The art gallery sat quietly on the edge of the city — warm light glowing through its tall windows, soft music playing in the background.
Aiden stood waiting just outside the entrance, dressed in simple black, his usual confidence replaced with quiet nerves.
Would Yuuto come?
He was used to boardroom negotiations, investor calls, commanding respect.
But this?
This was different.
---
Then he saw him.
Yuuto stepped out of the cab, wearing a plain shirt, hair still slightly messy from rushing.
He looked like he didn't belong here.
But to Aiden — he looked perfect.
"You really came," Aiden said, voice soft.
Yuuto gave a half-smile. "I said I'd try."
---
They walked inside together.
White walls. Abstract paintings. Gentle silence.
At first, they just walked side by side, barely speaking. Just admiring art, like two strangers who happened to know each other's rhythm.
Until they stopped in front of a painting.
A landscape of two silhouettes — hand in hand — standing on a cliff.
Yuuto stared at it, unmoving.
His voice dropped. "I've seen this before."
Aiden looked at him. "This painting?"
"No…" Yuuto's brows drew together. "Not exactly. Just… this feeling."
He didn't say anything more.
But Aiden saw his fingers clench slightly.
The past was whispering. Even if Yuuto didn't understand yet.
---
Meanwhile – outside in a black car parked across the street—
The hotel owner sat silently, eyes fixed on the gallery window.
He could see them.
Laughing. Talking. Standing close.
He said nothing. Just watched.
Then he picked up his phone and made a call.
"Put Yuuto on the guest list," he said coldly.
"For what event, sir?"
"The gala."
A pause.
"And?"
"…Put him on the VIP table."
---
Back in the gallery—
They sat on a quiet bench in the far corner.
Yuuto turned to Aiden. "Why are you being kind to me?"
Aiden looked at him.
"Because you feel like someone I've missed for a very long time."
Yuuto blushed faintly, turning away. "You say strange things, you know?"
"I know."
There was a pause.
Then Yuuto smiled, quietly.
"…But I don't mind it."