Deep Breath: Extra - Part 4

 The content warning is in the footnotes⁰.

Previous TOC

The Summer Veranda

Thump, thump—the sound of drums carried on the wind reached Kenji Yachi as he graded tests in the living room. He lifted his head from the answer sheets. Tomorrow, there would be a festival at the nearby shrine, so they were probably practicing.

Since the road in front of the house was one-way, traffic decreased significantly at night. With the area becoming quieter, the sound echoed far and wide.

Earlier in the day, the news had repeatedly reported that today was the hottest day of the year. Even after the sun set, it didn’t cool down much, but after 9 p.m., the temperature finally dropped a bit, and a breeze started to blow.

When he stretched his legs, the backs of his knees felt slightly sweaty. Normally, there would be a man with glasses beside him, either reading a book or playing with the cat. But today, the man had said he had a business dinner, so he would be home late.

A night alone was peaceful but also a little lonely. It had been six months since Haruno started living with him, but his long stretch of living alone had quickly become a thing of the past, faster than Yachi himself could have imagined.

For Haruno, who had been stationed overseas, this place was just a temporary hotel until he found a more permanent residence. Yachi thought Haruno might leave once he found a place, but there had been no signs of that, and he seemed to have settled into this home. Yachi wanted him to stay longer, so he hadn’t dared to ask, "Are you looking for an apartment?"

Until the year before last, Yachi would never have imagined he would end up in a romantic relationship and living together with Haruno. Back when they worked at the same foreign-owned company, Haruno, despite being younger, was Yachi’s superior. He had been headhunted for the position, and with that title and his straightforward demeanor, he had an aura that made him hard to approach.

Once, Yachi had overheard the female employees talking about Haruno in the break room. They mentioned his clean-cut appearance and handsome features, his well-maintained expensive suits, and manicured nails. While Yachi waited for the right moment to enter, the women concluded their discussion with, "He’s smart and good-looking, but being with such a meticulous guy would be stressful."

It was a harsh judgment, but even Yachi, as a man, couldn’t imagine Haruno being the type you could relax around.

Yet, here he was in a relationship with that very man, living together. Life can take unexpected turns. Haruno was also the one who had given Yachi his layoff notice, which left some lingering resentment. But as they spent time together outside of work, those feelings gradually faded, and now he hardly thought about it anymore.

Haruno was certainly capable and cold when needed, but Yachi had come to see other sides of him. He was surprisingly clumsy with his hands, had intense emotional swings, and was more lonely than one might expect. Yet, he wasn’t as good at seeking affection as their tabby cat was.

A meow echoed through the room. The tabby was scratching at the screen door. Beyond it, Yachi caught sight of a pale figure standing in the middle of the garden, and he was startled.

"Yoshihisa?"

He quickly stood up and opened the screen door. The tabby darted outside and wound itself around Haruno’s feet.

"You startled me, standing out in the garden. Come inside," Yachi said.

Haruno took off his shoes on the veranda and came into the house. Standing in the garden at this hour was unusual, and he seemed a bit downcast.

"Are you tired?"

"Not really," Haruno replied, but his gaze lingered on the stack of test papers on the low table.

"What are you doing?"

"I’m helping grade some tests."

"Do they give written tests in English conversation classes too?"

"Sometimes," Yachi answered as he sat back down in front of the table and picked up his pen. Now that Haruno was home, he wanted to finish up quickly.

Feeling a presence behind him, Yachi turned to find Haruno standing there, looking dazed.

"What’s wrong?"

Haruno shook his head and left the room. Yachi could sense him moving around, taking a bath, and walking through the hall, but he didn’t return to the living room. Normally, if there was nothing pressing, Haruno would stay by Yachi’s side until bedtime.

Yachi wondered what this unusual behavior meant. Haruno had seemed fine when he left that morning, so maybe something had happened at work.

Yachi finished grading the tests, stacked them neatly on the edge of the table, and locked up the house before heading to their shared bedroom. When he slid open the door, he saw that the right side of the two futons laid out next to each other was raised into a gentle mound.

Quietly closing the door, Yachi slipped into his own futon. He turned on the bedside lamp, adjusted it so the light wouldn’t bother Haruno, and picked up the paperback he’d been reading. The first fifty pages had been boring, but it was finally getting interesting.

He heard the faint rustle of fabric from beside him. Haruno was watching him. When their eyes met, Haruno quickly buried his nose in the sheets like a child caught doing something mischievous and closed his eyes.

Yachi bookmarked his page and closed the book. He was ready to listen, but Haruno continued to pretend to sleep.

"Yoshihisa."

Haruno’s closed eyelids fluttered open.

"Can’t sleep?"

His lover nodded silently.

"Can I come over to your side?"

Haruno’s carefully manicured fingers lifted the edge of the sheets slightly.

"...Go ahead."

With permission granted, Yachi slipped into the futon beside him. The sheets, warmed by another person’s body heat, always felt a bit strange but also stirred a sense of excitement.

As he embraced Haruno’s warm body, the pleasant scent of soap filled his nostrils. After a light kiss, Yachi gently stroked Haruno’s soft black hair.

"Did something bad happen today?"

Haruno’s head twitched under his hand.

"Why do you think that?"

"You seemed a little down."

Haruno stared up at him. His lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, they closed without a word.

"I’m fine. Just a bit tired from the business dinner."

"Really? That must have been tough."

If it wasn’t anything serious, that was fine, but Yachi wished Haruno would talk to him if something was bothering him. He hated seeing him look so down.

Haruno suddenly pulled Yachi’s arm tight against his back. The pressure of his lover’s lower body was unmistakable. The invitation stirred a strong urge in Yachi, but he held back, not wanting to push Haruno if he was tired.

"You should get some sleep," Yachi suggested.

Haruno’s expression instantly hardened in surprise.

"Are you saying you don’t want to?"

"It’s not that..."

"Forget it."

Haruno turned away abruptly, leaving Yachi at a loss. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to; he was just concerned about Haruno’s well-being. Maybe he should have been more direct.

He felt unsure how to handle the situation. When Haruno came to him with affection, it was fine, but when he sulked like this, Yachi didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t good at the subtle games that lovers often play.

Staying close to someone when you’re not in sync emotionally felt awkward. He considered getting out of bed, but as he watched Haruno’s back, resolute in its rejection, he made up his mind.

Yachi embraced Haruno from behind. The slender body shuddered. He was prepared to be pushed away, but instead, Haruno’s warmth melded into his own. Haruno’s previously quickened breathing slowed down, and after hesitantly stroking the hand Yachi had placed on his stomach, he gripped it tightly.

"I'm sorry."

The apology was so faint that it was almost inaudible.

"I’ve been feeling a bit irritated..."

"Yeah."

Haruno shifted his body. When Yachi loosened his embrace, Haruno turned to face him. He stared at Yachi with dark, cat-like eyes, and his thin lips gently brushed against Yachi’s. As if he could no longer hold back, Haruno wrapped his arms around Yachi’s head, pulling him into a deep kiss.

Haruno was usually passionate, but tonight his desperation felt different. If he wanted Yachi this much, Yachi wanted to give himself to him. There was no reason to hold back.

Yachi slipped his fingers under Haruno’s pajama hem and touched his side directly. Haruno’s slender back shivered in response, and his dark eyes glistened as if he were about to cry.

"Yoshihisa," Yachi called his name.

"Yes," Haruno answered softly, his voice shy like that of a demure wife, yet he pressed his hips against Yachi like a cat in heat.

Yachi could sense Haruno’s impatience, but he took his time undressing him. He didn’t want to rush. He wanted to savor every moment of their lovemaking, to fully enjoy how Haruno responded to his touch.

Stripped bare and lying on the sheets, Haruno’s pale skin gleamed like porcelain. Even his aroused manhood exuded an undeniable sensuality.

Haruno grabbed Yachi’s arm and gave it a light shake.

"Are you teasing me?"

Yachi smiled.

"No... I was just admiring you."

Haruno hid his face with his arm, his knees trembling slightly. The sight of him like this was incredibly enticing. Yachi whispered Haruno’s name in his ear, guiding his knees apart as he slowly lowered his hips between them.

◇:-:◆:-:◇

I was having my fingertips licked by a cat. The cat had grown considerably, and I began to worry if I had been overfeeding it again.

"Even cats can get lifestyle diseases, just like humans," Haruno had once warned me. Since then, I’ve been careful with its food, but this affectionate cat probably gets pampered at another home as well...

As the surroundings gradually brightened, the cat's figure disappeared. When I opened my eyes, I saw the familiar view of my room. I thought it had been a dream, but then I heard a wet sound on my chest.

The cat was actually my lover, clinging to my right hand and licking my fingertips with a childlike innocence, as if enjoying a treat. The warm, wet tongue moved slowly, tracing between my fingers. A shiver of pleasure ran down my spine.

Last night, we were more intense than usual, craving each other repeatedly. No matter how much I gave, he kept asking for more, like a child demanding more sweets. I had poured myself into him until he was shaken to the point of exhaustion, yet it still didn’t seem enough.

Haruno took Yachi’s fingers deep into his mouth, sucking on them. Yachi slowly bent his fingers inside the warm, wet cavity.

The licking stopped, and their eyes met. The look on Haruno’s face was reminiscent of last night’s needy expression. When Yachi moved his fingers more forcefully inside Haruno’s mouth, he let out a small, pained yet ecstatic moan.

Yachi pulled his fingers out, then traced Haruno’s pale nipples with the saliva-slicked fingers. As he lightly pinched them, the once-soft nipples hardened, turning a vivid shade of pink like a blooming rose.

"Ah..."

Haruno arched his neck and let out a breathy sigh. The sensual scent of his body stirred the dormant masculine urges within Yachi. Drawn in by the scent, Yachi licked and sucked on Haruno’s neck, causing his arched back to tremble.

"Ah... ah..."

Yachi moved his hand from Haruno’s swollen nipples down to his smooth stomach, eventually reaching the fine hair below. Haruno’s hair there was as soft as the hair on his head. The texture felt so good that Yachi couldn’t resist playing with it. Once, he had teased Haruno so much that Haruno had seriously asked, "Should I shave it if it bothers you?" It had surprised Yachi. But now, Haruno knew that Yachi enjoyed it, so he said nothing and let Yachi do as he pleased.

"...Yachi-san," Haruno moaned in a sweet, raspy voice. Then he grabbed Yachi’s hand, guiding it to his groin. His arousal had been obvious since Yachi had been teasing his nipples, and the tip was already wet.

Sex with another man was raw and explicit. The degree of desire and arousal was clear to see, which could make it both painful and ridiculous... and yet so endearing.

Wanting to respond to Haruno’s plea for affection, Yachi gently touched him, feeling Haruno’s desire grow in his hand.

"Ah... ah..."

Haruno’s hips trembled. His cheeks and eyes flushed with a faint blush, his thin lips parting to release ragged breaths. With each restrained breath, his shoulders shivered. Yachi used his index finger to lightly stroke Haruno’s chin, which was tilted downward.

Haruno’s slender chin was lifted, and his half-open eyes, glistening with desire, beckoned Yachi. When Yachi kissed him, Haruno sniffled like a puppy.

While they kissed, Haruno climaxed in Yachi’s hand. After countless times since last night, there wasn’t much, and it was thin.

Compared to relations with a woman, being intimate with Haruno was incomparably intense. The frequency, the depth—everything. Haruno might have a stronger libido than most. His usual demeanor gave no hint of it, but Yachi preferred it that way. He liked that Haruno saved his lustfulness just for him.

Though Haruno had seemed off last night, the lover in Yachi’s arms now was his usual self. They kissed, touched each other to their heart’s content, and indulged in the sweet and lewd atmosphere. Yachi was suddenly brought back to reality by the cat’s irritated meow. Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was nearly 11 a.m.—close to noon. He had completely forgotten to feed the cat.

When Yachi started to get up, Haruno grabbed his arm. He looked up at Yachi with pleading eyes, as if silently asking him not to go. The way Haruno clung to him, like a child, was endearing. Yachi stroked Haruno’s thin shoulder and planted a soft kiss on his pale temple.

"I’m just going to feed the cat."

Reluctantly, Yachi stood up, put on his underwear and pajama pants, and left the room. After feeding the cat in the kitchen, he opened the window in the living room, letting in the sound of cicadas chirping like a persistent summer rain.

The garden had always been loud during summer. Surrounded by the noisy sounds, Yachi sat down on the veranda. The Chinese lantern planted at the base of the garden’s hill had turned red. He had noticed the fruit earlier, but when had it turned red?

When he was a child, Yachi used to play in the garden a lot. Once he became an elementary school student, he started playing outside more, and by high school, he barely paid attention to the garden at all. But when he looked back, his parents and the garden were always there. When he was younger, he couldn’t imagine what changes the future would bring.

The days passed quietly, and in the process, both of his parents passed away, and Yachi himself was now past forty. The only thing that hadn’t changed was the garden.

But what about ten years from now? Haruno might not be by his side anymore. But the garden... the garden would probably stay the same.

Having finished its meal, the cat approached and stretched out like a starfish on the veranda, falling asleep in a most un-catlike position.

The cat showed no signs of caution, lying on its back with its belly exposed as Yachi stroked its nose. Its long tail swayed back and forth as if to say, "Keep petting me."

The floorboard creaked behind him. When Yachi turned around, he saw Haruno standing in the kitchen, wearing nothing but his boxers. Haruno was watching him silently, saying nothing.

Yachi raised his hand and curled his fingers slightly in a beckoning gesture. Drawn by the gesture, Haruno approached and sat down next to Yachi, hugging his knees.

In the dim light of the north-facing bedroom, Haruno’s body had seemed purely sensual, but in the bright daylight, it exuded a clean, refined allure.

"The Chinese lantern have turned red," Yachi said, pointing to the garden. Haruno followed his gaze and nodded, "Ah, yes."

"They were still green just last week."

It was a trivial remark, but having someone to respond to it made Yachi feel content.

The sound of a car’s exhaust passed by on the other side of the fence. Haruno brushed his bangs back.

"If someone were to see us now, they’d probably wonder what two men are doing half-naked together."

"We’re fine. We’re still wearing underwear," Yachi replied.

A faint red mark lingered on Haruno’s neck, the result of Yachi’s passion from the night before. Yachi had always been careful to avoid leaving visible marks, knowing it could be awkward if someone at the office noticed. But last night, he had been too absorbed to pay attention.

As Yachi gazed at Haruno’s long, white neck, he thought that a yukata would suit him well. He wanted to see Haruno wearing one. What color would look best? His mother, who loved sewing and was skilled in making traditional Japanese clothes, had made several yukatas, which were now stored in the wardrobe.

Yachi gently stroked his lover’s cheek with his fingers. If he found the right occasion, would Haruno wear a yukata for him?

"There's a festival tonight at the nearby shrine. Would you like to go together?"

Haruno stared at Yachi for a moment, then nodded like a child.

◇:-:◆:-:◇

Later that afternoon, Haruno was busy with some work his company had assigned him, and he stayed in the study for the rest of the day. During that time, Yachi went to his mother's room and searched the wardrobe for a yukata and an obi.

Yachi wanted to dress Haruno in one, but their body types were different. Haruno was slightly shorter and slimmer, so the only yukata that might fit him was the navy one Yachi had worn in high school.

When Haruno finished his work and came to Yachi’s room, he looked curiously at the yukata spread out on the tatami floor. Yachi asked, "Would you like to try it on?" Haruno didn’t refuse.

Yachi had worried that the yukata might look too youthful, but the navy color contrasted beautifully with Haruno’s pale skin and suited him well. Haruno, who hadn’t worn a yukata since kindergarten, seemed pleased with it.

After dinner, Yachi also changed into a flax-colored yukata. He was concerned about finding a geta (traditional Japanese sandals) that would fit Haruno, but it turned out that the pair his father used to wear was the right size.

It was endearing to see Haruno cautiously take his first steps in the geta. Once he got used to them, he seemed to enjoy the sound the wooden soles made, and he stomped his feet repeatedly like a child.

At 7 p.m., while it was still light outside, they left the house together. The air was still warm, holding onto the heat of the day, just like yesterday.

A gentle breeze blew by, and Haruno fanned his face with an old bamboo fan. When Yachi noticed, Haruno turned the fan toward him, creating a small breeze.

"I’m fine," Yachi said.

Even so, Haruno occasionally fanned him, thinking he must be hot, and Yachi appreciated the gesture. As they approached the shrine, food stalls lined the road, and the smell of food wafted through the air. The stalls were simple and inexpensive, meant more for children than adults, but Yachi liked the lively atmosphere. It was infectious, lifting his spirits.

They entered the shrine’s pathway, walking down the long gravel road until they reached the main hall. Yachi tossed a coin into the offering box and closed his eyes, silently praying three times for his and Haruno’s health before opening them again. When he did, he found Haruno gazing at him intently.

They finished their prayers and began to walk back down the pathway, moving more slowly now as they admired the stalls on either side. Yachi wanted to savor the moment of enjoying the festival with his lover for as long as possible.

Among the crowd, many people were dressed in yukatas, but most of them were women. The vibrant reds and yellows of their garments were as dazzling as a field of flowers.

In contrast, Haruno’s navy yukata seemed to blend into the night. Though it was subtle, the quiet elegance suited him. Perhaps it was just his love speaking, but Yachi couldn’t help but think that Haruno looked the best in his simple yukata, even without the bright colors that adorned the others.

"Do you come here every year?" Haruno asked.

Shaking his head, Yachi replied, "No, it’s been a few years."

"Why did you decide to come this year?"

Yachi couldn’t bring himself to admit that it was because he wanted to see Haruno in a yukata, or because he wanted to walk around with him.

A warm breeze blew by, and the sound of wind chimes echoed through the air. Rows of glass wind chimes were hung under the eaves of the stalls. They caught the breeze and made a pleasant tinkling sound under the fluorescent lights. Yachi remembered how his mother used to hang wind chimes under the eaves every summer until she passed away. He wondered what had happened to those chimes.

"Which one do you like?" Yachi asked.

Haruno tilted his head, thinking for a moment before pointing to a simple, oval-shaped wind chime, with a brushstroke-like mark on the glass.

"That one."

"Please give me this one," Yachi said to the vendor, buying the wind chime Haruno liked and handing it to him with a "Here you go."

He wondered if Haruno might be annoyed to receive such a gift, but Haruno’s expression softened into a warm smile as he accepted it, saying, "Thank you."

Yachi felt a warm sensation spread through his chest. Seeing the person he loved happy made him happy too. It was a simple form of happiness, something he could never have experienced alone.

Yachi began walking slowly again, feeling the warm breeze, hearing the cool sound of the wind chime, smelling the food, and enjoying the presence of the person he loved beside him. He couldn’t help but feel a little giddy.

As they exited the shrine’s pathway, there was a sudden snapping sound. Haruno let out a surprised "Whoa!" and stumbled forward.

His right geta had come off and rolled behind him. When Yachi picked it up, he saw that the thong strap had snapped. The geta was old and hadn’t been worn in years, so it was no surprise.

Haruno looked down at the broken geta in distress. Yachi lifted Haruno into his arms. Haruno clung to Yachi’s neck as Yachi carried him over to a stone wall by the side of the road.

"Lean against this and wait a moment," Yachi said.

Leaving Haruno there, Yachi retraced their steps along the shrine’s path. He went back to the stall where he had bought the wind chime and explained the situation. The vendor kindly gave him a piece of packing string about a foot long.

When Yachi returned, Haruno was standing alone by the stone wall, looking a little lost in the crowd. His face brightened with relief when he saw Yachi approaching.

Yachi knelt in front of Haruno.

"I’ll fix the geta."

"Can it be fixed?"

"I’ll just tie the strap back together. It’s a temporary fix, but it should last until we get home."

Haruno lifted his foot from the broken geta, leaving his right foot without support. Yachi knew it must be tiring to stand on one leg, so he gently grasped Haruno’s right ankle and rested it on his thigh as he crouched down.

Yachi turned the geta over. Despite the dim light from the streetlamps, he managed to tie the strap back together.

"This should be good enough to get you home," Yachi said, placing the repaired geta at Haruno’s feet.

"Thank you."

Haruno lifted his leg off Yachi’s thigh, and at that moment, Yachi was startled to see Haruno’s pale, exposed genitals peek out from the opening of his yukata. A wave of heat rushed to Yachi’s face. When he had dressed Haruno in the yukata earlier, Haruno had been wearing underwear...

Haruno took a few steps in his repaired geta sandals.

"They seem fine," he said, then looked at Yachi with a puzzled expression.

"Is something wrong?"

It was hard for Yachi to ask outright why Haruno wasn’t wearing any underwear. Did he forget to put them back on after dirtying them at home? Or maybe he ran out of clean ones? But no, yesterday’s weather had been good, and Yachi had done the laundry. There shouldn’t have been a shortage of underwear.

If Haruno had deliberately chosen not to wear them, Yachi wished he’d be more careful with his movements. Or was this intentional? But the way Haruno looked at him and asked if something was wrong didn’t seem like an invitation...

"Let’s go home," Yachi muttered, taking Haruno’s hand.

"Uh, Yachi-san?"

Yachi walked briskly, still holding Haruno’s hand. The idea of Haruno walking around without underwear made him uneasy. He wanted to get him home as quickly as possible, away from any prying eyes.

The sound of their geta clattering on the night road echoed around them. Neither of them spoke as they walked, and Haruno silently followed. The earlier excitement of enjoying the walk back together was gone.

Finally, they reached home. Yachi opened the wooden gate and stepped into the garden. Relieved to be back in their territory, he let go of Haruno’s hand. When he turned back, he saw Haruno’s face slightly flushed.

A rustling sound came from the bushes, and their tabby cat emerged. It had likely been enjoying a nighttime stroll. The cat meowed and swatted at the wind chime Haruno was holding. The chime made a cool, pleasant sound, and Haruno quickly lifted it out of the cat’s reach. The tabby stood on its hind legs, placing its paws on Haruno’s knee as if demanding to play with the chime. If they left it in a low place, it would undoubtedly become the cat’s toy.

"We’ll have to hang this somewhere the cat can’t reach," Haruno murmured. Yachi was reminded of how his mother used to pluck at the wind chime’s paper strip on windless days, making it ring intentionally.

"We can probably hang it somewhere under the eaves. It used to be there," Yachi suggested.

With the playful cat still following him, Haruno walked along the veranda leading from the garden to the living room. The porch light was on, and the moonlight added a faint glow to the surroundings.

The house’s eaves extended far out, and the veranda was built outside the windows, allowing them to climb up from the garden.

Haruno removed his geta, flipped the hem of his yukata, and stepped up onto the veranda. He looked under the eaves and hung the wind chime there. Like Yachi’s mother used to do, he deliberately shook the paper strip, making it ring. The tabby cat gazed up at the chime, letting out a plaintive meow.

"It looks good," Haruno said with a satisfied smile as he sat down on the veranda, one knee raised. Though no one else was around, Yachi couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy.

"Why aren’t you wearing underwear?" Yachi asked.

Haruno gasped, his breath catching in his throat, and hastily straightened his yukata, covering his exposed leg.

"When I was fixing your geta, I caught a glimpse, and it surprised me."

Even in the dim light, Yachi could see Haruno’s face turning bright red.

"I’m sorry," Haruno mumbled.

"You don’t have to apologize. But I think it’s better if you wear underwear. If you suddenly trip or something happens, it could be awkward."

Haruno covered his face with his hands.

"When I lived alone, I often walked around in just a bathrobe after a bath. The yukata felt similar, so..."

It seemed he had unintentionally forgotten to put them back on. While it was fine at home, it was bold of him to consider going out like that. But Yachi couldn’t help but find this unexpected side of his lover endearing.

Yachi sat down beside Haruno. A faint breeze stirred the air, causing the wind chime to emit a soft, delicate sound. Haruno glanced at him with slightly raised eyes, asking, "Are you mad?" Yachi wondered why Haruno looked so scared; there was no reason to be angry over something like this.

Instead of responding with words, Yachi leaned forward and kissed him. This was a quicker way to communicate. Haruno’s eyes widened in surprise before he stared back at Yachi, then nuzzled his nose against him, asking for more.

Yachi kissed him again. Haruno’s knee shifted, causing his yukata to part slightly. Yachi was overwhelmed by the urge to slide his hand inside. With just a little more movement, he could touch that soft spot.

But he told himself not to, not here. He settled for just kissing. His heart pounded, and he swallowed hard—though it might have been his imagination, the sound seemed loud. Yachi felt like his desire was on full display, and he couldn’t meet Haruno’s eyes, so he looked away.

The veranda’s wooden planks creaked. Haruno stood up, looking down at Yachi from above.

In front of Yachi, Haruno reached under his obi and slowly pulled his yukata open. Yachi’s breath caught in his throat as his gaze was drawn to Haruno’s exposed groin.

Framed by thin pubic hair, Haruno’s genitals stood at a slight angle, reacting to being watched.

As if pulled by a magnet, Yachi leaned in, burying his nose in the soft hair. The scent of Haruno filled his senses. Then, Yachi used his right hand to lift Haruno’s half-erect penis, as if guiding it into his mouth.

"Ah..."

The salty taste lingered on Yachi’s tongue as he slowly savored it. Haruno’s hips trembled, his knees gradually buckling as he crouched down. Yachi supported Haruno’s legs, gently biting and sucking on his soft scrotum.

"Ah... ah..."

Haruno’s pale thighs closed tightly around Yachi’s head, as if he couldn’t bear it any longer. Yachi alternated between pleasuring Haruno’s scrotum and penis, causing Haruno’s slender hips to undulate.

"...I’m... coming..."

Even as Haruno warned him, Yachi didn’t stop. Moments later, Haruno’s hot desire was released into Yachi’s mouth, and he swallowed it down.

When Yachi looked up, Haruno was panting, his mouth half-open, his chest heaving. Yachi wanted to see more. He placed his hands on Haruno’s yukata and pulled it open, exposing his thin chest and pale nipples.

Haruno’s cheeks turned the same shade as his nipples as he bashfully turned his head to the side. He had been so bold, exposing himself and seducing Yachi earlier, but now he was shy just from baring his chest. The contrast made Yachi’s desire flare even more. He pinched Haruno’s nipple, eliciting a sweet moan.

Yachi could feel his own yukata being opened. His lustful lover pulled down Yachi’s underwear and grasped his erection, causing Yachi to groan.

Haruno gazed at Yachi with a sultry look, pushing his hips against him. Lost in their mutual desire, they clung to each other, but Yachi knew they couldn’t continue outside, even under the eaves.

"...Let’s go inside," Yachi whispered in Haruno’s ear, but Haruno shook his head like a child.

"Now..."

"But..."

"Please... hurry..."

Haruno’s pleading, along with his needy kisses, made Yachi want to give in. It made him want to do it... It was already late at night. Surely no one would come.

Yachi quickly prepared Haruno’s body, pressing his eager self against him. Haruno’s eyes, innocent and defenseless like someone drunk, stared back at him.

They kissed as Yachi slowly eased into the narrow space. The tightness nearly made him lose control, but he held back and pushed in as deeply as he could.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

Haruno nodded, trembling. Yachi stayed still for a moment, letting his body adjust and fit comfortably inside his lover, then began to move slowly in and out.

He pulled back until he was almost out, then thrust back in firmly. A moan escaped Haruno's lips as he clung to Yachi, his thin chest heaving.

"It feels... so good..."

Yachi stroked Haruno's soft hair, kissing him repeatedly. He rocked inside Haruno, thrusting deep. When Haruno said he was close, Yachi deliberately pressed down on the base of his penis, making Haruno writhe as he tightened around him painfully. Haruno had confessed, with embarrassment, that he liked it when Yachi did that.

Feeling almost animalistic, Yachi lost himself in their lovemaking.

◇:-:◆:-:◇

Afterward, Haruno sat on Yachi's lap, facing him, his yukata barely hanging on after their intense session on the veranda. They were both drenched in sweat. Yachi suggested they go inside, but Haruno ignored him, remaining on his lap, nuzzling his neck and nibbling his earlobe, savoring the afterglow alone.

Even after the intense passion had passed, Haruno enjoyed staying close like this. As Yachi gently stroked Haruno's damp back, he glanced at the garden entrance. Though the overgrown branches and leaves provided privacy, he never imagined they would do something like this in such a place.

Yachi hadn’t had many partners, so he couldn’t compare, but Haruno was sensitive and bold. Tonight, his reactions had been particularly intense. Maybe... he likes being in open spaces, Yachi thought as he touched Haruno’s cheek.

"Do you like this kind of thing?"

Haruno tilted his head.

"What kind of thing?"

Haruno's serious question made Yachi feel embarrassed.

"Well... doing it outside."

Haruno blushed and looked down, gripping Yachi’s arm tightly. Yachi wondered if it would’ve been better to understand his lover’s peculiar preferences without speaking them aloud.

"It’s not that I particularly like it," Haruno muttered.

"But you seemed to... enjoy it more than usual..." Yachi started to say, but stopped himself. There was no need to say such things.

"I won’t do anything so indecent again," Haruno apologized in a barely audible voice, like a child who had been caught doing something bad.

Yachi found it oddly amusing.

"Why are you laughing?" Haruno asked, nearly in tears.

"Ah, sorry..."

"I'm serious about not doing it again. I don't want you to be disgusted with me or to hate me. Yesterday, someone told me, 'You’re good at it, but sometimes you get carried away...'" Haruno trailed off, realizing he had said too much, and his body tensed up on Yachi's lap.

Did he mean being "good" and "getting carried away" in terms of sex? From the start, Haruno had been quite experienced. Since he was in his thirties, he must have had a fair share of experiences. Yachi had never really thought about it until now.

The fact that such words came up indicated that Haruno had some kind of relationship with the person who said them.

"Yesterday, you had a business dinner, right?"

"Yes," Haruno replied sharply.

"On my way back, I ran into someone I know. But we only talked for a bit on the street—I didn’t do anything inappropriate."

"Okay."

"Really, nothing happened."

"I believe you."

Despite Yachi’s reassurance, Haruno didn’t seem convinced.

"I haven’t slept with anyone else since we started dating."

Haruno looked as if he were about to face an execution, his expression bleak. For Yachi, it was common sense that if you had a lover, you didn’t sleep with anyone else. But the existence of words like "cheating" and "infidelity" suggested that some people did go down that path. And Yachi didn’t know much about Haruno’s past relationships.

"It’s okay. I’ve always been prepared for the possibility that you might leave me someday."

Haruno gripped Yachi’s cheek tightly.

"Do you want to break up with me?"

His eyes were so intense that it was almost frightening.

"No, I don’t. It’s just that I don’t know what the future holds. I want to stay together, but I know it could end someday. But as long as you’re with me, I want to cherish that time."

"I would never hate you. Never. But aren’t you tired of me, Yachi-san? I’m so indecent, lacking in refinement..."

Not wanting to hear Haruno belittle himself, Yachi silenced him with a kiss.

"I’m sorry for talking about the future like that."

He gently rubbed Haruno’s wet lips with his thumb.

"But if you ever want to break up, don’t hesitate to tell me."

"I don’t want that," Haruno said, gripping Yachi’s arms tightly.

"If I ever say I want to break up, don’t let me. Lock me in this house so I can’t leave..."

"I wouldn’t do something so cruel."

Tears welled up in Haruno’s eyes, spilling down his pale cheeks.

"Why are you crying?"

Haruno sniffled loudly and rubbed his eyes.

"...Yachi-san, you’re so cold."

Yachi wondered if he had really done something so terrible to make Haruno cry. What had he done wrong? He couldn’t figure it out.

"I’m sorry... What should I do?"

Yachi wiped away Haruno’s tears with his fingers.

"How should I be kind to you?"

Haruno’s response was a helpless "I don’t know."

"Someone once told me that relationships between people like Yachi-san, who aren’t gay, don’t last long. I don’t know anyone else in a relationship with a straight man, so I don’t know what to do. Even at the beginning, I was the one who forced myself on you. Sometimes I feel like you’re just going along with this because of the situation. When we’re having sex, I feel secure because I know you want me. But..."

Was he insecure? Did he feel like Yachi’s affection wasn’t clear enough? Was that why he got so anxious over what other people said?

"I love you," Yachi said.

Haruno shook his head violently.

"But I love you much more than you love me. I’ve loved you for years, even when I knew I had no chance, I couldn’t forget you. I’ve done shameless, embarrassing things that I can hardly believe myself. When I’m with you, I’m not the same person I used to be."

Haruno continued.

"I never wanted to wear a yukata. I wasn’t interested in festivals, and I hate crowds. But when you suggested it, I thought I’d try the yukata, and I even wanted to go to the festival. I hate crowds, but I had so much fun that I want to go again next year. I didn’t even want a wind chime, but when you bought it for me, I was so happy. I don’t even want the cat to touch it..."

Haruno pounded his fists lightly against Yachi’s chest.

"What are you going to do about this?" he demanded, pressing his feelings on Yachi without any pretense.

His emotional outburst made Yachi think how young he still was.

"I might not be able to match your intensity, but my feelings are the same."

"I don’t want you to hate me."

" I won’t hate you."

"There are times when I hate myself. But I don’t know what to do about it..."

"You’re fine just as you are."

"But..."

Yachi gently kissed Haruno's forehead. Being together, spending time with each other—that’s all he wanted.

"Every day I spend with you is precious to me," Yachi said, and then, feeling embarrassed, he pulled Haruno into a hug. He hoped that even ten years from now, this cat-like man would still be by his side.

THE END

Footnotes

0. Content warning: NSFW.

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