Supporting

Chapter 5

After drop his friends, Nani had barely stepped into his condo when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He let out a tired sigh, tossing his key card onto the table before pulling out his phone. His brows furrowed when he saw the name on the screen, Sky.

Sky: Thanks for earlier. At the hospital.

Nani raised an eyebrow. He plopped down onto the couch, stretching his legs out before typing a reply.

Nani: For?

There was a long pause. Three dots appeared, then disappeared. Then appeared again. Nani smirked. Someone was overthinking. Finally, the message came through.

Sky: For, you know... helping me with the needle.

Nani: Ah, right. You mean when you almost passed out from fear?

Sky: I DID NOT almost pass out!

Nani chuckled, running a hand through his hair.

Nani: Could've fooled me. You looked like you were about to bolt.

Sky: ...It's not funny.

Nani: A little bit funny.

There was another pause. Then, Sky sent another message.

Sky: Anyway, just... don't tell anyone about it, okay?

Nani smirked, already seeing an opportunity.

Nani: Oh? Why not? I think people would love to know their giant Sky is actually terrified of a tiny little needle.

Sky: Nani!

Nani chuckled, amused by how fast Sky had typed his name in frustration.

Nani: Relax, I won't tell.

Sky: Promise?

Nani: What are you, a kid?

Sky: Just making sure!

Nani: Tch. Fine. But you still owe me one.

Sky: For what? You just held my hand!

Nani: And covered your eyes. And basically shielded you like a hero in a drama. Honestly, I think I deserve some kind of reward.

Sky: A reward? Keep dreaming.

Nani: Wow. Ungrateful.

Sky: I said thank you, didn't I?

Nani: Barely. Felt more like you were embarrassed than grateful.

Sky stared at the screen, biting his lip. Okay, maybe he was a little embarrassed. Nani finding out about his fear of needles wasn't exactly his proudest moment. But still, did Nani have to tease him like this?

After a minute, Nani sent another message.

Nani: You okay, though?

Sky blinked. The teasing tone was gone now. He could almost imagine Nani casually typing that out, pretending it wasn't a big deal.

Sky: Yeah. Just a little sore.

Nani: Good. Don't make a big deal out of it next time.

Sky scoffed. Next time? Who said there'd be a next time?

Before he could think of a reply, his phone started buzzing. His eyes widened as he saw Nani's name flashing on the screen.

Was Nani really calling him?

Taking a deep breath, Sky picked up. "Hello?"

"Next time, just look away before they bring out the needle," Nani said, his voice smooth and a little amused. "You were shaking like a puppy in the rain."

Sky groaned, covering his face with his free hand. "Can you stop bringing that up?" Sky couldn't hear anything beside Nani's little laugh through the phone.

Sky pouted, but deep down, he felt... lighter. Nani was still Nani, cool, and a little frustrating but there was something different now. A little softer. A little less distant.

Sky leaned back against his pillows and he could hear the steady confidence in Nani's voice through the phone, the way he spoke so easily, like nothing in the world could shake him. It was something Sky had always noticed about Nani but never really let himself dwell on before.

They were the same age, but somehow, Nani felt years ahead of him. While Sky was still stuck between taking over his family's business or chasing his own dream of becoming an architect, Nani had already carved out a path for himself. He moved through life with a certainty way that Sky envied, handling responsibilities, making decisions without hesitation, knowing exactly what he wanted.

Meanwhile, Sky was still figuring things out, still caught between expectations and dreams, still unsure of what his future should look like.

Maybe that's why tonight felt different. Seeing Nani in a moment of quiet maturity, calmly helping him through something so simple yet terrifying, made Sky realize just how far apart they really were.

And yet, Nani didn't look down on him for it. He teased, sure, but there was no judgment in that just an ease, a quiet confidence that made Sky feel oddly safe. It was strange, really. Nani had always seemed distant, untouchable in a way, like someone who existed on a different level since high school. But tonight, in the small moment they shared, Nani had felt real. Approachable.

Maybe it was because sky saw Nani not just as the cool, untouchable guy everyone admired, but as someone steady. Someone dependable.

Tomorrow Night

As the night went on, the party buzzed with energy, the clinking of glasses and laughter filling the air.

Nani, Win, and Dew had their man prepared everything down to the smallest detail. The lavish spread, the carefully selected music, and the decorations. all of it reflected the level of sophistication expected from a high-profile company event.

After all, Nani's family business was one of the top in the industry, and everyone in attendance knew their success was intertwined with Nani's efforts as the heir.

Win, ever the playful one, had been at the center of the party, making jokes and ensuring everyone was having a good time.

Dew, on the other hand, was more reserved, his serious demeanor offering a contrast to Win's carefree energy. Despite his usual stoic nature, Dew played his role as a shareholder well, and Nani couldn't deny that he appreciated Dew's efficiency when it came to managing the business side of things.

"I can't believe how smoothly this is going." Win remarked, his grin wide as he surveyed the scene.

Nani nodded, but his mind wasn't entirely on the party. As the night drew closer to its end, he found himself thinking about something else entirely. Sky's father's restaurant.

Without even realizing it, his fingers were already reaching for his phone.

"Hey, Nani. Everything good?" Dew's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "You look a little distracted."

Nani waved it off quickly. "Yeah, yeah. Just thinking about something. Anyway, I'm going to place another order."

Win raised an eyebrow."Another order? We have enough food already, don't we?"

But Nani just shrugged, not really explaining himself. "It's fine. I just want to support Sky's family business."

Dew exchanged a glance with Win, both of them clearly taken aback by the sudden change in Nani's attitude. Ordering another 50 sets of food was... unexpected, especially when the party was winding down.

"Fifty more?" Dew asked, his tone laced with confusion.

Nani dismissed their concerns with a wave. "Don't worry about it."

As he finalized the order, Dew couldn't help but stare. This wasn't like Nani at all. Sure, he was known for being generous when it came to big things like his family's company, his friends but this? Ordering more food at the end of a party, especially when everyone was already full, was a different side of Nani they hadn't seen before.

Win nudged Dew  "Looks like the boss is finally having a soft spot, huh?"

Dew shook his head slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'll believe it when I see more of it. Nani's heartless monster nature isn't going to change that easily."

Sky pulled up in his father's small delivery truck, the engine humming quietly as he parked. The large order was unusual, it had been a while since someone placed such a big one.

Sky stepped out of the truck, he glanced around, spotting the men in black suits. His eyes quickly found Nani again, standing at the front of the group, a picture of confidence and effortless charm.

As always, Nani looked effortlessly charming, his presence commanding attention. His suit, perfectly tailored, made him stand out without even trying. Sky couldn't help but notice how Nani seemed to shine even in the dim light of the evening, effortlessly turning heads without uttering a single word.

For a moment, Sky hesitated, taking in the sight of Nani before he shook off the feeling.

Nani's gaze met his for just a second, and then he subtly gestured to his men, directing them to help with the delivery. But waittt. Was Nani the one who'd placed the order?

Sky blinked, momentarily unsure of what to say. "I... didn't realize you were the one who placed the order." he said.

Nani gave a small nod, the corner of his lips curving upward. "It's a little late to be surprised now. Why don't you come inside?"

Sky hesitated. He wasn't sure if he should go in, especially with the men in suits around. But something in Nani's eyes made it hard to turn down the invitation.

"Okay" Sky finally said, stepping forward and following Nani into the building. As they moved inside, Sky couldn't help but notice how effortlessly Nani commanded the space. The place was full of power and prestige, and Nani seemed to fit right in.

"So, what's the occasion?" Sky asked, looking around as they entered the lavish hall.

Nani paused and turned to him, his expression shifting slightly. "A party," he said simply, his voice casual. "You know, the kind that you can't really escape once you're in my circle."

Sky raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like fun."

Nani chuckled lightly and nod. "But enough about that. Let's get the food inside. My staff is waiting, and I think you're the only one who hasn't had dinner yet."

They reached a table at the far side of the room, one that was clearly arranged just for Nani, with only two empty seats beside him,  seats reserved for his closest friends, Win and Dew. Both men sat casually at the table, but their eyes flickered between Nani and Sky as they approached.

Nani took his seat  without a word, his expression cool. Win and Dew exchanged knowing looks, silently acknowledging the shift in Nani's behavior.

"Well, well, look who's playing host now." Win said with a teasing grin, poking Dew in the side. Dew merely raised an eyebrow and shrugged, his lips curling into a small smirk.

Nani shot both of them a glare, though his eyes softened slightly. He gestured for the waiter to approach. "Bring the dessert and the rest of the food."

Sky blinked, still a bit taken aback by the whole atmosphere. He hadn't expected to be treated like this, like he was part of something important. A small part of him wanted to protest, to refuse the attention, but something in Nani's expression told him not to argue.

Nani caught Sky's hesitation  "It's fine. Eat something ,We're all just here to relax." Nani said, his tone warm but firm.

The waiter returned with an assortment of dishes, delicious desserts, small appetizers.

As Sky picked up his utensils, still processing everything, Nani looked at him one more time, a small glint of something unreadable in his eyes. "Eat. It's good" Nani said, breaking the silence, his tone unexpectedly gentle.

Sky nodded and started eating. Win leaned over to Dew and whispered, "Nani doesn't care how it looks. He just wants to make sure his 'innocent kid' eats properly."

Nani leaned back in his chair, watching as Sky ate, completely lost in his food.  his genuine enjoyment evident in every bite. There was something about the way Sky lived so simple, so carefree. But Nani is different types, the types that has to carry the weight of responsibility on his shoulders all the time. That is what Nani always find what Sky said always so interesting.

Win and Dew still had been watching him the whole time,  Nani ignored them, signaling the waiter to bring more food for Sky. He didn't think much of it. Sky was a friend, and he was just being nice. That was all.

As the evening wore on, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Nani might not found himself watching Sky more than he intended to but Win and Dew witness that with their own eyes.

The way Sky's eyes lit up when he talked about something he was passionate about. The way he spoke without thinking, so unaware of the impact his words had, yet somehow making Nani find it even more relax to talk to him.

Win leaned in close to Dew, whispering with a teasing grin, "Do you think this is the start of something Nani hates the most?"

Dew smirked, taking a slow sip of his drink before replying, his voice low but amused. "You mean feelings?"

Win chuckled, glancing at Nani, who was completely unaware of their conversation, too focused on whatever Sky was saying. "Exactly. And knowing him, he's going to fight it every step of the way."

Dew let out a quiet laugh. "Yeah... but let's see how long he lasts."