"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?"

-----

Sky carefully stepped around Air, who was struggling to get up with the assistance of her bodyguards. As he approached Nani, he leaned in closer, speaking in a low, curious voice. "Who was she?"

"She's my cousin, Air," Nani replied, watching Air's distress with thinly veiled amusement. His voice carried a hint of mockery. "No need to greet her though. Her family and I are... not on good terms."

Sky nodded, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Got it."

He knelt down on one knee, opening the shoebox with care. Inside was a pair of simple white sneakers, but there was an elegance to them—a clean, timeless design that balanced casual comfort with understated sophistication. Sky held them up proudly. "I think these will look great on you. Here, let me put them on."

Nani raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with mock protest. "You should let me put them on myself."

Even as he said it, though, Nani sat down on a nearby cushioned bench. Despite his words, it was clear he wasn't going to stop Sky.

Sky grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and knelt before Nani. He gently lifted Nani's foot, removing the old, worn-out shoes with surprising tenderness. Sliding the new pair on, his movements were confident and precise, almost as if he'd done this a hundred times before. His fingers worked quickly, adjusting the laces with care to ensure the fit was perfect—not too tight, not too loose.

As Sky fussed over the fit, Nani found himself smiling, unable to suppress the warmth that spread through him. The sight of the puppy-like boy, so focused on something as simple as tying the shoes for him, was oddly endearing. For a moment, Nani allowed himself to enjoy the tenderness of the gesture.

Meanwhile, Air finally managed to stand. Her face was a portrait of rage—her nose slightly bloody, her hair a chaotic mess, and her expensive clothes wrinkled beyond repair. She let out a frustrated growl, an angry, almost feral noise, before screaming at the top of her lungs.

"NANI!" she shrieked, her voice echoing through the store, drawing even more attention. "HOW DARE YOU EMBARRASS ME LIKE THIS!" Her words were loud and sharp, filled with a venom that suggested she had been gravely wronged—even though it was painfully clear to anyone watching that it was not Nani's fault at all.

Sky glanced over his shoulder at her, completely unfazed, his voice light and playful as he looked back at Nani. "She seems... upset."

Nani smirked, his cool demeanor unshaken. "She'll live."

Sky tied the last knot on the sneaker and patted Nani's knee. "There! Perfect fit!" He stood up, his hands on his hips, looking pleased with himself. "Don't you think they're perfect?"

Nani glanced down at the sneakers, then back at Sky. "They're great. Thanks."

Sky grinned widely, clearly pleased with the praise, while Nani allowed himself a rare moment of calm. The warmth between them lingered, creating a small, quiet bubble of their own.

But that fragile moment shattered as Air, let out an exaggerated, frustrated scoff. Her face twisted with irritation, and her presence screamed of someone entitled and desperate for attention.

"You," she sneered, her tone venomous. "Are you his friend? Do you even know how disgusting Nani is? Or are you the same kind of person like him?"

Nani's calm demeanor cracked instantly, his jaw tightening as anger flashed in his eyes. He had endured Air's insults countless times and had long since stopped caring about her petty attacks on him. But now she was turning her venom on Sky, who had done nothing to deserve her hatred. That was where Nani drew the line.

He opened his mouth, ready to put her in her place, but Sky caught his gaze and smiled, a playful glint in his eyes. He gave Nani a quick wink, a silent signal that he could handle this himself. Reluctantly, Nani leaned back, though his sharp eyes never left Air.

Sky turned around slowly, his towering figure looming over Air, his presence suddenly commanding. His movements were casual, but there was a deliberate elegance to them, as if he were fully aware of the effect he had on people.

Air froze, her previous anger giving way to shock as she finally took in Sky's face. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught. Sky was still wearing the outfit he'd tried on earlier—the sleek leather jacket, fitted leather pants, and classy sunglasses perched on his head. His striking features, sharp jawline, and piercing dark eyes exuded a level of charisma that was utterly disarming. Air, who had been brimming with rage just moments ago, found herself involuntarily drawn to him. His smirk, full of arrogance and confidence, only added to his allure.

Sky let the silence hang for a beat, watching Air's stunned expression with a smirk that grew sharper. His gaze locked onto hers, and the playful sparkle in his eyes darkened, becoming something far more intimidating. His voice, low and smooth, carried a dangerous edge.

"I don't care who you are. Get out of here," Sky said coldly, his tone dropping to a chilling level of detachment. "Don't interrupt my moment with my boyfriend."

Air was completely enchanted by Sky's handsomeness. Her eyes were wide, and she stood frozen for a moment, her breath catching in her throat as she processed the striking features in front of her. It took her a couple of seconds to fully register what Sky had just said. When the meaning of his words hit her, her expression shifted to one of utter disbelief.

Her finger trembled as she pointed first at Nani, then at Sky. "You're kidding, right?" she blurted, her voice laced with incredulity. "A handsome man like you... in a relationship with that disgusting bastard?"

Sky's smirk widened, an air of confidence radiating from him as he reached out and wrapped an arm firmly around Nani's waist, pulling him closer. The sudden gesture made Nani stiffen slightly, caught off guard by the public display, but he didn't pull away.

Sky wore a proud, almost defiant smile as he met Air's shocked gaze head-on. "Yes," he said, his voice steady and deliberate, every word meant to drive the point home. "Nani is my boyfriend."

His tone was unyielding, carrying both pride and protectiveness, leaving no room for doubt. The way Sky looked at Nani—his gaze softening ever so slightly, a glint of warmth hidden behind the playful arrogance—spoke volumes. He wasn't just making a statement for the sake of it. He meant it.

Air, still visibly stunned, her face contorting in disbelief, opened her mouth to protest. "I can't—this can't be happening!" she yelled, her voice thick with jealousy, frustration, and disbelief. She was struggling to comprehend what was unfolding before her, unable to fathom why Nani—someone she'd always seen as beneath her—could land a man like Sky, someone she could only dream of. 

Sky's smirk widened as he rolled his eyes, unimpressed with her reaction. The drama was almost too much for him. He reached for Nani's hand, holding it firmly as he pulled him closer. "Let's go," Sky said, sounding so calm and gentle while speaking to Nani. "There's plenty more stuff we need to buy."

Nani didn't resist, allowing Sky to take the lead. To be honest, the sight of Air floundering in frustration gave him a certain sense of satisfaction. Watching her struggle to accept Sky's statements felt... good, in a way. But Nani knew there were other things to do. He'd had his fun, and it was time to move on.

Just as they were about to leave the store, however, Air dashed in front of them, blocking their path with an exaggerated flourish. She stood there, eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and disbelief, her arms outstretched as if trying to stop them physically.

"I know what you said wasn't true," Air mumbled under her breath, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Nani. There was a vile intention in her gaze, as though she was trying to figure him out. "You just asked him to say that to me, didn't you?" Her voice was desperate now, as though she couldn't fathom the reality of what had just occurred.

This time, Nani seemed to have had enough. While part of him had enjoyed watching her squirm, her persistence was starting to make the situation unpleasant. He didn't want her bothering them anymore, especially his Sky. 

He glanced around, his eyes finding a nearby staff member who had been observing the situation. Since Air's fall, the commotion had caught the attention of several people, some of whom had gathered in small groups, all giving Air annoyed, judgmental looks. They clearly disapproved of her entitled attitude. Nani gave a subtle signal, and the staff member quickly approached.

The lady staff, who had helped them earlier with their purchase, stepped forward. Her face was polite, but firm, exuding an air of professionalism that contrasted sharply with Air's dramatic outburst. 

"Miss, you're causing a disturbance," the staff member said, her voice smooth yet firm. "Please refrain from disturbing our customers."

Air, taken aback by the staff member's composure, snapped back, her entitlement flaring up once more. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice dripping with anger. Growing more enraged at being confronted by someone she deemed beneath her, she crossed her arms and glared. "Do you know who I am? Stop getting in my business, or I'll have you fired."

The staff member remained calm, her expression unwavering. She had dealt with people like Air before, and her professionalism didn't waver in the face of such a tantrum. "Miss," she replied, still polite but now with a hint of finality. "Why don't you take a moment to calm down?" She paused for a moment, her voice steady. "We don't tolerate disruptions here, and it's not in your best interest to continue causing one."

"Stop telling me what to do!" Air screamed, her voice sharp with rage. Without warning, she raised her hand, her movements quick and furious. To everyone's shock, she was actually about to slap the staff lady.

The staff lady's eyes widened in disbelief, and instinctively, she squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the impact. But the blow never came.

Seconds later, she opened her eyes cautiously, only to find Sky standing protectively in front of her. His hand had caught Air's wrist in midair with ease, his grip firm but controlled. His presence was commanding, and for a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath.

"Are you okay?" Sky asked, his voice calm and gentle as he glanced back at the staff member.

The woman blinked, her cheeks turning slightly pink as she processed what had just happened. "Y-Yes," she stammered, nodding quickly. "Thank you, sir. I'm fine."

Sky gave her a reassuring nod before turning back to Air. His expression darkened with unmistakable disgust as he released her wrist with a sharp flick, as if the very act of touching her repulsed him.

Air staggered as Sky released her hand, her face twisting in shock and humiliation. 

Sky's disgust was unmistakable. He wiped his hand across the leather of his jacket, like he was trying to erase something filthy. Nani, ever sensitive to his boy's moods, slid an arm around Sky's shoulder, pulling him close in a quiet, almost protective gesture. Sky glanced at him, his expression softening immediately, and a playful, puppy-like grin tugged at his lips.

He leaned in, voice low, eyes wrinkling in exaggerated revulsion. "I'm gonna need a gallon of sanitizer after touching her hand."

Nani shook his head, amused but also a little exasperated. Sky was being dramatic, as usual. He completely approved SKy action. If Sky hadn't stopped Air, Nani would've done the same. It just happened that Sky was closer.

The staff lady, now fully composed, looked directly at Air, her voice firm. "Miss, you've completely violated our store policies. Please leave the mall, or I will have security remove you."

Air's gaze flickered to Sky, her eyes lingering on him with a spark of something more—desire, perhaps. But the arrogance quickly returned as she turned back to the staff lady. "Oh, really?" she taunted. "Try it. Call the manager. I'm a Changkham. My father's the CEO of Fortune Venture."

The staff lady gave a pleasant, almost mocking smile. "I am the manager. And I'd be pleased to escort you out."

As she spoke, a few security guards stepped forward. Air's smirk didn't falter, but she looked toward her bodyguards, signaling them to step in. However, one of them moved closer, his face tense as he whispered in her ear.

"Miss Air, these stores were recently acquired by Aetherveil Enterprises."

Air's face drained of color. The sudden coldness in her veins was almost physical. She knew Aetherveil. A conglomerate under the Nateetorn family, its reach global, a name that carried weight in every boardroom and every street corner.

As a child from a powerful family, Air had always held a smug sense of superiority, the kind that only comes with knowing you can make or break people with a single phone call. But Aetherveil? They were one of the few who could look down on her—and she knew it.

If Air caused a scene here, her father might bail her out—but not without consequences. He'd punish her for drawing unwanted attention to the family, especially from a corporation like Aetherveil. And that, she realized with a sinking feeling, was a risk she couldn't afford. Gritting her teeth, Air decided to leave. But before she turned to go, she tossed a letter at Nani.

Nani caught it effortlessly, his fingers brushing against the paper as if it were an extension of his own tension. His eyes immediately narrowed, confused. What was this? A letter? From who? He glanced up at Air, but she was already turning, her lips curling into a smirk.

"A letter from my father," she said coolly, her voice laced with mock sweetness. "He wanted me to deliver it personally. At first, I was going to send it to your... disgusting little place, but I heard you moved. So, guess I'll drop it off here instead."

Nani didn't react right away, still holding the letter as if it might burst into flames. His gaze shifted from the letter to her, then back. "Why should I take it?" he asked, voice low, edged with an unspoken challenge. "I don't need to hear anything about my uncle."

Her smirk didn't falter; in fact, it deepened, a wicked glint flashing in her eyes. "You will," she purred, slow and taunting. "My father said it's about your parents."

The world seemed to tilt. Nani's stomach dropped, his heart giving a painful jolt. The words hit him like a punch to the gut, the sudden rush of old memories flooding back. His grip on the letter tightened, the paper crinkling beneath his fingers as though it might unravel everything. He froze for a moment, his chest tight with something he couldn't quite name.

With an effort, he exhaled, letting the breath settle the sudden rush of emotions. He didn't want to deal with this. Not now. Not like this. But there was no avoiding it. Not anymore.

"...I'll read it," he said, voice barely above a whisper, the words heavy with reluctance.

Air's eyes sparkled, an almost cruel satisfaction twisting her lips into a self-assured grin. "Good," she said with finality, as if she'd won something, the sharp edge to her voice making it clear she hadn't finished yet. She glanced at Sky, her gaze lingering on him for just a heartbeat, as though she might say something more.

But Sky was—well, Sky. Completely ignoring her. His focus was still on Nani, entirely uninterested in her little power plays. The irritation that sparked in Air's chest was instant, almost volcanic. She could feel her face twitch, her jaw tightening as she realized he was purposefully brushing her off.

Her hands clenched into fists, nails biting into her palms. She opened her mouth to retort, to demand his attention, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, in a burst of frustration, she stomped her foot so hard that it echoed faintly in the room. Spinning on her heel with dramatic flair, she intended to storm away gracefully—but grace had never been her strong suit—and neither, it seemed, was fate.

Once again, her heel wobbled. Her balance faltered. And before she knew it, she was hugging the ground for the second time that day.

The room seemed to hold its breath. Even her two bodyguards hesitated, their confusion plain on their faces as they scrambled to help her up. Air's cheeks burned a furious red, her embarrassment barely contained as she allowed them to steady her.

Her fury simmered, but she swallowed it down, her pride too battered to risk further humiliation. She walked away stiffly, each step measured and overly cautious. But her mind was already whirring with vengeful thoughts. She wasn't done with Nani—not by a long shot.

If she couldn't crush him, she'd take what was most precious to him. Her lips curled into a small, wicked smile. She'd make Sky hers. No boy had ever resisted her charms and wealth, and she had all the tools she needed to ensure that Sky wouldn't be the first.

Unbeknownst to her, Sky's gaze followed her retreating figure, a smirk tugging at his lips. His sharp eyes gleamed with amusement, though his thoughts remained unreadable, hidden behind that knowing smile.

Nani glanced at Sky as Air falling again. "Let's just go," he muttered, tugging at Sky's sleeve.

The manager, regaining her composure, quickly moved toward them, her tone polite but hurried. "Please, accept our sincerest apologies for the disturbance," she said, her words slightly rushed. "We would like to offer you a discount for the inconvenience." 

But Nani wasn't listening. His mind was a whirlwind, the mention of his parents hanging over him like a dark cloud. The letter. What could it possibly be about? His jaw clenched, and his grip on the letter tightened almost instinctively.

Sky, noticing the change in Nani's demeanor, calmly reached for his hand. His touch was steady and reassuring, grounding Nani in a way that only he could. Nani glanced at Sky, a silent acknowledgment passing between them before Sky gently guided him away. 

The manager watched them leave. Before she could look away, a man rushed up to her, face flushed with panic. She barely had to ask. "What?" she said.

He leaned in, whispering urgently into her ear. Her composed expression faltered for a brief second, her eyes widening in surprise. "What did the supervisors say?" she asked sharply, her tone edged with authority. The male staff member continued to explain, his voice low but urgent.

She stood there, processing his words, her gaze hardening as a decision crystallized in her mind. "Follow them," she ordered, her voice suddenly cool and sharp, slicing through the tension like a blade. "Keep a safe distance, treat them like VIPs. Nothing— nothing—can go wrong."

The male staff member nodded, already turning to carry out her instructions, but her voice stopped him mid-step.

"Wait."

He froze, glancing back at her, his posture stiff with attention. Her tone had changed—colder now, sharper, laced with an intensity that demanded absolute obedience. "If anyone—anyone—tries to cause trouble again to them, you know what to do," she said, her words deliberate and unyielding. "I don't care who they are. Handle it."

The man nodded firmly, his jaw set with determination. "Yes, Madam."

With that, the male staff turned and bolted down the hallway, already adjusting his course to follow Sky and Nani at a distance. The manager stood still for a moment, watching him go, her mind clearly racing. Her lips pressed into a thin line as the shadow of worry settled over her.