MUNDANE HURT: Chapter 21

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“You really do stink of sweat,” Tatsuya Nishizaki muttered after Masayuki Nagano apologized a hundred times. That was the first thing Nishizaki said. Nagano couldn’t argue with the statement—he’d just spent an hour running outside, drenched in sweat, and even now, beads of it trickled down his forehead and armpits.

Still, he had finally unraveled the tangled mess of emotions inside him, and now that he had embraced Nishizaki, he didn’t want to let go. But being told he stank for the second time made him hesitate. Reluctantly, Nagano began to loosen his hold, caught between wanting to stay like this and knowing he needed to shower.

He thought about heading to the bathroom but found himself unwilling to step away. His right hand moved instinctively, gripping the hem of Nishizaki’s sweatshirt, which he used as loungewear.

“You should take a shower,” Nishizaki said flatly.

“That’s the plan,” Nagano replied, yet he made no move, nor did his hand release its grip. Nishizaki stared at the hand clutching his shirt for a moment.

“Wait... do you want to shower together or something?” Nishizaki asked, peering up at him.

“What?! No!” Nagano yelped, instantly letting go as if burned. The suggestion embarrassed him so much he bolted into the bathroom. Stripping off his damp clothes, he let warm water cascade over his body. If only I could wash away this awkward tension too. Yet it clung to him like a second skin.

As he finished and reached for a towel, he realized he hadn’t brought one—or a change of clothes. There was no choice but to step out into the hallway stark naked. Almost immediately, he froze—Nishizaki stood directly in front of him, holding a can of beer.

“You could at least put something on,” Nishizaki muttered, recoiling slightly.

“I forgot to bring a towel,” Nagano explained, dripping water as he moved.

“Stop! You’re getting the floor wet!” Nishizaki snapped, stepping into the room to fetch a towel and some underwear for him. Nagano didn’t bother retreating to the bathroom, choosing instead to dry himself and put on the underwear right there in the hallway. When he turned around, he caught Nishizaki leaning against the sink, sipping his beer with a distracted gaze fixed in his direction.

“What are you staring at?” Nagano asked.

“I can look wherever I damn well please,” Nishizaki shot back, his tone defiant.

Nagano’s eyes fell on the counter, where two crushed beer cans lay discarded. Those weren’t there before he showered, which meant Nishizaki had already drunk two. And now he was holding a third.

“Isn’t that a bit much?”

Nishizaki glanced at the cans, then muttered, “I was thirsty.”

“Thirsty or not, you don’t need to drink beer.”

“I bought it with my own money. What’s it to you?”

The charged atmosphere from earlier began to crack. Nishizaki sighed deeply and set the beer can down in the sink. Slowly, he extended his hand toward Nagano, as if mirroring Nagano’s earlier gesture of holding him.

Nagano watched as Nishizaki’s right hand fidgeted, repeatedly clenching and unclenching before, suddenly, it grabbed his wrist. Before Nagano could process what was happening, he was yanked into the room with surprising force and shoved onto the bed.

The momentum sent his head bumping against the wall—not hard enough to hurt, but the abruptness and roughness of it all left him stunned.

“Hey!” Nagano scowled, only for something heavy to press down on his stomach. Looking up, he found Nishizaki straddling him, staring down with an unreadable expression. The bizarre scene made no sense.

“What the hell—are you drunk?” Nagano asked, glaring up at him.

Nishizaki snorted. “I figured you’d say something like that.”

Nagano shifted, tapping at his side in a weak attempt to push him off. “Move. You’re heavy, and I can’t move.”

“No.” The flat refusal carried no room for negotiation.

Despite Nagano’s protests, Nishizaki remained rooted in place. His voice was even, but his words hit hard. “I’ve tried hinting before, but I’ll just say it—since the last time with you, years ago, I haven’t been with anyone.”

The admission landed like a sucker punch. As the realization sank in, Nishizaki leaned forward slightly, studying Nagano’s reaction.

“And you?” Nishizaki pressed, his voice low but unwavering.

Nagano hesitated, his brows furrowing at the absurdity of their positions. But Nishizaki’s serious expression forced an honest response. “I haven’t, either.”

A sigh escaped Nishizaki’s lips, his shoulders loosening as relief flickered across his face. But the moment was brief. Almost immediately, his expression twisted into frustration, his voice rising in anger.

“Damn it, this pisses me off! Do you have any idea how many years it’s been?!” he snapped.

Nagano froze at the sudden outburst.

“You’re practically a monk, and I’m getting older by the second. After this long, I’ve forgotten how to flirt, let alone how to do any of this!” Nishizaki slammed his hands against Nagano’s chest, leaning in close, his breath warm against Nagano’s face.

"We're married now, so fulfill your responsibility."

The demand struck a nerve. Nagano’s patience snapped as he seized Nishizaki’s wrists, gripping them tightly.

"That's not how this works. Even if we’re married, this sort of thing only happens with mutual consent. Without that, it’s not just wrong—it’s a crime, even between spouses."

For a moment, Nishizaki stared at him, then let out a bitter laugh. He straightened, his shoulders shaking slightly. “Oh, right. Of course. Thank you, Your Honor, for the legal lecture,” he sneered, his words dripping with sarcasm.

With that, he yanked his hands free and climbed off Nagano, stepping off the bed with deliberate, frustrated movements. As he strode toward the hallway, his steps echoed sharply against the floor.

Realizing Nishizaki was heading for the front door, Nagano bolted after him. Just as Nishizaki slipped on his shoes and reached for the door handle, Nagano grabbed his arm and forcefully pulled him back inside. The door slammed shut behind them with a loud clack.

"Let go!" Nishizaki snarled, his face flushed with anger and tears. He fought Nagano like an enraged cat, clawing and flailing as Nagano pulled him back into the hallway.

Nagano didn’t let go. Instead, he endured the hits and scratches, wrapping his arms tightly around Nishizaki from behind, holding him steady despite the struggle.

"I know," Nishizaki suddenly shouted, his voice breaking. "I know you've been sneaking off to the bathroom to jerk off! I’ve known this whole damn time and thought, 'What an idiot!'"

Heat surged through Nagano’s body, mortification making his skin burn. The delicate balance they had somehow maintained crumbled in an instant, the gears grinding out of sync. He desperately held Nishizaki tighter, avoiding the inevitable verbal battle he knew would come if he said anything now.

For a while, Nishizaki heaved sharp, agitated breaths, like a cat with its fur bristling in anger. Gradually, though, the tension drained from his body, and his breathing slowed. Finally, in a small voice, he murmured, "Sorry."

"I don’t know what’s wrong with me," he added, his voice small and defeated.

As they both began to calm down, Nagano became acutely aware of how close they were—Nishizaki's warmth, the subtle weight in his arms, and even the faint scent wafting from his hair. Though they used the same shampoo and soap, Nishizaki’s scent carried a slightly sweet note that felt distinctly him.

"…Tickles," Nishizaki murmured, his voice so low it barely registered.

"Sorry," Nagano replied instinctively.

Flustered, Nagano pulled back, creating space between them, Nishizaki shifted, twisting his body slightly until they were facing each other. Nishizaki’s eyes gazed up at him, quietly but intently, as if peering straight through him"Your breath... it’s brushing against my skin."

For a moment, Nagano couldn't breathe.

As Nagano reached out to embrace him, a tickle crept into his nose, and he couldn't hold back a sudden sneeze. "Achoo!"

Though the heater was on, the entryway was still cold. Covering his face with both hands, he sneezed again, and then again. When he finally sniffled and looked up, Nishizaki was laughing—a genuine, carefree laugh.

"You’re cold, aren’t you? Running around in your underwear like that. Were you really going to chase me down outside dressed like that if I left? The cops would’ve hauled you off," Nishizaki teased.

Nagano reached out again and wrapped his arms around him tightly. Nishizaki’s body shivered in his embrace, and that familiar scent filled Nagano’s senses. This man I’m holding is someone I love. He had bound Nishizaki to him—no, Nishizaki had chosen to be bound—by the inescapable chains of the law.

"If you think I’m cold," Nagano said, tightening his hold, "then warm me up yourself."

It was his best attempt at flirtation, and Nishizaki promptly shot it down with, "That’s so lame."

The rejection hit Nagano harder than expected, and his grip slackened in defeat.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean you," Nishizaki added quickly, shaking his head. "I’m the lame one, making you say something like that."

Their eyes met, and as if drawn together by gravity, their lips naturally followed. The kiss was spontaneous, effortless—but the moment it began, Nagano’s mind froze. It had been years since their last kiss. His excitement was overwhelmed by nervousness, and all he could manage were stiff, hesitant pecks, like a child imitating the motions of a bird drinking water.

"Are you teasing me or what?" Nishizaki asked, raising an eyebrow after several awkward kisses.

"I’m not teasing," Nagano answered honestly, his voice small. He was acutely aware of how ridiculous he must seem.

"You’re acting like some middle school kid," Nishizaki quipped.

Nagano couldn’t deny it—he knew it was true.

"I’m just… warming up," he said.

Nishizaki tilted his head in confusion. "Warming up?"

"Like a machine. Or a person. If something hasn’t been used in a long time, it needs maintenance and a proper warm-up."

Nagano thought his explanation was perfectly reasonable, but Nishizaki responded with a skeptical, "What? That doesn’t make any sense."

Nagano wasn’t exactly experienced when it came to relationships. Nishizaki was one of only two people he had ever been intimate with. Maybe I said something completely idiotic, he thought, sinking into a quiet sense of defeat.

"Should we start over?" Nagano offered hesitantly.

"Start over?" Nishizaki repeated, his confusion deepening. "What does that even mean?"

Nagano clarified, "Let’s postpone… that part. I’ll study and prepare so I don’t mess it up."

Nishizaki stared at him, his mouth slightly open in disbelief. "You can’t be serious," he muttered.

"I am serious. I want to make sure I don’t mess this up. I want it to be something we’re both happy with," Nagano said, his tone earnest.

"You sound like a politician," Nishizaki shot back, clearly exasperated. "Forget it. Just take your underwear off."

Nagano frowned. "Take it off?"

"Yes, your underwear. Take. It. Off."

It was clear their conversation wasn’t aligning, like mismatched gears spinning endlessly out of sync. Nishizaki’s tone wavered between irritation and something else, but Nagano stood his ground. "Let’s go back to the beginning and work this out step by step," he said, trying to regain control.

But even as he tried to gather his thoughts, Nishizaki moved decisively. He grabbed the waistband of Nagano’s underwear, crouched, and pulled them down in one swift motion until they pooled around Nagano’s ankles. Now, only his bare skin remained. Completely exposed. The instinct to pull his underwear back on surged inside him, but before he could act on it, Nishizaki nonchalantly began shedding his own clothes, tossing them aside one by one. Nagano could only watch, his heart racing as his chaotic display of vulnerability continued.

Standing there completely naked, they stared at each other, their naked bodies exposed. As Nagano’s eyes roamed over Nishizaki’s body, he felt a rush of excitement building up. Nishizaki had always been slender, even back in their school days and into his late twenties. Now, his body remained unchanged—skin pale, limbs delicate, almost fragile for a man.

His lower abdomen caught Nagano’s attention, a soft curve with a subtle, natural roundness that was not from excess weight but simply the beauty of human anatomy. There was beauty in the subtle roundness, the gentle slope of it.

Unable to resist, his fingertips brushed the smooth skin just above the line of sparse hair, where the navel met the start of a shadowy patch. The texture was smooth, soft, and elastic under his touch. When he pressed lightly, Nishizaki’s pale member gave a subtle, involuntary twitch.

“…What the hell are you touching?” Nishizaki asked, his voice breaking the silence, tinged with equal parts curiosity and annoyance.

“Just thinking how beautiful this spot is,” Nagano answered, his voice candid but distant.

“Your sense of aesthetics is baffling,” Nishizaki muttered, though his posture betrayed no real protest.

Nagano's fingers dipped slightly lower, running over the sparse patch of pubic hair. Unlike the smoothness of the lower abdomen, it was coarse, a stark contrast that intrigued his touch. He toyed with the fine hairs as if stirring a delicate field of grass. Beneath this idle exploration, Nishizaki's member gave a subtle twitch, its angle beginning to shift. Even this light, almost playful touch seemed to elicit a response.

When Nagano pressed his palm gently over Nishizaki’s groin, he felt warmth—startlingly intense, even though he had expected it. I knew it would be warm, but not like this, he thought, startled by the heat radiating against his hand. The response came unexpectedly; the warmth pushed back against his touch, as if it had a will of its own. Each light press met with an instinctive push in return. Back and forth they went, this unspoken rhythm, until Nishizaki’s arousal became undeniable, his member now semi-erect.

It was a beautiful sight, Nagano thought. Initially pale, almost bluish, Nishizaki's member took on a delicate cherry blossom hue as blood flowed into it. It was honest, speaking clearly about the sensations felt. This part of Nishizaki’s body could tell no lies.

Nagano felt an overwhelming urge to taste it. To take that manifestation of desire into his mouth and savor it. Giving in to the raw honesty of his impulse, he knelt down. With deliberate care, he reached for Nishizaki’s member, guiding the upward-curving length into his mouth.

“A-ah...”

Nishizaki’s slender hips flinched, and the contact was broken as he instinctively withdrew. Nagano steadied him, placing firm hands on his waist, and took him in again. The heat, the firm resilience, and that unmistakably masculine scent filled his senses. Nagano’s lips closed around it as he began to suck gently, his tongue flicking over the sensitive tip.

“A-ah, stop... that’s enough already...”

Nishizaki’s hands gripped Nagano’s hair as though in protest, but the hold was loose, lacking conviction. He doesn’t really mean it. Encouraged, Nagano pressed forward, taking him deeper, until his lips brushed against the sparse pubic hair, the soft strands tickling his nose. His hands roamed to the smooth expanse of Nishizaki’s abdomen. On a whim, he playfully slipped a finger into Nishizaki’s navel.

“What the hell are you doing?” Nishizaki’s stomach tensed and quivered at the unexpected touch, rippling under Nagano’s palm.

Nagano took Nishizaki's penis in his mouth. The act, though intense on the surface, was one he willingly performed. As he sucked, his mouth was filled to the brim, and just as he was about to reach his limit, he felt a sudden release. The pungent, distinct scent filled his nostrils. He savored the sensation, recalling the feeling. He reached behind Nishizaki, in the past, they had joined like this many times. Since men don't get wet, he needed to prepare him. As he caressed the area around the entrance, it felt soft, so he gently inserted his index finger. At the same time, Nishizaki's waist and penis jerked violently.

The area was softer than he had imagined, and the first finger was quickly accepted. Feeling it was okay, he added his middle finger, making it two, and slowly stirred the inside. The penis, now softened, swelled and touched the back of Nagano's throat, sending a wave of pleasure.

Nagano paid close attention to every response, carefully seeking out Nishizaki’s most sensitive spots. His fingers worked diligently, stroking and teasing those areas with focused precision, while his lips and tongue continued their devoted attention to the now fully engorged member. Nishizaki’s body quivered, caught in a cycle of restrained, helpless pleasure.

“Ah, ahh…!”

Nishizaki's knees straightened, and he grasped Nagano's hair tightly. The penis in his mouth trembled violently and released again due to Nagano's intense stimulation. As he ejaculated, his backside also contracted. When Nagano moved his fingers, Nishizaki's knees shook violently, and he let out a “Hngh, ah!”

Nishizaki’s voice wavered as his legs buckled, unable to withstand the relentless stimulation. He collapsed slowly, knees folding beneath him as he sank to the floor. Seeing this, Nagano withdrew his fingers, the gesture almost tender.

“...Why is it always my dick and ass with you?” Nishizaki muttered, now sitting on the floor with his legs spread carelessly apart, panting heavily. The sight was indecent, shameless even. His flushed, vulnerable state, with his still-exposed arousal on display, was utterly lewd. It lacked grace, yet somehow, it struck Nagano as impossibly enticing. Is he trying to seduce me? The thought ignited a deep, primal hunger.

Nagano inched closer, wrapping his hands around Nishizaki’s thighs to steady them before leaning down. The same warmth he had held in his mouth moments ago now beckoned him again. He lowered his head, taking it once more into his mouth.

It fits so perfectly, Nagano thought, as the softened length nestled against his tongue. He sucked gently, coaxing a reaction, and was rewarded with a high-pitched gasp, almost like a startled kitten. “Hinyaah…” Nishizaki whimpered, his hands reaching out reflexively to yank at Nagano’s hair, forcing him to lift his head.

“Enough... already…” Nishizaki’s voice was unsteady, and his eyes shimmered with unshed tears, their corners reddened from strain.

“If you keep sucking there… it’s going to melt,” he pleaded, voice trembling.

It won’t melt, no matter how much I do this, Nagano mused, his lips curling into the faintest smile as he resumed his caressing. He took Nishizaki deeply, letting the once-swelled flesh fill his mouth again. Simultaneously, his thumb sought out the still-softened opening, pressing against it with slow, measured insistence, teasing it open once more.

“Hyaah, hngh… stop… no, stop…”

As Nagano continued his teasing, licking and playing with the sensitive spot behind, Nishizaki seemed to climax again. It was quick and faint, the liquid was thin, with barely any release. When Nagano raised his head, Nishizaki had curled inward, hiding his groin with both hands and staring downward in embarrassed silence.

“You were all about engines and studying, acting like you didn’t care, but now look at you. Completely worked up.”

“I… I’m just remembering how to do things, that’s all,” Nagano muttered, barely audible.

“Liar. You never used to suck like this, enough to leave me so hard I feel like I’m going to explode,” Nishizaki shot back, voice trembling, his hands still covering himself like a shield. Tears lingered in his reddened eyes, teetering on the verge of spilling.

Nagano placed his hand gently over Nishizaki’s trembling hands, pressing lightly as though to offer reassurance—or dominance. Before he could speak, the sharp click of heels echoed faintly from the hallway outside. The sound jolted Nagano into awareness. The hallway—this whole time, we’ve been in the entryway, he realized belatedly.

He leaned in, lowering his voice. “...Are you embarrassed?”

Nishizaki didn’t respond.

“It felt good, didn’t it?” Nagano pressed, his tone firm but not unkind. The answer was obvious—Nishizaki had climaxed several times, and there was no hiding it. Yet still, no reply came.

“Well, I enjoyed it,” Nagano admitted bluntly.

“Of course, you did, you pervert. You love sucking me off,” Nishizaki retorted weakly, though his tone lacked its usual sharpness.

Nagano stood, reaching out to grasp Nishizaki’s hand and tugging him upward. But Nishizaki remained seated, showing no sign of moving. What’s going on? Nagano wondered, then glanced down to see Nishizaki’s knees trembling uncontrollably.

Without a word, Nagano stepped behind him, slipping his arms under Nishizaki’s body and lifting him with ease. Holding him securely, Nagano carried him to the bed, setting him down gently.

The mattress wasn’t particularly thick, but it was softer than the floor—an obvious observation that struck Nagano as he settled Nishizaki onto his back. The man, still weak from earlier, lay sprawled out, and Nagano lowered himself on top of him. Cradling Nishizaki’s head, he leaned down for a kiss.

The sensation of their soft lips pressing together, their tongues sliding and intertwining—it was electrifying. Despite living together, they hadn’t shared intimacy like this. Not even a kiss. There had been moments, fleeting urges to reach out and touch, but anger and distrust toward Nishizaki had always loomed larger in Nagano’s mind.

Yet now that the barriers were broken, there was no going back. He fell hard, giving in completely. The feverish kisses, the sensation of Nishizaki’s lips against his own, sent shivers through him, as though his very tailbone was vibrating with pleasure. He could have kissed Nishizaki forever, tangled in this moment, but Nishizaki pulled away, breaking the spell.

“...Can’t you ease up a little?” Nishizaki muttered, his lips red and glistening, his light-colored eyes shimmering as they looked up at Nagano. His expression was sultry, exuding a fragile yet intoxicating allure, like a rose in full bloom.

“You’re kissing me with the same mouth you just used to suck me off. Feels like some kind of punishment game,” Nishizaki added, his tone dry but faintly teasing.

“They both felt good,” Nagano replied simply, his honesty met with a disbelieving scoff. “I can’t believe you,” Nishizaki muttered, shaking his head.

But Nagano wasn’t done. Still hungry for more, he kissed Nishizaki’s cheeks, then his jawline, and slowly trailed down to his neck, savoring each moment with slow, deliberate licks and nibbles.

His own arousal had been building since he had started pleasuring Nishizaki earlier, pre-cum already leaking from the tip. Without even touching himself, he had climaxed once, leaving his release unattended as he remained focused on Nishizaki’s body. When Nishizaki finally spoke, it broke through Nagano’s daze.

“Aren’t you going to do it?”

“Doing plenty already,” Nagano murmured, distracted.

Nishizaki’s lips twisted into a wry smile. “That’s not what I meant,” he said before abruptly reaching out and wrapping his hand around Nagano’s arousal.

“...You’re not planning to use this?” Nishizaki asked, his voice low, almost incredulous.

It was then Nagano remembered what he’d been preparing for earlier—loosening Nishizaki’s entrance, intent on connecting them. But after moving to the bed, he had become completely absorbed in kissing. “I forgot,” he admitted.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Nishizaki replied, his face caught somewhere between exasperation and disbelief. “How do you forget something like that?”

“When everything feels this good, it’s easy to forget,” Nagano said, his tone unbothered as he shifted slightly, lifting Nishizaki’s slender legs. He positioned himself, aligning the tip of his length with the spot he had been tending to earlier.

He felt Nishizaki’s sharp intake of breath as he pressed just barely against the entrance. Sensing the tension, Nagano paused, holding still to let Nishizaki adjust.

“Is it okay if I enter you?”

As soon as Nagano asked, Nishizaki’s face turned bright red, his eyes welling up with tears. “You’re the worst,” he muttered, his voice trembling.

“If I told you to stop, would you actually stop, idiot?” Nishizaki snapped, his tone laced with frustration.

Despite the harsh words, Nagano pressed on, slow and deliberate. As he gently pushed in, the tightness gave way, and Nishizaki’s lips parted slightly. “Hyaah,” he gasped, his back arching involuntarily. His cheeks stiffened momentarily, but it didn’t seem like he was in pain. Watching his expression carefully, Nagano continued, inching deeper with every slow thrust.

Partway through, Nagano realized he hadn’t put on a condom. I should stop and get one, he thought, but the warmth and tension pulling him forward made it impossible to pause. Bit by bit, he pushed deeper, until their pubic hair touched. Then, withdrawing slightly, he thrust back in with a gentle, rocking motion.

Nishizaki’s face changed—not with pain, but with a bashful, almost uncertain look. As Nagano repeated the shallow thrusts, Nishizaki began to respond, his breaths softening into sweet, stuttering moans. “Ah… ahh…” His skin flushed faintly, a sheen of sweat forming as his body grew warmer.

It was beautiful and obscene all at once. The sensuality radiating from Nishizaki was unlike anything Nagano had ever seen from him before. The contrast sent Nagano’s mind spinning, and he found himself moving with an almost desperate intensity, losing himself in the sensation. It felt, for a fleeting moment, as if their bodies were perfectly aligned, seamlessly fitting together.

Just as he felt himself reaching his limit, Nagano stopped abruptly, resisting the urge to finish. He leaned down and kissed Nishizaki deeply, drawing out the connection. Nishizaki’s hips shifted, pressing against him in an instinctive plea for more, but Nagano stayed still. If I keep moving now, it’ll end too soon, he thought. I want to savor this—this sensual, intoxicating moment—with him for as long as I can.

But even desire has its limits. When the restraint began to crumble, Nagano resumed moving, thrusting upward as he kissed Nishizaki deeply. The soft gasps spilling from Nishizaki’s lips vibrated against his own. Pulling him close, Nagano drove his hips with more force, biting gently at Nishizaki’s neck in a fervent kiss.

“Ahh… there… it’s good… more… more…” Nishizaki’s voice cracked, his body tightening around Nagano. The sudden contraction amplified Nagano’s pleasure, sending a concentrated wave through him. He thrust sharply to chase the release.

“Ahh—t-too much… too strong… ahh, ahh!” Nishizaki cried out, his fingers tangling roughly in Nagano’s hair. The pace intensified, each thrust met with a trembling response from Nishizaki. Finally, his body tensed and shook, his hips quivering violently, though no release followed.

The sight left Nagano breathless, the raw vulnerability and unrestrained emotion etching themselves into his memory.

Nagano came moments after, unable to resist the temptation. Though he had intended to withdraw, the irresistible warmth held him captive, and he released inside, overwhelmed by pleasure. When the throes of his climax subsided, he pulled out slowly, watching as evidence of their union oozed lazily from the tight space that had gripped him so perfectly. Although the excitement had passed, Nagano's feelings were still stirred by the sight of his semen dripping down.

Nishizaki, either unaware Nagano's thoughts or deliberately teasing, touched himself there and scolded him in a soft voice that betrayed no real anger. “Use a condom, idiot,” he murmured, the words sweet despite their rebuke.

“Sorry,” Nagano replied, though there was no true remorse in his tone. He leaned down, brushing Nishizaki’s flushed cheek as he reached for tissues to clean him up. But when Nishizaki raised his face, Nagano kissed him again and pressed him back down onto the bed. His fingers traced Nishizaki’s sweat-slicked side, eliciting an involuntary shiver.

When his hand wandered to the sensitive, still-dripping spot, Nishizaki’s body stiffened, reacting as if a switch had been flipped. Nagano slid a finger inside, swirling it in the slick warmth.

“...Are you seriously going again?” Nishizaki asked, his voice half incredulous, half resigned.

“Yeah,” Nagano answered simply.

“What's with the ‘yeah’?” Nishizaki said with a laugh, looping his arms around Nagano’s back as if giving in.

＊ ＊ ＊

“Hey, wake up.”

The gentle shake of his shoulder stirred Nagano from his sleep. He cracked one eye open to find a blindingly bright room that made his head ache.

“The alarm was going off. You’ve got work today, right?” Nishizaki was leaning on his elbows, looking down at Nagano, who was sprawled on his stomach. His eyes were slightly red, a trace of last night’s intensity lingering.

Nagano reached out and pulled Nishizaki close, burying his face against his chest. The warmth, the familiar scent—it wrapped around him like a cocoon. I don’t want to get up. Not yet. Let me stay like this a little longer.

Fingers combed gently through his hair. “It’s already past seven. It’s not your day off, is it?”

The clock confirmed Nishizaki’s words. Reality intruded: if Nagano didn’t get up soon, he’d be late for work. But he didn’t want to let go. Pressing his face deeper into the comforting heat of Nishizaki’s chest, he clung tighter. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to avoid work this much in my life.

“Hey, stop sulking and get moving. You’re seriously going to be late. I’m fine since my shift starts later, but still…”

Nagano smirked, tilting his head to lick the nipple right near his cheek and trailing his hand down to squeeze Nishizaki’s firm rear.

“Hyah!” Nishizaki yelped, his back arching as he tried to pull away. “Cut it out! Don’t mess around like that!”

Nagano chased him, pulling him back into an embrace, licking, nibbling, and scattering kisses across his skin. The playful back-and-forth felt like sweet honey, a simple pleasure in a moment that felt almost unreal.

“If you’re seriously going to skip work, at least call in properly,” Nishizaki murmured.

Skipping work just to mess around with someone you love… Nagano thought, smiling faintly as he kissed him again. Not exactly a valid excuse anywhere in the world.

He wanted to stay. To touch, to kiss, to be together—these desires clung to him as he reluctantly got out of bed, severing the threads of indulgence. As he glanced back longingly, Nishizaki gave an exasperated sigh and burrowed under the sheets.

A quick shower, a shave, and a neatly pressed suit—if he skipped breakfast, he’d still make it on time. He grabbed his briefcase, but before stepping out, he turned back.

“I love you.”

Nishizaki was watching him from beneath the sheets. Kneeling by the bed, Nagano gazed at him intently. Nishizaki frowned slightly, looking up with a guarded expression. “What is it now?” he asked.

Nagano’s hand moved instinctively, brushing Nishizaki’s cheek. The soft skin beneath his fingers was irresistible, and he leaned in for a kiss. One wasn’t enough; he kissed Nishizaki’s cheek, his hair, his fingertips—every bit of exposed skin that peeked out from the sheets.

I don’t want to leave. Not this warmth, not this happiness, Nagano thought, his heart heavy with the impending departure. He looked straight into Nishizaki’s eyes and murmured another confession. Nishizaki blinked rapidly, his lashes fluttering, before his gaze dropped shyly. Nagano touched his cheek and whispered, “You’re so beautiful.”

Nishizaki’s face flushed a deep red as he yanked the sheets over his head. “Just go already, idiot!” he barked, his voice muffled by the fabric.

Nagano kissed the top of the covered head, his heart tugged a hundred different ways as he finally left the apartment.

The familiar commute unfolded before him, the streets unchanged. Winter-barren trees lined the cold, wind-swept sidewalks. Yet, as he walked, all he could think about was the person he’d left behind. Crowded into the morning train, his mind drifted to last night’s passion, to the sweet intimacy of the morning. Reality may surround me, but my head is still lost in another world.

Arriving at the office, Nagano began his work. Even as he organized trial documents, half his mind remained with Nishizaki. The lingering joy from the morning wrapped around him like a comforting cocoon. Focus, he told himself, especially when facing clients. This is work. But the happiness bubbled beneath the surface, a soft, inescapable hum.

When lunch arrived, he finally let himself sink fully into his emotions. Seated by the window of a café, he picked at his meal while replaying Nishizaki’s expressions in his mind—embarrassment, pleasure, that small, knowing smile. He relived the moments endlessly, lost in thought.

“Nagano, are you all right?”

At three in the afternoon, his boss, Seishu, interrupted his daze. Nagano was aware that he’d been unfocused all day and had been careful not to let it show, but clearly, something had slipped.

“Is something worrying you?” Seishu asked.

“It’s not worry,” Nagano admitted, feeling the weight of his boss’s gaze. “I’m just... happy.”

“Happy?” Seishu echoed, surprised.

“Yes,” Nagano confessed simply.

Seishu raised an eyebrow, then asked, “Something good happen?” Cornered, Nagano gave up trying to spin an excuse.

“I made up with someone I care about,” he said honestly. Seishu blinked, then fell silent for a moment. Finally, he smiled faintly.

“Well, good for you. You can go now,” he said, waving Nagano off with an air of reluctant amusement.

Though his mind remained unfocused, the day passed without incident, and he finished his work by 7 PM. As he stepped out of the office, a subtle warmth lingered in his chest, a quiet echo of the morning’s bliss.

The train home was crowded. Nagano realized that going back to an empty apartment didn’t appeal to him. I want to see him sooner. Before he knew it, he’d gotten off at the station closest to the café where Nishizaki worked. The café served meals too; he might as well combine seeing Nishizaki with having dinner.

The café, known for serving alcohol at night alongside coffee, was busy when Nagano peered inside. Every visible seat was occupied. Its popularity was no surprise—after all, it had been featured in several magazines.

As Nagano stepped in, Nishizaki, stationed at the back of the café, turned and began the customary greeting, “Welcome—” only to cut himself off mid-sentence. He hurried over.

“What’s going on?” Nishizaki asked, his flustered expression unexpectedly endearing.

“I thought I’d come by for dinner,” Nagano replied.

“Oh, I see,” Nishizaki muttered, averting his eyes in a way that betrayed a slight embarrassment.

“Welcome, Nagano-san!” the manager, Sasaki, greeted him from behind the counter. Nagano bowed slightly in return.

“Good to see you doing well,” Sasaki added.

“Yes. Thank you again for serving as a witness for Nishizaki’s adoption paperwork. I apologize for the delayed gratitude,” Nagano said earnestly.

“Oh, no need for that!” Sasaki replied with a cheerful grin. He had a kind and approachable demeanor.

Nagano was shown to the only available seat—a counter spot in the back. He ordered carbonara and a beer. As he sipped the beer that arrived first, his gaze wandered, following Nishizaki as he moved briskly around the floor. The waiter’s uniform suited him perfectly, complementing his graceful posture and refined demeanor. It’s almost surreal, Nagano thought. This is the same man I was wrapped up with until morning.

“How’s work?” Sasaki asked, leaning over the counter to chat.

“No big changes,” Nagano replied, keeping his answer vague while his eyes trailed after Nishizaki, who was now speaking with a customer.

“Speaking of Nishizaki,” Sasaki began, pulling Nagano’s attention back. “He seemed kind of out of it earlier today. Said he’d stayed up late watching a foreign drama. You know how those can hook you—episode after episode until you’ve lost track of time. Ever happen to you?”

“I don’t watch much TV,” Nagano replied smoothly. Drama, huh? That’s a lie. The idea that Nishizaki had been as distracted all day as Nagano had been—enough for it to show—made him smirk.

Two customers approached the register, and Nishizaki went to handle their payments. In the meantime, the carbonara Nagano had ordered was ready, and Sasaki brought it over.

The café wasn’t just known for its coffee; the food was excellent too. As Nagano ate, the room gradually emptied. First, a couple left, followed by a lone customer who’d been reading a book. By 9 PM, the café was almost quiet, save for Nagano, a pair of two seated nearby, and two solitary customers scattered about. Nishizaki had slipped into the kitchen and hadn’t reappeared.

Sasaki remained behind the counter, polishing cups and saucers from the shelves.

“It gets quiet at night,” Nagano observed.

“It’s a residential area,” Sasaki replied with a wry smile. “Fewer customers in the evenings.”

“By the way, have you ever heard if Nishizaki has plans to open his own café someday?” Nagano asked.

He thought Nishizaki might have mentioned something before but couldn’t recall.

“Not directly, but he did mention looking into getting a food safety manager certification,” Sasaki said.

Nagano knew from his experience advising restaurants that this certification was required to run a food establishment. If he’s thinking about this, maybe he’s seriously considering opening a place. It wasn’t something he’d need unless he was planning for the future.

Nagano took a sip of his beer, quietly considering what that might mean.

When it comes to running a business, some people are suited for it, and others aren’t. Nishizaki, though, seemed well-suited to the restaurant industry. He had an easygoing nature and had stuck with this job for years.

As the café emptied and the workload lightened, Nishizaki approached Nagano’s table. He topped off the nearly empty glass of water and cleared the empty plate before disappearing into the kitchen. Moments later, he returned, made a circuit on the café floor, and stopped by Nagano again.

“What were you two talking about earlier?” Nishizaki asked, directing his question not to Nagano, but to Sasaki, who was still behind the counter.

“We were wondering if you’re planning to start your own café someday,” Sasaki replied.

“Oh, that.” Nishizaki rested his hands on the counter, tapping it lightly as though playing a piano. “Having my own place would be nice—it’s a dream, though. It’d take a lot of money.”

Nagano’s eyes caught on a bandage wrapped around Nishizaki’s fingertip. “What happened to your finger?” he asked.

“Oh,” Nishizaki replied, flipping his hand over to show the injury. “A customer broke a glass earlier, and I cut myself cleaning it up. It was during the day—it’s probably fine now.” As he spoke, he peeled the bandage off.

“Ah, crap. It’s still bleeding,” he muttered.

Nagano reached out and grabbed Nishizaki’s wrist. A small bead of blood welled up on the pad of his middle finger. “Maybe I scratched it taking the bandage off,” Nishizaki guessed.

Nagano lifted the hand and, before he realized it himself, pressed his lips to the wound, drawing the blood gently. When he looked up, Nishizaki’s face was beet red, and Sasaki, who had been watching, struggled to suppress a grin.

“Are you okay?” Nagano asked.

“I-I’m fine! I’ll just go put on another bandage,” Nishizaki stammered, rushing off to the register area as though to escape. Though the café wasn’t busy, and there was little for him to do, Nishizaki didn’t return to Nagano’s side. Sasaki also disappeared, leaving Nagano to order another coffee. This time, Nishizaki prepared it.

“How long are you planning to stay here?” Nishizaki asked as he placed the cup in front of Nagano, his expression both confused and flustered.

“Am I bothering you?” Nagano countered.

“No, it’s just… you’re throwing me off,” Nishizaki mumbled, his gaze falling to the table. Nagano noticed something shiny sticking out of Nishizaki’s pocket. He tugged at it, revealing a jingling set of keys.

“Hey, don’t mess with that!” Nishizaki protested, grabbing Nagano’s hand.

“Why are they in your pocket like this?” Nagano asked.

“I’m always losing my keys, so I keep them there,” Nishizaki explained.

Nagano turned his hand, sliding his fingers between Nishizaki’s in an interlocking grip. “What are you doing?” Nishizaki asked, but he didn’t pull his hand away.

“Because I want to,” Nagano replied simply. There was no deeper reason—just the desire to touch.

“Why did you even come here?” Nishizaki asked softly.

“Because I wanted to see you.”

“I get that, but it’s embarrassing when you’re this... intense,” Nishizaki muttered, his voice trailing off. Still, he didn’t resist when Nagano lifted his hand to kiss his fingertips.

“I couldn’t focus at work today. You were all I thought about,” Nagano confessed.

When a customer approached the register, Nishizaki gave a quick shake of his wrist, signaling for Nagano to let go. Reluctantly, Nagano released him, watching him retreat like a bird fluttering away. I want to stay close. I want to see him, touch him, have his attention. But when I’m nearby and can’t have it, the loneliness feels sharper than when I’m apart.

Nagano finished his now lukewarm coffee and stood. Though he had considered staying until closing, it seemed better to leave first. At the register, Nishizaki smiled faintly and said, “The coffee’s on me.”

As Nagano tucked his change into his wallet, Nishizaki added gently, “I’ll be home by midnight.”

The soft expression on Nishizaki’s face struck Nagano as beautiful. Acting on impulse, he leaned forward, grabbed Nishizaki’s arm, and pulled him into a kiss. It was a fleeting, feather-light kiss, but the tenderness lingered as Nagano brushed his fingers against Nishizaki’s cheek. “I’ll be waiting,” he said.

As Nagano turned to leave, he caught Sasaki’s eye. The manager, who had served as a witness for Nishizaki’s adoption papers and was aware of their relationship, smiled knowingly. Nagano didn’t mind being seen—it felt natural, as if their connection deserved to be known.

"Thank you for the meal. It was delicious."

Nagano spoke as he left the café. Despite spending the entire day thinking about Nishizaki, seeing him hadn’t brought relief. In fact, being apart again only made the longing grow stronger. More, more… His desire felt bottomless, like an insatiable appetite.

The apartment was quiet when he got home, lacking the warmth and bliss of the morning. He took a bath, changed into pajamas, and settled into the kotatsu with plans to review the court materials for the next day. But exhaustion crept in, and before he realized it, he had fallen asleep.

A soft poke to his cheek stirred him. He turned his head away, only to feel another prod from the other side. Shielding his face with his arm, he heard a low chuckle.

Reluctantly, Nagano opened his eyes to see Nishizaki leaning over him.

“So much for waiting for me—you’re asleep.”

“I’m tired…” Nagano murmured.

“You were up late last night. Me too, though,” Nishizaki replied.

Nagano slowly came to full awareness. “If you’re going to sleep, go to bed. You’ll catch a cold under the kotatsu,” Nishizaki said.

Nagano stretched and sluggishly sat up. Nishizaki, dressed in sweats as pajamas, had clearly already bathed and changed. Nagano hadn’t even noticed his return.

“Are you going to bed?” Nagano asked.

“Yeah. And you should too.”

Nagano slowly sat up mumbling, "I’ll sleep."

“You’re squishing me,” Nishizaki said, as Nagano grabbed his arm and dragging him to the bed. He pulled them both under the sheets and embraced him tightly.

Even as Nishizaki grumbled, Nagano ignored it. Instead, he kissed him, inhaled his scent, and soaked in his warmth.

“You’re kind of intense,” Nishizaki muttered in his ear, his voice tinged with exasperation. “Sasaki told me something earlier—he said watching you is embarrassing because your love for me is practically pouring out for everyone to see.”

“That’s true,” Nagano admitted without hesitation.

“Couldn’t you deny it a little?” Nishizaki said with a sigh, though his arms wrapped around Nagano in return. They kissed again. Even when their lips parted, Nagano couldn’t look away from Nishizaki’s flushed cheeks, the redness of his ears, and the long lashes that framed his eyes.

They stared at each other, their gazes locked, intertwined, as if the rest of the world had disappeared. In this moment, it’s as if only the two of us exist.

"You know," Nagano began softly, "I’m happy. Incredibly happy."

“...What’s that supposed to mean?” Nishizaki asked.

“I mean, being with you fills me with an incredible sense of joy,” Nagano said, brushing his hand against Nishizaki’s cheek. “I think I might be the happiest person in the world right now.”

“I feel the same, but you’re seriously over the top,” Nishizaki replied with a laugh. His smile was dazzling, and Nagano felt utterly captivated.

Why didn’t I let myself feel this sooner? Nagano thought, and the regret slipped out as words. “If I knew it could feel like this, we should have been like this sooner.”

“Don’t say that now,”. I asked you so many times,” Nishizaki added, pouting. Then, as if reflecting, he tugged playfully at Nagano’s earlobe. “But I get it—you needed to work things out in your own way. You couldn’t trust me until we were bound on paper. It was frustrating, but I don’t blame you. You were stubborn and difficult, though—I nearly gave up.”

“I’m sorry,” Nagano said.

“You’re so straightforward today. It’s kind of funny,” Nishizaki replied with another laugh. They continued to touch, kiss, and hold each other until sleep claimed them.

The next morning, Nagano woke first, before the alarm had a chance to go off. He turned it off and lay still for a moment. Nishizaki was still asleep beside him, his face relaxed and peaceful. I could look at him like this forever. The sense of bliss lingered, a warm haze.

When it was time for Nagano to leave for work, Nishizaki still hadn’t stirred. Kneeling beside the bed, Nagano leaned in and kissed him.

“Nagano…” Nishizaki murmured as he slowly opened his eyes, blinking groggily like a sleeping princess awakened.

“I’m heading to work,” Nagano said softly.

Nishizaki nodded faintly, then whispered, “Kiss me.”

Overwhelmed with affection, Nagano pulled him close and kissed him deeply, losing himself for a moment.

“...Who kisses like that first thing in the morning? I’m wide awake now,” Nishizaki said, his gaze fixed on Nagano. His eyes softened, and he murmured, “I feel ridiculously happy.”

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