---
The next evening, Arashi was scrolling through his messages when he froze.
Yuuto: Hi Ken! There's a charity showcase this Friday at Ritz Hall. I'll be giving a short talk. Bring your boyfriend if you want. Would love to see you there!
Ken, fresh out of the shower, towel over his head, peeked over Arashi's shoulder. "He sent that an hour ago."
"You're not seriously going," Arashi said flatly.
Ken flopped onto the bed beside him. "It's a public event. What's the big deal?"
"He wants to see you again."
Ken pulled the towel from his hair. "It's not like we're sneaking off. You can come with me."
"I don't want to go where some smug bastard will talk to you like he knows you better than me."
Ken laughed. "You're so transparent."
Arashi narrowed his eyes. "So are you really going because it's a nice event, or because he invited you?"
Ken didn't answer. He just smirked, got up, and walked away.
Arashi hated that smirk. Mostly because it always made his heart beat faster.
---
Friday evening.
The venue was crowded, glittering with chandeliers and expensive perfumes. The kind of place where Arashi stuck out like a bruise in all black.
Ken, however, looked ridiculously elegant in his tailored dark blue shirt. Polished, neat, and walking like he'd been raised on red carpets.
Arashi walked beside him, jaw tight.
They spotted Yuuto almost immediately—standing near the stage, surrounded by people who laughed at everything he said.
His smile widened when he saw Ken.
"You made it."
Ken returned the smile. "You clean up well."
Arashi stepped between them before Yuuto could get too close.
"You said you were giving a talk. When does that start?"
Yuuto chuckled. "Patience, Arashi. Jealousy doesn't suit you."
Arashi didn't blink. "Neither does pretending to be a nice guy."
Ken elbowed him lightly, but Yuuto just laughed it off.
"Ken's always had the sharpest people around him. I'm glad you're the one he chose." He leaned in slightly, gaze flicking toward Ken. "Though I must admit, I thought I had a chance once."
Arashi's fists clenched at his side.
Ken cleared his throat and pulled Arashi's hand into his. "That was years ago. Now I like the bad boys."
Arashi didn't say a word. But his chest swelled with something quiet and deep.
Yuuto smiled with a tilt of his head. "Then I'll wish you both happiness."
---
Later, after the speech and the mingling, Ken and Arashi stepped outside into the cool night air.
Arashi lit a cigarette, the soft glow highlighting the angles of his face. "Still think coming was a good idea?"
Ken looked up at the stars. "Yeah. It reminded me of something."
"What?"
"That I like seeing you jealous."
Arashi scoffed, then leaned in close, lips brushing Ken's ear. "Keep testing me, and I'll remind you why you call me yours."
Ken's heart jumped.
But he only smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."
---