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At first, sky thought he was hallucinating. He could not bring himself to believe what he's seeing so he glanced away, to regain his composure and sober up but then he looked again, the second time, more intently and attentively.
There, sits nani, with his palms elegantly placed on his lap, his eyes closed while the makeup artist does his makeup. Sky was almost distracted by the plump and glossy lips staring right back at him mockingly, thank god he didn't overreact. But he averted his eyes back to Nani's palm, pampered, it was so…pink, they might as well have applied some blush on it but what originally caught sky’s attention was Nani’s fingers– and those….pink…acrylic nails… Nani was wearing fake nails, if that's how you call it. It’s very minimalistic, really. A soft pink starting from the bottom as it fades into a white perfectly creating a gradient hue, it was accessorized with small gemstones and Sky swears, he could almost not see it if he didn't look hard enough. He noticed the way it shimmered whenever a light reflected on it and it accentuated whatever beautiful thing is going on with Nani’s fingers and god why is Sky staring at Nani’s slender, slightly veiny, soft pink, and milky fingers. Huh? He hopes his stares were subtle enough, not that it matters since Nani’s eyes were still closed when looked back up, only the stylist and a few other staff can see him ogling at Nani’s fingers.
“Sky, you're sweating.” P’Som pointed out as she handed him a box of tissues.
Why is he sweating? There were two ACs in the makeup room.
“Phi, Nani’s wearing fake nails?” He asked P’Som, although it was more of a way to reassure himself that yes, what he saw was not just a fragment of his imagination.
“Nani said he wanted to try it-”
“He did?” He was surprised, contrary to how soft he said those words because, really? It was Nani’s idea?
P’Som only gave him a questioning look, not wanting to press or tease him any further, she walked away arranging a few things for today's brand event.
Something about knowing that it was Nani’s idea to wear acrylic nails did something to Sky. It was like Nani admitting that he wanted to try wearing crop tops like their N’Hong from LYKN, except that day is yet to come (Though Sky can feel that it's gonna happen soon and he will never be mentally prepared for that). This time though, Nani actually did what he wanted to do. The nails, oh god. Sky is not gonna survive today’s event and he's sure none of their fans would. He bets there would be hundreds, or probably thousands of clips from different angles reposted by fans from all over the world, Sky shamelessly and helplessly staring at Nani's fingers. Mesmerized whenever Nani holds the mic and those acrylic nails staring right back at Sky tauntingly or it, grazing at his skin so softly during their “accidental skinships” he was sure he'd be equally electrocuted just like when Nani initiates holding his hand.
***
Sky and Nani posed with practiced ease, calculated moves, and undeniable confidence and aura. Their eyes flutter effortlessly as if thousands of phones and cameras weren't being shoved into their faces. Maintaining professionalism while also keeping everything natural for the fans, for the cameras, for themselves.
Today’s event went smoothly with a few teases here and there especially since P’Godji was the host. She always relishes in teasing them and has a way of making everything feel lighthearted.
Not long after, P’Godji had taken interest in Nani's acrylic nails.
“Oh, Nani, you’re trying a new style today?” She asked amused, pointing at Nani’s hands which were fidgeting with the product they're endorsing, a lipstick brand.
“Ohoo~” Sky cooed, as if he wasn't ogling at the same thing before going to the event. He reached out carefully showing off Nani’s acrylic nails to everyone.
And Nani? Easily flustered Nani almost dropped to his knees if not for sky still holding his right hand still showing it off while sporting an amused expression. Nani
Sky was smiling from ear to ear, satisfied with the way everyone was cooing at Nani. He gradually lets go of the elder's hand while patting him on his back offering a silent encouragement as Nani slowly picks himself back up from being flustered by the sudden attention, specifically to his acrylic nails which was a last minute decision.
“Yes, these- I decided to go with baby pink and white.. to uhm, you know that gradient effect..” Nani managed to explain, stumbling over his words, not that it matters, it's just nani being nani. Everyone understood him, especially Sky.
He was fidgeting with the mic while explaining the short backstory of his sudden acrylic nails and if everyone else focused on his words, Sky’s attention was onto something else.
Nani, when flustered or shy, would sometimes scratch at his nape from time to time as if easing away the heat or perhaps the blush spreading across his skin. Sometimes he would use his nails instead and scratch at his skin, especially his nose, very lightly and gently. It's always something that Sky never fails to notice as someone who always, ALWAYS, listens attentively to whatever the other is saying without fail. Consistent. Sky’s attentiveness was consistent and his attention has always remained obvious and undeniably wrapped with genuineness and care. So, Sky being Sky never failed to notice and it didn't slip his vision, Nani’s constant habit of scratching himself in places Sky would regard as a ‘delicate’ part of him that must be treated with gentleness and utmost care.
Nani started scratching at his neck, probably forgetting the fact that he was wearing acrylic nails with the way he flinched slightly as it made contact with his skin.
One thing Sky had noticed before is Nani really likes to trim his nails, not too short but not too long. Just the right amount of length to avoid damaging his own skin or someone else's, really, just to avoid scratching someone. Cute btw, in Sky’s humble opinion.
So it didn't surprise Sky that Nani’s still not used to the sudden change. As expected, Sky moved with purpose, as if on instinct, he reached out to Nani gently prompting the elder to put his arms down.
“Careful na~ your skin.” He reminded gently making sure the microphone was as far away from his mouth as possible, he subtly glanced at the elder’s nape to check for any signs of scratches, even the slightest ones. None.
“I forgot, good thing these nails weren't the usual sharp ones.” Nani replied back, holding out his palm just beneath them to check it. “I would've wound myself already.”
“I’ll treat it anyway.” Sky replied back, rather nonchalantly, but they both know he doesn't mean treating the wound, he meant something else.
***
It all started when Sky started noticing Nani’s habit of scratching himself here and there, especially on his neck and nape from time to time. They were already comfortable with skinships and clinginess. To put it simply, they were already a thing but not quite there yet. The thing is, if Nani has this habit of scratching, Sky developed the most perfect, and subtle at first excuse to peck the surface of skin where Nani was scratching every after any events or whatever work related stuff.
Each time they go to Sky’s car, or go back to one another's place depending on which one is closer to where they're currently working, Sky, without fail, would offer in his own self-indulgent way to do just that.
“Shower?” Sky asked. It was another tiring day and just like the usual, one of them had to crash on the other's place to stay for the night as they were both beat up and too tired. Plus, it'd be more safe not to let the other one go back home alone while deadly tired. This time, Sky offered Nani to sleep the night at his condo and the older agreed so easily.
Nani thinks for a second, “I’ll just rest a few more, I think I'm sweating. Don't wanna catch a cold.” He said, the tiredness laced in his voice as he dropped his things at the floor before crashing at Sky’s sofa in the middle of the living room. As always, it smelled so nice, a mix of Sky’s perfume and fabric conditioner he had always used for cleaning, mostly laundry.
Sky smiled, he first put Nani’s stuff to his bedroom just to avoid any of them tripping over it. He then walks over the sofa and chuckled at the way Nani had his face buried at the big kuromi plush, gifted by Nani btw, while muttering a string of complaints about how tired he's been today, the sounds being muffled by the plush making him sound cute.
Sky chuckled “I’ll be quick, I'll wake you up, ni. Don't fall asleep just yet.” He reminded, ruffling at the older's hair which was responded with a half meant groan.
After doing their night routine, they decided to order some food, just something light so they wouldn't sleep on empty stomachs.
Nani was sprawled on the coach, his head on the headrest while his focus was on the show they're watching, just something random. Sky, on the other hand, was all cuddled up to Nani’s chest, their legs intertwined and he, despite his big and muscular body, had managed to make himself look small just enough to fit in Nani’s embrace. His face buried at the elder's chest inhaling the scent of Sky’s body wash and a faint smell of Nani’s perfume still lingering. It was perfect.
Sky then looked up, adjusting himself just so they could be at eye level. He stared.
“What…”
Sky didn't answer, instead he leaned closer before showering Nani's face with sniff kisses and slowly, he reached his target. Below Nani’s ears where he was scratching back at work and where his chocolate chip moles are located.
“Let me kiss the pain away.” Sky declared before going all in and placing soft and innocent pecks at the skin below Nani’s ears.
Nani, feeling a bit ticklish, giggled at the sudden intrusion.
“Khun skyy~ Stop, I didn't even scratch myself, see? No scratch there.”
Sky didn't listen, as always, as he continued pampering Nani with kisses and pecks all across his neck until he reaches to his favourite part, the mole between Nani's chest and neck, perfectly placed at the middle like a necklace except this one was permanent and irresistible, and it drove Sky crazy more than he could remember.
Sky started placing featherlight kisses at Nani’s throat down to his mole with careful deliberation and a gentleness one would give to a newborn baby.
Nani flinched slightly, his fingers found its way to grip on Sky’s hair, the smell of shampoo intruding his nose as the scent filled his senses. Sky started nibbling at Nani’s skin and if he's not mistaken, specifically to his mole. It started with a few pecks and blows, giving Nani the usual shiver. Then, it was replaced with sniff kisses as Sky inhales Nani’s scent as if engraving it to his mind. It was so sudden, Sky started licking before nibbling at Nani’s skin with his lips, sometimes he would place a loud and wet kiss before going back to playing with the skin using his lips.
Nani was in total bliss; he instinctively stretched his neck back more to the headrest giving Sky just enough space to explore the crevices of his neck. His breathing rigid as his fingers explored the soft locks of the younger man, encouraging and filled with gratitude.
*ding dong*
Their moment came to an abrupt stop as Sky’s doorbell rang. They looked at each other. Nani’s eyes half-lidded, his lips slightly parted. Sky was no different, his lips were undeniably swollen from the way he's been exploring the older's neck for some time now.
And in unison, they both laughed heartily at the timing of their food.
“I’ll go get it.” Sky declared, his voice hoarse.
Nani stopped him just in time as he turned to stand up instead. “No, stay still. I'll go get it, we don't want the delivery guy seeing you with obviously swollen lips and messy hair while I sit idly in your living room now, do we?”
***
The event ended with Sky barely surviving. Not because of the overwhelming amount of people in the venue, no, definitely not that, Sky’s used to it. It was Nani’s fault, well, not Nani but his acrylic nails. It has been driving him crazy ever since they were having their makeup done and during the event, it was a whole different kind of torture for Sky’s sanity. He really tried to act normal, he even played and joked around A LOT. Still, nothing could've prepared Sky to whenever Nani’s fingers made contact with any part of Sky’s body during the mini games. To put it simply, he lost himself, completely and utterly helpless. Sky finds it so ridiculous because what normal person would go crazy over their crush friend wearing acrylic nails? It's funny, this whole obsession over the little details about Nani is so… Sky.
***
“Sky.” As soon as the pair settled inside Nani’s condo, the older of the two didn't waste a second before calling the younger man. He was surprised he managed to contain himself during their drive home but now, he's not going to stop himself from asking the one question that's been bugging him the whole day.
“Why?” Sky turned around, trying to take his shoes off, his tone soft and careful. He knew something was up with the way Nani’s been oddly quiet the whole ride, usually he would chat idly or just ask random things, show sky something funny from tiktok. Sky concluded that something was definitely up.
“Was it ugly?” The question came out so suddenly. Nani himself was caught off guard. He was supposed to ask something safe, something that wouldn't completely give away the turmoil inside him.
Sky’s moments came to an abrupt stop, he was now wearing socks on right foot and it was half-off or however you call it while he was wearing the other pair of shoes. He stood straight facing Nani directly.
What? Sky wondered.
“What- what's ugly? Khun Nani?” He thread carefully, reaching out for the elder’s hand. He was already mentally scolding himself as soon as it hit him, Nani is pouting.
What did I do? What did I do? Oh my god, he's pouting! Sky, what did you do???
“The acrylic nails. Did you hate it? Did it not fit me? I mean, I like pink and it…my outfit matches with it. I dont..” Just as his emotions were all over the place, his words were no better. He was stuttering, stumbling over his own words, something that's always happened when he's feeling nervous or unsure and the only person to ever understand him despite the mess was Sky.
“They’re pretty! I-i like them!” Sky reassured, smiling while trying to coax Nani who was still sporting that pouting face.
And as much as Sky likes the face the older makes when he's sulking, he wouldn't trade Nani’s feelings over his own selfish desire (A.K.A. Cuteness Aggression).
“Why would you think that? I like Khun Nani’s acrylic nails, they fit you.”
“Well, I just thought. You were avoiding skin ships with me..I mean yeah you're always jumpy but you're also avoiding contacts at the same time. Don't think I can't see through it even though you try to act playful with me.” Nani’s pout got more obvious with that. Sky was too stunned to speak and Nani was already talking again, “If you hate it, I'll get them removed tomorrow.” The older one finished before walking to his sofa, playing with the nails.
Sky, one shoe off, socks completely off, and wearing one shoe on the other, stood still in all his glory and he's a hundred percent sure he's looking ridiculous as hell.
“I- Ni, no.” He walked up to Nani but the older man stood up and started walking to the kitchen, Sky managed to catch him midway and made him turn around.
“Hey, I don't hate them. I love them actually…” Sky trailed off while gently gripping Nani’s wrist refraining him from walking away.
“But you seem to have fun avoiding me..”
“Well, it's not that. I'm just…I loved them a lot. I felt shy because It made me think of ....”
“of?”
“things…just things.”
“Sky…”
“Okay, Ni, hear me out. I don't hate them, I love them. A lot. I'm sorry that my actions made you feel the opposite.” Sky had his head bowed while still holding Nani’s wrist, guilt evident in his voice. He was so busy avoiding Nani’s touches to stay sane that it had completely slipped his mind that Nani is just as observant and sensitive to his surroundings and other people's emotions. Sky knew that himself.
“I’m sorry, ni.” Sky apologized, pulling Nani by the waist. “Sorry.” He whispered before placing a soft kiss on the elder's forehead.
“Fine~ I forgive you. But what things are you thinking? Hmm, Khun Sky?” Nani asked, his hands reaching up to cup Sky’s cheeks, caressing it gently. His tone was full of understanding but Sky could pinpoint the exact moment where Nani’s tone hid mischief.
Sky knew, if he let one slip up, Nani wouldn't let him see the end of it.
They both stood still, Sky still looking ridiculous with one shoe off. His hair was a bit of a mess, eyes comically wide and lips parted. Nani on the other hand looked calm, far too calm compared to Sky. He was still caressing Sky’s face while looking up at his eyes. His fingers grazed through Sky’s cheek. He's trying to find his weakness.
“Just…you look even prettier with them.” Sky muttered, completely helpless under Nani’s spell.
“and?” Nani teased, his lips forming into a mischievous smile. He couldn't help it anymore as he let out a few chuckles. It somehow managed to break the earlier tension allowing Sky to exhale.
“Now you’re just teasing me.” Sky sighed, pretending to be annoyed though the way he smiled softly contradicts the annoyance of his tone.
“Smiling now, huh? I'm still sulking.” Nani said as he had his arms crossed, wearing that familiar frown once again. His pouty lips shining under the reflection of Nani’s kitchen lights.
“Oho, what is it now?” Sky teased.
“You said you would treat my wound.” Nani responded back, looking at the sides just enough to reveal the smooth skin below his ear decorated by his moles.
Sky’s smile grew bigger at how adorable the older one looked. He reached out to Nani’s waist before saying, “Forgive me for my mistake, Phi Nani, allow me to make it up to you, hm?”
Nani let out a giggle before scratching where he supposed one of his moles was located. Sky knows all too well than to act oblivious so he pecks the spot where Nani scratched. Then his kiss reached the spot just behind Nani’s ears earning a soft sigh from the older.
Sky held Nani in his arms more properly, one hand gripping the older's small waist while the other was caressing the back of his head, hands exploring the soft and dark locks. Nani’s hand reached up to grip at Sky’s broad shoulders feeling the way his muscle flexes each time Sky squeezed him a little tighter. His other hand idly caresses Sky’s face, acrylic nails softly brushing across the soft skin.
Nani felt the way Sky halted from his actions as he let out a huff directly at the older's neck and he almost, ALMOST lost himself letting out a suppressed pleased moan. But Nani persevered because he just discovered another one of Sky’s weaknesses.
“You like that?” Nani giggled as he playfully drew random stuff at Sky’s face running his acrylic nails across the soft skin. Sky stood up properly relishing in the way Nani’s soft skin and nails ran across his face. It felt…oddly good. He was sure he could fall asleep to just this.
“Yeah…feels good.” Sky responded leaning in to Nani’s touch more.
For a while, they let the silence consume them but it was not suffocating, it was comforting. They stood close in the middle of Nani’s hallway while caressing one another, enjoying the warmth of their own company.
“Okay, you're enjoying this way too much.” Nani fake sulked. “You still need to treat my wounds.” The wounds in question were non-existent.
Sky chuckled before pecking Nani’s pointy nose. God, one of these days…Sky wouldn't make it and he would die happy because of his cute aggression towards the other.
“Yes, yes~ Now show me where it hurts, ni.” Sky asked playfully.
“Oho, there, there.” Nani played along as he started scratching his neck. As expected, Sky didn't waste a second before pampering Nani’s neck with soft yet quick pecks.
“Oh, it stings here too!” Nani now scratches at the skin near his nape to which Sky had to tilt his head in order to place a few sniff kisses there.
“I think here too, Khun Sky~” Nani teased, scratching his left cheek, not hiding the cheeky smile anymore as he enjoyed all the pampering from the younger one.
Sky smiled knowingly. Nani’s taking advantage of him and he's willing himself to be taken advantage of. Who doesn't want to kiss Nani anyways?
“Ohh, now you're just playing.” Sky feigned annoyance before diving in to pamper Nani’s cheeks with a few sniff kisses and pecks here and there. “Where else?”
“Here.” Nani points at his right cheek, all smiley. Kiss.
“This spot.” Nani scratched at his temple. Kiss.
“Here too.” Nani scratched at his nose. Kiss.
“This one.” Nani scratched at his forehead. Kiss.
The once quiet hallways were now filled with their soft giggles as Nani just started randomly scratching any parts of his face while Sky willingly kissed them, each kiss filled with an overwhelming amount of Sky’s adoration for the elder.
“This one stings a lot.” Nani then points at his lips, slightly parted. His mischievous eyes met Sky’s own. Their laughter faded as it was replaced with a moment of stillness.
“I’ll treat this wound better, then.” Sky soft said before diving in to kiss Nani.
It was soft, slow, and careful. It's anything that describes softness. It's every gentle thing in Sky’s heart that he has for Nani. It wasn't hurried, just a slow dance of their lips. Just living in this moment. This, the both of them at Nani’s condo, all domestic and away from prying eyes, away from the cameras and the flashes they were used to but never liked.
And the best part? They look ridiculous. Nani’s shades fell from his head to a space between their foreheads. His hands gripping awkwardly at Sky’s shirt not wanting his nails to suddenly scratch the younger’s skin (there's other time for that). Sky, still in his ridiculous one pair of shoes, he still hadn't managed to kick off the sock that was left hanging on his foot. And they were standing in the hallway between Nani’s kitchen and sofa.
Nani’s knees started to wobble as the kiss only grew deeper and more hungry. Sky, sensing this, started pulling Nani to move to the catch but his miscalculation of the sofa’s position had caused the both of them to trip over the sofa’s edge causing them to fall.
With sky’s fast instinct he manage to cover the back of Nani’s head with his palms from the impact as he toppled over the younger one.
Both men let out a groan as they tried to sit up.
“God, that hurts.” Sky groaned as he checked Nani first for any signs of injuries before glancing at his hand that he had previously used to catch the fall for Nani’s head, it's nor slightly red and bruised from the impact.
“Wow, that's one way to end a make out session.” Nani laughed as he rubbed his back that was slightly aching. Sky is heavy, that's one thing. But Sky toppling over him as they fell to the floor? A different story.
Nani glanced at Sky who was now examining his hands.
“I’m bruised. P’Som will scold me for sure.” Sky frowned before chuckling.
Nani reached out for Sky’s bruised hand before saying “Come here.” Nani pulled the younger one as they tangled their legs together in an awkward way for two people sitting at the floor facing
each other. “I’ll treat it anyway.”