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Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: Lights Off, Hearts On

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The ride home was quiet.

Arashi had one hand on the wheel, a soda can half-crushed in the other. Ken sat beside him, leaning against the window, still slightly dazed from the night.

The kiss hadn't left his mind.

He kept licking his lips unconsciously, as if the sensation lingered.

When they reached the apartment, Arashi plopped down on the couch, opened a fresh soda, and took a long sip. Ken headed straight to his room, muttering something about changing out of his black button-up.

Five minutes passed.

Then—

The power cut off.

Total darkness.

"Arashi?" Ken's voice called from the bedroom, slightly panicked. "Where's the torch?"

Arashi stood up, clicking on his phone flashlight and walking toward the room. "Chill. Power cuts don't kill."

He entered the bedroom—and paused.

Ken was standing there, half-dressed. His shirt was unbuttoned, and his hair was a mess.

Arashi coughed and looked to the side. "You seriously can't dress yourself without light?"

"I don't wanna wear it inside out again," Ken grumbled.

"Come here."

Ken walked over, and Arashi reached out, helping him slip his arms through the sleeves. In the dim glow of the flashlight, their fingers brushed. Neither said anything.

When the shirt was finally on, Arashi murmured, "There. Happy, Your Highness?"

Ken rolled his eyes and mumbled, "Let's go outside."

They moved to the balcony. It was quiet. The city was dim, only emergency lights flickering in nearby buildings. The air was warm, the night still.

They sat side by side on the floor, knees drawn up.

Minutes passed in silence.

Then Ken broke it.

"Let's play Truth or Dare."

Arashi turned to look at him, amused. "You serious?"

"Yeah. And rule is—no getting weird or awkward afterward."

"Fine." Arashi smirked. "Your loss."

They used the empty soda can, placing it between them.

First spin—

Ken.

Arashi grinned. "Truth: What did you feel when you kissed me at the club?"

Ken blinked.

He looked away.

"…Good."

"Just good?"

Ken swallowed. "I don't know. It was… something."

Arashi said nothing.

Second spin—

Arashi.

"Truth," he said casually.

Ken narrowed his eyes. "What do you dream about me?"

Arashi leaned back.

"You were shirtless," he said simply. "You asked if I wanted to sleep with you."

Ken's face twitched.

"And I kissed you," Arashi added.

Ken turned his face away, hiding a flush.

The can rolled again.

Arashi.

"Dare."

Ken looked at him seriously this time. "Kiss me."

Arashi didn't hesitate.

He leaned in, slowly cupping Ken's cheek.

This time, it wasn't playful.

His lips touched Ken's with an unspoken hunger, and Ken immediately responded, his fingers curling into Arashi's collar. The kiss deepened, breaths mingling.

Arashi pushed Ken back gently, until he was lying on the cool balcony floor, Arashi over him.

"Truth or Dare," Arashi whispered.

"…Dare."

Arashi smiled. "Be my boyfriend."

Ken stared up at him.

Then, instead of answering, he pulled Arashi down and kissed him again.

No hesitation.

No more pretending.

They kissed until their bodies felt like they were burning. Arashi picked him up mid-kiss, carrying him effortlessly inside and placing him on the bed.

He looked down with a teasing smirk.

"Tonight's our first night together, princess. Hope you're ready."

He pulled off his shirt—then Ken's.

And at that exact moment—

The lights came back.

Ken blinked under the sudden brightness and pushed Arashi's chest.

"Change of plans. We're sleeping."

"Nah," Arashi said, smirking. "I'll just switch the bulb off."

And with a click, the room was dark again.

Then it was just the sound of whispers, kisses, and two rivals finally letting go.

That night, they didn't fight.

They didn't speak much.

They just held each other.

And for the first time…

They didn't feel alone.

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