The soft hum of the city filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Carol Reed’s sleek office. Behind his mahogany desk, he scanned his screen, his sharp gaze unwavering. A knock at the door broke his focus.
“Come in,” he commanded.
Reese Maccarty entered, placing a crisp folder before him. “There’s an issue with last quarter’s financial reports,” he stated, tension underlying his composed demeanor.
Carol leaned back. “What kind of issue?”
“There are discrepancies in the revenue statements,” Reese said. “And I know you’ve been covering the gap yourself. Can you afford that?”
Carol’s expression darkened. “Why do you work so hard, Maccy?”
Reese smirked. “Just a habit. But maybe you should rent out that vacant room in your house.”
"Not a bad idea," Carol mused.
At the airport, Tomoe answered his phone.
"How dare you leave without permission?" his mother snapped.
"Mom, I want to work at V' Enterprises, not Aihara. I'll learn more at a top company with talented people"
"You selfish brat!" she yelled.
"Wish is an act of will, Mother. Goodbye." He hung up, stepping into Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Reese uploads the rental ad, turning his laptop to Carol, making him chuckle.
Reese glared. "I worked hard to make this."
His phone rang, cutting off their banter.
Tomoe, scrolling through listings, called the number in the ad.
"Hello, I'm looking for a room."
"Send me your details," Reese replied.
Minutes later, an email arrived. Reese's jaw clenched as he read the sender: Tomoe Aihara.
"Boss!" Reese burst into Carol’s office, unease creeping in.
Carol barely looked up. "What? A response already?"
Carol, too focused on work, dismissed Reese’s concerns. “Let him move in. $100 a month. One rule: silence in the house.”
Reese hesitated. “But”
“No buts. Get me lunch.” Carol commanded.
“You’ll regret this,” Reese muttered before leaving.
At V’ Residence, Tomoe checked his phone, irritated. “He said 3 PM…”
“Traffic,” a deep voice replied, startling him.
Reese introduced himself, apologized for the delay, and led Tomoe to the 22nd floor.
“This place is luxurious!” Tomoe gasped.
“The owner wants extra income,” Reese explained, giving him a tour.
“My landlord’s name sounds familiar. Please thank him. I won’t be a burden,” Tomoe chirped.
Reese, intrigued, asked, “Why are you here?”
“I’m an architect, honing my skills at V’ Enterprises.”
Seeing his innocence, Reese asked, “Ready to sign?”
“Yes!” Tomoe beamed after signing. “Thanks, onii-san! This feels like home.”
Reese, caught off guard, left smiling.
Back at the office, Carol noticed. “You look happy.”
“Someone called me big brother.”
Before he could ask who, Reese grumbled. “Get groceries. Your fridge is empty.” With that, he left.
Carol sighed, hanged on curiosity, yet he left early to shop.
At home, Tomoe found only eggs, bread, and noodles. Shocked to see available groceries still, He cooked, unknowingly making the apartment feel cozier.
Carol returned home, sensing the warmth lingering in the air; he felt cosier. “Maybe I should’ve gotten a roommate sooner.”
Morning came. Tomoe spotted the groceries. “This man only eats eggs, bread, and noodles?” He put them away and made breakfast, leaving a note for Carol.
Half an hour later, Carol’s phone rang.
“Hurry up! The rookie is here.” Reese’s urgent voice jolted him awake.
Carol hung up and rushed through his morning routine. As he opened his door, he noticed a note stuck to it.
Hello!
I made breakfast for you. Please eat before you leave, and let me know if you have any allergies.
From now on, I’ll handle groceries, breakfast, and dinner, I can’t survive on just bread and noodles.
Your picky roommate
Have a good day, Mr. Reed!
Carol smirked, shaking his head in amusement before heading to the kitchen.
At the office, Reese trailed behind him, updating him on the day's tasks.
"You look happy, boss," Reese remarked and continued. "What do you like for breakfast?"
"I already ate", Carol replied.
"Wait, you didn't just have eggs and noodles again, did you?" Reese asked suspiciously.
Carol smirked. "Nope. Egg roll and sandwich! My new roommate made it."
Reese blinked in surprise, understanding it was not Carol who cooked it cause he was an awful cook.
Carol leaned forward. "By the way, what’s my roommate's name?"
Before Reese could answer, Carol’s phone rang. It was HR to inform Rookie was still waiting.
After the call, Carol handed Reese a project file. "Give this to the new hire. If he cracks it in a week, he works under me."
Reese hesitated, gripping the file tightly. Carol had no idea he had just assigned the project to the son of the man he despised most.
Fate had set the stage for an unexpected collision.
"Thanks for waiting, Tomo!" Reese grinned. "I'm Reese Maccarty, the CEO’s assistant. Your task—find a breakthrough in this project. Succeed, and you’ll work under Mr. Carol Reed. You have one week. Clear?"
Tomoe nodded.
By Friday, Tomoe had a breakthrough and approached Reese, who suggested transferring the presentation to a PD first.
Inside the office, Carol’s expression darkened as he scanned the file.
"Why are you mad? It’s a solid proposal," Reese asked.
"Breakfast!" Carol snapped.
Reese blinked.
Carol slammed the desk. "Why am I not getting breakfast or dinner? He promised to cook! Who’s overworking him? Is he even eating? And why the hell am I even angry?"
Stunned, Reese left. Outside, Tomoe greeted him with wide eyes.
"Attachment is scary, Tomo," Reese muttered.
"Was the presentation bad?" Tomoe asked.
Reese sighed. "No, but our boss is love-sick."
Reese chuckled. "Go home early. Cook dinner for yourself and your landlord, then bring your presentation tomorrow. The boss and I will be here, he’s a workaholic."
Tomoe nodded. "Okay, onii-san."
That evening, Tomoe braved a snowstorm to buy ingredients for chicken biryani, a dish he’d been wanting to try. Shivering, he warmed up with a bath before cooking.
As the rich aroma filled the kitchen, the warmth comforted him against the icy world outside. Once done, he smiled, hoping Mr. Reed would enjoy it too.
Exhausted and feverish, he ate alone, then left a note:
Sorry for not cooking lately, been busy with a breakthrough. Here’s an apology dinner, my new specialty.
Your picky roommate. Good night.
Carol was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of biryani and smiled at the note. Skipping his bath, he eagerly dug in, warmth filling him.
Curiosity led him to Tomoe’s room, where he found him feverish and flushed. Alarmed, Carol touched his burning forehead and rushed out for medicine.
Through the night, he tended to Tomoe, cooling his fever. In his sleep, Tomoe clung to him, murmuring about longing for an embrace and his parents’ neglect. A strange weight settled in Carol’s chest.
By morning, Tomoe’s fever had eased. Exhausted, Carol finally slept, only to be woken by a Reese’s call. Annoyed, he got up, but the scent of fresh food lifted his mood.
A note sat by the counter
Hey, thanks for taking care of me. I’m still weak, so I made dal khichdi. Thanks for letting me cook whatever I want.
Your picky roommate, Tomoe!
Carol smiled. "Finally I know his name", he thought.
At the office, Reese and a masked newcomer stood outside his cabin. Carol didn’t acknowledge him as he strode in.
"In the cabin," he ordered.
Reese followed, Tomoe trailing behind.
"Are you here for the presentation, rookie?" Carol asked, removing his blazer.
"Yes," Tomoe replied, voice hoarse.
Carol looked up to check the source of the horse voice and froze. The same blue eyes. The same boy. His grip on the chair tightened, but he masked his reaction.
"You got sick from one simple task?" he asked coldly.
"No, I got caught in the snowstorm while grocery shopping," Tomoe admitted.
Carol’s voice softened just a fraction. "Don’t you have an umbrella?"
Reese glanced at Carol in pure shock due to the change in his tone.
"I didn’t bring an umbrella from home. I’ll buy one..."
"No need!" Carol cut him off. "Reese, get him one now."
A chill ran down Tomoe’s spine at the thought of being alone with his boss, but Reese obeyed without hesitation.
"So, rookie, don’t you know who I am?" Carol asked, expecting recognition from last night.
"CEO of V Enterprises, Mr. Carol Reed," Tomoe answered nonchalantly, unaware of the connection. Hey, my landlord’s surname is Reed too... what a coincidence, he mused.
Carol nearly smirked, but he doesn't remember the face of his landlord who tended to him yesterday, he thought and quickly resumed his icy facade. "Begin your presentation."
Tomoe’s project focused on designing a forest-integrated library with minimal environmental impact. "Instead of an ‘Animal’ theme, I shifted to ‘Animal Den or Burrow’ to make it feel like reading in the wild," he explained.
Carol asked, "Why not a treehouse concept?"
"These trees can’t support that due to their size. But they can be used for small rest areas shaped like bird nests," Tomoe countered, flipping slides.
The design featured pods mimicking burrows, nests, and caves, linked by natural pathways. "Strategic openings provide ventilation and natural light, but only in safe areas," he added, voice hoarse as his fever returned.
"Underground sections use rammed earth for insulation, while the central area includes a lake and a mountain-like structure," Tomoe concluded, a proud smile on his face.
Carol’s eyes widened; Tomoe had flawlessly merged scattered ideas into a unified, impactful vision.
Heh… So, how did I do, boss? Tomoe thought, suppressing exhaustion. I worked my ass off for this.
Tomoe switched to the next slide, listening to raw material that can be used.
"I still need to refine material, but I hope to work with you," Tomoe said, bowing, a gesture uncommon in American culture.
Carol’s eyes widened. He’s not from here? The thought had never crossed his mind.
"Rookie, what’s your name again?"
"Tomoe Aihara," he replied.
Reese entered just in time to hear it. His eyes widened in shock.
Carol stiffened, his hands trembling despite his mask of indifference. "Good presentation, Tomoe. Take the umbrella and go home. My assistant will contact you soon," he muttered.
Tomoe bowed, accepted the gift, and left.
The door shut, and Carol's composure cracked. His fists are clenched. Did Aihara send his son to infiltrate my company?
"Probably not," Reese sighed, sensing his thoughts.
The words hit like a bullet. Is he siding with them? The ones who ruined my life?
Reese continued, "Tomo doesn’t even know why his social life crumbled."
"He’s Kaito’s son!" Carol’s voice wavered. "The man who betrayed my father, sued him, left him with nothing!"
"I know. But Tomoe won't..."
"He will betray me," Carol muttered, trembling. "He knows where I live. He passed my test. I can’t fire him. He’ll be here every day… until he breaks me. Until I can’t love him anymore."
His breath quickened, his chest tightened, sweat dripping as the fear consumed him.
"Carol!" Reese shouted again and again.
No use. He’s having a panic attack. Reese grabbed his phone and called an ambulance.
By the time help arrived, Carol had already collapsed.
By the time Carol arrived home, Tomoe had just finished freshening up. He stood outside the bathroom, a towel in hand, his damp, blood-red hair clinging to his skin. Droplets of water trailed down his strands, his face pale with exhaustion, yet to Carol, he was breathtaking.
At the sight of him, Carol’s heart skipped a beat. These white walls had become his home, yet his heart ached with fear. Fear of being hurt by the person he loves.
"Did you arrive home? At this hour?" Carol’s voice held a rare softness, laced with worry.
His coat was loosely draped over one arm, a small piece of cotton still clinging to the spot where his IV had been. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing the veins beneath his skin. His face remained unreadable, but his honey-dipped eyes gave him away, overflowing with silent concern and something deeper, unspoken.
Tomoe turned at the sound of the voice, his blue eyes meeting Carol’s. His jaw dropped, fingers loosening around the towel.
"Boss!" he exclaimed.
Carol stepped forward, picking up the fallen towel. "Yes, Boss," he repeated, voice steady. "Now, why are you taking a bath this late?" He casually made his way to the balcony, hanging the towel to dry.
"I was sleeping", Tomoe replied.
Carol chuckled, ruffling Tomoe’s damp hair. "Are you a child or what?" he teased.
For the first time in a long while, Tomoe's heart felt warm. With a small smile, he walked away, unaware that his simple touch had shattered the ice around someone’s heart.
His hands… they were so warm. Tomoe touched his wet cheeks in disbelief. Why am I crying?
Wiping his tears, he knocked on Carol’s door. "Mr. Reed, I’m making porridge. Should I make you omelet rice?" His voice was hoarse, his cold worsening.
Carol, lost in thought about his enemy’s son living under his roof, sighed. But at Tomoe’s words, he immediately opened the door, startling him.
"Why porridge? Do you have a fever?" Carol’s hand pressed against his forehead. "Should I take you to the hospital?"
“No… I’m fine. Just felt weak, so I wanted something light,” Tomoe said, cheeks reddening from Carol’s warmth.
Carol frowned. “You’re flushed. Sure you don’t have a fever?”
“Yes. Thank you for worrying, boss,” Tomoe mumbled.
“At home, call me Carol Tomo,” Carol said, ruffling his hair again. Tomoe’s heart pounded.
Hearing the nickname, Tomoe’s heart skipped again. Why am I so flustered? he thought, shaking his head.
Carol wasn’t feeling any better. His hands trembled, his mind warring against his heart. As Tomoe cooked, Carol blurted, “Tomo… you won’t betray me, right?”
His voice wavered. He hadn’t meant to reveal his fear, his vulnerability. But he had.
Tomoe’s eyes widened. This feels like a confession.
I don’t know what this is, but it’s not one-sided, Tomoe thought.
Setting the spatula down, he turned to Carol’s trembling, honey-dipped eyes. Without hesitation, he cupped Carol’s face, lifted it gently, and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.
“I will never betray the only person who has shown me kindness,” he murmured, unaware of the weight of his actions.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned back to cooking.
Carol stood frozen, heart racing. The spot where Tomoe’s lips had touched burned like fire. His knees nearly buckled. Does he even realize what he just did? His mind screamed to pull Tomoe into his arms, to kiss him like a starving man.
Tomoe’s voice shattered his thoughts. “Let’s eat.”
Carol sat down without a word, his heart restless. They ate in silence. No more words were spoken before he quietly retreated to his room.
Tomoe cleaned up and went to bed, but the house wasn’t the same. The air carried a new kind of silence, one laced with something unspoken.
The moment Tomoe entered his room, his knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the floor.
What the hell was that, Tomo?! You kissed someone without consent! His face burned with embarrassment. Does consent even matter here? What were you thinking?!
His mind spiraled, drowning him in self-reproach as his heart pounded wildly.
Morning arrived with golden sunlight streaming through the windows. The city bustled despite it being Sunday, and Carol and Tomoe were no exception. They headed to work, exchanging only a few words.
Reese was surprised to see Tomoe still employed, not fired for some ridiculous reason, but he couldn’t ignore the tension between them.
Neither knew how to break the awkward silence.
As the final presentation neared, Carol’s restlessness grew. Meanwhile, Tomoe hadn’t heard from his family.
To prevent leaks, the project had been handled in strict secrecy, shielding it from the traitor within the company.
Finally, the big day arrived.
The grand convention center buzzed with anticipation as top executives, investors, and industry leaders gathered.
As Carol, Tomoe, and Reese stepped inside, the weight of the moment settled over them. Months of hard work, secrecy, and silent battles had led to this. The fate of the project, and perhaps the company, rests on what happens today. And for Carol, it rested in Tomoe’s hands.
The room buzzed with the presence of industry giants, Arkitek Solutions, Skyline Innovations, Forma Struct Designs and many more. Then, stepping into the spotlight, came the leader of Aihara Enterprises.
"Oh, my dear Tomo! Fancy seeing you here," Mr. Kaito Aihara sneered. "Betraying your father by handing his rival company his secrets? That’s not very fair, dear..
Tomoe’s breath hitched, his hands trembling. What…? What is he talking about? He had never been allowed near his father’s office, let alone given access to company secrets. He had refused to work for Aihara Enterprises and was confined to his room outside of college. Was my father always like this? But a far greater fear seized him as he remembered something Carol had asked him in the kitchen a week ago. Does Carol believe this?
Heart racing, Tomoe turned to gauge Carol’s reaction.
Tomoe’s breath hitched. Carol was shaking. It was subtle, almost unnoticeable, but Tomoe knew him too well.
Before he could speak, his father’s voice sliced through the air.
“Oh my, so you’ve decided to follow in your father’s footsteps, Carol.” Kaito’s words were cold, his attacks as merciless as ever.
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"I never thought Mr. Carol would resort to betrayal, just like the late Mr. Reed."
Tomoe’s fists clenched. What is this nonsense?
Kaito sighed mockingly. “Oh, my dear son, working with the very people who once betrayed your father. How innocent.”
Before Tomoe could react, Carol’s voice cut through the tension.
“Well, well, Mr. Kaito, stop attacking my pupil like that.” His tone was firm, but Tomoe and Reese could hear the slight tremor beneath it.
"And besides," Carol continued, eyes locked onto Kaito, "You have no proof, so stop spouting nonsense."
He gestured toward the seating area. "Why don’t you take a seat? We Reeds have always fought fair and square."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and pulled Tomoe along by the wrist.
The whispers spread like wildfire, each one a blade slicing through Tomoe’s resolve. His heart pounded violently, his breaths coming in short, uneven gasps.
Carol remained silent, sensing Tomoe’s panic, the tension in his body, the slight tremble in his fingers. Then, at last, he spoke.
"You asked me to trust you, Tomo. Don’t break me… not like your father, who broke his best friend."
Tomoe’s breath hitched as Carol’s honey-gold eyes locked onto his, filled with fear, vulnerability, an unspoken plea.
Then they softened as Carol added, "I trust you."
A faint smile tugged at his lips as he ruffled Tomoe’s hair, the warm gesture easing the storm within him. Tomoe’s racing thoughts slowed. He wasn’t alone in this.
Nearby, Reese’s sharp gaze flickered toward Kaito, something about the scene amusing him. Leaning toward Carol, he murmured, “I think Rayan Brown, our HR manager, is betraying us.”
Carol’s expression darkened.
Meanwhile, a hushed exchange took place between Kaito and a disguised waiter, Rayan Brown.
“Do you have their project details?” Kaito asked quietly.
“They handled it too secretly. I have nothing,” Rayan admitted, before adding, “But… if you push your son a little, I bet you can get it.”
Straightening, he melted into the crowd, unaware that Reese had caught him.
Reese followed, his voice cutting through the air with icy finality.
“You’re fired, Mr. Rayan Brown.”
Reese didn’t spare Rayan another glance. Turning on his heel, he walked away with such authority that no one dared question his decision.
By the time he returned, the presentations had begun. V Enterprises was scheduled last.
One by one, companies showcased designs inspired by nature, honeycombs, treehouses, and intricate bird nests. Each was unique, even innovative, but none matched the refinement of V Enterprises’ project.
The Aihara Group’s project drew inspiration from tree hollows, creating an architectural marvel where literature and nature intertwined. Towering artificial tree trunks housed cozy reading lounges, private study spaces, and interactive storytelling areas, all connected by suspended sky bridges. Readers could immerse themselves in books high above the ground, surrounded by greenery and birdsong.
Yet, despite its beauty and eco-conscious design, the project had a critical flaw: its towering height. Accessibility, maintenance, and structural modifications posed significant challenges, making long-term sustainability uncertain.
The audience murmured, torn between admiration for the Aihara Group’s concept and skepticism about its practicality. But now, the final presentation was about to begin.
Tomoe took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage, heart pounding. Reese followed, carrying a sleek black box. With careful precision, he placed it on the front table and unfolded its sides.
Gasps filled the room. Before them stood a breathtaking architectural model, V Enterprise’s masterpiece. The intricate details, seamless integration of nature and technology, and undeniable practicality set it apart.
Tomoe spoke with quiet confidence, detailing the project’s sustainability, accessibility, efficiency, and advantages that Aihara’s towering design lacked. His words painted a vision that was not just ambitious but truly feasible. Silence fell, not from doubt, but awe.
Then, just as he finished, Tomoe took a deep breath and added something unexpected, his voice commanding the entire room.
Tomoe’s piercing blue eyes swept the crowd. “As for the rumors I only learned of today, I have something to say.”
“A child, unloved and locked away, barred from Aihara Enterprises and his father’s study, who knew nothing of business but only sought to refine his skills—how could he betray the only person who has ever shown him kindness?”
Gasps rippled through the room, but Tomoe pressed on.
“I don’t know what truly happened between my father and the late Mr. Reed, but if there was betrayal, I know one thing: it wasn’t on the Reed family’s part. Accusations of theft or deceit hold no ground. If anyone spreads false claims, I will fight them in court.” His voice sharpened. “So, choose your words carefully.”
With that, he returned to his seat, unreadable. Silence fell.
Mr. Kaito’s face paled. His son had openly defied him, shattering his authority. All his subtle attempts to extract information, wasted. All his careful manipulations, shattered.
The verdict was clear: V Enterprises won the multimillion-dollar project. Applause erupted, but beneath it, tension crackled.
As the team prepared to leave, a sudden grip clamped around Tomoe’s wrist. Before he could react, his father yanked him away from Carol and Reese, his hold unrelenting.
“Tomoe!” Carol’s deep voice rang out, sharp with concern. Reese took a step forward, but Kaito shot them both a glare that dared them to interfere.
The air thickened with unspoken words. For the first time in years, Tomoe stood truly face-to-face with his father, alone.
“Why didn’t you check my messages?” Kaito’s voice was sharp, cutting through the noise around them like a blade. His fingers dug into Tomoe’s skin with punishing force.
Tomoe’s jaw tightened, but his voice remained steady. “There was no need to check messages from family when I’m at work.” His words weren’t loud, but they were firm. Unshaken.
“Tomoe.” Kaito’s voice rose, brimming with fury, his grip tightening until a sharp burn lanced through Tomoe’s wrist. Pain flared beneath the pressure, but Tomoe refused to let it show.
“You cannot work with Carol. Do you understand? Come back home with me.” Kaito’s tone left no room for argument as he jerked Tomoe forward, intent on dragging him away.
Before Tomoe could react, Carol and Reese appeared.
They hadn’t left. They wouldn’t leave him alone. a relief wash over Tomo's shoulder. Tears burned at the edges of his blue orbs, threatening to spill, not from sadness, but from the sheer pain of his father’s grip. But he wouldn’t break. With a sharp yank, he tore his arm free, stumbling back a step. His heart pounded, breath ragged, but his stance was resolute.
“Why?” Tomoe’s voice cracked with raw emotion, his words slicing through the air. “Because you betrayed his father, your best friend? Is that why I lost my only best friend in junior high? Because he was about to tell me something?” His chest heaved, the storm inside him finally breaking free.
“You dare raise your voice at me?!” Kaito roared, his teeth grinding together with barely restrained fury. His presence loomed, dark and suffocating, but Tomoe didn’t back down. It didn't feel like a conversation between father and son anymore but a battle between enemies.
“So what?” Tomoe’s voice trembled, not with fear, but with something deeper. “Are you going to beat me to a pulp again?”
A hushed gasp rippled through the lingering crowd. Though the presentation had ended, people hadn’t left.
Kaito’s face darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. When he spoke again, his voice was dangerously low, razor-sharp. “I’m telling you for the last time… come with me, or I’ll disown you.”
Tomoe stilled. Then, slowly, he exhaled. “Thanks, but I don’t want to be the son of a man who betrayed my love.” His voice was steady, but the weight of his words was undeniable. “I’m not coming back with you.” He took a step back, his piercing blue eyes burning with unspoken pain.
“And those desperate messages you sent, trying to squeeze information from me about our project?” His lips curled into something between disappointment and finality. “They’re proof enough that Late Mr. Reed never did anything wrong.” He held Kaito’s gaze for a long, heavy moment.
Then, with a quiet, resolute certainty, he said the words that severed them completely.
“Goodbye, Father.”
Tomoe turned on his heel and walked away, not waiting for Kaito’s reply.
The moment he stepped forward, the weight of it all came crashing down. His chest ached, and his vision blurred with unshed tears, but he forced himself to keep moving.
Then, he collided with someone.
Strong hands caught him before he could stumble. A familiar warmth. A firm, grounding presence.
Tomoe’s breath hitched as he looked up straight into Carol’s unreadable expression.
His blue eyes met Carol’s honey-dipped gaze, and at that moment, he lost the battle to hold back his tears. A choked sob escaped him as he clung to Carol’s hands, his body trembling.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, voice barely audible. “I’m so sorry, Carol.”
Carol’s expression softened, but he said nothing. Instead, he simply held him, steadying him, grounding him.
Something inside him ached. For Tomoe. For his pain. For all the unspoken words between them.
Then, through the ragged sobs, Tomoe suddenly blurted out
“I love you, Carol. I am so sorry for whatever my father did."
Carol’s breath hitched. His heart skipped a beat, then raced. Excitement surged through him, replacing uncertainty. Tomoe was crying, apologizing, breaking down… but all Carol could hear was the confession.
“Tomo!” Carol grabbed his shoulders, shaking him slightly. His voice held an urgency that made Tomoe blink in confusion.
“What did you just say?” Carol asked, excitement flickering in his golden eyes.
Tomoe tilted his head, still catching his breath, unsure of what Carol meant. “I… I’m sorry?” he murmured hesitantly.
Carol shook his head, his grip tightening ever so slightly. “No, not that. Before that,” he pressed, his heart pounding.
“I love you,” Tomoe repeated absentmindedly, still not realizing the weight of his own words.
Carol’s eyes widened before a bright, almost childlike excitement lit up his face. He practically bounced in place.
And that was when it hit Tomoe. His breath caught. Did I just...?! Panic surged through him. He slapped his hands over his mouth, eyes wide.
Carol chuckled, his warm, golden gaze locking onto Tomoe’s startled blue ones. Gently, he pulled Tomoe’s hands away and whispered,
“I love you too.”
Before Tomoe could react, Carol leaned in, capturing his lips in a soft, heartfelt kiss.
From the sidelines, Reese watched in quiet awe, a slow smile spreading across his face. Finally. After everything.
No more suffocating walls. The black-and-white life Carol once knew was about to turn into something colorful.
Though Tomoe had lost his parents today, he had gained something priceless.
Love!
The crowd erupted into cheers, congratulating them.
And for the first time in a long, long time
Tomoe felt free.
Both of them had lost a past filled with pain… but gained a future filled with love.
React
