Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dandy and Astro had been friends since they were kids. Their friendship began after Dandy’s parents divorced, he moved away with his father to a new town, and it was there,
in elementary school, that he met Astro.

As fate would have it, they ended up living close to each other, and over time, their bond grew deeper. They were like brothers.

They had known each other for so long and so well that words often felt unnecessary, a glance or a small gesture was enough to understand what the other was thinking.

Astro was the quiet type, someone who preferred the comfort of books and the silence of his own space over the noise and bustle of the outside world.

If it hadn’t been for Dandy, who was more outgoing and always full of energy, Astro probably would’ve spent most of his childhood indoors.

But Dandy never let that happen. He was always dragging Astro outside to play, to explore, to simply live a little louder. And despite all his complaints, Astro never really minded. Deep down, he appreciated it.

They grew up together, went through every grade side by side, and eventually found themselves in their final year of high school.

In preparation for university, the two decided to rent a small apartment closer to school.

One day, as they were sitting at their usual café near the apartment, Dandy finally brought up something he had been meaning to say for a while. He stirred his drink absentmindedly, then looked over at Astro.

“Hey,” Dandy started, “I just realized I never told you this, but… I have a younger brother. He’s two years younger than me."

Astro blinked, but Dandy continued,

"After the divorce, he stayed with our mom, and honestly, we haven’t spent much time together since. He was just a toddler when we split, so we never really got the chance to grow up side by side.”

He paused for a moment,
“My mom called the other day. She said he wants to transfer to our high school, the one we were about to graduated from.
But the problem is, it’s way too far from where they live now.."

Dandy knew Astro wasn't fond of new people, so he gets nervous for a moment, his hand move up to scratchs the back of his neck.

"So… I was thinking, maybe he could come live with us? Just until he finishes school. I mean, the apartment’s not huge, but we can make it work, right? What do you think?”

Astro thought for a moment before finally speaking.
"I don’t have a problem with it…”

“But we only have two bedrooms. Where’s he going to sleep?”

Dandy chuckled, clearly having anticipated the question.

“I already thought about that. I’m planning to have him share my room. My mom said some workers are coming by today to install a bunk bed for us.”

He paused, then added with a more thoughtful tone,
“But if it bothers you, you can always stay in your room. He won’t be any trouble, I promise."

"You still haven’t told me the his name…”
Astro asked again, glancing over with a curious look.

“Sprout Seedly,” Dandy replied with a small grin. “He’s started going by our mom’s last name. Legally, it’s still our dad's."

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

Sprout moved in not long after their conversation at the café. It was only then that Astro truly began to understand what kind of person the boy was both in appearance and in temperament.

Despite being two years younger, Sprout was already taller than Dandy. His frame was lean and slender, giving him an almost graceful air, but not in a fragile way, he simply moved with a kind of quiet attentiveness that made him seem mature beyond his years.

Dandy had been right: Sprout resembled their mother, while Dandy had taken after their father, Mr. Dancider, who was not particularly tall and always joked that he “gave all the good genes to the wrong child.”

Of course, neither of them could match Astro in height yet, but the way Sprout carried himself gave the impression that he was older than he looked, or older than he actually was.

Personality-wise, Sprout was reserved, not cold but definitely guarded. He wasn’t the type to speak up unless necessary, and when he did, it often came out too blunt, too sincere.

Not because he meant any harm, quite the opposite. He cared deeply for others, almost instinctively, but lacked the filter or delicacy that made advice easier to swallow.

Sprout worried constantly, about people’s health, what they were eating, how late they were staying up, and whether they’d worn enough layers before leaving the house.

In many ways, he acted more like a responsible older sibling than Dandy did.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

One particular afternoon, Astro witnessed the dynamic in full force. Dandy had just returned from class, carrying a suspiciously greasy takeout bag that instantly caught Sprout’s attention the moment he walked through the door.

“You ate out again, didn’t you?” Sprout’s voice cut through the air like a knife, not angry, but sharp with disapproval.

He crossed the room swiftly, arms folded, eyes narrowed. “Didn’t I tell you it’s better and safer to eat the food I cook? You have no idea how much salt and oil they put in those!”

Dandy froze mid-bite, eyes wide like a kid caught sneaking candy before dinner.

“Relax, it’s just fried chicken—”

“That’s exactly the problem!” Sprout snapped, placing his hands on his hips.

He had a kind, gentle-looking face that could’ve passed as cute, if only it weren’t constantly scrunched up in mild frustration thanks to Dandy.

Before Dandy could back away, Sprout lunged forward and pinched his cheek hard.

“Ow! Ow, okay! Mercy!” Dandy yelped, trying to wiggle away. “Why do you have such strong fingers?! You look like a twig!”

“You eat garbage, I get strong,” Sprout said flatly, still frowning, though the corners of his lips threatened to twitch into a smile.

Astro watched from the kitchen doorway, mildly amused. It was strange, he thought. You’d expect the older brother to be the one doing the nagging, but somehow, in this apartment, logic had no place.

Still, despite all the scolding and the dramatics, there was something warm, genuinely warm in the way Sprout hovered around Dandy. Not overbearing, just… protective. Quietly so.

And whether Dandy liked to admit it or not, he seemed to enjoy it.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

Sprout wasn’t particularly gifted when it came to baking, but when it came to cooking, he was genuinely talented.

The kind of talented that made you stop mid-bite and blink in surprise, wondering how something so simple could taste that good.

Astro suspected he must’ve learned from his mother. There was a quiet precision in the way Sprout moved in the kitchen: the way he handled a knife, the way he tasted and adjusted seasonings without fuss, the way he always seemed to know exactly when to take the pot off the stove. It wasn’t flashy or dramatic, it was instinctive, like second nature.

Ever since Sprout moved in, meals in the apartment had changed dramatically. Gone were the nights of cup noodles and greasy takeout eaten halfheartedly over textbooks or phone screens.

Now, their kitchen was filled with the comforting sounds and smells of home-cooked food, soft sizzling, bubbling broth, the warm scent of garlic and simmering spices. It was… nice. Cozy.

Even Astro, who didn’t usually voice such things, had to admit, and only to himself, that Sprout’s cooking beat instant ramen ten times over. He wasn’t a picky eater, but it was hard not to look forward to dinner these days.

He remembered one evening clearly: Sprout had made a big pot of miso soup with tofu and seaweed, grilled mackerel with lemon, and a side of stir-fried vegetables.

It was simple fare, but after a long day of school, the first spoonful felt like someone wrapping a blanket around your shoulders.

“…This is amazing,” Astro had said without thinking, halfway through his second helping.

Sprout, who was quietly wiping down the counter, blinked and turned toward him. “Oh,” He said. “Thanks. I was worried the fish might be a little dry.”

It wasn’t. In fact, it was perfect.

Meanwhile, Dandy was across the table, already on his third bowl and mumbling through a full mouth, “Told you he’s a cooking god. I may never eat out again.”

Sprout rolled his eyes but didn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. He didn’t brag, didn’t seek praise, he just liked feeding people. It was one of the many ways he expressed care, even if he wasn’t always the best with words.

And in that warm, slightly cluttered apartment, something about it all just worked.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

Out of basic respect, Sprout had never once stepped foot into Astro’s room without permission.

He understood boundaries, and even though they all shared the same apartment, he made sure to treat Astro’s space as entirely his own.

That said, just because he stayed out physically didn’t mean his voice didn’t carry.

Almost every day, Astro could hear Sprout yelling at Dandy from the room next door. It had become part of the apartment’s daily rhythm, right around late afternoon, like clockwork, a sharp voice would pierce through the walls.

“Dandy! Your desk is a disaster again!”

“Why are there socks on the bookshelf?!”

“Are you trying to grow mushrooms in here or something?!”

Astro was used to it. At first, he found it amusing. Then he tuned it out. But lately, for some reason, Sprout had started dragging him into it too.

One evening, as Astro walked out of the bathroom, towel slung over his shoulder, Sprout suddenly turned to him, arms crossed and eyebrows raised in full interrogation mode.

“You’ve been living with my brother for years, haven’t you?”

Astro blinked, caught off guard. “…Yeah?”

“And you never said anything to him? Not even once?” Sprout’s voice rose with exasperation.

“He’s a grown man who thinks it’s acceptable to leave half his laundry on the floor and live in a pile of snack wrappers! What’s he going to do when he gets married? You think his wife’s going to put up with that? She’ll leave him within a week!”

Astro opened his mouth, but Sprout wasn’t finished.

“Why do you guys always act like this stuff doesn’t matter? It does matter! By the time the whole room’s infested with flies, it’ll be too late to feel bad about it!”

There was a pause. Astro stared. Dandy, still half-asleep on his bed, groaned in the background and muttered, “It’s just a couple of socks…”

“A couple?!” Sprout snapped, whipping around. “You’re building a sock mountain!”

Astro let out a long sigh, turned around, and muttered, “This isn’t my fight,” As he continues his way to the bedroom.

But even he had to admit, it was kind of impressive, Sprout’s endless energy, the way he could hold his own against Dandy’s laziness, and now apparently… his own indifference, too.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

As Sprout grew more comfortable in the apartment, the line between how he treated Astro and how he treated Dandy began to blur rapidly.

Before long, Astro found himself on the receiving end of the same scoldings, lectures, and nagging that his best friend had endured for years.

One afternoon, Astro was pacing the through his room, deep in thought, muttering half-formed ideas under his breath.

He had been revising a draft all morning, tossing aside crumpled papers like autumn leaves, when Sprout suddenly appeared in the doorway with a half-full trash bag in hand.

“You’re no different from Dandy,” Sprout muttered as he bent down and started picking up discarded manuscript pages, stuffing them into the bag without ceremony. “No wonder you two get along.”

He paused, eyeing the mess with a sigh.
“Though I guess… you’re slightly less hopeless. Barely. Now get over here and clean this up!”

“I am cleaning,” Astro replied flatly, still crouched over a stack of papers.

“Oh, so now you’re arguing with me?” Sprout snapped, whipping his head around.

His voice pitched higher, just short of a dramatic yell, as he pointed a finger accusingly at Astro like a prosecutor mid-trial.

“Unbelievable. Just like him! One second you’re ignoring me, the next you’re talking back, what is it with you older guys and your messes?!”

Astro stared at him for a moment, blinking slowly.
“I just sneezed. That wasn’t talking back.”

“Excuses!” Sprout huffed, storming off to get another trash bag. “Next thing I know, you’ll be ‘accidentally’ spilling soy sauce on the floor and blaming gravity!”

Astro sighed, then shook his head with a reluctant smile. Somehow, without even realizing it, Sprout had bulldozed his way into the rhythm of their daily lives.

And maybe, just maybe, Astro didn’t mind being yelled at.

Not that he’d ever admit it out loud.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

There were plenty of days when Dandy had to stay late at school for club meetings, group projects, or just some spontaneous detour that kept him tied up until after sunset.

On those days, he couldn’t pick up Sprout from school like he usually did.

Astro didn’t think much of it, really. It wasn’t a big deal.

Whenever Dandy texted with a quick, “Busy again, help me out?” Astro would simply grab his helmet, hop on his motorbike, and swing by to pick Sprout up.

It became something of a quiet routine. Sprout never asked, and Astro never made it seem like a favor.

They’d just meet outside the school gate, exchange a simple nod or two, and ride home.

“Thanks,” Sprout would mutter behind him, voice barely audible over the hum of the engine.

Sometimes they’d stop by a convenience store on the way back. Astro would buy canned coffee, Sprout preferred yogurt drinks or those tiny pudding cups he claimed were “for brain recovery.”

They didn’t talk much, but the silence wasn’t awkward, it was comfortable, like both of them had found a rhythm that didn’t need words.

Astro began to notice the way Sprout sat on the back of the bike, always straight, always holding onto the side instead of wrapping his arms around Astro’s waist.

He was respectful like that. Always careful to keep just the right distance, never too much, never too little.

And even though Astro told himself it wasn’t a big deal, that he was just helping out his best friend’s little brother… there were moments, quiet ones between traffic lights or under orange street lamps, where it felt like something had shifted.

Like this small act of kindness had become something a little more personal.

But again, he didn’t say anything.

And Sprout didn’t ask.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

Dandy wasn’t bad at school, far from it. He was smart enough when he focused, but when it came to teaching others, he was… less than ideal.

His explanations always went in circles, full of vague metaphors and unrelated tangents that left people more confused than when they started.

So as Sprout settled into life in the apartment and started to relax around Astro, it became natural for him to seek Astro out whenever he needed help with his studies.

He’d knock on Astro’s door, notebook in hand, already flipping to the page with the question.
“Hey, can you look at this? I get the formula, I just don’t get why it works.”

Astro, who was usually hunched over his laptop or reading something, would glance over and nod silently.

He wasn’t much for praise or small talk, but he was patient, methodical. He had a calm, focused way of breaking things down, clean, logical, and surprisingly easy to follow.

After one of their quiet study sessions, Dandy walked by the table, raising an eyebrow as he caught sight of Sprout’s open textbook and Astro scribbling something on a scrap paper.

“Oh, so now you’re learning from him?” Dandy asked, grinning as he leaned over the back of the couch. “And who’s the big brother here, huh?”

Sprout stuck out his tongue and looked at him with zero remorse.
“At least Astro explains things in a way that makes sense! You just talk until my brain melts.”

Astro blinked. “Thanks… I think?”

Dandy clutched his chest in mock pain.
“Betrayed by my own flesh and blood. After everything I’ve done for you, do you even remember who used to tie your shoes?”

“Yeah,” Sprout replied, not missing a beat. “You tied the laces together and made me tripped. Some role model you were.”

Astro tried not to laugh as Dandy groaned.

Chapter Text

It was in the dead of winter, biting cold, the kind that wrapped around your bones and lingered in your chest if you weren’t careful.

Astro, always too caught up in thoughts and habits, had forgotten to fully shut his window the night before.

The frost had crept in while he slept, curling into the corners of the room, and by morning, he’d woken up with a heavy fever burning through him.

He couldn't go to school that day.

Dandy had early classes and a club meeting. He apologized in a rush before leaving, patting Astro’s shoulder with a worried look. “Sprout’s here. He’ll take care of you, alright?”

Astro had simply nodded, half-delirious, not really expecting anything.

But Sprout stayed.

He boiled water, then bundled Astro back under the blanket. He moved around the apartment with quiet urgency, clinking dishes and opening drawers with the kind of ease that came from having paid attention when no one thought he was.

An hour later, he returned with a bowl of steaming rice porridge, a damp towel, and a digital thermometer.

“Sit up. Slowly,” Sprout said, gently sliding his arm under Astro’s back to help him upright.

Astro blinked through the fever, his throat sore, skin clammy. “You don’t have to…”

“Shut up,” Sprout muttered, but there was no harshness in it. Only focus. Only care.

He tucked a pillow behind Astro’s back, then pressed the thermometer under his arm.
“I swear, you guys are all the same. You freeze half to death and think sleep’s gonna fix it.”

Astro tried to smile, but it turned into a cough.

Then, without another word, Sprout stirred the porridge, blew gently on the spoon, and held it up.

“Open your mouth.”

And Astro did. Bite after bite, slow and warm. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until the second spoonful hit his tongue.

The rice was soft, the broth just salty enough, and there was ginger, warmth spreading from inside out.

He watched Sprout’s face between spoonfuls. The way his brows knit ever so slightly when he was concentrating, the gentle firmness of his hands, the quiet way he moved without expecting anything in return.

"Thank you...". Astro murmured gently, which Sprout just wave it off.
"Don't mention it."

If Astro said he didn’t feel something stir in his chest, he’d be lying.

Because in that small, quiet moment, wrapped in layers of blanket and late afternoon light, something shifted, softly but undeniably.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

While Dandy had always been the “figure it out yourself” kind of older brother, the type who believed in letting Sprout stumble a little to grow, Astro was the complete opposite.

Ever since he fell sick and Sprout took care of him that winter night, something in Astro had shifted.

Now, almost without thinking, he’d bring home little things for Sprout after school. A new kind of pudding. A pack of melon bread. Occasionally, a book he thought Sprout might like, or a fancy pen that “just happened to be on sale.”

Sprout didn’t say much about it, but he always noticed. The way his eyes lit up, even just a flicker was enough.

Dandy caught Astro setting a small box of cream puffs on the kitchen table, right next to Sprout’s math notes.

“You spoil him, you know?” Dandy said, half amused, half curious as he leaned against the counter.

Astro paused, then shrugged a little, not looking up.
“It’s nothing. Just… a thank you.”

But the truth tugged deeper in his chest, something quieter, warmer, and harder to name.

Because really, it wasn’t just gratitude. Not anymore.

It was the way Sprout’s voice softened when he thought no one was listening. The way he fussed over the small things Astro never knew he needed. The way he made the apartment feel like more than just walls and furniture.

So no, it wasn’t “just” thanks.

But Astro wasn’t ready to say more than that. Not yet.

Astro had always been careful with people, kept his distance, measured his words, never too close, never too soft. But with Sprout… it was different.

It started as a quiet sense of responsibility. A thank you. A debt of warmth repaid in small, steady gestures.

But somewhere along the way, it changed.

He found himself watching the clock near the end of class, wondering if Sprout had remembered his umbrella.

He’d check the fridge and sigh if there wasn’t something Sprout liked.

Dandy noticed.

“Wow,” He said one afternoon, watching Astro delicately wipe a bit of sauce off Sprout’s cheek with a tissue, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“You’re seriously treating him like he’s made of glass.”

Astro didn’t even flinch. He just looked at the napkin in his hand, then back at Sprout, who was too busy chewing to notice anything.

“So what if I am?” He said, voice low but steady. “He deserves to be treated like something precious.”

And he meant it.

It wasn’t just affection anymore, it was something deeper, almost terrifying in how natural it felt.

Every time Sprout smiled, it was like warmth blooming in his chest. Every time Sprout frowned or pouted or ranted about something trivial, Astro wanted to wrap the boy in every layer of comfort he could find.

The feeling was no longer a quiet ripple.

It was a tide, powerful and constant, rising in him with every passing day.

And yet, he said nothing.

Because how do you tell someone that they’ve become the most fragile and precious part of your world, when they still think you’re just being kind?

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

"Let Sprout sleep in my room,” Astro said.
Clear. Unshaken. Like it wasn’t even up for debate.

Dandy blinked.
“…What?”

“You heard me.”

Dandy stared at him for a moment, fork paused mid-air.
“What’s going on with you, man? You’re not—”
He squinted. “You’re not catching feelings, are you?”

Astro didn’t answer right away. He didn’t flinch. He just looked down at the mug in his hands, then said quietly,
“It’s not like that.”

But even as he said it, he knew it wasn’t the truth.
Not really.

Dandy snorted. “Bro. You literally just offered your bed up like a K-drama lead. Be honest. You in love or something?”

Then Astro looked up, his voice low and even.

“…If I was, what would you say?”

Dandy didn’t laugh this time.

He leaned back, eyes narrowed, trying to read him. Then finally, he exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Honestly? I’d say… you better not break his heart. He is like a walking marshmallow with a temper.”

Astro smiled faintly.
“I know. That’s why I’m being careful.”

"But you should at least ask Sprout first,” Dandy muttered. “If he doesn’t want to, no one’s gonna force—”

“He already said yes,” Astro cut in, calm and steady.

The room fell quiet.

Dandy blinked once. “Wait. What?”

Astro leaned back slightly, gaze still cool, still unreadable, but there was a glint there. Something firm. Unshakable.

“I asked him. He said he’d be fine with it.”

Dandy narrowed his eyes, squinting. “You’re telling me… Sprout’s cool with moving into your room? Just like that?”

Astro didn’t even blink. “Yes.”

“…And you’re cool with that.”

“Of course.”

There was a moment of silence where Dandy stared at him like he was trying to see through layers of stone.

“…Man, I don’t even know what’s going on anymore. You two are weird.”

But there was no malice in his voice. Just baffled resignation.

Astro didn’t say anything more.

But under the quiet, under the casual tone, the meaning was loud and clear:

It wasn’t just Sprout who was okay with it.

Astro wanted him there.
And that, in itself, said everything.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

"Sleeping with you is way better than with Dandy,”
Sprout whispered in the dark.

“My brother snores like a dying engine.”

Astro chuckled softly, the sound barely louder than the hum of the night outside.

He didn’t say anything back right away, he just lay there, listening to the quiet breathing beside him, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Somewhere inside him, something warm unfurled, like a tiny, silent victory he didn’t need to explain to anyone.

Because Sprout had chosen his side of the room.
His space.
His presence.

And that meant more than any words could say.

“If you’re comfortable with it… you can always sleep in my room,”
Astro said, turning his face slightly toward him.

There was a pause.

Then, softly, barely louder than a breath, Sprout replied,
“…Okay.”

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

After finishing school and graduating, Mr. Dandicus decided to send his eldest son abroad to study, calling it a valuable opportunity for him to grow and learn, one that would open new doors and help Dandy grow beyond the walls of their home.

“Several members of our family studied abroad once,” He said. “They’ll be there to support and guide you.”

For Dandy, the news was like a spark, equal parts joy and sorrow. He had always dreamed of this moment, ever since he was a child poring over brochures and foreign textbooks.

The excitement was undeniable; this was everything he had worked for. But beneath the surface, there was a heavy ache. He would have to leave behind his family. He would have to say goodbye to Astro, his childhood best friend.

That night, when he told his younger brother, Sprout stared at him with wide, disbelieving eyes.

“You’re really going to take the exam…?” He asked, his voice soft, almost unsure, as if saying it out loud would make it real.

Dandy gave a small nod.
“I am.”

“But why…? Why don’t you just stay here where it’s safe?” Sprout’s voice cracked as he stepped closer, his brows drawn in worry.

“It’s dangerous over there… What if something happens to you? What if...what if you get hurt and no one in the family can reach you in time?”

His fingers curled tightly around Dandy’s sleeve, like he was trying to hold him there, anchor him to this place, this moment.

Dandy looked at his brother and gently reached up, placed a hand on his head.

“This is something I’ve thought about for a long time,” He said softly. “I want to go. I’ve made up my mind. I’ll be okay, i promise. I’ll take care of myself. It’s just two years. It’ll pass in the blink of an eye.”

Sprout didn’t answer. His throat tightened. His eyes welled with unshed tears, but he bit them back. He knew he couldn’t stop him. Still, it hurt.

Astro, meanwhile, had known this moment would come. He wasn’t shocked when Dandy told him, how could he be?

They had spent years talking about it, dreaming about it together, sometimes with laughter, sometimes with serious, hushed voices in the middle of the night.

Astro simply gave a quiet nod.
“It’s your decision,” He said, looking away to hide the flicker of sadness in his eyes. “I won’t stop you.”
But he knew things wouldn’t be the same.

"Well… I guess this is my last night here,” Dandy said with a faint smile, trying to sound casual. “No farewell party or anything?”

It was a joke, half-hearted, almost like a test.
Sprout didn’t laugh. Instead, he gave his brother a light punch on the arm, his brows furrowed, the corners of his eyes already shimmering.
“That’s because you told us so late..! If I’d known sooner, I would’ve cooked your favorite meal…”

His voice trembled slightly as he reached up to wipe away the tears that hadn’t even fallen yet, the tears he was trying desperately to hold back.

Dandy looked at him, eyes soft with affection, and let out a quiet chuckle.
“I was only teasing,” He said gently, but in his chest, something tugged hard.

Astro, who had been silent until then, kept his gaze out the window, as if afraid to look at either of them.

“The stars look beautiful tonight,” He murmured. “Let’s just grab some snacks, head up to the roof. We’ll eat, talk… watch the sky a little.”

The room went quiet. Then both brothers turned toward him. Without a word, they nodded.

A little while later, the three of them were climbing the narrow staircase to the rooftop, careful not to make too much noise.

There was a sense of mischief in it, like old times, like they were kids again, sneaking around behind the landlord’s back.

But beneath the quiet laughs and whispered footsteps, something unspoken lingered in the air: this might be the last time, at least for a while.

When they reached the rooftop, a cool breeze swept over them. Above, the sky stretched endlessly, deep and dark, scattered with silver stars like a field of glowing dust.

Dandy looked up, eyes wide, his breath catching for a moment.
“Wow… I forgot how bright the stars are here.”

He let out a laugh, turned his head to Astro with more wistful than amused.
“Remember when we were kids, Astro? You begged your mom to buy you a telescope so you could look at the stars every night. And then, what was it? Three days later, it broke?”

Sprout finally let out a small, genuine laugh. It broke the silence like sunlight through a crack.

Astro rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips.
“She bought a knock-off, alright? I’ve told you a hundred times.”

The three of them sat there for a while, sharing bits of food, stealing glances at one another, quietly pretending that nothing was going to change.

But deep down, they all knew.
And maybe that was why none of them dared to say goodnight.

Sprout was the first to drift off to sleep, his breathing slow and steady under the soft night sky.

Astro noticed, then gently reached over and lifted him into his arms, careful not to wake him.

Dandy quietly gathered up the empty plates and bottles scattered around them. Without saying a word, the two made their way back down the narrow stairs, the night air still clinging to their clothes like a memory they didn’t want to shake off.

Back in the room, Astro slowly laid Sprout down onto the bed, moving with a tenderness that spoke more than words ever could.
He pulled the blanket over him, tucking it in around Sprout’s shoulders with quiet care.

Behind him, Dandy let out a low whistle and leaned against the doorframe with a smirk.

“Man, look at you taking care of your precious "boyfriend" like that,” He teased, arms crossed. “Guess I’ve got nothing to worry about while I’m away, huh?”

Astro shot his best friend a sideways glare, eyes narrowing slightly before he turned away with a quiet scoff.

“You’re the one we should be worried about,”He muttered, brushing his fingers gently against Sprout’s face. “Not the other way around.”

Dandy rolled his eyes, but chuckles nontheless.

Chapter Text

It was early morning. The sky was still tinted with the soft blue of dawn as Dandy stood quietly by the door, his suitcase already packed.

He hadn’t planned on waking anyone. In truth, he’d hoped to slip out in silence, no goodbyes, no long hugs.

Because deep down, he knew:
If he saw their faces one more time,
he wasn’t sure he’d still be able to leave.

But fate had other plans.

Sprout, ever the light sleeper when it came to his brother, had woken up just as Dandy was about to leave. Without hesitation, he shook Astro awake, insisting they all go together.

And so, the three of them stood now at the airport.

Sprout clung tightly to his brother in a final embrace, his frame trembling, eyes glassy with tears he no longer tried to hide.

“You have to eat properly out there…!” He sobbed. “Don’t just grab random food from the street or whatever..! And...and keep your room clean, okay?!”

His voice cracked with every word, raw and full of worry.

Astro stepped in, wrapping both brothers in a firm, steady hug. He didn’t say much, but the weight of his arms said everything they couldn’t.
When he finally pulled back, his hand rested briefly on Dandy’s shoulder.

“Good luck with everything,” He said quietly. “Make the most of it. But don’t forget to text us. Call, too. Often.”

Dandy smiled, softly, gratefully.
There was a shine in his eyes, but he didn’t let it fall.
"Take care of Sprout for me..okay?"

After earned a sincere nod from Astro, he turned, grasped the handle of his suitcase, and began walking toward the gate.

With each step, he moved forward, not just through the airport, but into the future he had chosen.

And behind him, he left two pieces of his heart, watching, waiting for him from afar.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

Even after graduation, even with college and a new part-time job, Astro chose to stay.

He could’ve moved, but he didn’t.
The apartment, the neighborhood, the familiar walkways…
It was all still home.

Because Sprout was still there.

Now, day after day, Astro found himself falling into a quiet rhythm that once belonged to someone else.

He picked Sprout up from school, dropped him off when it rained, helped with homework when needed, and just..being there.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

“Hey, Sprout. That good-looking guy who picks you up from school every day, who is he?”
Cosmo raised an eyebrow, leaning against his desk while Sprout silently zipped up his backpack.

“Where’s Dandy?”

Sprout paused for a second, carefully arranging his notebooks before answering. His voice was quiet, calm, almost too calm.

“He’s my brother’s best friend. Dandy went overseas to study. Been a week.”

Cosmo’s expression shifted. “Ah… that explains it.”
He turned toward the classroom window, squinting slightly.

Outside, waiting by the school gate, Astro stood next to his motorbike, his figure tall and relaxed, yet somehow distant.

“Alright, I’m heading out,” Sprout said, slinging his bag over his shoulders. He gave Cosmo a quick wave and walked briskly down the hallway.

Astro was there, just like always. One hand tucked into his pocket, the other holding the cigarette, it rested between his fingers, smoke curling into the air like a secret he didn’t want to keep, his lower pairs rested on the motorcycle, but his eye… it wasn't really looking at anything.

Just floating somewhere, lost in thought, or maybe just too quiet to say what he felt.

Sprout didn’t slow his steps. He walked straight up, frowned, and reached out.

“For real, will you please stop smoking already!?"

He slapped the cigarette out of Astro’s hand with no hesitation, and it hits the ground flatly.

Sprout didn’t wait. He crushed the smoldering
tip beneath his shoe, the way someone steps on a bug, not harsh, but decisive.

Astro let out a soft exhale.
“Yeah…”

His voice was low, somewhere between a sigh and a reply.

Sprout didn’t stop there. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a lollipop, red and slightly squished. Before Astro could react, Sprout reached up and pushed it gently into his mouth.

The motion was sudden, unexpected, and almost childlike.

Astro blinked, startled. The hard candy hit his tongue, sweet and tart, the stick poking awkwardly from his lips.
For a second, neither of them said a word.

Sprout turned on his heel without a glance.
“Better than nicotine,” He muttered, voice just loud enough to be heard.

Astro silently staring at him, bit down on the candy, rolling it against his tongue.
It tasted artificial, almost too sweet.

But still…
He smiled.
"We can stop by the convenience store and pick up some of your favorites,”
Astro said, swinging one leg over the motorbike and starting the engine.

Sprout adjusted the strap on his backpack, then replied matter-of-factly,
“Dad just gave me some extra money. I was actually planning to go to the supermarket, stock up on a few things. We’re running low on potatoes.”

He paused for a second, then glanced up at Astro.
“You like mackerel in tomato sauce, right? Let’s grab some. I’ll cook it for you tonight.”

Astro looked over his shoulder, a soft smirk playing on his lips.
“Well then,” He said, voice teasing but warm, “Hold on to my waist this time, sweetheart. Don’t be shy about it. Last few rides you nearly fell off clinging to the sides like that.”

Sprout shot him a half-hearted glare, cheeks slightly pink, but said nothing.

He climbed onto the back seat, backpack tight against his spine, and after a moment’s hesitation… his arms slowly wrapped around Astro’s waist from behind, gentle, unsure, but there.

The motorbike rumbled to life beneath them, and they eased into the street.

The city around them buzzed with life, cars, people, chatter, but in that moment, everything felt quiet.

He didn’t say it out loud, but in his chest, something settled.

Maybe this, this closeness, this routine,
this tiny, ordinary piece of life together,
was the kind of warmth he didn’t know he’d missed.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

The supermarket was quiet, the fluorescent lights casting a dull glow over rows of neatly arranged products.

Sprout wandered through the seafood section, eyes scanning labels with practiced care. Astro pushed the cart behind him, its wheels clicking softly against the floor.

The younger one paused near the vegetables, picking up a ripe tomato and weighing it in his hand, eyebrows furrowed. Every choice mattered.

They didn’t buy anything unnecessary, only what was useful, on discount, or absolutely essential. That was the rule.

Astro had gone to the next aisle to grab a few packets of bouillon cubes at Sprout’s request. For a moment, Sprout was alone.

Then came the voice.

“Hey there… wow, gorgeous.”
A man’s voice, low and too confident.
“Yeah, I mean you. Mind giving me your number?”

Sprout turned slowly.

The man was tall, probably in his thirties, dressed in a designer jacket and polished leather shoes. His smirk was practiced, his tone reeking of entitlement.

Sprout blinked, caught off-guard. He looked around, no Astro in sight.

“…Sorry,” He said after a pause, stepping back instinctively. “I’m not interested. I already have a boyfriend.”

That should’ve been enough.
But the man took a step closer, raising an eyebrow.

“Your boyfriend let you walk around alone like this?” He chuckled. “Can’t be much of a boyfriend, can he?”

The words hit harder than they should’ve. Something inside Sprout snapped. His shoulders tensed. One more step, and he swore he’d plant his fist straight into the guy’s smug face.

But just as he lifted his hand, someone grabbed his wrist firmly from behind.

Astro, already stood there from who knows when.
He didn’t say much. Just glaring at the guy, hand steady, voice low.

“Excuse me,” Astro said, eyes fixed on the stranger.
“I’m this guy's boyfriend.”

His words were calm, but there was steel underneath.

The stranger opened his mouth to say something, but Astro didn’t give him the chance. He gently but firmly tugged Sprout away by the hand, never once looking back.

They turned the corner in silence.

Sprout let himself be led for a few steps, then yanked his hand back with a glare.

“I could have handled that, you know,” He snapped, voice still shaking slightly. “I was ready to punch him.”

Astro didn’t look at him. Just let out a long sigh.

“Did you even see what that guy was wearing?” He asked, voice flat. “That wasn’t some loser hitting on you for fun. The watch on his wrist probably cost more than our rent.”

He stopped beside the canned goods aisle, finally turning to look at Sprout.

“You hit someone like that, and we’re not just walking away. People like him? They have lawyers. They drag you down just because they can. You really think I’d let you take that risk?”

Sprout stared at him, the frustration still bubbling in his chest, but it was quieter now. He looked away.

“…Still. I don’t like feeling helpless,” He muttered.

Astro softened a little. His tone lowered, almost fond now.

“I know.”

He paused, then added with a teasing half-smile:

“But you really did look cute just now. All red-faced and ready to fight for your life with a tomato in one hand.”

Sprout turned bright red.

“Shut up,” He hissed, shoving a can of fish at Astro’s chest before stomping off to the next aisle.

Astro chuckled quietly and followed, pushing the cart again, just a step behind.

After they finished checking out and stepped out of the supermarket, the night air brushing gently against their faces, Sprout finally broke the silence.

“Don’t tell Dandy about what happened… I don’t want him to worry,” He murmured, eyes fixed on the pavement as he walked beside Astro.

Astro glanced sideways at him, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
“With me here to protect you, what’s your brother got to be worried about?”

Sprout rolled his eyes and gave him a light punch on the arm, Astro let out a quiet laugh, rubbing the spot Sprout had hit.

“Alright, alright. I won’t say a thing, promise.”

Sprout didn’t respond right away, but a tiny smile tugged at his lips as they putting the groceries bags on the motorcycle.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

"Is the coursework tough over there?”
Astro asked casually, his voice a little muffled as he leaned back on the couch.

Dinner was over, and now he and Sprout were lounging in the living room, chatting with Dandy over a video call.

The phone sat propped up on the coffee table, Dandy’s familiar face glowing through the screen, slightly pixelated but still full of that same playful energy.

“Not really,” Dandy replied with his usual liveliness. “But it’s so hard to fit in.”
He let out a soft huff, then chuckled. “If you just sit by yourself all day here, people totally look down on you. But making friends? Yeah… that’s not as easy as it sounds.”

He leaned closer to the camera, lowering his voice a little.
“Most of them here are from rich families. That comes with… expectations. They size you up before even talking. It’s like friendship comes with a price tag.”

Dandy gave a crooked smile, trying to keep it light, but neither Astro nor Sprout laughed.
Astro crossed his arms, his brows furrowed slightly.

“You and Sprout would never survive in that kind of crowd,” Dandy teased again with a wink.

“We’re doing just fine here,” Astro replied, short but firm.

Sprout nodded beside him, gaze fixed on the screen. “Those snobby kids think just ‘cause they’re rich they can treat people however they want. You should be careful who you trust, okay?”

“I know, I know! You two worry too much.”
Dandy’s laugh was warm, but a little more subdued than before. “Nothing’s happened, alright? I’m doing fine.”

His smile lingered on the screen. But for a moment, it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

There was a pause, short, but heavy enough that all three of them felt it.

Across cities and time zones, they sat there together, connected by a single call, by the sound of each other’s voices, and by a bond that no distance could quite erase.

"But man… I really miss Sprout’s cooking,”
Dandy sighed dramatically, smacking his lips for extra effect.
“Food here’s not bad or anything, but nothing beats a home-cooked meal.”

At those words, Sprout turned his head away slightly.
He hated this part of himself, the part that always gave feelings away too easily.

No matter how much he tried to hold them in, they always found a way to slip out, loud and clear.
And right now, just hearing Dandy say that… was enough to make his chest tighten.

Astro noticed immediately.
He didn’t say a word, just leaned forward, grabbed the phone from the table, and stood up.

“Come with me,” He said quickly, already heading toward his room.
“I bought a few new things, I wanna show you.”

Dandy blinked on the screen, a bit confused, but nodded along.

Astro gently closed the door behind him, leaving Sprout alone in the living room.
Not a word about the tears threatening to fall.
Not a glance back.

Just that soft, quiet gesture, to give Sprout a moment,
a space to breathe,
to collect himself
without having to pretend he was okay.

And in that silence, under the warm lights of their shared apartment,
Sprout sat there, hands curled slightly on his knees, biting back the sob that had been caught in his throat.

Because sometimes, being loved didn’t mean being told what to do.
It just meant being understood, exactly when you needed it most.

In Astro's room, their conversation began to wind down after a while. The playful teasing faded into quieter tones.
Then, Dandy hesitated, his voice softer, a little uncertain.

“Hey, Astro…”
He paused.
“That mug you showed me, it’s nice, really… but…”

He trailed off, then looked directly at the camera, more serious now.
“My brother… did he cry?”

Astro stiffened.

He hadn’t expected Dandy to notice.
Not in that brief second when Sprout had turned away, silent, fragile, trying to be strong.

But of course Dandy had seen.
Of course he would know.

Astro looked away for a moment, guilt flickering across his features. Before he could say anything, Dandy spoke again, his voice no longer teasing, just soft and certain.

“Tell him I miss him too,”
He said quietly.
“Please.”

And in that moment, through the screen, across oceans,
Astro could feel it, that deep, unshakable bond between brothers.
The kind that didn’t need long speeches to be understood.

Just a few simple words.
And a silence that said the rest.

“Alright. Get some sleep.”
Astro said simply.

Dandy gave a lazy wave and smiled one last time before the screen went dark. The soft hum of the call ending echoed for a second, then disappeared.

Silence returned to the room.

Astro sat on the edge of his bed, the phone still in his hand.
He didn’t move.

His other hand absentmindedly brushed along the spine of a book lying open beside him, he wasn’t really reading it, just touching it, turning it over between his fingers like it would somehow give him the right words to say… or to feel.

The door creaked opens, as Sprout poked his head in, looking oddly small in his oversized pajama shirt, a pillow clutched tightly to his chest.

“It feels kinda empty,” He mumbled, not quite meeting Astro’s eyes.
“Without Dandy here, I mean.”

Astro closed his book slowly.

“Yeah,” He said. “I get that.”

Without another word, Sprout padded over, climbed up onto Astro’s bed, and curled beside him with the pillow still in his arms.

He didn’t ask for permission. He didn’t need to. There was something raw in his expression, something in between vulnerability and exhaustion.

“I’ll just stay for a little while,” Sprout murmured, voice muffled into the pillow.
“It’s easier to sleep near someone…”

Astro didn’t object. He simply reached over to pull the blanket a bit higher around the boy’s shoulders.

“Get some rest,” He said softly.
“I’ll be right here.”

And as the silence settled around them, broken only by the soft hum of the heater and the occasional car passing outside, Astro looked down at Sprout curled up beside him.

Even in the dim light, he could see how tightly the boy was holding on, to the pillow, to the warmth, to the presence of someone who wouldn’t leave.

Astro didn’t say anything more. But deep in his chest, something clenched, tender and protective.

"Can I ask you something…?”
Sprout’s voice was barely above a whisper, breaking the stillness of the room.

He didn’t look at Astro when he spoke, his eyes stayed fixed on the folds of the blanket pulled up to his chest.

“Can you… kiss my forehead?”

There was a long pause. Astro turned his head slowly, caught off guard by the request, but didn’t interrupt.

Sprout’s voice quivered, not from fear, but from something more delicate, the weight of memory.

“Dandy used to do that,” He said softly.
“When I was little. Before our parents divorced. I always felt safe, even when things were falling apart.”

Astro didn’t respond right away. His gaze lingered on Sprout, how small he looked despite having grown so much, how his shoulders curled slightly inwards, like bracing for something unspoken.

He let out a quiet breath.

“If I kiss you,” Astro said at last, his voice steady but low,

“-it won’t come from the same kind of love Dandy gave you. It won’t be from a place of family.”

There was no judgment in his words. Just honesty. A quiet, trembling truth laid bare between them.

“It would be… something else.”

Sprout’s fingers tightened a little around the blanket. His lips parted, but for a moment, no sound came out. Then, gently, he shifted closer.

Not with urgency, but with trust. He looked up, cheeks slightly flushed, eyes unblinking.

“That’s okay,” He whispered.
“... I’d still want it.”

Astro leaned forward, slow and deliberate. His hand brushed a few strands of hair from Sprout’s forehead, and then he pressed his lips there, warm and lingering, not rushed or unsure.

It wasn’t a gesture of comfort. It wasn’t a routine act between brothers.

It was something tender, real, and quietly life-changing.

Sprout shifted even closer, the warmth between them almost tangible now in the quiet room. His voice was soft, barely more than a breath as he tilted his face up slightly.

“Kiss me again… please.”

His eyes fluttered shut, cheeks tinged with pink, lips trembling, not from fear, but from anticipation, from vulnerability laid bare without shame.

“Please…”

Astro stared at him for a long second. Everything around them stilled: the hum of the heater, the faint wind outside the window, the weight of something unspoken growing heavier in the room.

And then he moved gently, as though afraid of breaking something delicate. His hand found Sprout’s cheek, thumb brushing lightly against the skin, and he leaned down.

Their lips met, softly at first, like testing the edge of a dream. Then again, deeper, longer, with a kind of hesitant care that said “I see you. I’m here. I feel this too.”

Sprout leaned into it, as if he’d been waiting a long time for this kind of closeness, not rushed, not confused, but something real. Something that belonged only to them.

And when they parted, the room was still again.

Sprout didn’t open his eyes right away. He simply whispered, barely audible:

"More..."
Sprout pleaded softly, arms threw onto Astro's neck. And who was Astro to declines such request?

He slowly kissed the younger one, trailing down from his lips to his neck, Sprout tilted his head up, whimpering and giving him more access.

Astro unbuttoned Sprout's pajama shirt from the top, peppering kisses onto the fragile collarbones, wet, but warm and tender.

Sprout whined, his cheeks fluttering with soft pink, he then smiled, eyes in a bit of dazes.

Astro's upper pair of arms settled from both sides of Sprout's head, the lower ones holding his waist steadily. Sprout giggled as he felt tickles creeping up his neck.

"Dandy would kill you if he ever found out…”
Sprout said softly.

“That’s why he doesn't have to know. Now go to sleep."
Astro whispered back, slowly got off Sprout. Knowing full well Dandy wouldn't protest much because he trusted Astro.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

Chapter Text

Two years aren't exactly a short time, but somehow it still passed by in the blink of an eye.

By now, both Dandy and Astro had already graduated and started their own stable careers, while Sprout was still busy finishing up his third year at university.

In the beginning, Dandy had only planned to open a small, ordinary flower shop, something simple, peaceful, and enough for him to enjoy his love for flowers.

But reality wasn’t that easy. That alone wouldn’t bring in enough money for them to live comfortably, let alone cover Sprout’s tuition fees.

Even though Sprout kept stubbornly insisting that the money he made working part-time at some bakery would be enough to pay for school if he saved carefully, Dandy simply wouldn’t hear it.

He didn’t want to see his brother struggling or having to worry about money.
So instead, he decided to become an environmental scientist, a job that paid better and allowed him to support his brother properly.

Even after starting that job, every single months without fail, he would send money home to Sprout and his parents.

Because of his work, Dandy had to stay abroad for another whole year before finally coming back home. His job kept him so busy that he couldn’t call home as often as before.

But despite all that, the deep love and care he had for his family with his bestfriend never faded. It was always there, solid and unwavering.

Astro, on the other hand, chose to work as a translator. His income was stable, and the job didn’t require him to talk too much or go out and meet people, it was almost tailor-made for someone as introverted and quiet as he was.

In fact, at one point, he had even thought about becoming a Tarot reader, but Sprout had completely shut that idea down right away without a second thought.

Over the three-plus years they had been together, Astro and Sprout had managed to keep their relationship strong and loving. They hardly ever fought or argued.

If Sprout was like fire, always burning bright and sometimes flaring up unexpectedly, then Astro was like water, calm, cool, and patient enough to gently put out those flames every time.

It seemed like nothing could make Astro truly angry. On the contrary, he always managed to calm Sprout down, no matter how fiery his temper got.

Dandy once jokingly described Astro as being like an iceberg in the past, awkward, and a little distant.

But somehow, Sprout had managed to melt that ice completely with his warmth and fiery personality. Astro had become so gentle, so mild-mannered, and he practically listened to Sprout in everything without complaint.

After being together for so long, they had naturally started thinking about getting married.

Both of their families didn’t raise any objections. Astro had lost his father when he was still a child, so he only had his mother left, and she loved him dearly. She accepted everything wholeheartedly, no questions asked.

Sprout’s mother also didn’t have any problem with it. Only Mr. Dancifer felt a little hesitant at first. But when he saw how strongly his oldest son, Dandy, supported the marriage and believed in Astro, he gradually opened his heart too.

After all, he had known Astro when he was just a boy. Deep down, he believed that Astro would definitely be able to make his youngest son truly happy.

“Well… so you really decided to marry that fierce little lioness, huh?”
Dandy clicked his tongue and teased playfully, a mischievous smile on his face.

But Astro didn’t even flinch or get offended, he just calmly looked back at Dandy and answered without a hint of hesitation:
“What lioness? That’s my beloved.”

Then he added, his voice soft but firm,
“After living together for so many years, we already knew each other’s habits inside out, every little quirk and every flaw. So moving in officially or getting married won’t really change anything for us. It’s just… finally calling it by it's proper name.”

“Yeah, that’s true, huh?”
Dandy chuckled, his lips curling into a teasing smile as he leaned back comfortably.

“You two have probably gone way beyond just kissing by now… The only thing left is the wedding aisle, right?”

Astro immediately turned his head sharply to glare at Dandy, his eyes narrowing in that familiar, slightly annoyed but resigned way.

Even after all these years, Dandy’s personality had stayed exactly the same, always saying whatever popped into his head without thinking twice.

“Watch your mouth,” Astro muttered under his breath, but the faint flush on his face betrayed him.

It was as if he couldn’t decide whether to be embarrassed or amused, and in the end, he just sighed and looked away, giving up on trying to correct Dandy’s jokes once and for all.

"So… how exactly did you proposed to the him?"
Dandy asked suddenly, his eyes glinting mischievously, a teasing smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Astro let out a soft breath, as if he had already expected this question. He didn’t get flustered, nor did he avoid Dandy’s gaze.

Instead, he answered in that calm, steady voice of his, a voice that somehow always carried a warmth only Sprout could bring out fully.

“Well… I saved up money to buy a ring first,” Astro began, his tone sounding almost casual, as though he was describing something as simple as a daily routine.

“Then, on that day, I took him to a nice restaurant for dinner. After we finished eating, we stepped out into the garden outside, the staffs had already helped me set everything up… so all I had to do was bring him there and propose.”

On the surface, his words sounded so straightforward, almost plain. But both Dandy and Astro knew very well that behind those simple sentences was a story much more touching and full of quiet devotion.

In reality, Astro had spent weeks secretly planning everything down to the tiniest detail: Finding the perfect ring, choosing a place Sprout would feel comfortable in, making sure the garden would be lit softly, surrounded by gentle lights and flowers.

He had even rehearsed what to say countless times in front of a mirror, worrying about whether he might forget his lines or accidentally say something awkward.

That night, when Sprout stepped out into the softly glowing garden, he had stood frozen for a long moment, eyes wide in surprise, lips trembling as he didn’t dare believe what he was seeing.

Astro had slowly approached, his hand holding the ring box, his heart pounding so hard he could hardly hear anything else.

He had knelt down, with steadiness and determination, asked Sprout the question he had been holding in his heart for so long.

And Sprout, with his hands covering his face, had only been able to nods repeatedly, unable to form words through all his overwhelming emotions.

So on the surface, it was “just dinner and a garden propose.” But in truth, it was so much more.

It was a culmination of years of silent love, careful preparation, and a courage Astro had gathered from every quiet moment they had shared.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

The two of them had already sat down and talked carefully with both sides of the family about how they wanted the wedding to be.

Sprout didn’t want anything too big or grandiose. He never cared for fancy halls, sparkling chandeliers, or expensive decorations that made everything look like a show.

Deep down, all he really wished for was a warm, intimate space where he could be together with the people he loved most in the world, celebrating this important moment by their side.

If possible, he even wanted to hold the wedding right in the little garden behind his mother’s house, the place where he grew up, where he had so many childhood memories, and where he felt safest.

He could already imagine that small garden filled with flowers, the scent of fresh leaves in the summer breeze, and the gentle laughter of his loved ones echoing softly under the clear sky. Just the thought of it made his heart feel peaceful and full.

Astro, who loved Sprout more than anything, didn’t hesitate at all. He almost immediately wanted to say yes.

If it made Sprout happy, then no matter how simple or small, he was ready to do it without a single complaint.

But just as he was about to nod, Dandy stepped in and stopped him with a look of exaggerated exasperation.

“You might love him to death, but at least have some dignity for yourself, man… You can’t just let him do whatever he wants all the time.."
Dandy said, shaking his head while letting out a dramatic sigh.

"You’re going to lose face completely in front of everyone, you know?”

But even though his words sounded harsh, there was a clear warmth and protective affection in his voice.

He looked at Astro almost like a brother scolding his younger sibling for being too soft-hearted.

Astro just looked at him helplessly, unable to find a comeback. In the end, he could only sigh, half annoyed and half amused, as if he had already given up on arguing with Dandy.

Finally, after discussing it thoroughly with everyone, they decided on a more traditional plan: a church wedding. It wasn’t too extravagant or expensive, exactly as Sprout wanted.

But at the same time, it wasn’t overly simple either, and it still preserved the solemn, sacred atmosphere that Dandy believed was important for such a once-in-a-lifetime day.

Sprout actually liked this compromise. The idea of walking slowly down the aisle, surrounded by friends and family, hearing the sound of soft music echoing through the high ceiling.

Looking ahead to see Astro waiting at the altar with that gentle, patient smile,
was a scene that made his heart beat faster every time he imagined it.

Astro, for his part, didn’t care about the venue or the decorations as long as the person at the end of the aisle was Sprout.

Just the thought of seeing Sprout in a white suit or maybe even a soft, pastel-colored outfit, whichever he chose, was enough to make Astro feel like his entire world had become brighter.

And Dandy? Even though he liked to tease them both relentlessly, deep inside, he was sincerely happy for his little brother and Astro.

He knew better than anyone how much they meant to each other, and he truly believed they deserved a day that felt special and meaningful.

When he thought about it, he couldn’t help but smile to himself, imagining how awkward Astro might look trying to stand straight and calm while waiting, and how Sprout might end up grumbling and blushing the entire way down the aisle.

It was such a precious, beautiful image that even Dandy could felt a lump rise in his throat.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

"How do I look in this?”
Sprout’s gentle voice echoed softly inside the tailor shop, a familiar place that held so many memories.

This was the shop where Astro’s mother used to work years ago, and now she happily introduced it again to the two of them, almost as if passing down something precious.

Astro turned to look at Sprout, and in that instant, it felt like the entire world fell completely silent.

Sprout stepped out from the fitting room, and for a moment, the whole shop seemed to fall silent. He was wearing an immaculate white suit that looked almost like a carefully crafted piece of art, designed just for him.

The shirt hugged his slender frame perfectly, with a long row of delicate buttons running all the way down from the high collar to his waist, creating a graceful and elegant line.

The shoulders had a slight, structured point, accented with sheer lace details that looked like delicate wings unfurling gently behind him.

But what truly caught everyone’s breath was the sheer, flowing outer cape, a long veil-like piece that draped over his shoulders and almost touched the floor.

It's edges were embroidered with intricate lace patterns, curling and winding like ocean waves, making each of his movements look as if he were gliding softly across a cloud.

His arms were adorned with small, white ribbons tied neatly, adding a gentle, romantic touch that contrasted beautifully with the sharp, clean lines of the suit.

The high collar framed his slender neck and highlighted his smooth, fair skin, lending him a pure yet subtly alluring charm.

In his hands, he held a bouquet of white flowers close to his chest. His head tilted slightly downward, his eyes glimmering beneath the soft fringe of his hair.

There was a faint flush on his cheeks, and in that quiet, tender moment, he looked both fragile and radiant, like a pure white flower blooming softly at dawn, kissed by the first morning light.

Astro, standing nearby, couldn’t tear his eye away. He felt as though his breath had been stolen completely.

“You… you’re staring too much,” Sprout muttered, unable to meet Astro’s eye for long.

Astro only smiled softly, stepping closer, his voice barely above a whisper but firm, carrying every bit of love he had kept inside for so long.

“I can’t help it. You’re the most precious thing I’ve ever seen.”

Glisten, the designer who had overseen every single details of the suit from start to finish, couldn’t hold back his tears anymore.

His voice suddenly rang out, high-pitched and trembling with overwhelming emotion.
"My masterpiece! How absolutely perfect it is!”

He cried out dramatically, tears streaming down his face as he clasped his hands together, staring at the suit as if he was witnessing the most flawless creation of his entire career.

To him, it wasn’t just a piece of clothing anymore, it was the culmination of every dream, every sleepless night, every stitch of love and dedication he had poured in.

Meanwhile, Sprout bit his lower lip lightly, his fingers fidgeting as he looked down at the suit draping around his body.

“It feels… a bit heavy and a little hard to move in,” He confessed softly, almost like he was afraid to break the delicate atmosphere hanging in the air.

“But… it’s a happy day, after all. Somehow… I feel so warm, and a part of me still can’t believe this is real…”

His voice grew quieter near the end, as if he was speaking more to himself than anyone else.

There was a tremble in his tone, a mixture of joy, disbelief, and the gentle vulnerability of someone standing right at the edge of a long-awaited dream finally coming true.

Astro, who had been silently watching every single movement, every flicker of Sprout’s eyes, shook his head slowly.

He stepped closer, his gaze soft and unwavering, as if he wanted to wrap Sprout up in all the tenderness he carried inside.

“It’s okay,” Astro whispered, his voice warm and steady. “I understand… I understand exactly how you feel, and everything you’re thinking right now.”

He didn’t need to say much more. In that quiet exchange, surrounded by lace and soft lights, it was as if they were the only two people in the world.

Astro’s eye told Sprout everything, that he was loved, seen, and cherished completely, down to every single breath and every tiny, shy movement.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

A wedding is always one of the most important, most unforgettable milestones in a person’s life.

The church hall that day was overflowing with laughter and joy. Everywhere, all of the distant and close relatives from both sides of the family had gathered there that day.

They were chatting excitedly, their faces glowing with happiness as they waited eagerly to give their blessings to the soon-to-be newlyweds.

There was a warm, almost magical energy in the air, the kind that makes your heart feel lighter just by being there.

Back there, Cosmo was busy fussing over Sprout, gently fixing the edge of his veil, carefully smoothing every wrinkle as if he was handling a delicate work of art.

Sprout stood still, his hands nervously clasping and unclasping, eyes lowered in an anxious daze.

“Just be yourself,” Cosmo said reassuringly, his voice soft but steady. “Focus on Astro. I’m telling you, no little mistake is ever going to make him disappointed in you.”

He gave Sprout’s shoulder a gentle squeeze, as if passing all his strength over in that single touch.

“Honestly,” Cosmo continued with a small laugh, trying to ease the tension, “Astro is probably thinking the exact same thing about you right now. He’s probably over there, overthinking every details, wondering if he’ll make you proud too.”

Cosmo paused for a moment, then leaned in a little closer, his eyes warm and encouraging.

“So don’t be nervous, okay? This is your day. It’s your happiness. Walk out there and just enjoy every single second of it.”

Sprout looked down at Cosmo, his lips trembling slightly as he tried to form a reply. In that moment, his eyes shimmered.

A mixture of shyness, excitement, and a quiet, overwhelming love that had been waiting so long to finally bloom in front of everyone.

On that very day, everyone gathered together to offer their heartfelt blessings to the newlywed couple, two souls who had finally, after so many years of waiting and growing together, taken this most important step forward.

Their voices filled the church hall like a gentle chorus, weaving a soft, protective embrace around the couple.

They wished for a love that would remain everlasting, one that would continue to bloom beautifully no matter what storms or seasons came their way.

They prayed that the two of them would always hold each other’s hands, through every laughters and every tears, and that each new day together would be filled with even more happiness and tenderness than the last.

It wasn’t just a celebration of a wedding, it was a celebration of a love story that had grown slowly and quietly, full of patience and devotion, finally reaching the moment it deserved.

❛⧼𓆩⋆✮⋆𓆪⧽❜

"Arlo! Get back here right now!”

Sprout’s voice rang out sharply from the living room downstairs. Apparently, their little boy had just finished his bath, but as usual, the mischievous child refused to get dressed properly and decided to run wild instead.

Astro slowly walked down the stairs, only to see Arlo darting around with just a single pair of shorts on, his tiny feet pattering noisily against the wooden floor.

His hair was still dripping wet, sticking to his forehead as he giggled and zipped from corner to corner, completely ignoring Sprout’s frantic attempts to catch him.

Astro let out a soft laugh, shaking his head fondly.

Right at that moment, Arlo collided into Astro’s leg with a soft thud, nearly losing his balance.

Before the boy could topple over, Astro quickly reached out and steadied him, his hand gently resting on Arlo's back.

A second later, Sprout finally caught up, slightly out of breath but determined.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he scooped Arlo up into his arms, holding him firmly as if afraid the little rascal would slip away again.

“Gotcha now!” Sprout huffed, his eyes narrowing in mock anger.

“If you keep running around like this, you’ll catch a cold! Do you want to end up stuck in bed all day, huh!?”

Arlo turned his head upward to look at his father with those wide, innocent eyes that always seemed to plead for backup.

Astro simply chuckled softly and reached over to ruffle Arlo's damp hair, his touch gentle and affectionate.

“Listen to your dad, okay?” Astro said in a calm, warm voice.

In that small, chaotic moment, the entire house felt alive with laughter, warmth, and love. the kind of everyday messiness that only made their family feel even more perfect.