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Aou had just dropped Boom off at his condo after a long, exhausting day. The city hummed softly around them, the distant sound of traffic fading beneath the quiet rhythm of the night. Streetlights cast golden pools across the sidewalk, shimmering faintly in the cool evening air.
Boom fumbled with his keys at the front door, yawning as he looked back.
“You sure you don’t want to come up?”
Aou leaned against his car, hands in his pockets.
“You need sleep. I’d distract you.”
Boom smirked.
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
Aou chuckled but shook his head.
“Go on. I’ll call you when I get home.”
Boom opened the door and stepped inside, tossing a final smile over his shoulder.
But just as Aou turned to get in his car, he froze.
One of the tires had collapsed completely. The rim was nearly touching the ground, a black, sagging mess of rubber.
He stared at it for a beat, then sighed, dragging a hand through his hair.
“Seriously?”
He turned back and called out
“Boom!”
Boom popped back into the doorway, frowning.
“What?”
Aou pointed.
“Flat tire.”
Boom squinted, then burst out laughing.
“No way.”
“Way.”
Aou muttered.
Boom stepped outside again, arms folded, a smirk tugging at his lips.
“Looks like the universe wants you to stay the night.”
Aou raised an eyebrow.
“You think the universe slashed my tire?”
Boom shrugged.
“Hey, I’m just saying, if it keeps you here, I’m not complaining.”
He pulled out his phone and sauntered, snapping a selfie before Aou could stop him. Aou gave him a look — half exasperation, half affection.
Boom posted it in seconds with a caption that read:“When your boyfriend’s car gets a flat and now he’s trapped with me for the night.”
“You’re shameless.” Aou said, but a small smile played on his lips.
Boom looped an arm around his waist.
“And you’re mine. So deal with it.”
They stood there for a moment, taking in the quiet, until Boom sighed and dialed for a mechanic. After a short call, he turned to Aou.
“They’ll be here in an hour.”
Aou nodded.
“Guess I’m crashing at your place, then.”
“Finally.” Boom said, grinning as he led him back inside.
He tossed Aou a hoodie from the back of the couch.
“Here. I know you like stealing mine anyway.”
Aou caught it and slipped it on. It smelled like Boom — warm, a little musky, familiar. He sank into the couch while Boom went to the kitchen and returned with two glasses of water.
“No wine tonight?” Aou teased.
“Not if we’re going outside again.” Boom flopped down next to him, kicking his legs over Aou’s lap.
“Besides, I want to remember this night.”
Aou smirked, resting a hand on Boom’s knee.
“Already getting sentimental?”
“Always. You don’t notice.”
A comfortable quiet settled between them as Boom leaned into Aou’s side, the room dimly lit by a single floor lamp. The city glowed faintly through the windows.
After a while, Boom spoke softly.
“You know, this kind of night... no plans, no noise... just us. It’s what I wish more days ended like.”
Aou looked at him, eyes soft.
“Me too.”
Then headlights flared through the window.
Boom glanced outside.
“Mechanic’s here.”
They headed out, hand in hand.
The mechanic crouched beside the car.
“Looks like a nail. I can patch it up — should take twenty minutes.”
Aou leaned against the fence, Boom beside him, their shoulders brushing.
“Still think the universe is behind this?” Aou asked.
“Definitely.” Boom said. “It’s been trying to get you to stay over more often. This was just its latest attempt.”
Aou chuckled.
“Could’ve just sent a text.”
Boom nudged him with a grin.
“Yeah, but this way, you’re stranded and snuggled.”
They watched the mechanic work in silence, Boom’s head slowly coming to rest on Aou’s shoulder.
“I know it’s just a flat tire.” Boom murmured, “but I love how you didn’t even question staying.”
Aou turned slightly, brushing their foreheads together.
“You’re home. Why would I want to be anywhere else?”
Boom’s breath caught, but he smiled, eyes glinting.
“I’m quoting that in my next Instagram caption.”
“You better not.” Aou said, but his voice was soft, amused.
The mechanic stood.
“All set. You’re good to go.”
Aou exhaled in relief.
“Thanks, man.”
He walked over to the driver’s side, opened the door — then paused.
He looked back at Boom.
“You know… even though the tire’s fixed, I think I’m still staying over.”
Boom’s face lit up like a sunrise.
“Yeah?”
Aou nodded.
“I could use a night off. And… I just want to be here. With you.”
Boom didn’t say anything at first. He just stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Aou’s waist, holding him for a long moment.
Then he leaned back, eyes shining.
“Come inside. You’re not leaving tonight.”
Later, they curled up under a blanket on the couch, Boom’s head in Aou’s lap, the low murmur of music playing from his phone. The tension of the day melted away, replaced by warmth, quiet laughter, and the small, certain joy of knowing they had nowhere else to be.
Outside, the flat tire sat fixed and forgotten. But inside, something far better had been mended — a moment of stillness, connection, and comfort they hadn’t known they needed.
Aou brushed his fingers through Boom’s hair.
Boom, already half-asleep, whispered,
“You know what?”
“What?”
“I hope your car breaks down more often.”
Aou laughed softly, kissing his forehead.
“Don’t tempt fate.”
And for the rest of the night, neither of them said much more.
They didn’t need to.
-----THE END-----