Sky's gaze softened, though his tone remained resolute. "We need to go back to your parents' house."

The room seemed to freeze at those words. Nani's expression hardened instantly, his lips pressing into a thin line. He turned away, pulling the blanket over himself. "That's not happening," he said flatly, his tone carrying a finality that left no room for argument.

Sky didn't push further. Instead, he simply lay down, still smiling faintly, as if he knew something Nani didn't. There was a subtle shift in his gaze, something almost otherworldly in his calm, unreadable expression. "We'll see," he said softly, laced with an underlying certainty. "We always end up where we're supposed to be."

Nani didn't respond, his back firmly turned to Sky. But as he stared into the darkness, his mind raced with thoughts he'd long buried, memories of a place he'd sworn never to return to.

------ The next morning

Sky's eyes sparkled with wonder as he wandered through the grand halls of the casino, a wide grin tugging at his lips. Glittering lights danced off the polished marble floors, casting fleeting reflections across the room, while the rhythmic clink of chips and the low hum of voices filled the air, a strange symphony of excitement. 

Sky's curiosity was palpable—his gaze flitting from the vivid neon signs to the animated faces of the crowd, each new discovery making him look like a kid in a candy store, wide-eyed and eager to absorb it all.

Meanwhile, Nani sat on a plush couch near the entrance, arms crossed, his posture tight with the weight of his thoughts. He was still replaying the events of the night before, the lingering uncertainty gnawing at him. 

Why had he brought Sky here? Why had he given in to that persuasive puppy smile, that infectious energy? He barely knew the boy, yet Sky had a way of worming into his thoughts. The boy's unfiltered enthusiasm, the way his eyes lit up when he spoke—Nani's resolve had cracked in the face of it.

He sighed, the sound a mixture of exasperation and something else—something that made his chest feel oddly warm, despite himself. How had he ended up like this, after just one night? It was maddening. Sky's charm was undeniable, and the more Nani tried to suppress it, the more it seemed to seep into him, like an itch he couldn't scratch. Was this a blessing... or a curse?

"This was a bad idea," Nani muttered under his breath, his voice low with frustration, before raising it to call out. "You."

Sky turned, his face instantly lighting up with that radiant smile, all bright eyes and an almost audible sparkle in his voice. "Yes?"

Nani leaned forward, pressing his palms into the couch. "It's not too late to go back, you know. We don't have to be here. I can handle my own problems."

Sky's smile softened, but there was something else in his eyes—a quiet confidence, as if he knew something Nani didn't. He stepped closer, tilting his head as he looked down at Nani, who was sitting comfortably in the plush couch. "You don't need to worry so much," Sky said, his voice calm and warm, like sunlight breaking through the clouds. "By the way, have I told you my name?"

Nani blinked, caught off guard. "Yeah, you said it was Sky."

"Not just Sky." Sky corrected with a small, almost absent-minded flick of his hair, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. His fingers brushed through the messy strands, then with a sly wink, he added, "I also introduced myself as Wu. Remember?"

Nani raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. "Wu?" he echoed, the syllable feeling unfamiliar on his tongue, though it stirred something in his memory. Sky had mentioned it last night. "What's that supposed to mean? And does it have anything to do with..." He motioned vaguely at the neon lights and swirling crowd around them, the chaotic energy of the casino. "...this situation?"

Sky's posture shifting with an easy confidence as he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice, as if about to share a secret. Nani couldn't help but notice the playful glint in his eyes, a spark that could almost be described as dangerous. "Wu, in Chinese," he said, his tone casual but laced with weight, "means a shaman or sorcerer. Someone who balances the forces of yin and yang, fate itself. Someone who understands the forces beyond the veil." His gaze was steady, as if he believed every word. "And let's just say... I might know a trick or two that could prove useful."

Nani studied him for a long moment, his skepticism bubbling to the surface. He had to tilt his head back slightly to meet Sky's eyes—the young man was taller than him, and for a split second, Sky's towering presence seemed to fill the space between them, making Nani feel small despite his own typically grounded demeanor. "A sorcerer, huh?" Nani asked, his voice tinged with mockery, but also a flicker of genuine curiosity. "Is that your way of saying you've got something up your sleeve?"

"Maybe," Sky said with a shrug, his shoulders relaxed but poised, like a performer on the verge of showing his best trick. "Or maybe I just know how to nudge the odds in the right direction." He leaned back a little, a playful challenge in his gaze. "It's not about changing fate, but guiding it."

Nani's lips twitched, his breath catching for a split second. There was something almost endearing in Sky's cocky confidence, the way he carried himself like he owned the world. With a small, resigned sigh, Nani slouched deeper into the plush couch, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're impossible," he muttered, though a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Have you even tried your so-called 'trick' before?"

"Not on a casino," Sky admitted with a casual shrug, his tone light but filled with an undercurrent of excitement. His dark, tousled hair and sharp features caught the warm glow of the casino lights, making him look effortlessly magnetic—like the kind of guy who turned heads without even trying. "This is my first time."

Nani's eyes narrowed slightly, his suspicions confirmed. "I knew it," he murmured. The way Sky had been looking around earlier, wide-eyed and curious, had made it obvious he'd never set foot in a casino before. "Let's get out of here before you get yourself into trouble."

But Sky didn't budge. Instead, his lips curled into a mischievous grin, one that lit up his face and made him look even more striking, if that were even possible. He tilted his head. "How about this," he said, his voice dropping just slightly, enough to add a hint of challenge. "Let's make a bet."

Nani raised an eyebrow, a flicker of unease creeping into his expression. "A bet?"

"Just one game," Sky said, his confidence radiating like he'd already won. He leaned forward slightly, the smooth leather of the jacket he borrowed from Nani catching the light, making him look every bit the troublemaker he clearly was. "If I lose, I'll go back with you. No questions asked."

"And if you win?" Nani asked, already dreading the answer.

Sky's grin widened. "If I win, I stay and keep playing. And you owe me a favor."

"A favor?" Nani repeated, leaning back with a scoff. "What kind of favor?"

Sky shrugged again, his expression as unreadable as it was maddeningly confident. "I would tell you later."

Nani let out a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. He couldn't believe he was even entertaining this. "This is a terrible idea," he muttered, more to himself than to Sky. Yet, despite himself, he glanced up at the younger man—at those sharp cheekbones, that confident smirk that seemed to know no doubt, and the way he effortlessly commanded the space around him, even with his obvious inexperience.

It was infuriating how good-looking he was, like he'd been pulled from some glossy magazine and dropped into the chaos of the casino. His tousled hair, perfectly framed face, and the effortless way he carried himself were almost unfair. Nani felt his face grow warm and quickly shoved the thought aside, annoyed at himself. Calm down, Nani, he scolded himself silently. You just met him last night.

"Fine," Nani said finally, his tone reluctant but resigned. "One game. But don't say I didn't warn you when this all goes south."

Sky's eyes lit up, that dangerous mix of charm and confidence making him look almost too perfect. "Deal," he said, his voice smooth and unshakable. He held out his pinky, a playful glint in his eyes as he waited for Nani to seal the agreement.

Nani stared at the offered pinky, his brow furrowing in disbelief. "Seriously?" he asked, the corners of his lips twitching as he fought back a smirk. "A pinky promise? What are we, ten?"

Sky's grin only widened. "What's the matter? Afraid you can't keep your word?" he teased, wiggling his pinky slightly, as if daring Nani to accept.

Nani let out a defeated sigh. With a reluctant shake of his head, Nani lifted his own hand and hooked his pinky around Sky's.

"There," Nani said, his voice half-grumbling. "Happy?"

Sky's smile warmly. "Very," he replied, holding Nani's gaze for just a moment longer than necessary before letting go.

Nani crossed his arms, trying to ignore the strange warmth lingering in his chest. "Alright, one game," he said firmly. "But when you lose—and you will  lose—you're coming back with me, no arguments."

Sky chuckled softly. He tilted his head slightly, his smile teasing and mischievous. "Protect me like this?" he said, his voice almost sing-song. "Why not make the 'I'm your boyfriend' thing from last night official? I think it'd be perfect."

Nani froze for a moment, his cheeks flushing just a little at the suggestion. He quickly shook it off and gave Sky a light smack on the head. "Alright, that's it," he grumbled. "Just play your stupid game and go back already."

Sky giggled, unbothered by the smack, clearly enjoying every bit of this banter. "Aw, come on, Nani. I think you'd look cute calling me 'your boyfriend'," he teased, his eyes dancing with mischief, earning another smack on the head.

-------

Sky sat down at the table with Nani standing behind him, his posture relaxed, hands casually at his sides. The dealer sized him up with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. 

"Well, well... looks like we've got a handsome boy here," came the smooth, confident voice of a woman seated next to Sky. She gave him a bold, assessing look, her makeup perfectly done, her eyes hungry with interest. "Are you sure you're at the right table?"

Nani's eyes narrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face as he observed the woman's bold appraisal of Sky. He shifted his stance and shot her a cold, unimpressed look. He wasn't one to tolerate this kind of attention, especially when it was so blatantly directed at someone who, for reasons he still couldn't fully comprehend, had wormed his way under his skin.

Sky, however, remained relaxed. His grin never faltered, but there was a subtle shift in his demeanor as he turned to the woman, his expression as innocent as it was mischievous. Then, without warning, he reached back and grabbed Nani's hand, pulling it gently but firmly until Nani found himself standing a bit too close to him, his arm draped around Sky's shoulders.

"I'm sorry," Sky said, his voice light and almost apologetic as he leaned in just a touch closer, "But I'm taken."

He spoke the words with such innocent sincerity. The woman blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting that response. She opened her mouth to say something, but Sky didn't give her the chance. He casually let his hand rest over Nani's, his fingers lightly brushing the back of his hand.

"Right, P' Nani?" Sky added with a teasing glance, making it clear he was enjoying this.

Nani froze for a moment, a flush of heat rushing to his face, but he quickly regained his composure, trying to tug his hand away. Sky's grip, however, was firm—almost like it had been planned from the start. It hit Nani then: Sky was playing the same game he had last night, but this time, the roles were flipped.

"Stop being annoying. Just play your stupid game and get out of here," Nani muttered, his voice sharp, though there was an unintentional warmth beneath it that he couldn't quite hide. He still felt uneasy, caught off guard by how effortlessly Sky had maneuvered him into this position.

But Sky's grin only widened, completely enjoyed Nani's irritation. "Alright, alright," he said. "I'll give it a shot." His tone was all lighthearted mischief as he casually adjusted his stance at the table.

The woman, having regained her confidence after the initial shock, flashed him a flirtatious smile, her eyes glinting with unknown emotions. "Good luck, handsome," she said. "Since I can't have you, I'll just beat you at the game without mercy. And trust me, I'm quite lucky."

Sky raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that," he replied playfully. "I'm pretty lucky myself."

With a casual flick of his wrist, he placed his bet, and she followed suit, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. The dealer nodded, the cards shuffled, and the game began.

To Nani's annoy, Sky actually won his first game, destroying his dream of getting the boy out of here. The woman clapped her hand and said, "You quite lucky with those cards pull."

Nani watched in disbelief as Sky kept winning, his luck defying all logic. Each card seemed to fall perfectly into place, as if fate itself was on his side. The woman beside him laughed, clearly impressed, but Nani couldn't shake the nagging feeling in his gut. Sky's charm, his effortless confidence—it all felt too calculated, like there was more to him than met the eye.

Could he really control fate? Nani wondered, his mind still spinning from Sky's cryptic words the night before. Fate brought us together... What did that even mean? The question gnawed at him, refusing to settle. His eyes drifted to the pendant around Sky's neck—his mother's pendant. Why was Sky wearing it? Did they know each other? Did Sky know his parents? And if he did, why had he kept quiet when Nani had asked about it? 

The more Nani learned, the less he understood, and it irritated him. This boy was a mystery, wrapped in a puzzle, and no matter how many pieces Nani tried to put together, they only seemed to scatter further.