As they fought their way through the chaos, Sky reached into his pocket and retrieved a small, folded piece of paper. In one smooth motion, he tossed it toward Love. It landed in her lap, barely noticeable amid the madness, but she caught it effortlessly.

Love's eyes flicked down to the paper in her lap, her lips curling into a knowing smile as she quickly read the hastily scrawled note. "You are truly interesting, Sky." The paper must have been written before the boy stepped foot inside the casino, as she hadn't seen him write it while he was here. That meant Sky had known everything from the start—every event leading up to this moment, all carefully orchestrated to fit his design. It seemed as though he was the one weaving fate.

------Two weeks later

Sky stood still for a moment, his eyes tracing the photograph on the bookcase. Nani was busy finishing the last few touches on his new condo, the sound of boxes being shifted and things unpacked filling the room. But Sky's gaze was locked on a picture that stood on the corner, one that held the image of Nani as a young child, about ten years old, smiling with his parents in the warm embrace of a family moment.

Nani, noticing that Sky had stopped moving, approached quietly. A small smile tugged at his lips as he caught sight of where Sky's attention had drifted. "They look happy, don't they?" he said, his voice soft.

Sky gave a small, almost wistful smile and nodded in agreement, but the sadness that flickered in his eyes lingered for just a second before he turned his head back to Nani. "I bet they love you so much."

Nani tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "You do know my parents, right?" His voice was casual, but there was an edge to it, a glint in his eyes as he subtly probed for more — after all, the pendant Sky wore around his neck, his mother's pendant, had always raised questions.

Sky sighed, a quiet sound that seemed to carry more weight than it should. He looked down at the pendant for a moment before meeting Nani's gaze once more. "I don't know them personally," he replied, his tone flat. "But... I wish I had."

The cryptic response made Nani frown in confusion, his instincts pushing him to dig deeper. "What do you mean?"

Sky didn't answer immediately. Instead, he placed his index finger to his lips in a playful gesture, silencing Nani. His eyes gleamed with mischief, and his smile was both teasing and tender. "If you want to know more... do what I asked," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "You still owe me a favor, remember?"

Nani froze for a moment, his mouth opening in protest. His eyes fixed on Sky, a tension creeping into his voice. "Anything but that," he said, his tone shifting, growing slightly more serious. "There's no way I'm going back to my old house."

Sky's smile faltered only slightly, but the glint in his eyes was unwavering. "Fine then..." he said, his tone casual, almost playful again, "Then I won't tell you anything."

Nani watched him, his curiosity piqued even further, but he didn't have the chance to ask more. Sky, unaffected, simply returned to helping him unpack, humming a popular song under his breath, his carefree demeanor returning as if nothing had just transpired.

Nani, lost in thought, found his attention drawn to the easy rhythm of Sky's movements. He couldn't help but wonder what secrets Sky was hiding, but he knew one thing for sure—this boy was far more complicated than he let on.

Then, suddenly, a gust of wind rushed through the open window, sending a piece of plastic wrapping skittering across the floor. Sky, lost in his humming, didn't notice it beneath his feet. With a loud yelp, he lost his balance and started to tip sideways, arms flailing for a second.

"Careful!" Nani's voice was a sharp command, his instincts taking over in an instant. He lunged forward, his powerful arms wrapping around Sky just in time, catching him before they both lost their balance completely. The momentum of their collision threw them slightly off-center, but Nani's martial art skill was flawless. In one fluid motion, he steadied them both, pulling Sky securely into his arms.

Before they could even process the near-miss, disaster struck. The carton Sky had been carrying earlier slipped from his grasp and flew out of his hand during the fall, crashing into the nearby bookcase. The sudden jolt made the shelf wobble, and Nani's eyes went wide as he realized Sky's leg was directly under it. The bookcase was about to topple.

Panic surged through Nani's chest, but his reflexes kicked in again. He grabbed Sky tighter, pulling him quickly away from the imminent danger. In one swift motion, he rolled them both to the floor, dragging Sky with him as the bookcase finally gave way to gravity. A loud bang echoed through the room as the shelf crashed to the ground, books and knick-knacks scattering across the floor.

For a moment, there was silence. Sky lay in Nani's lap, completely unbothered by the chaos, his wide eyes fixed on the fallen bookcase. Nani, on the other hand, let out an exasperated sigh as he looked down at Sky, still holding him close.

"What's with your luck lately?" Nani muttered, his voice a mix of worry and frustration. He shifted slightly, his eyes narrowed in disbelief as he looked at Sky. "Didn't you say you could guide fate?"

Sky, still sprawled comfortably in Nani's lap, blinked up at him with an innocent, almost endearing expression, completely unfazed by the chaos they had just narrowly avoided. He gave a small, playful shrug, his fingers absently scratching his tousled hair.

"Looks like fate is starting to ask me to pay it back," Sky said casually, his voice light, but there was an undeniable weight behind his words.

Nani frowned, his gaze drifting over the fresh bruises on Sky's face, the faint scrape on his cheek, and the bandage on his arm. He let out a sigh. Ever since they had escaped the chaos at the casino, Sky had been hit with an unfortunate streak of bad luck—tripping over seemingly nothing, getting drenched when a passing car splashed through a puddle, even choking on a piece of bread at breakfast. It was a ridiculous chain of misfortunes, and Nani couldn't help but feel a pang of concern every time something new happened to the boy.

Even though they had only known each other for a couple of weeks, Nani found himself caring more than he expected. More than he should.

"What do you mean fate is asking you to pay back?" Nani asked, his voice quieter now, tinged with something softer—something closer to worry.

Sky glanced up at him, still enjoying the warmth of Nani's lap, neither of them seeming to find anything strange about their position. If anything, it felt natural.

"It's like Yin and Yang, Dark and Light," Sky murmured, his voice carrying that familiar lilt of someone who had thought too much about life's mysteries. "Everything in this world revolves around balance."

Nani wasn't slow—he caught onto what Sky was implying immediately. His eyes narrowed slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line as he put the pieces together. "So since you used your luck to win at the casino... now you're paying the price."

"Right, krub," Sky confirmed with a playful tilt of his head, his signature puppy smile returning. Then, without missing a beat, he added with a teasing lilt, "My boyfriend is so smart, krub."

Nani exhaled sharply, rubbing his forehead, but he didn't even bother correcting Sky this time. Instead, he gave a defeated smile, shaking his head slightly. "So... I'm partly responsible for your bad luck, then."

Sky's grin widened, his dark eyes gleaming. "Yes, krub," he said, dragging out the syllable as he gave Nani a lazy, knowing look. "So... are you going to take responsibility for me, na?"

Before he could say anything else, Nani smacked him lightly on the head.

"Ow!" Sky yelped, rubbing the spot with a pout.

"You knew the consequences, so why still do it?" Nani said, clearly annoyed. His voice was sharp, but underneath the frustration was a layer of concern. "It was my problem—I could've handled it myself."

Sky sighed, lowering his hand from his forehead as he looked up at Nani with an unusual seriousness in his expression. "Too late now," he murmured. "That was my decision, and I'd do it again without hesitation."

Nani could only shake his head in defeat. Who does this kind of thing for someone they barely know? Sky was reckless—too reckless—but it was becoming painfully clear that once he set his mind on something, there was no force strong enough to sway him.

Letting out another long sigh, Nani tapped Sky's shoulder. "Stand up and sit over there. I'll do the rest."

Sky blinked up at him. "Huh? But let me help—there's still a lot of stuff to unpack." He slowly pushed himself up, wincing slightly from his bruises.

"No," Nani said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "With your luck right now, if you touch anything, we'll end up with more problems. So sit down."

Sky pouted dramatically, his lips forming a perfect, exaggerated frown. "Hey, my luck isn't that bad—maybe fate's finally forgiven me now."

The universe, it seemed, had other plans. Just as the words left his mouth, his foot hooked onto a stray book lying innocently on the floor. His arms flailed in a frantic bid for balance, and he teetered dangerously for a moment before barely managing to catch himself, stumbling forward but avoiding a full-blown disaster.

Nani stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his expression a perfect mix of exasperation and amusement. He tilted his head, giving Sky a pointed look that screamed, Really?

Sky groaned in defeat, dragging himself over to a nearby chair and plopping down. His posture slumped, and his lips curled into a sulky frown, looking for all the world like a scolded puppy.

"Ow..." he muttered, rubbing his arm.

Nani rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the tiny smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "See? Exactly my point."

Sky exhaled heavily, resting his chin on his hand as he watched Nani continue organizing. "You're so mean, Nani. Making me sit here all alone while you do all the work."

"I'm keeping you alive," Nani retorted.

Sky grinned, his usual energy flickering back in his eyes. "And here I thought you didn't care about me."

Nani didn't reply immediately. Instead, he paused for a moment, glancing at Sky with a look that was softer than before. His lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something—but in the end, he just sighed and shook his head.

"Just sit there and behave."

"Right, krub," Sky replied, straightening up dramatically. "I'll sit here, well-behaved, watching my boyfriend work, krub," he added, the mischievous twinkle in his eyes daring Nani to react.

Nani shot him a glance, half-annoyed, half-amused. Instead of arguing, he just shook his head with a resigned sigh, already too used to Sky's antics to rise to the bait. Yet, if one looked closely, there was the faintest trace of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

-----Three days later

"Nani, what do you think?" Sky asked excitedly, spinning around in front of the mirror. He was dressed in a sleek leather jacket, tight-fitting black pants, and a pair of classy black sunglasses perched on his nose, giving him a look that was effortlessly stylish and undeniably cool.

They were at a high-end shopping mall, where Nani had reluctantly agreed to help Sky pick out some new clothes and personal items after the boy's streak of bad luck had seemingly come to an end. After all, the boy had practically moved in with him and hadn't brought so much as a toothbrush, which had made Nani raise an eyebrow. But instead of questioning it, he'd let it slide.

Sky stood in front of the mirror, turning this way and that, admiring his reflection as if he were a model on a runway. His usual playful demeanor was replaced with a hint of confidence as he smirked at his own image, clearly pleased with how he looked. The leather jacket fit perfectly, and the tight pants made his already lean figure appear even sharper. The black sunglasses added an air of mystery, and the sparkle in his eyes suggested he knew exactly how good he looked.

Nani stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his eyes scanning Sky's new outfit. A quiet breath escaped him as he looked the boy over. Sky looked incredibly handsome. He was more than just stylish, he looked dangerous, effortlessly exuding a vibe that made him seem untouchable, like a celebrity in a magazine spread. 

Sky caught Nani's gaze in the mirror and grinned wider. "Well?" he asked, still holding his pose, clearly enjoying the attention.

Nani exhaled sharply, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You look good," he admitted, but his brow furrowed as he took in the outfit. "But this outfit is too... stand-out. You need to buy some casual clothes for everyday."

Sky pouted dramatically, his lips jutting out in that irresistible way that made Nani almost forget his words. "But can I keep these as well?" he asked, giving Nani a puppy-dog look, as if trying to win him over with sheer charm.

Nani sighed, resisting the urge to give in completely. "Okay, fine," he muttered, rolling his eyes. "The money was from you winning at the casino anyway."

Sky's grin returned at full force, pleased with the victory. He twirled around in front of the mirror one last time, basking in the satisfaction of his successful shopping trip.

Nani, not wanting to indulge Sky too much, turned toward the nearby staff. He addressed the woman with a practiced professionalism that contrasted his earlier frustration. "We'll take this."

The staff member nodded with a polite smile. "Right, sir." She walked toward the counter, ready to complete the transaction, while Nani gave Sky one last glance.

Sky's eyes sparkled with mischief, and he took a step closer to Nani, his grin widening. "You should buy some too, Nani," he said, his voice full of teasing energy.

Nani raised an eyebrow. "No need," he replied, his tone firm but light. "I've got plenty of clothes already."

Sky, still confidently strutting in his sleek, classy outfit, casually put his arm around Nani's shoulder, his smile never fading. "But they look old," he said with a dramatic sigh. "You need to update your wardrobe."

Nani chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I don't see the need..." he replied, but Sky was relentless, his face coming even closer to Nani's as he insisted.

"Let's go and buy clothes," Sky said, his voice a little too persuasive. "You can choose mine, and I'll choose yours."

Before Nani could protest, Sky was already dragging him through the store, leading him from shop to shop, picking out different items. Nani sighed in resignation, realizing he had no choice but to let Sky do whatever he liked. At first, he tried to resist, but eventually, he just accepted his fate.

It wasn't long before Nani, the usually cool and composed figure, found himself dressed in something entirely different. Sky had him try on various outfits, pushing him to step outside his usual, reserved style.

He stared at his reflection for a moment, noticing the way the soft sweater hugged his broad shoulders, the comfortable yet stylish jeans that fit perfectly. There was a gentleness to the outfit, but it still highlighted his strong, athletic build. Even in something more relaxed, there was no denying that Nani was still strikingly handsome. The defined jawline, the sharp eyes, and the easy grace with which he moved—all of it was still there, just softened by the colors he would have once considered too bold for his taste.

He wasn't upset with this new style. In fact, he kind of liked it. It was comfortable, easy, and different from his usual, serious look. The soft sweater felt a little foreign against his skin, but in a way that made him feel more at ease. It was a change he hadn't expected, but it was a welcome one.

As he adjusted the sweater slightly, a wave of nostalgia hit him, making his chest tighten. He thought back to when he was younger, when his mother would drag him around from shop to shop, always picking out clothes for him with an insistence that he needed the best. She'd pick out expensive items, from tailored shirts to polished shoes, always making sure he had the finest, the most refined. Back then, he used to love those kinds of clothes—the soft cashmere sweaters, the gentle fabrics, the colors that made him feel fresh and vibrant.

But that had all changed after the tragic incident. After that day, everything shifted. The clothes, once a symbol of care and attention, became a shield. He stopped wearing soft, comfortable fabrics and started donning sharp suits and black jackets—armor that could protect him from the world. The clothes weren't about style anymore; they were about control, about hiding the vulnerability he no longer knew how to handle.

Now, standing before the mirror in something more relaxed, something that felt more like the person he used to be, he felt a bittersweet tug in his chest. The soft sweater, the comfortable jeans—it wasn't just a change in style. It was a reminder of a time when things were simpler, when his mother's love had been shown through the clothes she picked out for him, not as a shield against the world.

For the first time in a long while, Nani allowed himself to feel both the weight of that loss and the warmth of the present moment. The boy he had once been—carefree, open, unafraid—was still there, buried beneath the armor he had crafted over the years. And now, perhaps, it was time to become his old shelf again. He could allow himself to be someone who wore soft colors, someone who could smile without reservation. 

Nani glanced over at Sky, who was still brimming with excitement, his energy contagious. He noticed the way Sky's eyes twinkled, a playful glint mixed with warmth, and the way he carried himself with such natural confidence. In that moment, Nani realized that, maybe, just maybe, he had found someone who could warm the space in his heart that had been frozen for so long after his parents' passing. 

Sky's face lit up instantly as he looked at Nani, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "My boyfriend looks so good," he said with a grin that was both teasing and sincere, his voice full of warmth and affection. Without missing a beat, Sky bounced on his feet."Let me go get you a new pair of shoes! I know exactly which ones will suit you!"

Nani shook his head, a fond smile curling on his lips. Sky was impossible, but in the best way. As Nani checked himself out in the mirror once again, a soft smile tugged at his features.

A few moments passed, and Nani continued to adjust his sweater. Minutes later, just as he was about to walk away from the mirror, he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching. He thought it was Sky returning, full of excitement as always.

"You back already?" Nani called out, not turning around, a smile already forming in anticipation.

However, the answer came in the form of a voice he least expected.

"Hello, cousin."

Nani's smile froze, his stomach tightening. He didn't need to look to know who it was. The voice was too familiar. His heart sank as the cool, composed version of himself quickly resurfaced, the walls he had so recently let down going back up in an instant. He could feel the familiar tension knotting in his chest.

Slowly, he turned around, his expression shifting into a smirk. "Long time no see, Nong Air." His voice was smooth, unreadable, but there was an undeniable sharpness beneath it.

Standing before him was Air, an eighteen-year-old girl dressed in expensive designer clothing, dripping in accessories, and wearing a face full of expertly applied makeup that made her look older than she was. She was attractive in a manufactured way, her beauty seem artificial. Behind her were two towering personal bodyguards, their presence alone a clear display of power and intimidation.

Air's lips curled in a sneer as she gave Nani a condescending look. "I didn't know you got a job here," she said, her tone laced with mockery.

Before Nani could respond, she crossed her arms and continued, "Fine. Go get me some clothes before I find the manager and have you fired on the spot. I doubt they'd want some dirt-poor nobody working here anyway."

Nani let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head at how absurd she sounded. He glanced at her with amused indifference. "I'm here to buy clothes, not as a staff member."

Air's expression faltered for just a second before she scoffed. "A person as dirt poor as you?" She looked him up and down, scrutinizing his new outfit with disgust. "And what is this? Trying to be some kind of soft boy? Ugh, I think I'm going to puke."

Nani remained unfazed, adjusting his sweater slightly with an air of confidence. "Really? I'm actually quite satisfied with my new look," he said smoothly, his tone carrying the slightest hint of amusement. Then, with a pointed glance at her, he added in a mocking tone, "You, on the other hand, look exactly the same—disgusting, like your family. Not even all that expensive junk can hide that."

Air's face darkened instantly, her perfectly applied facade cracking under the weight of her rage. "What did you just say?" she hissed, her voice sharp with indignation.

The two bodyguards took a menacing step forward, their presence looming.

But Nani didn't flinch. Instead, he smirked, his sharp eyes meeting theirs without an ounce of fear. "I said what I said." His voice was cold, cutting through the tension like a blade.

"You little bastard!" Air shrieked, her face twisting with fury. She swung her designer handbag at Nani, aiming to strike him.

Nani had anticipated the attack. He leaned back effortlessly, dodging the hit without even taking his hands out of his jean pockets.

What he hadn't anticipated was what happened next.

As Air overextended her swing, she lost her balance on her high heels. In an almost comically unfortunate twist of fate, her foot slipped—despite the floor being completely dry—and she stumbled forward. Her arms flailed, but gravity had already decided her fate.

With a loud thud, she landed face-first on the cold, unforgiving floor. The sound echoed through the store, drawing the attention of nearby shoppers. If that wasn't embarrassing enough, her fall knocked over a nearby clothes rack, which promptly collapsed onto her.

A loud, undignified cry of pain escaped Air as she lay sprawled on the floor, buried under a heap of high-end fashion.

Her bodyguards stood frozen in shock, their brains still processing what had just happened.

And then—

"Nani! I got your shoes!"

Sky's cheerful voice rang through the air as he appeared beside them, holding up a shoebox with a bright, beaming smile.

He blinked as he took in the sight of Air, tangled in luxury fabric, her furious eyes burning holes into Nani.

Sky tilted his head, show a 'innocent' confused look. "Oh... Did I miss something?"