After the hospital Raviel and Nao returned home. As they stepped inside, Issadora rushed over with a mask of motherly concern stretched across her face.
"Oh my son, are you alright? I was so worried!" she cried, placing her hand dramatically over her chest.
Nao gave a polite nod, his voice calm but guarded. "I'm fine. Don't worry."
Issadora then turned her attention toward Raviel, offering him a sugary smile laced with jealousy. "And our guest… are you alright?"
Raviel met her gaze coolly. "I'm alright. Thank you for your concern."
With that, Issadora straightened and said, "You both should rest. Go to your room and take it easy."
Nao gave a silent nod, and he and Raviel turned toward the hallway. But just as they were about to go, Adrian appeared out of nowhere and rushed toward them. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around Nao in a tight hug.
"Are you alright, big brother?" he asked, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.
For a brief moment, Nao was stunned. This warmth… this concern… it almost felt real. For the first time, he felt like he actually had a family.
He smiled faintly and placed a hand on Adrian's shoulder. "I'm okay, little brother. Don't worry."
Behind them, Issadora's eyes narrowed. Her fake smile dropped the moment she turned away. Again… my plan failed? Her thoughts boiled with frustration.
Just then, Wick appeared beside her and whispered, "Ma'am, you have an urgent call."
Issadora turned without a word and followed him away.
Back in the hallway, Adrian smiled and said, "Now, you go rest. You've had a long day."
Nao nodded. He and Raviel finally entered their room. Nao glanced around in silence before speaking, "You take the shower first. I'll go after."
Raviel nodded and headed into the bathroom. Nao moved to the window, staring out with furrowed brows. His thoughts raced. That moment… when Raviel held me… when our lips touched… he looked so different. What's happening to me?
Time passed. The sound of running water stopped.
Raviel soon stepped out of the bathroom, steam drifting behind him. He had a towel draped around his neck and his damp hair clung to his skin. He looked at Nao and walked over slowly.
"Are you really okay?" Raviel asked softly, his eyes searching Nao's.
Nao turned quickly. "Yes, yes, I'm fine. I… I should take a shower now."
Without waiting, he rushed into the bathroom, trying to steady his heartbeat.
But the trembling in his heart wouldn't stop.
Nao stepped out of the bathroom, his hair damp and sticking to his forehead. He picked up a towel and gently rubbed at his hair, his mind still clouded by the earlier events. Raviel sat quietly nearby, his eyes watching Nao closely. He could feel it—the subtle tremble in Nao's aura, the unspoken fear he was trying so hard to hide.
Without saying a word, Raviel stood and walked over to Nao. He reached out, gently taking the towel from Nao's hands.
"I'll help you," he said softly.
Nao blinked in surprise but didn't resist. Raviel moved closer and began drying Nao's hair, his hands surprisingly gentle. For the first time since their return, Nao began to relax. The quiet, rhythmic motion of Raviel's hands felt comforting, safe.
After a moment of silence, Nao finally spoke.
"Do you really… look so scary?" he asked in a low voice, barely able to meet Raviel's eyes.
Raviel paused, then gave a small smile.
"Yes," he replied truthfully. "But not to you. Only to those who want to hurt you."
Nao's breath hitched at his words.
Suddenly, Raviel gently guided Nao toward the bed.
"Lay down," he said, and Nao obeyed, lying back against the soft pillows. Raviel followed, lying beside him. Their faces were only inches apart now, their breaths mixing in the stillness of the room.
Raviel reached out, resting a hand gently on Nao's head and began patting him softly, like a silent promise in each touch.
"You don't need to be scared of me," Raviel murmured. "I'll always protect you."
Nao felt his chest tighten with emotion. Something about the way Raviel spoke made him feel safe—truly safe—for the first time in a long while. He let out a shaky breath and slowly closed his eyes. The warmth of Raviel's presence, his touch, his voice… it was all too comforting to resist.
And for that moment, in the quiet of the room, Nao let go of his fear—wrapped in the safety of Raviel's arms.
.