The Harit estate glowed in warm, golden lights. The main hall buzzed with guests, gentle music, and the soft fragrance of flowers. Tonight wasn't an ordinary gathering—it was a formal family meeting about the marriage of **Ren's elder sister, Runa**, and **Harit's elder brother, Henry**.
Ren walked beside Runa, who radiated confidence and excitement, her presence commanding attention the moment she entered the room.
"Ren, be on your best behavior," Runa whispered, fixing his collar. "This meeting is important."
Ren laughed. "I'm not the one getting married. Relax."
---
Family Introductions
Harit's family approached with welcoming smiles.
Henry looked calm, composed, and polite as he greeted Runa.
Their parents exchanged warm handshakes, old connections resurfacing with genuine affection.
Harit arrived last.
He slowed when he saw Ren.
His posture stiffened, then softened almost imperceptibly as he approached.
"You came," Harit said quietly.
Ren blinked. "It's my sister's marriage meeting. Why wouldn't I?"
But Harit wasn't talking about obligations.
He was relieved.
Shy.
Awkwardly happy Ren was here.
Ren looked away, confused by the warmth in Harit's eyes.
---
Dinner Begins—So Do the Secret Touches
Everyone gathered at the dining table. Runa and Henry sat at the head, while both sets of parents discussed ceremony details.
Ren tried focusing on the conversation:
Henry's mother:
"Runa has such elegance. She will be perfect beside Henry."
Ren's mother:
"We raised her well. We're proud."
The mood was glowing.
Except Ren, who suddenly jolted as Harit's hand brushed against his under the table.
Ren whispered sharply, "Harit—stop."
Harit didn't even look at him.
Instead, he slid his fingers over Ren's palm and intertwined them.
Ren's breath caught.
"What are you doing!?"
"Relax," Harit murmured.
"No one can see."
Ren's heartbeat hammered.
Was Harit serious?
They were at a marriage meeting—*their families* sitting right there.
And Harit was holding his hand like a lovesick teenager.
*What happened to the proud, cold, perfect Harit?*
Ren didn't know.
But he couldn't pull his hand away either.
Ren stiffened.
Harit glanced sideways, pretending to listen to his mother describe wedding venues, but his fingers lightly curled around Ren's wrist.
Ren whispered, "Stop—someone will notice."
"No," Harit whispered back, smirking, "they won't."
Ren glared. Harit grinned. It was ridiculous. Irritating.
And Ren's heart kept beating too fast.
---
A Quiet Escape
After dessert, Ren excused himself to "get air."
In truth, he needed to escape Harit's intense presence before he melted in his seat.
He stepped out into the garden hall, inhaling deeply.
"That guy is going to drive me crazy…" he muttered.
"Who?"
Ren almost stumbled.
Harit had followed him.
Ren groaned. "Harit, why are you following me?"
"Because you're avoiding me."
Ren glared. "Your behavior is… weird."
Harit crossed his arms. "Weird how?"
"Since when are you this soft? This clingy? This… stupidly affectionate?"
Harit blinked.
Then stepped closer.
"Since you became someone I can't ignore," he murmured.
Ren gulped.
Harit's hand gently touched Ren's cheek.
Ren froze, cheeks flushing.
Ren scowled. "I just needed air. You're acting weird."
Harit stopped in front of him, eyes gentle. "Weird… because I like you?"
Ren opened his mouth… then closed it again.
"That's not the point— you're just— not like before," Ren mumbled. "Once you were powerful, untouchable, dangerous… now you're—"
Harit raised a brow. "Now I'm what?"
Ren sighed. "Now you're falling stupidly."
Harit blinked.
Then he laughed—quiet, breathless, beautiful.
He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Ren's waist in a sudden, warm hug.
Ren gasped. "H-Harit—someone might see—"
"No one's here." Harit whispered into Ren's shoulder. "Just us."
Ren's hands hovered awkwardly before slowly resting on Harit's back.
He felt Harit's heartbeat—fast, nervous, real.
---
The Hug Under the Moonlight
Ren tried stepping back—but Harit gently caught his wrist and pulled him into a hug.
A real hug.
Warm.
Close.
Possessive.
Ren's entire body tensed.
"Harit! Anyone could come out!" he whispered.
"No one will," Harit said quietly.
"And even if they do… I don't care."
Ren felt his heart twist.
This wasn't the Harit from before.
This wasn't the arrogant prince-like boy who glared at everyone.
This was someone whose guard had fallen completely.
And he only acted this way with Ren.
Ren didn't understand how Harit had changed so much—and it scared him.
---
Stolen Kiss Behind the Curtain
Before they returned to the table, Harit tugged Ren toward the curtain-lined hallway.
"Harit, what—"
Harit pressed him lightly against the wall, eyes burning softly.
"One kiss," Harit whispered.
"Just one."
Ren's breath faltered. "You're being reckless."
"So?"
Ren tried to respond, but Harit leaned in and kissed him.
Soft.
Gentle.
A breath more than a kiss but full of emotion.
Ren gripped Harit's sleeve to keep from collapsing.
When Harit pulled back, he whispered:
"You make me lose control."
Ren's face burned crimson.
---
**Marriage Date Fixed… for Runa and Henry**
Returning to the dining room, they found both families delighted.
Ren's father stood, smiling.
"We've agreed on the engagement date!"
Everyone clapped.
Runa looked like she'd swallowed a star—glowing from the inside out.
Henry smiled politely beside her.
Harit leaned close to Ren's ear.
"Don't look so stressed. It's not *us*."
Ren elbowed him subtly. "Shut up."
Harit only grinned.
---
Ren's Confusion
As everyone celebrated, Ren sat quietly.
He stared at Harit across the table—
the way he kept watching him
the soft smiles
the protective gaze
the clumsiness of someone in love…
Ren whispered under his breath:
"Are you really Harit… or am I imagining this new version of you?"
He didn't know.
But one thing was clear—
The proud Harit he once knew
had fallen completely, stupidly, helplessly for him.
And Ren wasn't sure whether to laugh…
or panic.
---