The bar slowly calmed down after that sharp silence. Customers who'd been staring out of curiosity finally turned back to their drinks and chatter. Still, the tension in the air hadn't completely vanished. Louise stayed behind the counter, eyes sharp like a hawk guarding its nest, while Airi stood awkwardly between him and Duke Nicholas.
"I only want a cup of coffee… and a few minutes with Airi," Duke finally spoke, voice calm but carrying an invisible weight. He walked over to a seat by the window, moving with that graceful air like he wasn't just part of the storm a moment ago.
Airi glanced at Louise. Louise gave the smallest nod, though his gaze stayed razor-sharp.
So Airi walked up to Duke's table. "Would you like your coffee plain? Or… like last time?"
"The same as last time," Duke answered with a soft smile, too sweet for the morning mood. "But this time, I want you to make it yourself, Airi."
Airi nodded and slipped behind the bar, preparing the coffee with slightly shaky hands. Louise pretended to be busy in the kitchen, though his eyes never really left Duke.
When the coffee was ready, Airi placed the cup on the table and sat across from him. His hands trembled faintly, but he kept his composure.
Duke took a slow sip, then let his gaze linger on Airi. "You still make coffee just as good as before," his voice low, heavy with unspoken meaning. "And your eyes… they're still the same. Warm. Too easy to fall for."
Airi swallowed hard. "Did you really come this early just to reminisce, Your Grace?"
Duke set his cup down. "I didn't come for the past. I came for your future."
"My… future?" Airi tilted his head, confused.
"Yes. And who you'll share it with."
Airi froze, heart hammering.
"Airi," Duke's tone softened, almost weary. "I know you feel safe here. I know Louise… has helped you. But don't let comfort blind you."
"What do you mean?" Airi asked, voice steady.
Duke locked eyes with him. "He's not the kind of man who can truly protect you. He's wild. He lives by instinct, not foresight. And you know that, Airi."
"I know who Louise is," Airi answered firmly. "But I also know who I am when I'm with him."
Duke shook his head slowly. "You're blinded by love. You don't see his flaws."
Airi gave a faint smile, lowering his gaze, fingers clutching the hem of his shirt.
"I used to think I knew who Louise was," he whispered. "I thought he was just a man who wanted my body. But I was wrong."
Duke raised a brow. "And you're sure he's not just playing a deeper game?"
Airi shook his head. "If that's the game, then he's playing it on himself too. Because he's changed, Duke. Louise changed. He built a world around me, and he let me in… no conditions attached."
Duke's jaw tightened, but he stayed silent.
"I know you care," Airi said softly. "I know maybe… you still feel something. But I'm not a child anymore, Duke. I know who I want to stand beside. And right now… I want it to be Louise."
Duke sighed, touching the rim of his now-cold coffee.
"Fine," he muttered. "Then I just hope he doesn't let you down. But if he ever hurts you, Airi… I won't stand by."
Airi nodded gently. "I trust you. But I trust Louise too."
Duke rose to his feet, sliding his gloves back on. He glanced toward the kitchen. "Take good care of him, Louise. Or else… you know I'll come for him."
Louise leaned casually on the doorway, smirk sharp as a blade. "Don't worry. He'll never have a reason to leave."
The two men locked eyes for a few long seconds—two different worlds, two different loves. Then Duke gave a small nod and walked out of the bar without another word.
As the door shut, Airi exhaled shakily. Louise came over, laying a hand on his shoulder.
"You okay?"
Airi looked up, smiling faintly. "Better than ever."
Louise pulled him into his arms, hugging tight like he was promising that nothing would take Airi away.
Outside, the sky was bright. But in Airi's chest, there was a warmth brighter than the sun—love, real and certain this time.
---
Duke's footsteps echoed down the wooden stairs of the quiet bar. Behind the closed door, the scent and warmth of Airi still clung to his breath. He paused under the dim glow of a streetlamp, eyes lifting toward the cloudy night sky.
From the shadows of a nearby alley, a cloaked figure stepped out.
"I didn't expect His Grace would really come here just to… say hello?" the man sneered, voice low and mocking.
Duke's lips curved into a thin smile, one that never touched his eyes.
"Sometimes, it's enough just to remind everyone who first saw the jewel shine," he murmured, calm but simmering.
"And if that jewel's already in someone else's hands?" the cloaked man asked.
Duke glanced up at the bar's upstairs window, where a faint curtain swayed. "A jewel won't stay content in a wooden box forever. Eventually, it craves a golden crown."
The cloaked man chuckled. "So… you're planning something?"
Duke slid his hands into his coat pockets, eyes narrowing. "I'm just giving it time. Let Airi see who can place the world at his feet. When the body isn't enough… feelings will falter."
The night wind whispered as Duke turned, striding toward his waiting horse. Before mounting, he muttered softly, almost like a vow to the darkness:
"If Louise slips… even for a second… I'll be there."
The black-silver carriage rolled slowly along the cobbled road, wheels creaking lightly, horse hooves echoing steady. Inside, Duke Nicholas leaned back, one hand propping his chin, eyes on the swaying curtain by the window.
Across from him, his young, sharp-eyed guard bowed slightly. "Did you find what you were looking for tonight, my lord?"
Nicholas closed his eyes briefly, then smirked faintly. "I found enough to make sure my next step won't miss."
"Does that mean… we'll move against Louise more directly?" the guard asked carefully.
Nicholas opened his eyes, gaze fixed on the small chandelier swaying above them. "Not directly. Louise is a man whose emotions burn too easily. Touch him the right way, and he'll burn himself down."
The guard went quiet, trying to digest the meaning.
"My lord… you really believe Airi will turn away from him? He looked… too loyal."
Nicholas chuckled darkly. "Loyalty? Loyalty from someone so tender is never unshakable. He's never been offered the world. Louise gives him shelter, maybe comfort. But me?"
He leaned back, confidence dripping from his voice. "I can give him a name. Power. A palace. Eternity."
The horses slowed as the carriage neared Duke's mansion gates. Before it stopped, Nicholas whispered, more to himself than anyone:
"Love born from wounds is easily swayed by tenderness. And love born from desire crumbles when faced with a crown."
His eyes sharpened as he looked at his guard. "Prepare invitations for the royal ball next week. Airi will be the guest of honor. And the invitation—must be handed to him directly."
"Directly to Airi?" the guard echoed in surprise.
Nicholas nodded. "Let him feel the world calling for him. And let Louise feel the world trying to take him."
The carriage door opened, letting in the cold night air. Duke stepped out, long coat flowing as he walked up the stone steps of his grand estate.
Behind the closing doors, the night carried an unspoken promise—
that the game of love, ambition, and possession… had only just begun.
---