The smell of popcorn hit first, warm and buttery, drifting through the lobby before we even reached the cinema doors. Light was walking ahead, headphones dangling around his neck, hands stuffed casually in his pockets.
-Don't go too fast, - I called, jogging slightly to catch up.
-Sorry, - he said, glancing back with a grin. - Excited.
The lobby buzzed with chatter and the sound of ticket scanners. Light slipped to the counter, handing over money for two tickets. I stayed a step behind, noticing the way his hair fell into his eyes as he leaned forward slightly to see the tickets.
-Don't act like you're used to this, - I muttered, smirking.
-I'm not, - he replied with a playful roll of his eyes. - Just trying not to miss anything.
We walked into the theater together, the smell of popcorn stronger in the warm darkness.
As I passed him to grab a handful from a nearby tub, my hand brushed lightly against his waist. He didn't react, fully absorbed in the theater lights and the previews, but my chest tightened anyway
Even in the dim theater light, I noticed the small gestures—the way he shifted his weight, tapped his foot lightly, hummed along to the faint music still in his headphones.
The previews started, and we settled into our seats near the middle. Every so often, his hand brushed mine as he reached for popcorn. Small, accidental touches that made me acutely aware of him. Each time, my chest jumped, even though he didn't notice a thing.
-Is there… a plot twist coming? - he whispered suddenly, leaning slightly toward me.
-Probably, - I muttered, though I was more aware of the way his shoulder moved as he leaned than anything on the screen.
He hummed softly again, a quiet rhythm I hadn't realized I'd memorized. The dark theater, the glowing screen, the buttery scent of popcorn—all of it faded into the background except for him.
-You're really paying attention, - he murmured after a while, eyes flicking to me.
Not the movie, - I replied, voice low, smirking slightly. - You.
He gave that small, almost shy smile in the dim light, then returned his focus to the screen. I stayed still, letting the warmth of the theater and the closeness of him settle around me.
Every time he reached for popcorn, our fingers brushed again, subtle sparks that neither acknowledged aloud. I told myself it was nothing. Just the space, just the motion. But my gaze lingered, following him, noticing him, pulling me in more than the movie ever could.
-Do you want more popcorn? - he asked softly, glancing at me.
-Sure, - I said, handing the tub over, letting our fingers brush once more. His shoulders shifted slightly, close enough to make the small contact linger.
The previews faded into the opening scene, and I realized I had been watching him more than the screen the whole time.
His subtle gestures, the way he leaned, the hum of his lips, even the slight shift of his waist as he reached for popcorn—all of it stuck with me.
I didn't want to stop noticing. Not the movie, not the theater, not the popcorn. Him. Everything was him.
And for some reason, that was enough.
The movie had ended a while ago, and they decided to go for some drinks. Light was clearly drunk, laughing and flirting with a man sitting just across from him
His laughter was soft but teasing, his face leaned too close, and his hands drifted dangerously near. Pond watched, brow furrowed, chest tight with jealousy.
-Light, let's go now - Pond said, low but firm, trying to grab his attention.
-Huh? But… I'm having fun - Light slurred, eyes half-lidded, still grinning at the other man.
Pond's jaw tightened, jealousy roaring inside him. He couldn't let this happen. Without a second thought, he called the waitress and paid the bill swiftly.
-Come on, I'll carry you - he said, bending slightly and lifting Light into his arms.
Hey! I can walk! - Light protested, wobbling as he tried to free himself.
-How are you supposed to walk if you're literally wobbling? - Pond snapped, irritation and jealousy thick in his voice. - Better I carry you.
Light flushed, a little embarrassed, but too drunk to argue. Pond adjusted his hold, gripping him firmly, and headed for the door. The cool night air hit them as they stepped outside, and every sway, every soft laugh, every accidental brush of Light's body against him sent sparks through Pond.
-You're… Mean - Light mumbled, still giggling.
And you're a disaster - Pond muttered, tightening his hold slightly, still annoyed and jealous. - Lucky I put up with you.
As they made their way to the car, Pond didn't let go for a second. Light's warmth, the soft drunken giggles, the closeness… it all made the air between them electric. That night, Pond hadn't just rescued Light from a disaster; he'd silently, fiercely claimed him.
If
- light I just wish you understand when you're drunk -he said opening the door with one hand securing him in the other after they got to his apartment...
Light swayed slightly, leaning against Pond, giggling softly.
Once inside, Pond carefully helped him out of his coat, brushing a stray strand of hair from his damp forehead. He guided him to the bathroom, helping him change into some spare clothes and gently wiping off any sticky spots from spilled drinks. Light mumbled incoherently, half-giggling, half-protesting, but Pond didn't let go..
-Stop squirming, - Pond said with a faint sigh, though the corner of his mouth twitched. - You're going to hurt yourself.
When he was done, Pond led him to the bed and set him down carefully. Light flopped onto the sheets, eyes drooping but still managing a sleepy grin.
-You're impossible, - Pond muttered, brushing a hand through his hair and adjusting the blankets. - Lucky I put up with you.