The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Nio woke up with a start, his heart still racing from the night before. His body was warm, heavy with the aftermath of everything that had happened between him and Tee.

Tee was still beside him, his body a comforting weight against Nio's, but everything had changed. Nio's mind was spinning. How had they gone from teasing glances and stolen moments to this? And what did it mean now?

Tee stirred beside him, his arm draping across Nio's waist, pulling him closer. He kissed the top of Nio's head softly, his voice a low murmur. "You okay?"

Nio nodded, but there was a lingering question in his mind. He couldn't deny the warmth, the happiness that spread through him when Tee was close, but he was still unsure about what came next. What were they? What had they become?

Tee seemed to sense his uncertainty. He sat up slightly, lifting Nio's chin with a finger so their eyes met. "I'm not going anywhere, Nio. Whatever this is? it's real."

Nio's heart skipped a beat at Tee's words, a surge of warmth flooding through him. He wanted to believe it, wanted to believe in what they had, but there were still so many questions. The fear of the unknown still lurked, but something in Tee's gaze reassured him.

"Are you sure?" Nio asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tee smiled, his hand brushing through Nio's hair. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

Nio let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He wanted to believe him. Wanted to let go of the uncertainty that had been weighing on him.

And maybe, for the first time, he was ready to.