𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭?

The terrace was quiet - the hum of laughter and music from downstairs a distant echo, softened by the thick night air. The fairy lights shimmered gently above them, swaying in the breeze, while the moonlight spilled across the marble floor like liquid silver.

Red stood there for a moment longer, watching Nani with that same unreadable softness in his eyes before stepping forward. He opened his arms, and Nani didn't hesitate - he walked right into the embrace.

It wasn't one of those fleeting hugs people gave for politeness. It was warm, heavy with everything unsaid - years of chaos, friendship, and loyalty that had no words big enough to fit it all.

Red's voice came out low, barely above a whisper, his breath brushing against Nani's hair. "You've grown so much, Emerald... You really did it. You look happy - and that's all I ever wanted for you."

Nani felt the sting in his chest - the kind that came from hearing love in the voice of someone who had lost too much of it himself. He pulled back just enough to look at him, smiling through misty eyes. "Thank you, Red. For being here - even when you shouldn't have."

Red chuckled softly, brushing his thumb over the corner of his mouth as he looked away. "You think I'd miss your wedding? Not a chance."

They both laughed quietly, the kind of laugh that came from shared exhaustion and history. Then, slowly, they sat down on the nearby chairs - two figures side by side under the soft golden light, the world below them unaware of the fragile peace up here.

Nani swirled the wine glass in his hand, his voice gentle. "You know... sometimes I wish we could be normal friends. So you could come to my wedding openly - sit with the others, drink with them, dance with me without all those eyes watching."

Red leaned back, resting his elbows on his knees, a small sigh escaping him. "I know, Emerald. Believe me, I wish that too." His lips twitched in a humorless smile. "But your father-in-law would rather set the entire villa on fire than see me here. I don't want to ruin your day."

Nani sighed, the corner of his mouth turning down slightly as he looked at him - really looked at him - and noticed the faint bruises peeking through under the soft light. One along his jaw, another fading at the edge of his temple. His eyes narrowed.

"You had one of your breakdowns again, didn't you?" he said quietly. "And you went to the fighting club."

Red's jaw tensed. The smile faded. He didn't bother denying it - he just nodded, looking away toward the dark forest beyond the balcony. "I had to. If I didn't... I would've hurt myself again. It's easier to hit people who want to get a few ribs broken."

Nani's heart clenched. He shook his head, leaning forward. "How many times have I told you to see a doctor?"

Red gave a low scoff. "Doctors don't fix people like me, Nani. They give me those damn pills that turn me into a zombie. I forget things when I take them - like hours just vanish. And when the effect wears off, it's like I wake up with someone else's memories." He paused, bitter laughter slipping through. "Besides, I look pathetic when I'm on them."

Nani's expression softened, but his voice was firm. "Still... those pills stop you from destroying yourself."

Red shrugged, his gaze dropping to his scarred hands. "It's fine, Nani. I've got enough curses sitting on my back already. Maybe Vegas is right - maybe one day I'll die just like that. Drowned in my own blood."

The words were too casual, too steady - and that made them hurt even more.

Nani reached out before he could stop himself, his fingers closing tightly around Red's hands - those same hands covered in old cigarette burns and bruises that had long healed on the outside, but never on the inside.

His voice trembled, but his grip didn't. "Don't say that. Don't ever say that. You're my best friend, Red - and no matter what you think, I'll never let you destroy yourself. Not while I'm still breathing."

For a moment, the world was silent again - just the faint rustle of wind and the faraway hum of celebration below.

Red looked down at their joined hands, then up at Nani, his sharp eyes softening in a way only Nani ever saw. He gave a small, genuine smile - the kind that cracked through all the hardness he carried.

"I know, Emerald," he said quietly, giving Nani's hand a small squeeze. "That's why you're the only person I still listen to."

And for the first time in a long while, Red looked at peace - even if only for a fleeting moment under the glow of the fairy lights and the echo of a distant violin.

Red got up reluctantly, giving Nani one last hug before whispering, "I should go before someone-Vegas-catches me here."

Nani chuckled softly, brushing away the emotion in his eyes. "He'll kill you if he sees you."

Red smirked, "Wouldn't be the first time someone tried," and slipped away before Nani could say anything else.

𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣Moments later, Sky's phone vibrated.A single notification popped up on the screen - a code word only a few people would understand.Sky's expression shifted instantly. He turned to William and gave a subtle nod.

Without saying a word, they quietly slipped out of the main hall and down the long corridor leading to another ballroom - one of many in Villa Ramphueng's sprawling estate.

As soon as they entered, the familiar figure came into view.

"You weren't there," Sky said, his voice low but edged with something between relief and reproach.

Red smiled faintly. "I was. You didn't need to see me to know I'm here."

Before Sky could respond, Red stepped forward and pulled William into a firm hug.

"Thanks for not giving up and coming back, Will."William tightened the embrace, emotion flickering in his usually composed eyes.

When they finally pulled apart, Red grinned - that trademark, maddening grin that always masked too many things. Then he turned and wrapped Sky in a hug.

"Congratulations, Sky. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks, Red," Sky replied quietly. "Wish you could've been out there with us."

Red let out a short laugh. "I was there - saw you almost cry after the kiss."

William burst out laughing, and Sky shot them both a glare that only made them laugh harder.Once the laughter died down, Red's tone shifted - more serious now, grounded.

"So, Sky... about that day." He met Sky's eyes. "We didn't find the drugs in the warehouse they kept you."

Sky's jaw clenched. "But they tried to open the box with my eyes."

"As expected, it exploded," Red finished, folding his arms. "They might have taken one to test it, but we searched everywhere. Nothing. Still-" his smirk returned, sharper this time, "-don't be disheartened. I think I know where they're hiding it."

Sky exchanged a look with William. "Where?"

"Not in Bangkok. Too risky," Red said, pacing slightly. "My bet's on the coast - Pattaya or Phuket. Probably in a cargo shipment or deep in one of the docks. My instincts say Phuket, so I'm heading there tonight. Another team's already stationed in Pattaya."

William exhaled sharply, rubbing his forehead. "You never rest, do you?"

Red made a peace sign under his chin, flashing his grin again. "No time for rest when I'm this good. I'll find them before you leave for your honeymoon."

At the word "honeymoon," Sky's lips softened into a smile. "I'm counting on you, Red."

Red nodded once, serious again. "Always."

He turned to leave, but before he could reach the door, William called out,

"At my wedding, I'll make you attend-willingly or unwillingly."

Red chuckled, glancing over his shoulder. "We'll see about that, Will."

And with that, he slipped into the shadows of the dim corridor - vanishing like smoke, leaving behind only the faint scent of cigarettes and something unnameably bittersweet.

As the door closed behind Red, silence settled in the side ballroom.

William looked at Sky. "You trust him?"

Sky nodded. "With my life."

Then his lips curved into a faint smile. "But for now, let's get back before Nani realizes I've disappeared and sends the entire groomsmen squad after me."

William chuckled. "You mean before Pooh throws a fit."

"Exactly," Sky replied with a grin, and together they returned to the hall.

The main ballroom had transformed while they were gone - laughter filling the air, glasses clinking, music swelling with the rhythm of joy. The chandeliers shimmered like stars, reflecting the happiness that radiated from everyone in the room.

The newlyweds had become the center of attention once again; Pooh was teasing Est about catching the next bouquet while sea proudly flaunted the one he'd already snatched, making Jimmy roll his eyes in mock exasperation.

Sky found Nani near the grand window, a glass of champagne in hand, glowing under the soft golden lights. His husband. His everything.

Nani turned just as Sky approached, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.

"Where did you disappear to, Mr. Groom? I was about to announce a manhunt."

Sky chuckled, slipping an arm around his waist. "I was handling something important."

"Oh?" Nani raised a brow. "More important than me?"

Sky leaned in, whispering near his ear, "Nothing ever will be."

Nani's cheeks warmed as Sky guided him toward the balcony that opened to the vast gardens. The guests began to follow curiously, some already holding up their phones as Sky gave a subtle signal to the staff waiting outside.The lights dimmed.

The night air was cool, carrying the scent of roses and wine.

Then - the first firework shot into the sky, bursting into a cascade of golden sparks. Another followed - blue, pink, silver - painting the heavens in colors that mirrored Nani's bouquet. Gasps filled the air as the fireworks synchronized into a melody that everyone recognized - Nani's favorite instrumental piece.

Nani stood frozen for a moment, eyes wide, before turning toward Sky. "You did this?"

Sky smiled softly. "For you. You once told me you loved watching fireworks because they remind you that beauty can still exist after chaos." He reached up, brushing a stray strand of hair from Nani's face. "So here's to us - beautiful after everything we've been through."

Nani blinked rapidly, tears glistening in his eyes. "You're impossible, Sky..." he whispered, voice trembling with emotion.

Sky chuckled lowly, pulling him close. "Only for you, la Mia Regina."

The crowd around them cheered when they kissed - slow, tender, yet carrying the kind of love that made everything else fade away. The fireworks illuminated their faces, wrapping them in shimmering light.

"Careful," Pooh shouted from behind, grinning mischievously. "You're gonna make the fireworks jealous!"

Sea smacked his arm, and everyone laughed, clinking glasses and shouting for another kiss.

Sky, never one to disappoint, dipped Nani slightly and kissed him again - this time deeper, making Nani flush red while the crowd erupted into applause.

"Sky!" Nani hissed, though his smile betrayed him.

"Worth it," Sky whispered against his lips.

As the last firework exploded in the sky, forming a glowing heart above them, Nani leaned into Sky's chest, their hands intertwined.

"It's perfect," he murmured. "Everything is perfect."

Sky rested his chin on top of his head, whispering, "You made it perfect just by being here with me."

Around them, the music swelled again, laughter rising as the celebration resumed - William dragging Est to dance, Pooh stealing champagne bottles from the tables, Sea being chased by Jimmy, and Vegas unsuccessfully trying to keep the chaos under control.

But for Sky and Nani, none of that mattered.Under the fading trail of fireworks, surrounded by love and laughter, they swayed together - two hearts finally at peace, in a world that, for this night, belonged only to them.

When the celebration finally ended, the music fading into the quiet hum of the night, Sky took Nani's hand and led him away from the noise. The hallway lights were dim, soft golden hues guiding their steps toward the master bedroom prepared specially for them - rose petals scattered, candles flickering, and a faint trace of vanilla perfume lingering in the air.

Their first night as husbands.

Sky glanced at Nani, whose cheeks were still flushed from the dancing and champagne. There was a nervous excitement between them, the kind that made every step feel surreal.

They exchanged a glance - the kind that spoke of both anticipation and disbelief that this day had really happened.

But the moment the door swung open, their romantic dream shattered instantly.

Pooh was already in the middle of the massive bed, starfished across the mattress, hair damp from a shower, wearing one of the resort robes and snoring softly - drooling on a pillow.

Sky froze at the doorway. "...You've got to be kidding me."

Nani blinked. "Is he... sleeping?"

"Clearly," Sky muttered.

And before either could react further, a familiar voice came from the corner of the bed. "Oh hey, you're finally here," William said lazily, eyes glued to his phone screen, thumbs moving fast. "I'm just finishing my last round."

Est was curled up against his chest, already fast asleep, his face peaceful against William's shirt.

Nani turned his head slowly toward Sky, his expression somewhere between disbelief and amusement. "This... is not the wedding night I imagined."

Sky pinched the bridge of his nose. "Neither did I."

He tried to gently shake Pooh awake, whispering, "Pooh, get up, this is our room."

Pooh only groaned, rolled over, and promptly threw one leg over Sky's arm, cuddling closer. "So warm..." he mumbled in his sleep.

Sky looked helplessly at Nani. "He's not moving."

"And neither are they," Nani said, nodding toward William and Est.

Just when Sky thought it couldn't get worse, the door opened again - Jimmy and Sea stumbled in, both still in their suits, hair messy, half-asleep. Without a word, they made their way to the couch and collapsed together, curling into each other like exhausted kittens.

Sky stood there, staring at the scene - his new husband watching quietly beside him. The bed was full. The couch was occupied. The room was chaos.

"This is unbelievable," Sky muttered.

Nani tried - he really tried - to keep a straight face, but a giggle escaped before he could stop it. "Well, you did say we're a family now..."

Sky gave him a mock glare. "Not this kind of family situation."

Nani burst into laughter, the kind that made his shoulders shake. "Oh come on, Mr. Groom. You can share, just for tonight."

With a long, defeated sigh, Sky climbed into bed - maneuvering around limbs and blankets until he somehow ended up in the middle. Nani slipped in beside him, resting his head on Sky's shoulder. Pooh immediately shifted, clinging to Sky's other arm, draping a leg over him.

William and Est were tangled around his legs at the foot of the bed, Est's soft breathing mixing with William's quiet chuckle as he whispered, "Congrats, Sky. Some honeymoon, huh?"

Sky closed his eyes, too tired to respond. "You all are impossible," he muttered under his breath.

Nani tilted his head up, smiling softly. "But they're ours."

Sky's irritation melted instantly. He looked down at Nani - his husband, his calm - and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Yeah," he whispered, tightening his hold around him. "They're ours."

Outside, the last spark of fireworks faded from the night sky, their glow lingering on the quiet villa.

Inside, Sky drifted to sleep surrounded by his chaotic, beautiful family - one arm around his husband, the other claimed by his clingy little brother, and his heart full to the brim.