The last day of the convention felt quieter somehow, as if the city itself was holding its breath.
Kevin stood on the hotel rooftop garden after their closing dinner, the wind tousling his hair, his eyes on the horizon where the sun had just dipped below the skyline. The twilight spilled gold and grey over the city, and behind him, the glass doors slid open with a soft hush.
Leonhart stepped out, jacket gone, sleeves rolled up again, the collar of his dress shirt unbuttoned in a rare moment of ease.
"You didn't come back down," Leonhart said.
"I needed air."
"You're always running to rooftops."
"It's where I feel farthest from everything I don't want to think about."
Leonhart stepped closer, slowly, as if afraid Kevin might bolt.
"I didn't kiss you last night," he said suddenly. "Even though I wanted to."
Kevin didn't turn around.
"I know."
"I didn't because I didn't want you to think I was trying to buy you. Or corner you into anything. You're not Elian."
That name—cold and sour in the wind.
Kevin exhaled, soft and steady. "I know I'm not."
Leonhart stopped behind him, so close now that Kevin could feel the warmth of his body, but not touching him.
Kevin turned slowly, just enough to face him. His voice was quieter now. "Then why do you still look so scared?"
Leonhart's jaw tensed. "Because I want something real. And I don't know how to do real without breaking it."
Kevin's eyes searched his face for a long moment. Then he stepped forward—just one step—and reached up, resting a hand on Leonhart's collar, fingers brushing warm skin.
"You won't break me," he whispered.
And then, without hesitation, Kevin leaned in and kissed him.
It wasn't dramatic. It wasn't rushed. It was soft, slow, testing.
A kiss that felt like, Hey, I'm here. I see you. I'm not going anywhere.
Leonhart froze at first—but only for a heartbeat. Then he kissed back, desperate but reverent, his hand sliding up Kevin's back like he didn't quite believe this was allowed.
When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Kevin smiled, wide and a little crooked.
"So," he said, trying to lighten the weight in his chest. "Was that your first rooftop kiss?"
Leonhart didn't smile.
He just looked at Kevin like he was holding something holy in his hands.
"Yes," he whispered. "And it's going to ruin every one after."
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