A week passed after New’s request.
Nani tried to focus on his architecture classes, but his mind kept wandering back to Sky’s lonely expression.
Every time he remembered the cold alpha quietly saying, “You can refuse. I’ll understand,” his heart felt a little heavier.
He wasn’t in love with Sky.
Not yet.
But he couldn’t ignore the kindness hidden beneath Sky’s icy exterior.
Saturday afternoon.
The Architecture Department was unusually busy as students prepared models for the upcoming design exhibition.
Nani carefully placed the final piece onto his miniature building.
“There!”
“It’s finished.”
His classmates applauded.
“Looks amazing, Nani!”
“You’ll definitely win the competition.”
Nani smiled shyly.
“I still have a lot to improve.”
Just then, Noah slipped out of his pet backpack.
“Meow!”
“Noah!”
The fluffy white cat dashed out of the studio before anyone could stop him.
“Oh no…”
Nani hurried after him.
Outside the Mechanical Engineering building…
Sky had just finished supervising a workshop when he felt something rub against his leg.
He looked down.
“…Noah.”
The kitten meowed happily before jumping into his arms.
Sky couldn’t help but smile.
“You escaped again?”
“Meow.”
“So this is where you ran off to.”
Nani jogged toward them, slightly out of breath.
“He keeps causing trouble.”
Sky gently stroked Noah’s head.
“I don’t think he sees it as trouble.”
Nani laughed.
“I think he likes you more than me sometimes.”
“I doubt that.”
For a brief moment, they simply stood there, sharing a quiet smile.
Later that evening…
Nani returned home to find New waiting for him on the balcony.
“You met Sky today.”
Nani looked surprised.
“How did you know?”
“You smiled the moment you walked through the door.”
Nani froze before laughing in embarrassment.
“Was it that obvious?”
New nodded with a gentle smile.
“So…”
“Have you made your decision?”
Nani looked toward the city lights.
He thought about Sky.
About Tay.
About everything they had endured.
Finally, he took a deep breath.
“…I’ll do it.”
New blinked.
“Are you sure?”
Nani nodded.
“I’m not doing this because I’m in love with him.”
“I’m doing this because…”
“…everyone deserves the chance to choose their own future.”
A proud smile spread across New’s face.
“You’ve always had the biggest heart.”
“I just hope we’re doing the right thing.”
The following evening…
Sky sat alone in his apartment, reviewing documents for the Student Council.
A knock echoed through the room.
When he opened the door, he found New standing there.
“New?”
“I have an answer.”
Sky’s heartbeat quickened.
“What did Nani say?”
New smiled.
“He said yes.”
For the first time in years…
Sky’s usually calm expression cracked with genuine surprise.
“…Really?”
New nodded.
“But there are conditions.”
“He won’t accept money.”
“He won’t abandon his studies.”
“And the marriage will only exist to protect both of you until you’re free from your father’s control.”
Sky didn’t hesitate.
“I accept.”
New extended his hand.
“Then let’s work together.”
Sky shook it firmly.
“Thank you.”
“No,” New replied with a warm smile.
“Thank Nani.”
“He’s taking a huge risk… for someone he barely knows.”
Sky lowered his gaze.
“I won’t let him regret it.”
Outside the apartment, rain began to fall once again.
Neither Sky nor Nani realized that this single decision would become the turning point of their lives.
Their fake marriage had not yet begun.
But destiny had already written the first line of their shared future.