VELVET CHAINS REVIVE

Three days after the show, the world had changed.

Ayden's phone buzzed nonstop — emails, interview requests, social tags, brand inquiries. He barely had time to breathe between responses. Luca handled most of the logistics, acting as both his anchor and his shield. But even he couldn't block out the tidal wave of attention.

"You need a break," Luca said that afternoon, leaning over the back of the couch. "You've been on calls since sunrise."

Ayden didn't look up from his laptop. "We can't lose momentum now. The Japanese distributor wants exclusives. The Milan house is offering residency."

Luca closed the laptop with a single, definitive snap.

Ayden blinked. "Luca—"

"Enough."

The silence that followed was thick.

Then Ayden stood up slowly, tension leaking from his shoulders. "I don't know how to stop."

Luca stepped in front of him, hands on either side of Ayden's jaw. "Then let me show you."

They kissed, gently at first. But Ayden's hands gripped Luca's shirt, dragging him in closer, the tension melting into desperation. It was different now — not the frantic gasps of secrecy, but the craving to be known, fully, skin to skin.

Luca backed him toward the bedroom, lips never parting. Their clothes fell in a trail — silk, cotton, buttons clattering to the floor. Ayden gasped as Luca's hand traced down his spine.

"You're trembling," Luca whispered.

"I've needed this," Ayden breathed.

"You have me."

And with that, they fell onto the bed — a mess of limbs, kisses, whispered names, and tangled sheets. For once, Ayden didn't have to control anything. He let go. He surrendered.

And it was beautiful

Ren's apartment was small, tucked above a quiet café in Montmartre. It smelled like cinnamon and old books. Eden stood awkwardly at the doorway, black-gloved hands twisting at his side.

"I don't usually... stay anywhere," Eden murmured.

Ren kicked off his boots and opened the window, letting in the late-afternoon breeze. "You're not staying. You're just... here. For now."

Eden smiled faintly. "That sounds worse."

Ren turned to him. "Okay, fine. Stay. I want you here. There. Better?"

Eden's expression softened, but his eyes stayed cautious. "Why me?"

Ren walked up to him, reaching to pull off Eden's gloves. "Because you look at the world like you've already survived the end of it."

"And you?"

"I want to be the reason you don't fear beginnings."

Eden said nothing.

Ren leaned in, brushing his lips across Eden's knuckles. "You're allowed to want something good."

Eden closed his eyes. "Then I want this."

The kiss came slow — Eden tasting carefully, as if afraid too much would shatter the moment. But Ren pulled him closer, deepening it, his fingers slipping beneath the collar of Eden's shirt. The world outside the window grew quieter. Inside, two broken men slowly began mending each other — not with promises, but with presence.

By the time the sun dipped behind the rooftops, Eden lay beside Ren in the sheets, his voice barely a whisper.

"You make me feel like I have a tomorrow."

Ren kissed his forehead. "Then let's build it together."

Back with Ayden × Luca

Later that night, Ayden lay on his side, head against Luca's bare chest.

"Do you think it'll last?" Ayden asked.

"The show's buzz?"

"No. Us."

Luca was quiet, his hand brushing Ayden's damp hair.

"I think... if we keep choosing each other, then yes."

Ayden's lips curled into a rare smile. "You always say the right thing."

Luca chuckled. "No, I just mean it."

The door buzzed — a package delivery. Luca slipped on a robe and padded down the hall.

When he returned, he carried a sleek black envelope with Ayden's name in silver foil.

"Award nomination?" Luca teased.

Ayden sat up, opening it carefully.

His eyes widened.

"What is it?" Luca asked, sliding beside him.

Ayden handed over the card, his fingers trembling.

It read:

Dear Ayden Noire,

You are cordially invited to the Celestial Design Awards.

Your presence is requested not just as a guest — but as a nominee for Breakthrough Visionary of the Year.

Luca looked up, stunned. "This is huge."

Ayden stared at the card. "I didn't even submit anything."

"You didn't have to," Luca said softly. "They saw you."

Ayden set the card down. His heart thundered. Then, without warning, he crawled into Luca's lap and kissed him breathless.

"Let's go make history," Ayden whispered.

Luca grinned. "Only if we're dressed in sin."