don’t— I mean—”
Kan softened immediately.
“Hey. Akk. Look at me.”
Akk looked up slowly.
“You like him,” Kan said gently.
“Don’t run from it.”
Akk’s voice trembled slightly.
“I don’t know. I think—maybe I do. But—”
“But?”
Akk shifted uncomfortably.
“He’s… Ayan.”
Kan and Thua exchanged a knowing look.
“And you think you’re not enough for him?” Thua asked quietly.
Akk’s silence confirmed it.
Kan low-key wanted to throw something.
“Akk,” Kan said firmly, “listen to me.
Ayan is not flirting with you out of boredom.
He chose you.”
Akk’s chest tightened.
“Yeah, he’s loud, flirty, bright,” Thua added, gentler.
“But he’s also kind. And he’s patient. And he’s already slowing down for you.”
Akk blinked.
“He likes you,” Thua continued.
“We can see it.”
Akk stared at the floor, voice small:
“…I don’t want to disappoint him.”
“You won’t,” Kan said.
“If he’s smart—and he is—he’ll be falling harder for you every day.”
Akk swallowed.
“I don’t know how to… be someone people like.”
Thua smiled softly.
“You don’t have to know,” he said.
“Ayan already likes who you are.”
Akk went silent.
But this time…
he didn’t look away in fear.
He looked away in thought.
In hope.
Right then, Akk’s phone buzzed on the table.
Ayan.
Perfect.
Kan pounced like a lion.
“READ IT. READ IT NOW.”
Akk shot him a glare but opened the message.
Aye:
Are you busy?
Kinda miss you already.
Akk’s breath caught.
Kan and Thua collapsed onto the couch like they witnessed the greatest romance of the century.
“Akk,” Thua whispered dramatically,
“This is it. This is your man.”
Akk typed with trembling fingers:
Akk:
I’m at Kan and Thua’s.
Aye:
Tell them I said hi :)
Also…
Did you think about me today?
Akk froze.
Kan and Thua waited in absolute silence.
Then Akk typed—shaky but honest:
Akk:
Yes.
Ayan replied instantly.
Aye:
Good.
Because I can’t stop thinking about you.
Akk’s entire body overheated.
Kan and Thua screamed in harmony.
---------------
After 1 month,
Ayan is lying on his bed when his phone lights up.
Akk:
Did you get home safely?
Ayan smiles instantly.
Ayan:
Yes. I’m home. You?
Akk replies:
I’m home too.
There’s a pause, a long one.
Ayan bites his lip.
Then he texts:
Call me?
Akk sees it.
The “typing…” bubble appears.
Disappears.
Appears again.
Finally:
…Okay.
A moment later, Ayan’s phone vibrates.
He answers, pretending to be calm.
“Hi.”
Akk’s voice is warm and nervous.
“H-Hi.”
Ayan grins.
“Say my name.”
Akk exhales slowly, then whispers:
“…Aye.”
Ayan squeezes his pillow, kicking the mattress.
God, that voice—
He takes a breath.
“I wanna see you.”
Akk stutters. “W-When?”
Ayan checks the time.
“Now.”
Akk actually chokes.
“NOW?? It’s— it’s almost midnight—”
“Akk.”
Ayan’s tone softens.
“I wanna see you. Just you. Without Kan, Thua, or Wat. Just… us.”
Silence.
Akk is thinking.
Nervous.
Overthinking.
“Ayan… what is this?”
Ayan breathes in.
He’s done playing slow.
“Let’s go on a date, Akk. Just the two of us.”
Akk goes completely quiet.
Ayan’s heart drops.
“Did I— push too fast?”
Akk’s voice finally comes, shaking:
“I’ve never dated anyone before.”
Ayan closes his eyes.
Soft.
Tender.
“That’s okay. I have enough experience for both of us,” he teases.
Akk huffs a tiny laugh.
“I’m nervous.”
“I’m nervous too,” Ayan admits honestly.
“But I want to try. With you.”
There's a long breath on the other side.
Then Akk whispers:
“Where are you now?”
Ayan smiles.
“In front of your apartment.”
There’s the sound of scrambling, a thud, a curse—
Ayan tries not to laugh.
Thirty seconds later, Akk appears at the door, hair messy, wearing a hoodie, cheeks pink.
“A-Ayan— you should’ve said you were—”
Ayan walks right up to him.
“No more texting,” he says quietly.
“No more pretending.”
Akk looks frozen.
Breathing fast.
Eyes wide.
Ayan lifts a hand to Akk’s cheek.
“Akk…”
He says the name softly, like something fragile and precious.
“Will you date me?”
Akk swallows, eyes dropping to Ayan’s lips then immediately looking away.
“Aye… I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Ayan smiles.
“You don’t have to know.”
He leans closer.
Just a little.
“Just do what feels right.”
Akk hesitates—
then steps forward.
Their bodies brush.
Ayan’s breath catches.
“Akk…”
Akk whispers, voice trembling:
“Is… this okay?”
“More than okay.”
Akk closes his eyes, leans in shakily—
and presses his lips to Ayan’s.
The kiss is soft.
Awkward.
Gentle.
Perfect.
Ayan kisses him back, slower, guiding, careful.
Akk’s hands shake slightly against Ayan’s hoodie.
When they pull apart, Akk looks dazed.
And shy.
Ayan laughs breathlessly.
“You kissed me on our first date.”
Akk panics.
“I— I didn’t mean— I mean— you said to—”
Ayan puts a finger on his lips.
“Akk.”
Akk goes quiet.
Ayan smiles, warm and genuine.
“I liked it.”
Akk's ears turn red.
Ayan moves closer again, forehead touching Akk’s.
“So… is that a yes?”
Akk nods softly.
“Yes, Aye.”
Ayan bites his lip, heart exploding.
“Say it again.”
Akk whispers, voice full of new confidence:
“Yes… Aye.”
Ayan kisses him again.
Slower.
Deeper.
Promising.
Their first kiss turns into their second—
their second into their third—
and they don’t stop until Akk is breathless and hiding his face in Ayan’s shoulder.
Ayan smiles into his hair.
“Good.
Because I’m not letting you run away now.”
Akk’s arms wrap around him shyly.
“I… don’t want to run.”
---------------
Akk wakes up the next morning with the softest, most ridiculous smile.
He presses his hand to his lips — remembering the kiss.
Remembering Ayan.
Remembering “Aye.”
His phone buzzes and see that Aye calling ...
Aye:
Good morning 🖤 boyfriend.
Akk almost falls off the bed.
Akk :
Good morning.
Aye :
That’s ALL you’re gonna say after last night??
Akk hides his face in his pillow.
Aye… we just started dating. I don’t know how to—
Ayan:
You don’t have to. Just be you.
Also, I miss you already.
Akk’s entire chest warms.
…I miss you too.
Then—
Aye:
Come with me later? I’m meeting someone at a café.
Akk sits up.
Someone?
Ayan:
Yeah. a guy-he is used to crush on me.
Akk stops breathing.
Ayan adds:
He wants to talk today.
Akk grips his phone so hard it almost cracks.
…Why?
Ayan:
He said it’s important.
Akk’s heart drops.
What if Ayan realizes he prefers someone with more experience?
Someone confident?
Someone who isn’t awkward and terrified and stupidly inexperienced?
Do you… want to see him? Akk types, fingers shaking.
Ayan answer instantly:
I wanna see YOU.
Akk hesitates.
Then why meet him?
Ayan:
Because I wanna introduce him to my boyfriend.
Akk freezes.
…You’re serious?
Ayan:
Of course I’m serious.
I’m proud of you, Akk.
And I want people to know we’re together.
Akk melts.
Fully melts.
Ayan then adds:
Anyway, you no need to feel jealous you know because he’s not my type.
My type is shy boys who kiss me in doorways at midnight.
Akk throws his pillow across the room.
---------------
Ayan waits at an outdoor table, smiling like sunshine itself.
Akk approaches nervously, hands in his pockets, hair slightly messy from rushing.
Ayan looks up—
and his whole face softens.
“There you are,” he says, standing up.
Akk’s heart does somersaults.
“You okay?” Ayan asks.
Akk nods.
But his eyes drift to the guy sitting across from Ayan — a handsome, confident guy waving at him.
Akk stiffens immediately.
Ayan bites back a smile.
Oh, he noticed.
Akk is jealous.
Akk is actually jealous.
Ayan touches Akk’s wrist softly.
“Come sit next to me.”
Akk does.
Close.
Maybe too close.
Ayan loves it.
“This is Akk,” Ayan introduces proudly.
The guy smiles politely.
“Oh! So this is him. I heard a lot—”
But he doesn’t get to finish because Akk subtly grabs Ayan’s hand under the table.
Hard.
Ayan nearly moans in delight.
Possessive Akk is lethal.
The guy continues talking, but Akk isn’t listening.
He keeps glancing at their hands.
At Ayan’s smile.
At the guy’s face.
Finally the guy says:
“I guess Ayan already told you— I used to have a little crush on him.”
Akk’s spine straightens.
His jaw tightens.
Ayan immediately jumps in, smiling warmly and squeezing Akk’s hand:
“But I’m taken now.”
Akk feels his entire body relax.
Then the guy grins at Akk.
“You’re lucky. He never shut up about you.”
Akk internally combusts.
Ayan leans closer, lips brushing Akk’s ear.
“Are you jealous?” he whispers.
Akk jerks slightly.
“No— I— I’m not— I just—”
Ayan smirks.
His fingers brush Akk’s thigh under the table.
“You’re cute when you’re jealous.”
Akk almost chokes on air.
---------------
As they walk away, Ayan intertwines their fingers.
Akk glances down, cheeks pink.
“You really didn’t mind?” Akk asks quietly.
“Me being… weird?”
Ayan stops walking.
Turns to look at him.
“Akk, I LOVED it.”
Akk blinks.
“You… did??”
Ayan slides a hand behind Akk’s neck.
“I want you to want me.”
Akk swallows hard.
“I do.”
Ayan smiles softly, brushing his thumb along Akk’s cheek.
“Then look at me.”
Akk lifts his eyes slowly.
Shy.
Beautiful.
Ayan kisses him.
On a busy sidewalk.
Where people could see.
Where Akk normally would panic—
But now?
Akk kisses back.
And it’s not shy this time.
It’s wanting.
Claiming.
Warm.
Ayan pulls back first, breathless.
“I like jealous Akk,” he whispers.
“Maybe I’ll make you jealous again.”
Akk flushes.
“A-Ayan— don’t—”
Ayan kisses him again, smiling.
“Then make sure I only look at you.”
Akk’s fingers tighten on Ayan’s waist.
“…I will.”
---------------
Kan, Thua, and Wat insisted on a “game night” at Kan’s apartment.
Which, of course, is suspicious as hell.
Akk and Ayan arrive together, fingers brushing every few seconds.
Every time their hands accidentally graze, Akk blushes.
Ayan grins like he wants to devour him.
Kan opens the door dramatically.
“You two are LATE—”
He freezes.
His eyes go straight to their hands.
They pull apart IMMEDIATELY.
Kan narrows his eyes like a predator.
“Hmmmmmm.”
Thua appears behind Kan, peeking suspiciously.
“…Something’s different.”
Wat is on the couch eating chips.
He waves lazily.
“Did they fuck?”
Akk chokes on his own breath.
Ayan snorts so loud he almost trips.
Kan SLAPS Wat on the head.
“WAT—!!!”
Wat shrugs. “What? It’s a fair question.”
Thua looks between Akk and Ayan.
“Okay. Sit. Everyone sit. Something happened.”
They all sit in a circle like they’re about to summon a demon.
Ayan grabs Akk’s hand under the table.
Akk squeezes back nervously.
Kan leans forward.
“Start talking.”
Ayan grins.
Akk panics.
Ayan whispers softly, “It’s okay. I’m right here.”
That gives Akk enough courage to clear his throat.
“I… um… We… are—”
Ayan helps him out.
“We’re dating.”
Silence.
Kan blinks.
Thua blinks.
Wat drops his chips.
Then—
Kan SCREAMS.
A long, dramatic, operatic scream.
“I TOLD YOU! I TOLD YOU THEY'D FALL IN LOVE!”
He tackles Thua in excitement, shaking him violently.
“BABE! THEY’RE DATING! OUR PLAN WORKED!”
Thua is crying.
Actually crying.
Happy tears pouring down his cheeks.
“I—I’m so happy,” he sniffles.
“My two shy idiots found love.”
Akk hides his face in his hands.
Ayan wraps an arm around him proudly.
Wat sits up aggressively.
“No. No. I need details. When did this happen? Who confessed? Who kissed first? Did Akk faint? Did Ayan push him against a wall?”
“WAT!”
The other three yell at him.
Akk turns so red he could spontaneously combust.
Ayan, of course, enjoys every second.
“We kissed at his doorway at midnight.”
Akk covers his entire face.
“AYAN—!!!”
Kan SCREAMS AGAIN.
Thua clutches his chest.
“I knew it! You two have chemistry! My heart— I can’t— babe, water— give me water—”
Wat leans forward with sparkly eyes.
“Who kissed who first?”
Akk: “I— I did…”
Ayan: smiling like the sun, “And he did great.”
Akk groans into his palms.
Kan is filming everything.
Once they calm down, Kan stands up dramatically and gives a speech.
“We, Kan Thua Wat, hereby promise to protect this holy union.
If any of you break the other’s heart, you will die.”
Ayan: “Reasonable.”
Akk: “KAN—”
Thua smiles through teary eyes.
“This is all I ever wanted… you two falling in love…”
Wat points at Akk.
“You’re not allowed to hide anymore. If he texts you, answer. If he flirts, accept. If he wants to kiss, LET HIM.”
Akk hides behind Ayan.
Ayan wraps an arm around him smugly.
“He does let me kiss him.”
Kan SCREAMS A THIRD TIME.
Thua starts crying again.
Wat throws a pillow at Kan.
Kan throws it back.
Thua throws tissues.
It is pure chaos.
Akk whispers softly to Ayan amidst the mess:
“Are you sure we should’ve told them?”
Ayan kisses the side of Akk’s head.
“Yes.”
He intertwines their fingers.
“I want them to know I’m yours.”
Akk melts instantly.
His cheeks turn warm.
He looks at Ayan with soft, shy affection.
“Okay,” he says quietly.
“I’m yours.”
Kan screams again.
Wat films it.
Thua cries even harder.
And Ayan?
He kisses Akk’s cheek proudly —
because the whole world now knows.
---------------
Ayan has been smiling since he woke up since he has a plan to their First Official Dinner Date.
He’s been pacing, fixing his hair, changing shirts three times, and texting Akk every five minutes.
Aye:
Don’t be nervous.
It’s just me.
Your incredibly handsome boyfriend.
Akk reads it and turns red immediately.
He types slowly:
I’m not nervous.
Ayan:
Lies.
I can FEEL your nervous energy through the phone.
Akk sighs.
Aye… I want to make today good for you.
Ayan’s smile softens.
Just being with you is good for me, Akk.
---------------
Ayan picks the café — warm lights, brick walls, soft music.
He arrives early, bouncing in his seat.
Then Akk walks in.
Hair neatly styled.
White shirt.
A shy, small smile because he caught Ayan staring.
Ayan actually forgets how to breathe.
“You…” Ayan stands up. “You look— wow.”
Akk blushes.
“You told me to… dress nicely.”
“I told you to dress comfortably.”
Ayan reaches out and touches his sleeve.
“But this is illegal. You’re going to kill me.”
Akk bites his lip, clearly flustered.
They sit.
Ayan takes Akk’s hand immediately.
“Akk, look at me.”
Akk slowly lifts his eyes.
Ayan smiles gently.
“You don’t have to impress me. You already do.”
Akk swallows, heart pounding.
“…Thank you.”
They talk about everything.
And nothing.
And things they’ve never said before.
Akk tells Ayan about his childhood.
His fear of being “too boring.”
His insecurity about never dating before.
Ayan listens with soft eyes.
Never interrupting.
Thumb brushing Akk’s knuckles gently.
“Akk,” he says eventually, “you’re not boring. You’re quiet. Thoughtful. And everything you say matters to me.”
Akk’s breath catches.
“Aye…”
Ayan smiles.
“You’re my favorite person to listen to.”
Akk looks down, cheeks pink.
“That sounds… nice.”
Ayan laughs softly.
“It’s true.”
---------------
They leave the café and walk to the park behind it.
It’s quiet.
Dim street lamps.
A gentle breeze.
More stars than usual.
Ayan suddenly stops walking.
Akk looks at him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Ayan says gently.
“I just… want to hold you.”
Akk’s face bursts red, but he nods.
Ayan steps closer and wraps his arms around Akk’s waist.
Akk slowly — carefully — hugs him back.
They fit perfectly.
Ayan whispers into his shoulder:
“I’ve wanted this… for so long.”
Akk exhales shakily.
“Aye… me too.”
They rest like that for a long time.
Wrapped in each other.
Hearts beating in sync.
---------------
Ayan pulls back slightly, cupping Akk’s face.
“Akk,” he whispers.
“I need to tell you something.”
Akk leans into his touch, trusting.
“What is it?”
Ayan searches his eyes — warm, deep, honest.
“I’m in love with you.”
Akk freezes.
Eyes wide.
Breath hitched.
Ayan smiles gently.
“You don’t have to say it back. Not yet. I just… wanted you to know.”
Akk’s lips tremble.
“Aye...”
He steps closer, chest against Ayan’s.
“I’m not good with words. I don’t know how to say—”
“Just tell me what you feel,” Ayan whispers.
Akk swallows hard.
Then, softly:
“When I’m with you… I feel safe.
I feel seen.
I feel like… I’m finally allowed to be myself.”
His eyes warm with emotion.
“And if that’s what love is…”
Akk takes a small, brave breath.
“…then I think I’m in love with you too.”
Ayan almost cries.
But instead—
he kisses him.
Their kiss is slow.
Deep.
Warm.
A promise.
Akk kisses back without hesitation — pulling Ayan closer by the shirt, surprising even himself.
Ayan smiles against his lips.
“You’re getting good at that,” he whispers.
Akk hides his face in Ayan’s neck.
“Aye…”
“Yes?”
“…Shut up.”
Ayan laughs loudly.
---------------
They walk hand in hand back to Akk’s apartment.
Ayan leans his head on Akk’s shoulder the whole way.
Akk lets him.
When they reach the doorway — the place where they shared their first kiss — Ayan whispers:
“Can I come in?”
Akk nods.
“Yeah. Stay.”
They sit on the couch.
Ayan sprawls across Akk’s lap.
Akk gently plays with his hair.
The room is quiet, warm, safe.
Ayan closes his eyes, smiling peacefully.
“Akk?”
“Hmm?”
“This already feels like home.”
Akk looks down at him — at his bright Aye, his chaos, his softness, his everything.
He kisses the top of Ayan’s head.
“It does,” Akk whispers.
“With you… it always will.”
Ayan snuggles closer.
Akk holds him tighter.
And that’s where the story ends —
two boys wrapped around each other,
hearts full,
lives intertwined,
finally finding home in one another.
The end.
But also…
the beginning.