The city air was crisp as Aiven walked out of the café, the warmth of the afternoon sun brushing over his shoulders. He kept his hands tucked into his pockets, heart still fluttering from the lingering closeness of Raze. Even after the camping trip, every small touch and word from him felt heavy, like an unspoken promise.
Raze was supposed to be back at the dorm with the rest of ECLYPSE, preparing for their comeback schedule, but he had found a way to sneak a moment alone with Aiven. His presence was always calming, yet it set Aiven's chest pounding in ways that didn't make sense.
"I'm glad you came out for a bit," Raze said softly, leaning against the lamppost. His gaze lingered on Aiven, sharp and protective.
Aiven smiled faintly, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. "I just… wanted a moment. Away from everything."
Raze's lips twitched into a small smile. "We won't always get moments like this. But while we do, I want to make them count."
The words made Aiven's stomach twist, warmth blooming across his cheeks. He wanted to say something—confess the way his heart always jumped at Raze's touch—but the words caught in his throat.
Nearby, the streets hummed with life, but in their small bubble, nothing else mattered. Aiven's phone buzzed, breaking the moment. A message from Draven lit up the screen: "Are you okay? Don't forget to breathe."
Aiven's lips curved into a smile. Even with everything going on, Draven had a way of grounding him. He typed back a quick reply: "I'm fine. Just… thinking."
A few blocks away, Zenith watched from a distance, dark eyes flicking between Aiven and Raze. His jaw tightened. The protective, possessive urge he'd been suppressing around Draven flared up, leaving him restless. Draven was quietly walking beside him, unaware of the storm building inside Zenith.
The day passed in small, stolen moments—Aiven ducking into quiet corners of the city, Raze keeping a careful distance, and Zenith silently observing Draven's every reaction.
By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the city in soft oranges and pinks, Aiven leaned back against the café wall, exhausted from the whirlwind of emotions.
Raze's hand brushed against his shoulder, almost casual, but it sent shivers down Aiven's spine. "We'll get through everything. Together," Raze murmured.
Aiven nodded, letting the words sink in. There were challenges ahead, fans, Velric, the constant scrutiny of the public—but for now, in this fleeting moment, they had each other.
And soon, he thought, they would have a bigger adventure waiting—a quiet beach, a chance to just be themselves. For now, they held onto the fragile peace, hearts quietly beating in sync, waiting for the storm they knew was coming.