MUNDANE HURT: Chapter 11

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Nishizaki woke up around noon, his stomach growling, and made his way to the kitchen to scavenge through the fridge. There were a few side dishes from the convenience store, but he felt an insistent craving for instant noodles. Digging around the cupboards, he found a small wooden box containing an old hand-crank coffee grinder.

It brought back memories of his uncle, a coffee enthusiast who used to grind beans with a similar mill. His uncle had always exuded a refined air. But this kind of classy stuff doesn’t suit Nagano at all, he thought.

The memory of his uncle’s coffee aroma drifting through the living room came back to him, and an urge for a fresh brew began to settle in his mind. The box held everything needed—a coffee server, a dripper, filters—all except the beans. I’ll deal with it later.

Leaving it all out on the counter, he sat down with Nagano’s computer and mindlessly surfed the internet, watching the hours slip by until he noticed it was past seven. Nagano should be home any minute now.

Sure enough, as he reached the hallway, there was Nagano, stepping out of his shoes and holding out a paper bag. The department store’s logo was stamped on the front, and inside was a vibrant steak bento. His mood lifted instantly.

“This looks amazing! So, you can get it right when you try,” he teased.

Nagano sighed, a little under his breath. “A coworker told me that if I went to the underground food section of the department store, I could avoid losing points."

"Losing points? What, is this baseball or something?" he joked, setting out the bento on the table. Nagano quickly shrugged off his coat and started making tea. True to its appearance, the meat was tender and perfectly seasoned, the flavor so rich that he felt a rare spark of happiness. When Nishizaki looked up, he noticed that Nagano’s chopsticks hadn’t moved; Nagano was just watching him. He held his gaze for a second before flashing a grin. What are you staring at? Nagano’s gaze dropped as he picked at a piece of hijiki with his chopsticks.

“You’re into coffee, huh?” he asked suddenly.

Nagano mumbled, “Not particularly.”

“But you’ve got all the gear.”

“I used to drink it a lot.”

“Could you pick up some beans on your way home tomorrow?” He watched as Nagano paused, considering.

“What kind of beans?” Nagano asked after a moment.

“Whatever you like.”

Nagano nodded, and they went back to their meal. Savoring the last bite, he stretched out on the floor, full and content, while Nagano silently cleaned up, even collecting the empty containers. He watched as Nagano moved briskly, clearing the table without a word of complaint. He never tells me to help… what’s going on in that head of his? Though he had no way of knowing, he could feel Nagano’s awareness of him had sharpened since yesterday.

After Nagano’s bath, Nishizaki went in himself, scrubbing his body with care, thinking he might try to get close to Nagano again tonight. Need to close the gap while things are still warm. He briefly considered washing a more intimate area, but the moment he touched it, a dark memory surfaced—too vivid—and he quickly stopped himself.

When he stepped out of the bath, he found Nagano reading by the window. Nagano looked up and told him his phone had been ringing. Did I miss something important? He hurried over to his phone on the charger, noting the blinking notification light. Swiping to check, he saw a missed call.

“I thought about answering, but it stopped before I could decide,” Nagano said.

Clutching his phone, Nishizaki rushed out of the apartment, redialing the number. After five rings, the familiar voice on the other end picked up.

“Sorry I couldn’t answer earlier. I was in the bath…”

The voice was calm, even cheerful, but somehow always unsettling. “Slacking off again, aren’t we?”

No… it’s not like that… He swallowed and replied, “I’m still working on it. He’s just a bit cautious still.”

Silence filled the line. His heartbeat thudded in his ears until the voice on the other end laughed—a cruel sound, though the reason was unclear. He let out a breath, feeling relieved, but then, “Hurry up and get him to talk, idiot!” The shout blared through the phone before the line went dead.

His body began to tremble uncontrollably, and he sank to the floor. I could just turn it off. Cut the signal completely. But he knew too well what would happen if he did: that voice would turn up in person, fists flying.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs. Nagano descended, glancing around until he spotted him crouched on the floor. “What are you doing down there?” he asked, concern briefly flickering in his eyes.

Forcing his trembling lips into a smile, Nishizaki looked up. Just smile. Don’t let him see.

"…Meditation, or something like that."

He’d put everything into that joke, but Nagano was the wrong audience—no smile, no reaction. Without a word, Nagano just held out a thick black down jacket.

“It’s cold out here.”

The jacket’s warmth was intense, flooding in to the point he almost felt like crying.

“You’ll catch a cold if you stay out dressed like that,” Nagano added before turning back to his apartment. He followed, and Nagano must have sensed him because he turned and asked, tilting his head, “Are you done?”

“Meditation got boring,” he replied.

Nagano raised an eyebrow slightly, as if to say, Strange guy. They entered the apartment, and after Nagano removed his shoes, Nishizaki grabbed his right arm roughly. As Nagano turned, surprised, he leaned in and kissed him. Of course his lips are still chapped.

“Are you mad?” Nagano asked.

“What would make you think that?”

Nishizaki took off his shoes, grabbed Nagano’s arm, and pulled him over to the bed, then shoved him down onto it. Sitting on top of him, he looked down at the stunned face beneath him. Grabbing the hem of Nagano’s sweatshirt, he pulled it up, catching a glimpse of his belly button before Nagano stopped him.

“What the hell are you doing?” Nagano snapped.

“Picking up where we left off last night.”

“I don’t remember agreeing to that.”

“Is there ever a time to spell things out in situations like this? Would you really say, ‘Guess we’re about to have sex’?”

“Last night was… kind of an accident.”

“Then let’s call this one, you know, another ‘accident.’”

Nagano propped himself up on one arm. Though he was still looking down at him, their faces were now close enough to feel each other’s breath.

“Nishizaki, I still don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours.”

“Guess that just means you’re into it.”

Nagano laid a hand on his chest. “And what about how I feel? You planning to just ignore that?”

“If you’re not into it, push me away. It’s not like I can sit on top of someone who seriously doesn’t want this.”

As soon as Nishizaki said it, though, he braced himself, half-expecting to be shoved off. But Nagano didn’t push him; instead, he looked torn, his brow creasing in visible hesitation. Man, he’s really overthinking this.

“Listen, you’re taking this way too seriously. Just relax and go with the vibe. If it feels good, that’s what matters.” Nishizaki leaned down and kissed him. Nagano neither reciprocated nor resisted, so he kept going, pulling off Nagano’s sweatshirt while they kissed. Nagano’s body was lean and toned from his morning runs, which he admired until a stray thought interrupted—My body… all these bruises… The marks on his skin, blue fading to purple, might be off-putting. Last night it had been dark, but now the lights were glaring.

Nishizaki reached for the remote on the bedside table and dimmed the room. Under the glow of the tiny orange light, he could just make out the soft contours of Nagano’s face and body, which was now bare from the waist up. He tried prompting, “You can undress me if you want,” but Nagano only looked down, hands still.

“So… is this supposed to be a casual thing?” Nagano asked. The way he said it made everything feel too serious, too heavy.

“Think what you want. I really don’t care,” Nishizaki shrugged.

Nagano gave his shoulder a light push, causing him to sway, then topple onto the bed. The next thing he knew, Nagano was on top of him, a large shadow looming over him. The memory of being raped by those foreigners flashed through his mind—and his hands flew to cover his mouth to stop the scream that almost escaped. No… I can’t handle this… Nishizaki squeezed his eyes shut.

Then, a soft kiss landed on the back of his hand, and again, a light touch. Nervous, he cracked his eyes open, seeing Nagano kissing his hand, over and over, then letting his tongue run along the skin. The sensation surprised him, and he let his hands fall—only for Nagano to seize his jaw. Their lips met.

This kiss was nothing like the gentle pecks on his hand. It was sticky, insistent, their mouths locking together in a wet tangle as Nagano’s tongue pushed its way in without hesitation. Oh yeah, this guy kissed like this before, he remembered. That same clingy intensity. For someone who had complained about “feelings” or whatever, Nagano sure was enthusiastic now.

As Nagano kissed him deeply enough to leave him gasping for air, his shirt was stripped away. Fingers pinched lightly at his nipples. I might’ve initiated this, but this guy is way too into it, and it’s kinda terrifying.

Yesterday, when we were just using our hands, it was fine. What’s different this time? The answer hit him: It’s the power dynamic, being pinned beneath someone else’s weight, feeling as though he was at their mercy. Yesterday, I was in control. Now, he is.

Nishizaki forced himself to endure it, trying to keep Nagano from noticing his unease. Nagano's initial approach had been aggressive, but his touch, though persistent, wasn’t rough. Realizing this eased his nerves a bit. His fingers traced over his body with an almost irritating thoroughness, but there was a certain gentleness that calmed him.

Nagano’s mouth replaced his fingers, his tongue teasing his nipples, sucking with a maddening slowness that sent tremors down his hips. Fingers trailed over his body like creeping insects, methodical and deliberate. Yeah, this guy’s definitely not a virgin, he thought. He’s not exactly a pro, but this isn’t someone fumbling through their first time either.

The attention to detail was relentless; his entire body was tasted and explored, sometimes uncomfortably so, yet there were moments of undeniable pleasure. He tried to reciprocate, reaching to touch Nagano’s cock—because, why should he be the only one doing anything?— but this time, Nagano brushed his hand away, even though he hadn’t protested last night. Nagano’s slow, steady handling of him melted his resolve, making it hard to stay focused on taking control.

Nagano stroked him slowly as they kissed, the pleasure turning his body into a useless puddle. Any idea of taking the lead himself melted away. When Nishizaki finally came, it wasn’t on his own terms. Nagano kept hold of him, forcing him over the edge. The sensation coursed through him like electric ripples down his spine, leaving him slack and utterly spent. God, that felt way too good.

I was supposed to be the one making him melt with my bed skills. How the hell did I end up like this?

Nagano climbed off the bed, and he thought, Finally, it’s over. But then Nagano returned, pulling on a condom, and he froze.

What the hell is this guy doing?!

Nagano grasped his legs, spreading them wide, positioning himself. I don’t want him to go that far—it’s gonna hurt—but saying no feels impossible right now. And seriously, wasn’t he hesitant at first? Now he wants to go all the way? Make up your mind!

“Hey, uh… are you planning to put it in?” Nishizaki blurted out.

Nagano didn’t respond, his silence speaking for itself.

“It’s fine,” Nishizaki said, a little uncertainly, “but… you’re pretty big, so don’t just barge in, alright? And, um, go easy on me—I’m not really used to this.”

Nagano remained quiet, then finally replied, “Alright.”

True to his word, Nagano was careful. When the first finger entered him, the memory of being raped surfaced, and his body went rigid. But Nagano moved slowly, deliberately, taking his time to stretch him out. Fingers probed and twisted inside him, stroking in slow, deliberate movements. It wasn’t exactly pleasant—it felt strange and invasive—but it didn’t hurt.

As Nagano continued to rub along his inner walls, there was a spot that sent a sharp jolt through him, an almost electric sensation that made him feel like something might spill out. Before Nishizaki realized it, a startled, “Ah!” escaped his lips.

Nagano paused immediately. “Does it hurt?”

“No, it’s… not that…”

Nishizaki couldn’t hold back the little gasps as Nagano returned to that spot, each brush sparking that same tremor. Kissing him, Nagano continued with an intense focus on that sensitive area, and Nishizaki felt himself hardening again. Is this that prostate massage thing?

Nishizaki remembered Miyu once offering to try it on him, and how he’d flat-out refused, saying, No way, that’s not for me. Now he was realizing how good it actually felt, though a bit too late to tell her.

Nagano’s relentless attention left him tingling, his body feeling both numb and over-sensitized. By the time Nagano’s firm body slipped between his legs and pressed something hot against his well-prepared entrance, there was no fear—just a strange, overwhelming sense of foreignness. The slow pressure of being stretched open felt odd, and Nishizaki braced himself for pain, squeezing his eyes shut.

But the care Nagano had taken to prepare him paid off. The intrusion was slow, deliberate, and by the time Nagano was fully inside, the pressure was intense, but it barely hurt.

So even something this big doesn’t hurt if you prep for it, Nishizaki thought with a strange kind of amazement.

They were joined now, and Nagano leaned down, his kiss slow and heavy. As Nishizaki was caught up in the kiss, the thing inside him moved—slowly pulling out, stopping midway, then easing back in. The deliberate pace caught him off guard. Even when I’ve been with women, I’ve never moved this carefully, Nishizaki thought. There was a kind of consideration in the way Nagano moved, an attention he wasn’t used to.

Lately, he’d been hit, kicked, and treated like garbage. Feeling this kind of tenderness for the first time in what felt like forever left his chest aching.

“Does it hurt?” Nagano asked softly, his breath tickling his ear.

The question made tears spring to his eyes all at once.

Nagano, startled, brushed away the tears with his thumb. “So it does hurt—”

“No,” Nishizaki interrupted, looping his arms around Nagano’s neck to pull him closer. He whispered, “It feels good.”

“It feels amazing… with you.”

Nishizaki sensed Nagano’s body heat rise slightly. But even so, he didn’t lose control. His movements stayed gentle, steady, and considerate. When he brushed against his prostate, the sensation sent shivers of pleasure from deep inside, rippling all the way to the tip of his length. Even after Nagano finally withdrew, the lingering sensations—a soft, bubbly pleasure—remained, leaving him dazed and satisfied.

It was nothing like being raped. This was warmth, comfort, and satisfaction.

Next to him, Nagano slowly sat up.

“What are you doing?”

Nagano, who was just about to get up, turned to look back.

“...Just going to rinse off.”

“Then I’ll join you.”

Nishizaki pulled himself halfway up from the bed. His hips ached, and his body felt sore and heavy from his abdomen down to his waist. His ass was still tingling. When he held his stomach, Nagano asked, “Does it hurt?”

“Not exactly, but it still feels like it’s… in there. You’re just that big.”

Nagano glanced up.

“Not into dirty talk, are you?”

They shared a strange pause, eyes meeting. Nagano leaned closer, and thinking he was going in for a kiss, he leaned in to meet him. The kiss grew deeper, and Nagano’s arms wrapped around him, gently guiding him back down onto the bed. Nishizaki couldn’t help but laugh at the firm press of Nagano’s erect penis against his stomach. Nagano gave his cheek a light pinch.

“What’s so funny?”

“Man, you’re way too energetic. What are you, a teenager?”

“Shut up,” Nagano muttered, leaning in for another kiss. That hardness hadn’t gone away. Nishizaki wondered if Nagano would ask to go again. His body was worn out, his ass still tingling, and he wasn’t sure he was up for another round. But he figured if Nagano really wanted to, he wouldn’t be able to refuse. Yet, despite the clear want in Nagano’s eyes, he managed to keep himself in check, settling for a lingering kiss without pressing for more.

They must’ve fallen asleep in each other’s arms because when Nishizaki opened his eyes again, it was morning. A soft light filled the room, and the sheets clung around him, feeling oddly tight. He twisted his upper body to stretch, only to hit something hard with his left elbow. A voice groaned in pain right beside him. Rolling over in a hurry, he saw Nagano lying against the wall, hands covering his face. He instantly realized what happened.

“Oh, sorry—did I elbow you?”

Nagano curled in on himself, groaning.

“I didn’t realize you were there. Seriously, I’m sorry. Are you okay? Let me see.”

He gently pulled Nagano’s hands away to inspect the damage. Nagano’s left cheek was red, his eyes a little teary.

“Your eye’s fine, yeah?” Nishizaki asked, brushing a thumb along the corner of Nagano’s eye. Meeting Nagano’s damp gaze, he remembered suddenly—they had… sex, last night. There hadn’t been pain, just a gentle, warm pleasure. He noticed Nagano’s mouth part slightly, the air between them thickening again. Nagano’s hand slowly came up to stroke his cheek and ear, drawing his face closer.

The kiss was thick, like buttercream. It’s morning, for God’s sake, Nishizaki thought. But since he’d jabbed him with an elbow, he let Nagano go on as an apology. That didn’t seem to end anytime soon, though, and the touches grew more sensual, lingering on his back and hips. When he tried to pull away, Nagano leaned back over him, sucking at his neck with a deliberate slowness that almost made him laugh.

All this soft, unhurried affection—it felt like they were a new couple. But Nishizaki knew Nagano had work, so there was no way this would go any further. At least, I think, he told himself. He stole a glance at the clock by the bed and blinked. 7:45 a.m. He gave Nagano a couple of pats on the back.

“Hey, shouldn’t you be getting to work?”

Nagano froze, then shot a look at the clock. “Oh, crap!” he yelped and sprang upright. But in the narrow space of the bed, he lost his balance and toppled right onto the floor, naked.

The whole scene was so cartoonish that Nishizaki couldn’t hold back a laugh, clutching the sheet as he doubled over. Blushing furiously, Nagano scrambled up and disappeared into the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, Nagano re-emerged, fully dressed in a sharp navy suit, his lawyer’s badge glinting against the fabric. He knelt by the bed, where Nishizaki was still wrapped in sheets.

“I’m off to work,” Nagano said, a little shyly. Meeting his gaze, the memory of Nagano’s fall was still so vivid that a grin crept up again. Nishizaki couldn’t help it.

“Enough laughing.”

“I mean, come on…”

Nagano couldn’t stop smiling as he gently stroked Nishizaki’s cheek. Then, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, stroking his cheek one last time with a wistful look before standing up. He didn’t turn back as he left the room. Good. It’s better he didn’t turn.

The kiss had left Nishizaki’s face burning, like it had ignited a fire. It was probably bright red.

“What the hell was that?”

A kiss on the forehead? Way too embarrassing. Nagano hadn’t changed a bit since high school. Seriously, how can he still like me this much?

He had spouted all that stuff about “feelings” or “keeping things casual,” but in the end, wasn’t he just scared of diving in too deep and drowning?

“Seriously, what does he even see in me?”

Does he even see me clearly? Nishizaki wasn’t young anymore. His looks weren’t great, his style wasn’t either. He was a complete loser, a walking disaster. Even if they were exes, Nagano being this easy to win over, melting at the slightest push, felt ridiculous. Maybe he’s still looking at me through the same filter he had in high school.

Sure, it was more convenient to be liked than hated, but the warmth of his earlier laughter faded. There’s something unsettling about it. He’s blind to reality, and that’s kind of scary. What happens when that filter comes off?

His throat felt dry. He needed water. As he climbed out of bed, something crunched under his foot. He bent down to pick it up—a box of condoms. Opening it, he saw there were only two left out of twelve.

We didn’t use ten of these last night.

Damn. That’s intense. Still, Nagano wasn’t the type to use escorts or pay for sex. Which meant these were leftovers from his ex.

A sudden craving for a cigarette hit him. He remembered Nagano smoking in the kitchen before. Rifling through the drawer under the small sink, Nishizaki found a pack. They were stale, and the taste was terrible, but it was enough to take the edge off.

I only did this to make him lower his guard. It’s just a honey trap. That’s what he told himself. But was that really all? He pushed the thought aside.

Honestly, I just wanted the warmth of another person. I was scared. I needed comfort. Being cared for, feeling good—it wasn’t bad at all.

By the sink, an antique coffee mill sat out of place. He’s the type to go out and buy coffee beans, isn’t he? Nishizaki could already picture it.

Finishing the cigarette, he stubbed it out at the bottom of the sink and stood there a moment longer, lost in thought.

◇:-:◆:-:◇

Nagano came home a little after eight, carrying a bag of coffee beans. But that wasn’t all he’d bought.

“For you, Nishizaki.”

Nishizaki opened the box Nagano handed him. Inside was a simple mug with a yellow stripe.

“What’s this for?”

“I saw it at the coffee shop,” Nagano replied, looking slightly uncomfortable.

“Is it... for me?”

Looking a bit sheepish, Nagano muttered, “We didn’t really have any decent mugs here.” Then he pulled out another box.

“Wait, there’s two?”

“The other one’s for me.”

Nagano’s cup had a green stripe. Nishizaki realized they were, in a way, matching cups. He felt a chill run down his spine. A matching mug set? Really? That’s so... cheesy. He wondered what kind of face Nagano had made when he picked these out.

Actually, Nagano's whole vibe seems different today. He was in a ridiculously good mood, constantly glancing at Nishizaki with a smile while they ate, flashing him little grins whenever their eyes met. What is with this sudden one-eighty? Up until yesterday, there had always been this invisible glass barrier between them—keeping each of them from getting too close. Now it felt like that wall had disappeared overnight.

Nishizaki took the opportunity to slip away and head to the bathroom. When he came out, he found Nagano in the kitchen, humming as he opened a bag of coffee beans, carefully measuring them out with a spoon, and putting them into the grinder.

“You’re pretty meticulous, aren’t you?” Nishizaki said, leaning over Nagano’s shoulder to watch.

“It tastes better when the measurements are accurate.”

“Guess you really are into this,” Nishizaki teased.

“It’s just something I picked up from someone else.” Nagano began grinding the beans, the cranking motion looking oddly satisfying. Nishizaki asked to take over, but quickly got bored and handed it back. Nagano loaded the ground beans into the dripper and poured hot water over them. The grounds bloomed into a dome shape, rising like a pancake. The aroma that had been faint while grinding now intensified, filling the air with a sweet, fruity fragrance mixed with a warm, roasted undertone. Nishizaki’s mind wandered to an image of his uncle savoring a cup of coffee in their old living room—a familiar scene that stirred a pang of nostalgia.

He leaned against Nagano’s back, and although he was clearly in the way, Nagano didn’t say anything. He poured the freshly brewed coffee evenly into their matching cups and handed one to Nishizaki.

The aroma was heavenly, but the taste was dark and bitter. After one sip, Nishizaki made a face and handed it back. “Yeah, nope.”

“Did you not like it?”

“It’s probably great, but I just can’t handle the bitterness. Smells amazing, though. How about this—you handle the making and drinking, and I’ll just smell it.”

Nagano looked momentarily at a loss, then reached over and dropped two white, fluffy marshmallows into Nishizaki’s cup.

“What’s that?”

“Marshmallows. Try it when they’re half-melted; it should cut the bitterness a bit.”

“Look, I don’t need you to go that far just for me to drink coffee,” he said, but Nagano nudged the cup toward him with surprising persistence. Sighing, Nishizaki gave in and took a sip. The bitterness was softened by a faint sweetness, making the coffee surprisingly drinkable.

“Hey, this isn’t bad. I think I could drink it like this.”

Nagano, grinning, tossed some marshmallows into his own cup too.

“You’re adding them to yours?”

“I don’t like bitter stuff either. I’ve been called a child for it—always killing the natural flavor of things.”

So he actually does like coffee, even if it’s sweetened. The warm, mellow mood settled over them as they sipped their marshmallow-coffee blend, while Nagano kept sending affectionate glances Nishizaki’s way. He’s just throwing out love signals all over the place. With the cozy atmosphere taking shape, Nishizaki figured now was a good time to ease into more probing questions. He had to tread carefully though; bringing up “the safe” too suddenly would be obvious. Better to start by just feeling things out.

“So, did you end up repeating a year after high school?”

The last he’d heard about Nagano’s school life was that he hadn’t passed any of his college applications. After that, everything was a blank, up until he suddenly reappeared as a lawyer.

“Yeah. I worked part-time while going to a cram school for a year.”

“Right. And to be a lawyer, you have to pass the bar exam. That’s pretty tough, isn’t it?” Nishizaki recalled Nagano’s studying habits. If he tackled the exam the way he used to study, it makes sense he’d pass.

“Are you planning to open your own practice one day?”

“Not right away. Even with the certification, you can’t just strike out on your own immediately. It’s like having a license but no experience. First, I need to complete my training, work under an experienced attorney, and build from there.”

That made sense. Nishizaki took another sip of his coffee, letting the rich, mellow sweetness linger.

"Then, do you ever work on any of those high-profile cases like the ones on TV?" Nishizaki asked.

Nagano shook his head. "The lead attorney at my firm doesn’t usually take on cases like that, but he's solid—does reliable, steady work. I think that approach suits me, too."

Nishizaki nodded, as if remembering something. "Oh yeah. Wasn’t it the lawyer who helped with your dad’s case who made you want to become a lawyer?”

Nagano’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You remembered that?"

Of course I did, Nishizaki thought. Back in high school, having a criminal for a parent was a powerful, almost scandalous fact. But now, Nishizaki felt he couldn’t exactly laugh at Nagano's experience. Not when I’m neck-deep in something way worse.

“So, did your dad get out?”

"Yeah, he did." Nagano hesitated a moment. "But he passed away when I was in my third year of university."

"Wait... was he killed?"

Nagano gave a small, ironic smile. "It was cancer. Stomach cancer. He barely lasted six months after the diagnosis. It all happened so quickly."

Right, Nishizaki thought to himself. People die young from illness or accidents. The way his mind had jumped to murder said more about his own messed-up circumstances than anything else.

"My condolences," he muttered.

Nagano shrugged. "His seven-year memorial just passed. And my mom’s remarried.”

Surprised, Nishizaki blurted, “Seriously?”

"She was single, so it’s not that surprising."

Nishizaki scoffed, his thoughts creeping back to the memory of Nagano’s mother’s terrible cooking. "Still… having to eat her food every day? Poor guy."

Nagano reached over and pinched his cheek gently. "That's disrespectful to someone's parents."

Nishizaki brushed his hand off, the jab clearly landing. Who could find that lady attractive? he thought, but kept that part to himself.

Nagano went on. "It’s true her cooking hasn’t improved, but her new husband is a chef."

Nishizaki blinked, taken aback. "Not bad. Guess it’s a ‘match made in heaven’ or something."

"That’s… not exactly the right way to put it, and honestly, it’s a bit rude," Nagano said, his smile amused but chastising.

In Nishizaki’s mind, he could see the Nagano household as clearly as if he’d been watching a TV show. So, the father who cast that dark shadow is gone, the mother found happiness, and the son became a lawyer. Nice, neat ending to that chapter, huh?

Nishizaki drained his coffee and set his cup down in the sink, only to feel Nagano’s hand grab his wrist as soon as he turned away. He didn’t know what was coming until he found himself being led back to the bedroom, and then seated right next to him on the bed. Close enough that their legs brushed together, Nagano leaned in, pouring all his attention and energy into the moment, like he’d been planning it for hours. Nishizaki held back a laugh. So he was waiting for the right moment, huh?

Nagano began patting Nishizaki’s head, his gaze soft and affectionate. Nishizaki struggled not to laugh. What’s with the boyfriend mode? Just from last night’s sex? Seriously, I bet if I asked him to marry me right now, he’d say yes without hesitation.

Nagano’s hand moved from Nishizaki’s head to his waist, his touch lingering. The whole “let’s get close” thing is nice, but if I let him have his way, we’re just going to end up in bed again, Nishizaki thought.

“So, is being a lawyer as busy as they say?” he asked, shifting the subject abruptly.

Nagano’s hand stilled. “Not so much right now. There are some days when it gets busy, though.”

“And when it does, you work late?”

“Occasionally. I rarely have to stay the night at the office, though.”

“What about bringing work home?” Nishizaki felt like he was pushing the conversation in a specific direction and quickly added, “I mean, wouldn’t it be easier than staying late at the office?”

“We handle a lot of sensitive information and materials, so I don’t usually bring work home. The security at the office is much better, anyway.”

So that’s why his home computer doesn’t have any work files. The confirmation settled something he’d suspected. It also meant any confidential videos or case files likely stayed at the office.

“Should I be trying to come home earlier, then?” Nagano asked, somewhat innocently, but it dawned on Nishizaki too late that he might’ve sounded a little clingy. I bet now he thinks I’m lonely sitting around by myself, he thought, suppressing an eye roll.

“It’s fine,” Nishizaki said flatly, and the light in Nagano’s face dimmed immediately. He looked hurt, his gaze softening with a shadow of sadness. Nishizaki quickly backtracked.

“Okay, okay, you got me. Hurry home soon, all right?” he said. Nagano’s smile returned in full force, his eyes lighting up. He’s way too easy, Nishizaki thought, bemused.

“Have you managed to find a job you like yet?” Nagano asked.

“More or less.” He gave a vague response, hoping it would end that line of questioning.

“No problems on your end?”

“Nothing for now.”

Nagano leaned closer, his voice sincere. “If you ever have anything on your mind—legal or not—I’m here if you want to talk.”

Nishizaki’s thoughts briefly drifted to his own “business” matters. The guy I want to set up a trap for is sitting right here, he thought. Asking him for advice on anything remotely related to that felt far beyond irony.

"Alright. Just one thing."

"What?"

"My classmate is so sexy, it's a problem."

It was meant as a light-hearted comment, but somehow it triggered something in Nagano. His arm around Nishizaki’s waist tightened.

"In a good way or a bad way?"

The response felt strangely mature, catching him off guard. Before he could reply, Nagano’s fingers slipped beneath the hem of his sweatshirt, brushing against his bare skin. The sensation sent a shiver up his spine. Even through the fabric, the movement of Nagano’s hand was visible, a visual so provocative it made his throat dry. As Nagano caressed his skin, Nagano leaned in to kiss Nishizaki’s neck, even licking it with a slow, deliberate affection.

"You really have a thing for my neck, don’t you?"

"You smell good."

"That’s just your body wash, you know.”

“…No. It’s sweeter.”

The husky murmur in his ear felt like a tug straight to his core. His breath hitched as Nagano pinched his small nipples gently. This is heading straight for sex territory, isn’t it?

“Do you want to?” Nishizaki asked casually, just to confirm.

Nagano nodded, childlike in his earnestness. “Yeah.”

"Fine, but don’t get any ideas about my ass. Two days in a row is too much."

Nagano the "love-struck pup" just nodded obediently. “Got it.”

“What about touching?”

“Do whatever you want.”

Right, yesterday, he licked pretty much everywhere but avoided going down there, Nishizaki remembered. While Nagano had thoroughly teased him with his fingers, leaving him a dripping mess, he hadn’t taken things further. I bet licking a guy’s dick is too much for him, Nishizaki thought. Then an idea struck—a mischievous urge to see him squirm.

Nishizaki leaned closer and said, "Lick my cock, then."

Nagano’s face froze in surprise, just as he’d expected. Then, after a pause, he tilted his head slightly. “How should I do it?”

“Huh?”

“Just the tip? Or should I take the whole penis in my mouth and suck it?”

The sultry, deliberate tone vibrated through him, straight to his core. The mere thought of that warm, wet mouth wrapping around him sent heat rushing to his face. What the hell? This guy’s insanely sexy.

“You’re blushing,” Nagano noted, stroking his cheek, making Nishizaki’s face burn hotter.

“Embarrassed? Even though you’re the one who asked me to do it?”

"Shut up," Nishizaki snapped, but Nagano tilted his chin up and kissed him.

His kisses were as intense as ever—unyielding, sweet, and slightly bitter. As their lips locked, a stray thought wandered through Nishizaki’s mind: What kind of blowjob would he even give? That curiosity alone sent a restless heat pooling low in his crotch, his body already reacting even though Nagano hadn’t even touched him there yet.

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