22

Nani approaches Sky silently from behind, watching him sit on the wooden chair outside the house, his expression solemn.

"Everything must feel too heavy for you," Nani says, leaning against the wooden pillar with his arms crossed over his chest.

The rest of the gang has already disappeared into the back of the house, where several guest rooms are located.

Hidden beneath the simple home is a basement. An unassuming space where the Ghost Gang operates in silence, undetected by outsiders.

Sky remains still, lost in thought, eyes fixed on the dark view. He doesn't respond.

"Is this our cue to go separate ways?" Nani asks, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

That pulls Sky from his daze. He turns to look at the mafia.

"What do you mean?" he asks, his voice tight.

"The Ghost Gang is based in Phetchaburi. Aydin Gang's in Bangkok. It's close, but still far," Nani says softly. "We rule different territories, even if we're allies."

He pauses, swallowing the lump forming in his throat.

"You want to get rid of me that badly, huh?" Sky chuckles dryly, glancing at him with a mix of disbelief and hurt.

"This is where you belong, Sky," Nani says gently. "Your uncle needs you. And so does the Ghost Gang."His own words twist painfully in his chest.

"I never agreed to be the next heir, if that's what you're thinking," Sky snaps, his voice sharp.

Nani frowns, visibly unsettled. "At least with the Ghost Gang, you'll be safe."

"Safe?" Sky echoes, stepping forward until he's right in front of Nani. "You think I'll be safer here than when I was protecting you?"

He grabs Nani by the collar, grip tight. "Was I not enough as your bodyguard?"

Nani lets out a bitter laugh but doesn't fight back. "You were stabbed. You almost died during that last negotiation. And all of that was because of me."

He shoves Sky back, voice rising with frustration. "I only bring you pain. Even if staying by my side is your choice, it's dangerous, Sky. It always will be."

Sky stumbles a step, more shaken by the words than the push. His chest rises and falls heavily as he stares at Nani, who now stands rigid, jaw clenched.

"You don't get to decide what's worth the risk for me," Sky says quietly, voice laced with steel. "You don't get to throw me away just because it's hard for you to deal with."

Nani looks away, hands curling into fists at his sides. "It's not about me—"

"No," Sky cuts in. "It is about you. You're scared. You think if you push me away now, you won't have to watch me bleed again. That's fear, Nani."

Nani's head snaps up, something raw flashing in his eyes.

"I won't survive losing you," he says, barely a whisper.

Sky's breath catches.

The anger in his chest begins to melt, replaced by something deeper, wounded, but still hopeful. He steps forward again, slower this time.

"Do you have feelings for me?" Sky asks, voice trembling.

Nani turns his head away, biting his bottom lip.

"I don't know," he says helplessly. "But thinking about my life without you, scares me."

"God, Nani," Sky exhales, exasperated. "Your brother and my uncle are working together to destroy the very thing you're afraid of. Can't you put your trust in the people around you for once?"

"I know!" Nani snaps, dragging a hand down his face. His voice drops again. Shaky, raw. "I'm just scared. What if this ends with one of us getting killed? Fai is sick, Sky."

Sky doesn't hesitate. He steps forward and pulls Nani into a tight embrace, holding him close as if to shield him from every nightmare he's ever faced.

"Fai will be destroyed. I promise you that," he says firmly as Nani slowly relaxes in his arms.

"Then what happens after that?" Nani murmurs, but Sky hears him clearly.

"I'll still be part of the Aydin Gang. Still your bodyguard," Sky says, gently threading his fingers through Nani's hair. "I'll stay by your side. No matter what."

A small smile tugs at Nani's lips. "I forgot what it feels like, to feel this safe."

He loosens his hold slightly, glancing up at Sky.

"But lately, my chest's been acting weird," he mumbles. "It beats so fast whenever you're near."

Sky raises an eyebrow, amused. "Really?"

"I—I mean, I used to get this feeling too when I was in love with Fai," Nani stammers. "But with you, it's different. It's stronger. I crave your presence. I want you to hold me close, comfort me, tease me, manhandle me, kiss me—"

He stops abruptly, cheeks flushed.His eyes search Sky's. "Am I in love with you, Sky?"

Sky's playful smirk fades, replaced by something more tender.

"You're asking the wrong person," he says gently, brushing a strand of hair from Nani's face. "But if you want my answer, I've already fallen, Nani. Hard. I've just been waiting for you to catch up."

Nani's lips part slightly, breath hitching.

"I tried so hard to keep it professional," Sky continues, voice soft. "Tried to remind myself I was just your bodyguard. But everytime you were in danger, everytime you smiled at me like I was more than just someone paid to protect you, it broke something inside me."

He takes Nani's hand and presses it against his chest. "So if your heart's beating weirdly for me? It's love."

Nani lets out a shaky laugh, his fingers curling into Sky's shirt. "What am I supposed to do now?"

"Just accept it," Sky says, a smile tugging at his lips.

"You mean, dating you?" Nani teases, eyes glinting with mischief.

"Don't act brand new when we've practically been acting like a married couple for months," Sky grumbles with a mock frown.

Nani punches him lightly in the chest. "Oh? Is that why you never say no when I ask for sex?"

Sky grins. "Please. Sex with you is the best I've ever had. You're literally everything I ever wanted in a partner and now you're mine."

Nani rolls his eyes, but he's smiling.

"Yours, huh?" he says, raising a brow teasingly. The blush blooming on his cheeks betrays him.

Sky steps closer, hands resting on Nani's waist as he leans in, voice softer. "Yeah. Mine to hold. Mine to protect. Mine to love."

Nani's playful expression falters as emotion fills his gaze. "That sounds dangerously permanent," he whispers.

"Good," Sky murmurs, resting his forehead against Nani's. "Because I don't plan on going anywhere."

There's just the two of them now, wrapped in the comfort of each other's presence.

"I was scared love would make me weak again," Nani admits, his voice shaking. "But this, with you, it doesn't feel like weakness. It feels like strength."

Sky smiles, brushing his lips gently against Nani's.

"That's because it is," he whispers. "We're stronger together."

Nani nods slowly, fingers curling tightly into Sky's shirt. "Then don't let go."

"Never," Sky whispers, before closing the distance in a tender kiss.

One that promises a future, no matter how chaotic the world around them remains.

***

Nani curls beneath Sky's chin, finally drifting off after asking for another round of making love.

Yes, Nani makes it clear.It's no longer just sex with no strings attached.

It's making love.

Sky gazes down at the delicate features of the man nestled in his arms.

The one who wears a cold facade in public but becomes soft and vulnerable when they're alone.

He realizes just how deeply he's fallen, ever since their first kiss in that cramped cubicle.

Nani is simply addicting.

And now that he's officially his, Sky silently vows to protect him better than ever.

A soft knock at the door pulls him from his thoughts. He shifts carefully, reaching for the shirt and shorts he carelessly tossed to the floor.

Before leaving the bed, he adjusts the blanket around Nani's sleeping form and presses a tender kiss to his cheek.

When he opens the door, Sunny stands there with a warm, knowing smile.

"Can we talk?" the older man asks.

Sky nods and steps out, closing the door gently behind him.

He follows Sunny upstairs to the living room, now dim and quiet, with only a few henchmen stationed near the entrance, keeping silent watch.

Sky walks behind his uncle, eyes fixed on him, the air thick with unsaid words.

The house feels hushed, as if it's holding its breath after everything that's been revealed.

Moonlight filters through the curtains, casting long shadows across the wooden floor.

Sunny sits on the edge of the couch, his movements still stiff from recovery.

Sky remains standing for a moment, hands in his pockets, waiting.

"I always thought I was doing the right thing," Sunny begins, his eyes fixed on some distant memory. "Keeping you out of this world. Shielding you from it all."

Sky says nothing, letting him speak.

"I tried to give you a normal life or at least the closest thing to it. But fate had other plans for all of us."

Sky finally responds. "You didn't do everything wrong. You raised me the best way you knew how. But I needed the truth even if it hurt."

Sunny smiles bitterly. "You're not mad at me?" he asks, looking up.

Sky doesn't answer right away. Then he slowly shakes his head.

"Not mad. Just disappointed. Shocked that you kept it from me for so long," he says quietly.

A heavy silence falls between them until Sunny finally speaks again.

"You know I won't live long, not with the disease I have. The Ghost Gang needs a new leader."

Sky's expression remains unreadable.

"What if I don't want to take over?" he asks, his voice tight.

"Then it's time my right-hand man steps up," Sunny replies gently. "But I understand if you don't want that responsibility. I won't force you."

A wave of relief washes over Sky at those words.

"He's someone important to you, isn't he?" Sunny asks.

Sky nods without hesitation. "He's the man I was escorting that night," he says, and his eyes soften at the mention of Nani.

Sunny smiles faintly. He still looks pale, but there's a spark in his eyes.

"I made all the decisions in your life for so long," Sunny says. "But now that you're finally living it for yourself, I won't push you to do this. The choice is yours."

Sky hesitates. "Are you planning to stay here?"

Sunny nods, calm and certain. "Don't worry. Tanny, the girl you met earlier, she takes good care of me. You can visit anytime. Bring your boyfriend, too."

Sky smiles at the offer.

"How did you even manage the gang without a single penny?" he asks, glancing around the cozy house and thinking of the modern basement hidden beneath it.

"I never said I didn't have money," Sunny replies, teasing lightly.

"I just didn't feel right using gang funds for personal needs. I'm not the one keeping this gang alive. My right-hand men are doing the heavy lifting. I'm just here to guide them."

Sky hums softly, finally understanding why his uncle chose a modest life instead of indulging in the gang's wealth.

It makes him respect Sunny even more.

"Thank you, uncle. For keeping me," Sky says sincerely, stepping forward and pulling him into a hug.

Sunny wraps his arms around him, patting his back gently.

"I'm sorry for making you work so hard to pay for my treatment," Sunny says softly. "You don't have to worry about me anymore. Live the life you choose."

Sky tightens the hug, holding his uncle close.

"You're still important to me, no matter what," he says, voice steady.

Sunny smiles, relief lighting up his face.

"You don't have to worry," Sunny says as he pulls back slightly. "The Chakrit Gang will fall. They've ruled for far too long, it's time someone taught them a lesson."

They lock eyes, fire burning behind both gazes.

For the first time, Sky feels something more than duty.

He feels purpose.

This time, they'll bring the Chakrit Gang down.

Piece by piece.