I Think of Friends of Mine

by c0smicc

Summary:

Nagi doesn't know when being Reo's roommate stopped being enough.

Maybe it's when Reo starts bringing people over more often. Maybe it's the way Reo laughs a little softer for them or how his voice sounds different when he says their names.

Nagi tells himself it doesn't matter. That he doesn't care

But is it normal to get jealous when your best friend hangs out with people who aren't you?

or

They were just roommates. Until Nagi wanted more.

Notes:

Just Nagi being a simp for Reo without even realizing.

Chapter 1

Nagi has always been lucky to have Reo by his side. He knows that but he doesn’t say it or think about it.

They know eachother since highschool. Reo was loud and determined, Nagi was quiet and hard to move. Somehow, they stuck. People move on, make new friends, grow apart. That’s what Reo said once, as they stood in line for course registration last semester. Nagi just stared at him and shrugged. They could’ve gone to different universities. Chosen different paths. Reo had options Nagi didn’t even know how to spell. But one night, halfway through senior year, Reo had looked over at him with that easy, bright grin and said. “Let’s get a place together. It will be fun. Just you and me, Treasure.”

So they moved in together and now they’re almost finishing college.

Here they were. Two bedrooms and a shared kitchen that Nagi mostly forgets exits. It smells like Reo’s citrus shampoo in the morning and cheap instant noodles at night. It’s quiet. Comfortable.

Nagi didn’t mind the silence. He liked that his roommate filled it with humming, or bad singing, or the clatter of pots and pans. Liked how Reo greeted him after class like they hadn’t seen eachother that morning. Liked the way he dropped random nicknames like they were normal. “Morning, Treasure.” “Let’s go, sleepyhead.”

They were just words, Nagi told himself. Just Reo being Reo. Friendly, bright and way too touchy for someone who wasn’t trying to break his heart. But sometimes when Reo’s voice sounded like a secret instead of a joke, Nagi wondered.

Wondered if he meant it. Wondered if he even knew he was saying like that. Wondered if Reo called anyone else “Treasure”.

He didn’t ask.

Some mornings Nagi wakes up to Reo humming in the kitchen, the smell of something delicious drifting into the hallway. Sometimes it’s breakfast, sometimes it’s coffee with cinnamon he swears makes a difference. Nagi doesn’t always eat. He’s never hungry when he wakes up. Instead, he sits on the stool by the counter while Reo talks about class or people Nagi doesn’t remember, half listening with his chin in his hand, eyes half lidded. It’s part of their routine.

Other days, Reo’s not home at all. Already gone to class or off helping some club organize something. He’s always doing things. Always saying yes. People like him for that.

Nagi doesn’t. He likes Reo quiet. He likes him here.

Lately, he’s noticed that’s harder to come by.

It started slow, an extra study group Reo didn’t use to need, coffee meetups with new classmates, bringing people home without telling Nagi or ask if it’s alright with him. Reo always had people around him, but now it feels like they’re pulling him somewhere Nagi can’t follow.

He tries not to care. But every time someone new shows up at their apartment, someone who smiles a little too much or leans too close. Something in Nagi twists.

It’s petty. He knows that. But it keeps happening.

~

It’s 5:18 pm on a Thursday when Nagi realizes he’s really annoyed.

He feels something in in his chest that’s heavy and hot , right around the time he walks through the apartment door and hears Reo laughing in the kitchen.

There another voice. Someone else. Someone’s that’s not him.

Nagi drops his bag by the door and doesn’t say anything. He kicks off his shoes, wanders around the corner to see them both. Reo at the stove, stirring something in a pan and Ren(or maybe it’s Rio this time) perched on the edge of the counter, grinning at nothing, too close to Reo’s arm for Nagi’s comfort.

He disappears back into his room without a word.

This has been happening a lot lately.

Reo has always been friendly. He talks with his whole body, smiles at anyone and gives away pieces of himself like there’s no cost. Nagi used to think it was just how he was with people. But lately, Reo’s friendliness feels..different. Sharper. More directed. Like someone else is starting to matter.

And Nagi hates that.

He doesn’t want to. Jealousy isn’t efficient. It drags things out, clings to the edges of your thoughts and slows everything down. But it keeps happening. Every time Reo’s phone lights up with a name Nagi doesn’t know. Every time someone else gets to hear Reo’s laugh when Nagi’s the one who’s been listening to it for years.

He’s never told Reo. Of course he hasn’t

What would he even say?

“Hey, I don’t like it when you have other people in your life because I think maybe I want to be your entire life?”

Too much. Too messy.

So instead, he just hides in his room. Pretends he’s busy. Pretends he doesn’t hear the laughter. Pretends the ache in his stomach is hunger and not something else.

He lies on his bed, hoodie over his head, phone resting on his chest. The ceiling doesn’t give any answers.

In the other room, Reo laughs again.

It’s louder than usual.

Worse than usual.

~

The next morning, Reo is already in the kitchen when Nagi wanders in barefoot, hood half zipped, messy hair and eyes lidded. He looks like he always does in the morning. Barely functional, barely awake, but moving.

At the stove, Reo is flipping a pancake with one hand while checking his phone with the other.

Nagi drags himself to the table and doesn’t say anything.

He hears the spatula scrape againt the pan. The soft click of Reo’s phone being set down. The rustle of movement, the kind of familiarity that comes from years of living together. And then, finally-

“You okay?” Reo asks. It’s casual. Maybe too casual.

Nagi doesn’t answer.

Reo turns around, arms crossed, leaning back against the counter now. “You didn’t say anything last night.”

“I was tired.” Nagi mumbles.

Reo raises an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with the response from his best friend. “You’re always tired. But you’re not always quiet.

Nagi shrugs, eyes locked on the scratched surface of the table. “Didn’t feel like talking.”

There’s a pause. The air shifts. Reo’s voice drops softer now. “Was is it because Ren was over?”

So he noticed.

Nagi doesn’t flinch, but something in his stomach tightens.

“No.”

“You sure?” Reo asks, stepping forward. “Because you kind of ghosted me the rest of the night. I knocked on your door before bed. You didn’t answer.

“I had headphones in.”

“You didn’t.”

Silence.

Reo sighs. “Look, I can tell when something’s up with you, y’know. You do this thing with your mouth, like you’re chewing on a thought. And you haven’t looked me in the eye all morning.”

Nagi finally glances up, slow and unwilling. Reo’s face is unreadable. Not angry. Not smug. Just watching.

“You’re imagining it.”

“I’m not.”

Nagi exhales through his nose and leans back in the chair. “Why do you care so much?”

Reo frows. “Hey, don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“That thing where you get all passive-aggresive and pretend it doesn’t bother you, when it clearly does.”

Nagi doesn’t answer.

Reo walks over, setting a plate down in front of him. Pancakes. Syrup. Strawberries cut into small triangles, the way Nagi likes them.

“I’m your roommate, Sei. Not a mind reader.”

Nagi hates when Reo says his name like that. Soft. Like it means something.

He stares at the food. Picks up the fork. Doesn’t eat.

 

Reo watches him for a moment, then adds, “You know you can tell me if something’s bothering you, right?”

Nagi thinks about it. Thinks about all the words he could say. But none of them would make sense. None of them would come out right. So instead, he mumbles, “Don’t like when the apartment’s that loud.”

Reo tilts his head. “You’ve never cared before.”

“Well, I do now.”

 

Another pause.

 

Reo doesn’t push. Just nods slowly, like he’s filing the answer away. Then he says, “Alright. I won’t invite people over without checking in first.”

 

“That’s not what I—”

 

But Reo’s already walking away, humming again like nothing ever happened.

 

And Nagi just sits there, the strawberries bleeding red into the syrup. He doesn’t know what he wanted. But that wasn’t it.

 

~

 

The lecture hall is half empty when Nagi walks in the next day. It smells like dry markers and coffee. Students are scattered across the seats, some typing, some half asleep.

Reo’s already there, third row from the front, notebook open, head tilted slightly as he rereads a slide. Nagi hesitates for a second. Then walks down the row and drops into the seat beside him.

 

No greeting. Just the faint rustle of paper and the click of a highlighter.

 

Nagi leans back, glancing sideways. “Morning.” Nothing.

He waits, then speaks again. “You’re mad.”

 

Reo’s eyes don’t leave the page. “No.”

“You are.”

“I’m not,” Reo mutters. “I’m just focusing.”

“You don’t focus in this class.”

Reo pauses, then says, “Maybe I’m tired of being the only one who does.”

 

That one sinks deep. Nagi doesn’t answer. He stares at the notes Reo is pretending to read and the space between them that feels way too big now.

When the lecture ends, Reo packs up without a word and is gone before Nagi even stands

 

The apartment is quiet that evening. Nagi pokes at a pot of instant noodles, watching the water bubble like it owes him something. He grabs two bowls anyway and heads for the living room. Reo’s on the couch, hoodie on, eyes on his phone.

Nagi sets the bowl down in front of him. “I made yours without the spicy packet.”

Reo doesn’t look up. “Thanks.”

 

They eat in silence, the sound of chopsticks faint and steady.

 

Then Nagi shifts, clears his throat. “Hey.”

 

Reo looks over. A little tired. Not angry anymore.

 

“I didn’t mean to sound like that yesterday,” Nagi says. “I wasn’t trying to be a dick.”

Reo stays quiet.

“I just… I don’t like the noise sometimes. When I’m already tired, it feels like too much.”

Reo finally puts his bowl down. “Okay.”

 

“And I don’t care if you bring people over,” Nagi adds. “You can. It’s your place too.”

Reo blinks. “You sure?”

Nagi nods. “Yeah.”

Reo exhales, slow. “Thanks for saying that.”

Nagi shrugs. “You’re still annoying, though.”

Reo smirks faintly, nudging Nagi’s knee with his own. “Takes one to know one.”

Reo’s curled on the far side of the couch with a blanket pulled over his knees. Nagi slouches into the other end like he always does, head against the armrest, limbs long and boneless. They don’t talk much. Don’t need to.

“Pick something dumb,” Nagi mumbles, tugging the blanket with his foot until it shifts halfway across the space between them. “Nothing with plot.”

Reo grins, clicking through the list. “So… something you’ll sleep through in twenty minutes.”

“Exactly.”

 

They settle on some action comedy with too much noise and not enough sense. Reo starts watching. Nagi starts watching Reo. His profile glows softly in the light from the screen. He laughs at some stupid line, eyes crinkling, and tosses popcorn into his mouth like he’s training for a sport. Nagi doesn’t laugh. He just watches.

 

Halfway through, Reo shifts, pulling the blanket more toward him then stops. “You cold?”

Nagi shrugs. “It’s fine.”

Reo rolls his eyes and tugs him by the wrist. “Come here, then.”

 

Nagi doesn’t argue. He slides closer. Lets Reo drape the blanket over both of them. Lets himself lean in, shoulder to shoulder, then head to shoulder. It’s quiet like that for a long time.

Reo hums under his breath, soft and content. His fingers idly tap against the fabric of the couch. Nagi lets his eyes fall shut, not because he’s tired just because this is easier than looking. He can smell Reo’s fresh shampoo and something warmer. Familiar. Safe.

 

By the time the movie ends, Nagi’s barely awake.

 

Reo’s voice is low. “You fell asleep.”

Nagi grumbles. “Did not.”

“You drooled on my sleeve.”

“Did not.”

Reo laughs. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

 

Nagi’s heartbeat skips once. Just once. He says nothing.

 

They don’t move for a while. Then Reo yawns, stretches, and says, “I’m not brushing my teeth. I’m too comfortable.”

“Gross.”

“You’ll live.”

 

Nagi lets him go when he finally stands, the blanket slipping off his shoulder like a sigh. Reo disappears down the hall with soft footfalls, hoodie sleeves trailing, and the light flicking on in his room. Nagi stares at the empty space beside him. Eventually, he drags himself off the couch and crawls into his own bed.

 

Morning.

 

It’s quiet, early, a little too bright through the thin curtains. Nagi wakes up slowly, blinking blearily at the ceiling. His back hurts. His arm’s asleep. But his first thought is Reo.

He pads quietly down the hall and finds him in the living room, passed out with one leg over the side of the couch, blanket tangled at his feet. His phone is still in his hand, face turned toward the cushions. Nagi doesn’t say anything.

 

He just stands there. Watching.

 

Reo’s hair is messy, his lips parted slightly in sleep. One hand curled under his cheek. His chest rising and falling with the kind of peace Nagi doesn’t know how to name.

Nagi drags his eyes away and retreats into the bathroom. Turns on the water. Steps under the spray without letting it warm up enough. Cold doesn’t help.

He exhales, head tipped against the tiles.

He’s hard.

Ridiculously, stupidly hard. From nothing. From the shape of Reo’s mouth while he sleeps. From the way his voice said “You’re lucky you’re cute.” From the way his warmth still lingers like a ghost under Nagi’s skin.

Nagi shuts his eyes. Tries not to think about it.

 

Fails.

 

His hand drifts down, slow, hesitant, like it’s not entirely his idea. Like it’s Reo’s fault for pulling him in close on the couch. For breathing against his neck. For making this harder than it needs to be.

 

He wraps his fingers around himself and bites his bottom lip. The first stroke is tentative. Testing. He imagines Reo again just the curve of his grin, the lazy tilt of his voice when he says, “Come here” like Nagi belongs there. Like it’s obvious.

 

A soft sound escapes him. He presses his mouth to his arm, muffling it. His hips twitch forward against his palm. His breath stutters. He goes quiet, always quiet, even now. Like if he’s silent enough, he won’t have to admit who he’s thinking about.

 

Faster now. Sharper. The ache in his chest starts to match the one in his gut.

It doesn’t take long. It never does when it’s about Reo.

 

When he comes, it’s with a bitten off gasp against his own skin. Not loud. Not messy. Just real. A stutter of breath and a small, shuddering release that leaves him sagging against the tile, chest rising and falling.

 

The water keeps running.

 

He stays there for a moment. Still. Quiet.

 

Then wipes a hand down his face.

Chapter 2

Summary:

they go to a party, nagi gets a lil jealous

“Treasure, please? It’s just one night.”
Nagi groaned from where he was sprawled out on the couch, a controller balanced on his chest and his phone barely held in one hand. His eyes flicked toward Reo, who was leaning against the door frame with that usual mix of energy and charm that Nagi found both annoying and impossible to ignore.

“No.” Nagi muttered.

“Yes.” Reo countered. “You never go anywhere. You barely go to class, and when you do, you fall asleep five minutes in.”

“That’s not true.”

“You fell asleep yesterday and woke up asking if it was Wednesday.”

“It was Wednesday.”

“Exactly.”

Nagi let his head fall back into the cushion. “What’s the point? Loud music, sweaty people, cheap drinks…”

“Me,” Reo said simply, walking over and flopping next to him on the couch. Their thighs touched. “I’ll be there. And I want you there too.”

Nagi’s eyes lifted slowly. “You’re not gonna leave me alone, are you.”

“Nope.”

Reo grinned. “Come on. It’ll be chill. Just a dorm mixer thing in the common building. Free drinks, free snacks. We don’t even have to stay long.” Nagi hesitated. He didn’t care about people. Didn’t care about parties or noise or pointless small talk. But Reo wanted him there. That was the difference.

He sighed. “Fine. But im not wearing anything stupid.”

Reo lit up. “You never do. You just show up looking hot without trying.”

Nagi blinked.

Reo stood and patted his shoulder. “Be ready at nine.”

Nagi didn’t move for a long time after Reo walked off, the echo of those words still stuck in his head like the low hum of a song he wasn’t ready to hear.

~
The party was exactly what Nagi expected. Loud, humid, and way too crowded for a dorm building. Bass from cheap speakers vibrated through the floors, and the lighting was just dark enough to make everything feel fuzzy around the edges.
Reo looked right at home.

He moved through the crowd with ease, greeting people with that warm smile Nagi knew too well. His hair was still damp from the shower and he smelled like his usual parfum and clean. He worn a soft cream sweater and black pants, simple but perfect (of course). Reo always looked put together, always moved like he belonged. Nagi lingered near the drink table, fingers curled around a plastic cup of something vaguely sweet and very alcoholic. He didn’t want to talk. He didn’t want to dance. He just wanted to keep Reo in his line of sight, like that would make the noise easier to deal with.

But then Reo disappeared into a cluster of people and Nagi lost him. By the time he found him again, Reo was laughing, head tilted back slightly, that full body kind of laugh that made his shoulders bounce. He wasn’t alone. A guy stood next to him, a little taller, dark haired, and leaning in too close.

Nagi froze, drink halfway to his mouth.

“Didn’t expect to see you here” the guy was saying, voice loud over the music. “I thought you didn’t come to these things.”

“I usually don’t.” Reo replied. “Dragged someone with me tonight, though.”

“Oh?” The guy smiled. “Girlfriend?”

Reo grinned back. “No.”

The guy’s hand landed lightly on Reo’s arm. “So you’re single.”

Reo didn’t answer right away. He just laughed again, softer this time, like the question was funny. Nagi felt the burn of alcohol on his tongue and swallowed it anyway.

He turned away.

~

He ended up sitting on a bench outside the building, hood pulled over his head, legs stretched out in front of him. The night air was cool and the silence out here was so much better than the chaos inside.

“Sei?”

He looked up.

Reo was standing there, a little unsteady, cheeks flushed from drinking, holding two cups.

“You disappeared.” Reo said, plopping down beside him. “I was looking everywhere.”

Nagi shrugged, eyes on the pavement. “Too loud.”

“You could’ve told me.”

“Didn’t wanna bother you.”

Reo nudged his shoulder. “You never bother me.”

They sat like that for a while. The silence wasn’t as sharp this time.

Reo offered him one of the cups. “I brought you another drink.”

Nagi took it. Their fingers brushed.

“So..” Reo said, turning slightly toward him. “You okay?”

Nagi stared into his cup. “Yeah.”

“You sure?”

“No.”

Reo paused. “Was it something I said?”

“No.”

Another pause. “Something someone else said?”

Nagi didn’t answer. Reo shifted closer, their knees touching now. The warmth of his thigh pressed against Nagi’s like it belonged there. Nagi didn’t move away.

“I saw you talking to that guy.” Nagi said, voice quieter than before.

Reo blinked. “Yeah?”

“He asked if you were single.”

Reo tilted his head. “You were listening?”

“I wasn’t trying to.”

Reo didn’t say anything for a moment. “Does it bother you?”

Nagi’s jaw tightened. “No.”

Reo hummed. “You’re a bad liar.”

“Im drunk.”

“That’s not an excuse.”

Nagi took a slow sip from the cup. “You didn’t say no.”

Reo leaned back, looking up at the sky. “Didn’t say yes either.”

The silence stretched again, heavy now. Dense. Reo’s hand landed on Nagi’s knee. Casual. But it stayed there.

“You’re warm.” Reo mumbled, half smiling. “Like a blanket.”

“You’re annoying.”

“You’re cute when you’re mad.”

Nagi felt the heat rise in his chest, alcohol pooling with frustration in a dangerous mix. He didn’t know if Reo was teasing. He never knew. That was the worst part. Reo shifted again. Their shoulders bumped. “I like sitting with you better than anyone in there.”

“Then don’t flirt with anyone in there.”

Reo turned to him, surprised. Nagi blinked, realizing what he just said.

“..Sorry” he muttered, dragging a hand through his hair. “Forget it.” Reo didn’t laugh this time. Didn’t smile.
He just said, quietly “Okay.” And that bothered Nagi more.

“Come on” Reo added after a beat, standing up. “Let’s go home.”

Seishiro followed without a word.

~

The walk back was quiet. The kind of quiet that pressed down on Nagi’s shoulders like rain clouds, heavy and charged. Reo walked a little ahead, hands in his pockets, swaying slightly with each step. His hair was a little messy now, curls falling over his eyes. The scent of cheap vodka and good perfume still clung to him like static. Nagi didn’t say anything, not even when they reached the dorm and slipped inside. The door clicked softly shut behind them, muffling the distant bass still echoing across campus.

Reo toed his shoes off and tossed his hoodie over the back of the chair, not bothering to turn the lights on. The glow of the streetlamps filtered through the blinds, casting soft slats of gold across the floor.

“You good?” Reo asked finally, voice a little hoarse from drinking and laughing too much earlier.

Nagi sat on the edge of his bed. “Mhm.” Reo dropped next to him, close enough that their knees bumped. “You were quiet the whole walk back.”

“You were quiet too.”

Reo leaned forward, elbows on his thighs, hands clasped. “I didn’t mean to ignore you. At the party.”

“You didn’t ignore me.” Nagi muttered, eyes trained on the floor. “You were just busy. You always are.”

Reo turned toward him slightly. “Hey. You know you can say it, right?”

“Say what.”

“That you didn’t like it.”

Nagi’s jaw worked. He didn’t know what part of it stung more that Reo had noticed, or that Reo had let it happen anyway. “I just didn’t feel like watching some guy flirt with you all night.”

Reo blinked. “So you were jealous.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.” They were quiet for a second. The air between them thickened.

“I’m not dating anyone, you know.” Reo said softly.

“I know.”

Reo nudged his arm. “And I brought you to the party. Not anyone else.”

Nagi looked at him.

For once, Reo wasn’t smiling. He looked serious. Tired, maybe. Or vulnerable in that way that made Nagi feel something too sharp to name. “I didn’t want to fight” Reo said. “Especially not with you.”

“You didn’t.” Nagi said, and meant it. “I was just… being weird.”

“You’re always weird.” Reo’s voice softened into something almost fond. “But you’re my weird.” The words hit like a punch wrapped in velvet. Nagi didn’t answer, but something in his chest twisted.

“You should go to bed,” Nagi murmured eventually, trying to shift the mood.

Reo yawned instead of arguing. “Only if you lie down too.” He flopped backward on Nagi’s bed like it was the most natural thing in the world. Nagi stared at him.

Reo patted the space beside him. “C’mon. Just until I fall asleep.” Nagi hesitated.

But then he laid down.

The room was too quiet. The distance between them on the bed felt fake, like a wall neither of them had the energy to acknowledge anymore. And when Reo shifted closer, draping an arm lazily over Nagi’s stomach, Nagi didn’t stop him. He didn’t breathe.

“You always get like this when you’re tired,” Reo mumbled, head resting near Nagi’s shoulder now. “All sulky and intense.”

“Im not sulking.”

“Liar.”

There was a small pause. Nagi felt Reo’s breath against his shirt, slow and steady.

“You know..” Reo said sleepily. “You don’t have to act like you don’t care.”

Nagi blinked. “About what.”

“Anything. Me.”

Nagi’s fingers twitched where they rested beside him. He wanted to say something, anything, but the words caught in his throat like static.

Reo didn’t push. He just snuggled in closer, like he always did, like it meant nothing.

Nagi laid there in the dim glow of the streetlight, heart pounding in his throat, staring up at the ceiling while the boy who made everything feel impossible fell asleep against his chest. It would’ve been easier if Reo didn’t use words like “mine” so carelessly. If he didn’t curl into him like he belonged there. If Nagi didn’t want to believe it so badly.

But he did.
~

Nagi woke up slowly.

For a moment, he wasn’t even sure what pulled him out of sleep. The morning light hadn’t reached full strength yet. Just soft gold edging the curtains. The dorm room was quiet, still heavy with the hush of early morning. What he noticed first was the weight.

Reo’s arm, draped over his chest like it belonged there. His head, tucked just under Nagi’s jaw, breath warm against his collarbone. Their legs tangled lazily under the blanket, like neither of them had bothered to shift once they’d fallen asleep. Nagi didn’t move. He didn’t even blink, just let his gaze stay fixed on the ceiling, every muscle in his body carefully still like any movement might break whatever spell they were under.

It wasn’t the first time they’d ended up like this. But it felt different now.
Maybe because of the way Reo’s fingers had curled into the hem of his shirt in sleep. Or maybe because Nagi had spent half the night lying there, wondering what it would feel like to turn his face just slightly and press his lips into Reo’s hair.

He hadn’t, of course. He wouldn’t.
But the thought hadn’t left. Nagi exhaled quietly, eyes flicking down to the boy still pressed into him.

Reo stirred, just a little, nose scrunching up. Then his grip on Nagi’s shirt tightened slightly as he mumbled, half asleep, “Five more minutes?”

Nagi’s chest ached.

“…Yeah” he whispered, letting his hand drift up to rest lightly on Reo’s back.

Five more minutes. He could give him that.
He could give him a thousand more.

Notes:

Hope you liked it!

Chapter 3

Summary:

like a cat.

They didn’t talk about it.

 

Not the party, not the way they fallen asleep, not the warmth of Reo’s arm wrapped around Nagi’s waist like it had belonged there all along. When they woke up, early sunlight cutting soft and gold through the window.

 

Reo stretched first, rubbing sleep from his eyes, mumbling something about needing water. Nagi had nodded, not trusting his voice. His heart was still beating too fast. They hadn’t looked at each other.

 

By the time Reo came back with two bottles, Nagi was already holed up in the bathroom under scalding water, forehead pressed to the tile as if that might burn the memory out of him.

 

It didn’t. And now?

 

Now everything felt the same, but wrong.

 

Nagi was very aware of everything. The way Reo’s voice always carried when he was on the phone. The shirts he wore that clung a little tighter to his shoulders lately. The sound of his laughter in the kitchen that hit too close to his ribs. Even Reo's texts had started to bother him (too many emojis, too many lols) when they weren’t even funny.

 

It was worse in class.

 

They sat beside each other, as always, but Nagi couldn’t focus. Reo twirled a pen around his fingers and Nagi stared at it like it was some sort of magic trick. When Reo leaned over to whisper something about their assignment, Nagi’s throat went dry.

 

He muttered back a clipped answer and turned away.

 

They hadn’t really spoken all day.

 

Now it was late and Reo was on the couch again, scrolling on his phone while some movie played in the background. Nagi hovered in the kitchen, pretending to look for something in the fridge.

 

“Are you mad at me or something?” Reo asked without looking up.

 

Nagi froze, hand still on the fridge handle.

 

“No.”

 

Reo set his phone down. “You’ve been weird all day.”

 

“I’ve been normal.”

 

Reo arched a brow. “You haven’t looked me in the eye since this morning.”

 

Nagi didn’t answer.

 

Reo stood, walking closer. “Is this about the party? Look, if I dragged you into something you didn’t wanna go to—”

 

“It’s not that.”

 

“Then what?”

 

Nagi finally looked at him. “You keep acting like nothing happened.”

 

Reo blinked. “What do you mean nothing happened?”

 

Nagi hated that his voice cracked. “Nothing. Exactly.”

 

A pause. The room felt too full.

 

“I—” Reo started, then shook his head. “Nagi, we were drunk. We fell asleep.”

 

“I wasn’t that drunk.”

 

Reo’s expression softened. “Then why didn’t you say anything?”

 

Nagi swallowed hard. “Because I didn’t know if it mattered to you.”

 

Silence.

 

Then Reo sighed and sat on the edge of the couch. “Do you want it to?”

 

Nagi didn’t answer.

 

And that silence, again, stretched too long.

 

~

 

They still didn’t talk.

 

By the middle of the week, Nagi had convinced himself he was imagining it all. The awkwardness. The pull. The stupid ache in his chest when Reo laughed too hard at someone else’s joke.

 

Maybe he was reading too much into it. Maybe it was just… college. Stress. Sleep deprivation. Hormones.

 

He’d tried zoning out during lectures again, the way he used to, letting the droning voice of his professor act like white noise. But now, even the smallest things distracted him. Like the way Reo chewed the end of his pen during econ. Or how his hand would brush Nagi’s when they passed each other a worksheet and Nagi would feel it like a static shock.

 

Reo didn’t seem to notice. Reo never seemed to notice.

 

 

Reo

 

Reo noticed.

 

Of course he did. He noticed everything when it came to Nagi. Had always been able to read him, even before the other boy knew what he was feeling himself. But this?

 

This was different.

 

Nagi barely looked at him in the mornings now. He stayed quiet during meals, which wasn’t unusual, but there was a kind of deliberate silence to it. Like he was holding something back. Reo hated it. Hated the new distance. Hated how Nagi flinched when their fingers brushed.

 

And yeah, he remembered the party. He remembered how Nagi had slumped into him, warm and pliant with sleep, lips parted, breath soft and slow. He remembered waking up with Nagi’s head tucked under his chin, his arm wrapped around Reo’s middle like he was something to hold onto.

 

Reo had pretended to be asleep for ten minutes longer than necessary. He didn’t want it to end. He didn’t know what to do with that.

 

~

 

 Nagi

 

Thursday night.

 

The apartment was quiet except for the hum of Reo’s laptop. Nagi was on the floor, half sprawled in front of the fan, pretending to scroll on his phone. He hadn’t spoken in nearly two hours.

 

“Do you want to order something?” Reo asked eventually. Nagi shrugged.

 

“Ramen?” Another shrug.

 

“You know you still have to eat, right?” Reo said, finally turning in his chair to look at him.

 

Nagi blinked up. “I ate yesterday.”

 

Reo rolled his eyes. “Wow. One whole day ago.”

 

A long pause.

 

“I’m not hungry” Nagi said.

 

Reo’s lips thinned. “You’re not anything lately.”

 

Nagi raised an eyebrow.

 

He sat up slowly. “What does that mean?”

 

Reo didn’t flinch. “It means you’ve been acting like I killed your dog.”

 

“I don’t have a dog.”

 

“You know what I mean.”

 

Nagi stood, brushing his hair out of his face. “Well, maybe you’ve been acting like nothing’s wrong.”

 

“Because nothing is wrong.”

 

“Exactly” Nagi snapped and it surprised them both.

 

The air between them froze. Stiff. Shaky.

 

Reo sighed. “You’re so fucking confusing sometimes.”

 

Nagi’s mouth opened. Closed. Then, “You confuse me first.”

 

Silence again. Then Reo got up, moving toward the kitchen. “I’m ordering ramen.”

 

“I said I’m not hungry.”

 

“Well I am. And you always steal mine anyway.”

 

That should’ve been the end of it.

 

But later, when the food came, they sat on opposite ends of the couch, Reo watching some dumb reality show, Nagi not even pretending to care about his own bowl of noodles.

 

Halfway through the episode, Reo reached over and gently poked Nagi’s thigh with his foot.

 

Nagi looked at him, tired. “What.”

 

Reo didn’t say anything. Just nudged again, like he was testing a boundary.

 

Eventually, Nagi didn’t push him away.

 

~

 

Friday

 

They were walking home from class, backpacks heavy, sky turning that lazy shade of orange that meant it was almost the weekend.

 

“I have a group project next week” Reo said. “You?”

 

Nagi made a face. “Something about a presentation. I wasn’t listening.”

 

Reo snorted. “You never do.”

 

But there was warmth in it. Familiar. Safe.

 

The silence that followed was… different. Not heavy, this time. Not sharp.

 

They walked in step.

 

Reo’s sleeve brushed Nagi’s wrist.

 

Neither of them moved away.

 

~

 

Saturday Morning

 

Nagi woke up to find that Reo's door was already open and his bed was messy. Pillows thrown away in the corner of his room.

 

He wandered out into the living room and found Reo curled up on the couch, hood over his head, bare legs poking out from under the blanket. Nagi leaned in the doorway.

 

“You’re such a drama queen.”

 

Reo groaned. “I had a nightmare you kicked me out of bed.”

 

“You were never in my bed.”

 

“You know what I mean.”

 

A beat.

 

Nagi walked over and dropped down next to him. He sat so their thighs touched again.

 

Reo didn’t move.

 

They sat there, in silence, the muted TV casting soft light against the walls.

 

“Are we okay?” Nagi asked quietly.

 

Reo didn’t answer for a moment. Then he turned his head, just enough to meet Nagi’s eyes. “Do you want us to be?”

 

Nagi nodded, slow.

 

“Then yeah,” Reo said. “We’re okay.”

 

Nagi exhaled through his nose, like he’d been holding it in too long.

 

“Hey,” Reo added, voice lighter. “Want to play a round of that fighting game? Winner gets the last Pocky.”

 

Nagi looked sideways. “You already ate it.”

 

Reo grinned. “Yeah. But it’s the principle.”

 

They played. Nagi lost. On purpose.

 

~

 

 

 

It was after midnight when Nagi found himself unable to sleep. Again. He rolled onto his side, staring at the ceiling, every second dragging.

 

Eventually, he got up, wandered into the living room and sat on the couch in the dark. Two minutes later, Reo appeared in the hallway, rubbing his eyes.

 

“I knew you’d be here,” he said.

 

Nagi shrugged.

 

Reo walked over, pulled the blanket off the armrest and sat beside him. “You could just come in my room and sleep on my bed, you know.”

 

“I’d never sleep.”

 

“Me neither.”

 

They didn’t move for a while.

 

Finally, Nagi leaned back, let his head rest on Reo’s shoulder. Reo went still for half a breath, then relaxed into it.

 

Their fingers brushed on the blanket.

 

None of them say anything about it.

~

It’s still dark when Nagi stirs or maybe the room is just touched by that early gray haze before dawn. Reo’s weight is beside him, solid and familiar, breaths steady and close. Their hands are still touching. He doesn’t remember falling asleep like that. Everything feels slow. Hushed.

 

Reo shifts slightly, pressing against Nagi’s side. It’s casual, innocent. But it sparks something in Nagi that spreads beneath his skin like warmth in deep water. The blankets feel heavier. His chest, tight.

 

Then—

 

“Sei…” Reo breathes, barely audible. Maybe he just talks in his sleep. Maybe it’s more.

 

Nagi turns, eyes adjusting to the soft light. Reo is close, too close for Nagi’s own good,  his lips parted like he’s about to speak again. But he doesn’t. Instead, he leans in.

 

Their noses brush. Nagi doesn’t move.

 

And then Reo kisses him.

 

It’s gentle at first. Provocative. Their lips fit like they done this a hundred times. Reo’s hand curls lightly into Nagi’s shirt, grounding him.

 

Nagi’s heart stumbles.

 

Reo tilts his head, mouth pressing deeper, warm and slow. When his tongue brushes against Nagi’s, it’s cautious, curious. Not rushed. Not desperate. Just… real.

 

Too real.

 

Nagi makes a low sound, surprised by how much he wants it. How natural it feels to let Reo pull him closer, to match his rhythm, to give in. His hand ghosts along Reo’s waist, unsure if he’s touching or if Reo’s comfortable with that.

 

He doesn’t even realize he’s breathing harder. That his hips have shifted forward. That he’s reacting.

 

The kiss lingers. Lingers until the heat in his body builds past the point of control. Until his pulse is in his throat. Until he exhales, soft and shallow and everything just-

 

Breaks.

Then the clarity hits.

His boxers are damp. His thighs are warm. And Reo...is still sleeping beside him, unaware.

 

Nagi slips out of bed before the shame can settle fully into his skin.

 

~

 

He rushed to the bathroom, trying not to make any noise that could wake Reo up and realize that Nagi came in his pants like a teenage boy just because he slept next to him.

 

The water runs cold, but Nagi doesn’t notice. He splashes it over his face three times, scrubbing harder than necessary. His hands shake slightly. He leans against the sink and stares at the floor.

 

It wasn’t real. Or maybe it was too real.

 

He doesn’t know what’s worse. That it happened or that it felt so natural. Like it had been waiting to happen for months. He changes quickly. Avoids the mirror.

 

By the time he walks back into the room, the light outside has softened. Reo is awake now, blinking at the ceiling, hair sticking up in all directions. His blanket is half kicked off, revealing a stripe of bare skin above the waistband of his shorts.

 

Nagi tries not to look.

 

“You left” Reo says, voice scratchy.

 

Nagi shrugs. “I was thirsty.”

 

“You could’ve just stayed.”

 

He doesn’t answer that.

 

Reo watches him for a beat too long, then throws his arm over his eyes. “You always leave in the morning.”

 

Nagi makes a little sound. Not an answer, not a lie.

 

He just slips back under the blanket, careful not to brush Reo’s hand again.

 

They lie there, side by side and say nothing.

 

But Nagi’s pulse still hasn’t slowed.       

~

 

The day moved forward like it always did. With Nagi pretending he hadn’t dreamed about kissing Reo and Reo acting like they didn’t spent the night tangled in silence.

By mid afternoon, Reo casually invited him to tag along to a group study session.

 

“Just a few people from econ,” he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “It’s nothing serious. They’re annoying, but not in a bad way.”

 

Nagi only hesitated a second. “I’ll come.”

 

He didn’t really care about the study part. He just wanted to be where Reo was.

 

The café was too loud for focusing. A group of five was crammed into a circular table near the back, laptops open, drinks half finished. One of the girls waved when she spotted Reo.

 

“There you are! Thought you ditched again.”

 

Reo dropped into the seat next to her. “Not today.”

 

Someone else eyed Nagi as he slid into the empty seat beside him. “You brought a friend?”

 

“This is Nagi,” Reo said. “My roommate.”

 

“Roommate,” a guy echoed, eyebrows raised. “Got it.”

 

The conversation shifted to group assignments and shared professors. Nagi barely listened, nodding when Reo made a joke or when someone looked at him for input. He felt out of place (not because of them), but because the whole time, he was only aware of Reo. How relaxed he looked here. How easily he fit into other people’s conversations. And how little of that was for Nagi.

 

The hum of voices and the click of keyboards made it almost impossible to focus. Nagi sat slouched  at the edge of the table, elbow resting near his drink, head drifting slowly toward Reo’s shoulder. He wasn’t tired exactly, just worn down in that quiet way where everything felt softer, slower. And Reo was warm. Solid. Familiar.

 

At first, Reo didn’t move. Then, without a word, he shifted slightly and let Nagi’s weight settle more comfortably against him. His hand lifted, casual like it had done it a hundred times before and carded through Nagi’s hair. Slow. Gentle. Focused entirely on the conversation around them, but his fingers never stopped.

 

Nagi didn’t even pretend to be part of the discussion anymore.

 

Someone was talking about group project deadlines. Another mentioned a professor they all hated. Laughter came in bursts. Nagi closed his eyes for a second, lulled by the soft scratch of Reo’s nails on his scalp. 

 

“So… are you two, like, dating?”

 

Reo froze. Just for a second.

 

Nagi’s eyes opened, breath catching.

 

The girl across the table raised her brows. “You’re being awfully cozy for just roommates.”

 

Reo’s hand paused in Nagi’s hair. He let out a quick tight laugh, off balance. “No. Definitely not.”

 

The girl blinked. “Oh. Sorry, I just thought…”

 

“We’re just friends” Reo said quickly. “He’s like a cat. Sleeps all day, follows me around. It’s not that deep.”

 

Nagi sat up slowly. Quietly.

 

The air felt colder now.

 

No one noticed the shift or if they did, they chalked it up to the way Nagi always seemed distant anyway. But Reo’s hand didn’t return to his hair and Nagi didn’t lean back in.

 

He just picked up his drink and sipped it, eyes fixed on the table, pretending the laughter around him didn’t sound louder than before.

 

~

 

Alright,” Reo said, stretching as he stood, “we’re gonna head out. Good luck with the reading.”

 

“Bye, Reo!” one of the girls said with a grin. “Bye, Nagi.”

 

Nagi gave a small wave, not even looking at them. He didn’t said much the entire session since the question about them being a couple. His mood had quietly shifted into something dull and low.

 

Reo bumped his arm lightly as they stepped out of the cafe. “You didn’t die. Congrats.”

 

Nagi didn’t laugh. He just shoved his hands into his pockets and walked beside Reo into the night air.

 

It was cooler now. The kind of summer evening where the breeze was soft but constant and the sky was a deep, pretty blue, scattered with stars just starting to push through the city haze. The walk back to their apartment wasn’t far, ten minutes, maybe, but the quiet between them felt stretched like they were walking through molasses instead of campus sidewalks.

 

Reo broke the silence first. “So… were they that boring or did I miss something?”

 

Nagi didn’t answer right away.

 

Reo glanced at him, slowing his pace. “What’s up?”

 

Nagi stopped walking for half a second. “Nothing.”

 

“You’ve been weird since we left.”

 

Nagi looked ahead, piercing eyes , mouth tight. “You really don’t get it?”

 

Reo frowned, confused. “Get what?”

 

There was a pause. Then Nagi repeated, low and flat: “‘He’s like a cat. Follows me around.’”

 

Reo blinked. “Wait, seriously? That?”

 

Nagi still didn’t look at him. “Yeah. That.”

 

“It was a joke,” Reo said quickly, almost laughing. “Come on, Sei, you know I didn’t mean anything by it.”

 

Nagi’s eyes flicked to him, quick and sharp. “That’s what you say about a best friend?”

 

“You’re really stuck on that, huh?”

 

“I’m not stuck on it.” Nagi muttered, turning away slightly. “It just… sounded shitty.”

 

Reo stopped walking completely. “It’s not like I said you were obsessed with me or something. I was deflecting. They were putting me on the spot.”

 

Nagi shrugged. “Could’ve said something else. Anything.”

 

“Like what?”

 

“I don’t know. ‘He’s my best friend.’ Something that didn’t make me sound like a stray you keep around because you feel bad.”

 

Reo stared at him for a second, mouth agape. “Do you actually think that’s how I see you?”

 

Nagi’s jaw tightened. “No. But maybe they do now.”

 

“They’re not even important, Nagi.”

 

“It’s not about them.”

 

The air hung heavy between them for a second, buzzing with tension. Reo took a step closer.

 

“Then what is it about?”

 

Nagi didn’t answer. Or maybe he couldn’t. His hands stayed buried in his hoodie pockets and he looked away like the streetlights had something more interesting to say.

 

“You’re mad because I didn’t call you my best friend in front of some people we barely know?” Reo asked, voice quieter this time. Not mocking (just trying to understand).

 

Nagi shook his head, but it wasn’t a no. “I’m not mad.” he said.

 

Reo waited.

 

“I just… I didn’t think you saw me that way.” Nagi admitted finally, voice low.

 

“What way?”

 

“Like some guy who follows you around.”

 

Reo’s face softened a little. “Sei…”

 

But Nagi was already walking again, keeping his gaze ahead, the conversation clearly over.

~

 

The silence continued all the way to their building, up the stairs and down the hall to their door. Nagi unlocked it and stepped inside first, toeing his shoes off slowly.

 

Reo came in behind him, quieter than usual. He lingered near the doorway for a second, rubbing the back of his neck.

 

“You wanna watch something?” he asked.

 

Nagi didn’t turn around. “Think I’ll just head to bed early.”

 

Reo hesitated. “Right. Yeah. Cool.”

 

Nagi disappeared into the bathroom without saying anything else. The door clicked shut behind him.

 

Reo stood in the middle of the hallway for a long moment, staring at the spot where Nagi had just been.

 

He hadn’t meant it like that. It really was just a joke. He said stuff like that all the time. But maybe this time, Nagi had actually heard it differently. Maybe the timing with Nagi leaning on him like that, with his hand in his hair, had made it feel realer than he meant.

 

Reo sighed, slumping down onto the edge of his bed.

 

“Nagi..” he muttered under his breath, like the name alone might make this easier.

 

~

 

The lamp had been off for nearly half an hour, and the room was wrapped in stillness. Nagi lay on his side, eyes open, then he decides to go and knock on Reo’s door.

 

Nagi opens the door slightly and asks. “You awake?”

 

A pause. Then: “Yeah.”

 

His voice was quiet, but not groggy. He’d been waiting for Nagi too.

 

“…I didn’t mean to make it a big deal,” Nagi said, eyes still fixed on the dark. “I just… didn’t like how it sounded.”

 

“I know,” Reo replied, just as soft. “I didn’t think before I said it.”

 

Nagi hesitated. “Do I really follow you around?”

 

“No.” Reo said immediately. “You’re with me. That’s different.”

 

There was a long pause (not uncomfortable), just thoughtful.

 

“I guess I just… panicked.” Reo admitted. “They asked that and I didn’t know how to answer without making it weird.”

 

Nagi was staring at the ceiling now. “You made it weird for both of us anyway.”

 

Reo laughed under his breath. “Yeah, I did.”

 

More silence. But it was gentler now.

 

“…You are my best friend” Reo said finally.

 

Nagi blinked. His chest tightened, just a little. “Yeah?”

 

“Of course. Who else would put up with me waking them up for 8AM classes and dragging them to boring group study sessions?”

 

“Dunno” Nagi said, voice flat but fond. “You’re annoying.”

 

Reo chuckled. “You’re a brat.”

 

Another quiet moment. Nagi was standing in the middle of Reo’s room. Dark. He couldn’t even see Reo’s perfect hair.

 

Then, with hesitation: “Come over here.”

 

Nagi made a curious face. “Why?”

 

“Because I don’t want to go to sleep with that weird energy between us. And also because you sleep better in my bed than yours.”

 

“…Do not.”

 

“You do.”

 

Nagi didn’t move right away. But the soft pat of his footsteps crossed the short space between them.

 

He slid under Reo’s blanket without a word.

 

They didn’t touch at first. Just lay there, barely a hand’s width apart like neither of them was quite sure how much to give back.

 

Then Reo shifted slightly, brushing his shoulder against Nagi’s. “Still mad?”

 

“No.”

 

“Still feel like a stray cat?”

 

Nagi huffed. “A little.”

 

Reo reached out. Slow, tentative and settled a hand into Nagi’s hair again, fingertips gentle as ever. “You’re not.” he said. “You’re the only one who actually knows me.”

 

Nagi didn’t answer. He didn’t need to.

 

He turned his face toward Reo’s shoulder, eyelids getting heavier and let himself be still.

 

And this time, Reo didn’t stop touching his hair.

 

~

 

Sunlight filtered in through the half closed blinds, casting pale stripes across the room. The warmth of it touched Nagi’s cheek first, then the slope of Reo’s shoulder.

 

They were still close.

 

Not tangled, but not apart either. At some point in the night, Nagi had shifted, head nestled near Reo’s chest, one arm loosely tucked between them. Reo didn’t move away.

 

Nagi blinked slowly as he woke, taking in the faint rise and fall of Reo’s breathing and the subtle weight of morning stillness. For a moment, he didn’t think about yesterday, About awkward conversations, the things left unsaid, or anything else.

 

He just… stayed there.

 

Safe.

 

“Morning” Reo murmured, voice hoarse with sleep.

 

Nagi made a small noise in reply, barely lifting his head.

 

“You drooled on me.”

 

Nagi narrowed his eyes. “No, I didn’t.”

 

“You totally did.”

 

“You’re lying.”

 

Reo grinned, shifting to stretch. “Maybe a little.”

 

Nagi groaned and rolled away, dragging the blanket with him. “You ruin everything.”

 

“You’re lucky I like you.” Reo yawned, dragging himself up to sit at the edge of the bed.

 

They moved slowly, that unspoken rhythm of two people who knew exactly how the other functioned in the morning. Reo went for the bathroom first while Nagi sat at the edge of the mattress, hoodie hanging off one shoulder, his hair a mess.

 

Fifteen minutes later, they were both dressed, Reo straightening his collar in the mirror while Nagi slumped against the doorway, lazily brushing his teeth.

 

“You ready?” Reo asked, slinging his backpack over one shoulder.

 

Nagi let the toothbrush hang from his mouth and gave a sleepy thumbs up.

 

“You sure? You look like the dead.”

 

“I’ll sleep in class.”

 

“You better not.”

 

They bickered all the way down the stairs.

 

But it was light now. Playful.

 

Nagi bumped his shoulder into Reo’s as they crossed campus toward their morning lecture, and Reo elbowed him back with a grin.

 

And even though neither of them said anything about the night before: the apology, the closeness, the hair touching, the way they stayed in the same bed without needing to explain why. It lingered.

 

Unspoken, but present.

 

Exactly like them.

 

Notes:

Hope you liked it!

Chapter 4

Summary:

they cook and cook then go to another party, things happen yoohoo!

Nagi rarely felt like he was bad at anything.

 

Sure, he didn’t try at most things, but when he did, they usually came easy like he was just naturally wired to understand the pattern, the pace, the goal. But whatever the hell the professor had written on the stats quiz this morning wasn’t a pattern. It was war.

 

And Nagi? Lost.

 

He’d stared at the questions like they were written in a language he didn’t speak. Answered two. Guessed the rest. Walked out with a headache and no appetite.

 

By the time he’d met up with Reo for lunch, he hadn’t said more than five words.

 

Reo noticed instantly.

 

“Did something happen?”

 

“No.”

 

Reo leaned back, chewing a fry. “You always say that when something happened.”

 

“I just don’t wanna talk.”

 

“Alright.” A pause. “But you will. Eventually.”

 

Nagi didn’t respond. He just picked at the edge of his tray and stared past the window, where some underclassmen were tossing a football on the lawn. He felt off. Heavy. Like his own brain was rejecting the weight of the day.

 

Reo was still watching him.

 

~

 

“Alright” Reo said, snapping the book shut, “you’re officially banned from guessing.”

 

“I wasn’t guessing.”

 

“You literally bubbled in three Bs in a row on a five option multiple choice.”

 

“…That was a strategy.”

 

“Sure. The strategy of failure.”

 

Nagi groaned and let his forehead drop onto his folded arms on the desk. “I hate school.”

 

“No you don’t.”

 

“I hate this class.”

 

“That’s more accurate.”

 

Nagi let out a low sigh, face still buried in his sleeves. He was slouched over Reo’s desk, where the light above them cast soft shadows across his silver white hair. Reo had been tutoring him for an hour and while Nagi was improving (barely) he was visibly done with it all.

 

Reo handed him a bottle of water. “Take five. Then we’ll go over the graphing section.”

 

“You’re really annoying when you’re good at stuff.”

 

Reo grinned. “And you’re really dramatic when you’re not.”

 

Nagi took the bottle without looking and mumbled a soft, “Thanks.”

 

They stayed quiet for a while. Reo scribbling in his own notebook, Nagi spaced out, watching the curve of Reo’s wrist move as he wrote. The light from the lamp made everything feel softer than it was, too soft. Like he wasn’t supposed to be staring.

 

He looked away too late.

 

“You’re quiet again” Reo said, not looking up.

 

Nagi rubbed his neck. “Just tired.”

 

“You wanna stop?”

 

“No.”

 

Reo finally turned, brows slightly raised.

 

“I wanna try more” Nagi added, almost like he was daring himself to admit it.

 

And Reo smiled. Not his showy, confident smile, but the warm one. The one he gave Nagi when he was proud.

 

“Okay.” Reo said. “Let’s do it.”

 

~

 

It was late. Their textbooks were scattered across the desk, highlighters uncapped, laptop open and humming.

 

Nagi had leaned in again not just once, but gradually, subtly, as Reo walked him through the second practice quiz. Shoulder to shoulder now. And at some point, his hand had ended up brushing Reo’s, not completely by accident.

 

He didn’t move it.

 

Neither did Reo.

 

Reo’s voice was softer than usual when he explained the last question. His breath warm against Nagi’s cheek.

 

“You got it right” he said.

 

Nagi didn’t respond immediately. Just blinked down at the paper.

 

“You okay?” Reo asked.

 

Nagi turned his head.

 

They were too close.

 

Reo blinked once, his pupils flicking between Nagi’s eyes and mouth.

 

And nothing.

 

A beat.

 

Two.

 

Three.

 

“I should shower” Nagi said, standing too fast.

 

Reo blinked again. “Okay.”

 

~

 

It was sunny again. Almost painfully so.

 

Reo had dragged Nagi out after class, claiming they both needed sugar and air. Now they were seated at a table near the window, barely listening to some classmates discuss weekend plans.

 

Nagi was half asleep, hood pulled up, straw lazily in his mouth. Reo sat next to him, too close again, their knees brushing under the table. Nagi was wondering if Reo noticed that too or if he was the only always thinking about the other.

 

Reo’s hand was resting lightly in Nagi’s hair, fingers playing with a loose curl absently.

 

 

“Wow,” one of the girls from their study group said, sipping her iced coffee. “You two are glued at the hip.”

 

Again. Another interruption like last time. Nagi’s already thinking that he might start to hate these cafes. (or just Reo’s friends in general)

 

Reo blinked. “Huh?”

 

“Seriously” she laughed. “You guys live together, take classes together, now you’re out here looking like a couple.”

 

Reo shifted just slightly. His hand slipped out of Nagi’s hair.

 

Another girl added, “I’ve actually been wondering if Reo’s got a thing for someone. You’ve been extra smiley lately.”

 

“Oh?” someone teased. “Is it that guy in your class? Or…”

 

She glanced between them with a grin. Looking at Nagi seeing if he’s gonna show any reaction soon enough. He doesn’t.

 

Reo laughed too loud, a little forced. “You’re overthinking.”

 

“I don’t know,” the first girl said. “It’s cute, roommates aren’t always that close like you two are.”

 

“That’s because we know eachother since forever. Of course we’re gonna be close.” Reo says that like it’s normal to cuddle with your “roommate”. Too normal.

 

Nagi didn’t say anything. He didn’t even look up. Just sucked slowly on his drink, suddenly aware of the distance between their legs. Of the cold air where Reo’s fingers had just been.

 

~

 

Later that day, they decided to go to the supermarket and buy some food to cook. It was Nagi’s idea and Reo was visibly surprised by it.

 

“Can’t believe you actually want to cook” Reo said as he put down on the counter the plastic bags. “This is a new era.” He says with a happy face.

 

Nagi muttered “I just didn’t wanna eat instant noodles again.”

 

“You say that” Reo teased “but I’ve seen you happily survive off the same three pack rotation for a week.”

 

The kitchen wasn’t much: just two stovetops, a half dead microwave and a fridge that buzzed like it was ready to retire. Still the space was more than enough for the two of them.

 

They were cooking ichibo steak and some random side dishes that Nagi had picked.

 

 

Nagi leaned back against the counter and watched Reo unpack.

 

 

“You can wash these.” Reo said, tossing him a pack of mushrooms.

 

Nagi caught them with one hand. “You wash them.”

 

“I’m seasoning the meat.”

 

“That takes like five seconds.”

 

Reo raised a brow. “I’ll let you season them if you want.”

 

Nagi stared at him flatly. “You don’t let me touch the seasoning.”

 

Reo smirked. “Exactly. Now go wash your mushrooms.”

 

Grumbling, Nagi shuffled over to the sink.

 

The water ran warm and the mushrooms were slippery between his fingers. He moved slow, not because he didn’t know how, but because it felt easier not to rush.

 

Behind him, he could hear Reo humming softly under his breath. A rhythm Nagi recognized but couldn’t name. Something he’d probably heard him hum a hundred times. Something that felt like Reo.

 

When Nagi turned around again, Reo was pressing his fingers into the raw steak, coating it in cracked pepper and coarse salt like he’d done it a thousand times before. His hair fell forward when he leaned in, focused. The muscles in his forearms flexed with every movement, and for a second, just a second, Nagi forgot how to breathe properly.

 

He looked away too late. He always looked away too late.

 

 

“You gonna just stand there?” Reo asked, not looking up. “Or help me with the pan?”

 

“You like doing everything.”

 

Reo tossed him a towel. “You like pretending you don’t know how.”

 

Nagi dried his hands and moved to the stove. “I don’t pretend.”

 

“You literally played dead when I asked you to crack eggs last time.”

 

“They’re fragile.”

 

“You’re fragile.”

 

Nagi elbowed him, not hard, just enough to make Reo laugh. The kind of laugh that made Nagi’s stomach turn slightly, in that strange, weightless way he still didn’t know what to do with.

 

They worked in a rhythm after that. Reo handling the meat, Nagi flipping the mushrooms, their shoulders bumping every now and then like it meant nothing.

 

Like it always meant nothing.

 

But it didn’t feel like nothing.

 

~

 

The plates were simple. Steak, mushrooms, a couple rice balls.

 

They ate on the floor, backs against the bed, the window cracked slightly to let in the breeze. Outside, the apartment was still and dark, save for the soft orange glow of the streetlamp nearby.

 

Reo chewed slowly, then nudged Nagi with his knee. “What do you think?”

 

Nagi swallowed. “It’s good.”

 

Reo gave him a look. “That’s it?”

 

“It’s really good.”

 

“Better.”

 

They ate in silence for a while, not awkward, just the kind of quiet that comes from knowing you don’t need to fill every gap.

 

After a few more bites, Nagi said “Thanks for helping me study today.”

 

Reo blinked. “You already said that.”

 

“I mean it.”

 

Reo leaned back on his hands and looked at him (really looked).

 

“You get weird when you’re tired.” he said.

 

“You get annoying when you cook.”

 

Reo smiled. Nagi didn’t.

 

“I mean it.” Nagi said again, quieter this time.

 

Reo didn’t say anything. Just let the silence settle and leaned his head against Nagi’s shoulder instead.

 

They didn’t talk much after that.

 

Reo left the plates to soak in the kitchen sink, and Nagi cleaned up the table. It was a quiet, shared ritual now, unspoken roles and motions they slipped into without thinking.

They were both going to their rooms when Reo looked at Nagi.

 

“Tomorrow’s the weekend” he said, almost to himself.

 

“Mm,” Nagi answered.

 

“We should do something.”

 

“Like what?”

 

Reo shrugged under the covers. “I don’t know. Whatever.”

 

“You just want an excuse to go out.”

 

“You just want an excuse to stay in.”

 

They both smiled.

 

“Maybe we just do nothing,” Nagi offered.

 

Reo yawned. “Maybe.”

 

~

 

Morning

 

Nagi woke up groggy and slow, blinking at the ceiling of his own room. The curtains were drawn, letting just enough morning light spill across his sheets. The air was still too quiet for a weekend and for a second, he stayed there, unmoving, trying to remember what Reo had said the night before.

 

“Let’s do something tomorrow.”

 

A small yawn pushed out of him. He rolled to one side and reached for his phone, barely opening it before abandoning the effort altogether. He slipped out of bed, padded through the short hallway of their apartment, and knocked softly on Reo’s door.

 

“Reo” he called, his voice still hoarse with sleep.

 

No answer.

 

He opened the door anyway.

 

Reo was lying on his stomach, face buried in his pillow, hair a mess. One foot stuck out of the blanket.

 

Nagi stared for a second. Then padded over, poked his side. “You said we’d do something today.”

 

Reo groaned without lifting his head. “It’s still early.”

 

“It’s ten.”

 

“Too early.”

 

Nagi folded his arms. “You promised.”

 

Reo finally rolled over, eyes barely open. “Okay, okay. Gimme five.”

 

“You’ll fall asleep.”

 

“I won’t.”

 

“You always do.”

 

Reo grunted again, but sat up slowly and rubbed his face. “What do you want to do? Do you want to go and see a movie or something?”

 

Nagi just leaned against the wall. “No. I want to cook breakfast together.”

 

Reo stretched with a long exhale. “We don’t even have anything for breakfast. And we just cooked together yesterday.”

 

“I know, but I feel like doing it again today and we can just go grocery shopping.”

 

“You’re really annoying when you discover something new that you like.” Reo said, half sleepy

 

“You’re really annoying most of the time. Now go change. We’ll leave in ten.”

 

~

 

Reo had barely tied his sneakers before Nagi was standing by the door, hoodie on, hood up, and one headphone in.

 

“Cold?”

 

“Maybe.”

 

Reo tossed him the grocery list. “You’re carrying the tote this time.”

 

Nagi took it without a word.

 

The walk to the market was quiet in a way that wasn’t awkward. People passed them in pairs, most of them students. Reo kept talking about how his Friday quiz had been full of trick questions, how his TA typed in all lowercase and it made him nervous and Nagi let him.

 

“You know you haven’t said anything in like seven blocks?”

 

“I’m listening.”

 

“To what?”

 

“You.”

 

Reo blinked, then smiled like he didn’t expect that answer.

 

By the time they were halfway through the store, Nagi was pushing the cart and Reo was fussing over the type of milk he wanted.

 

“Reo?”

 

A girl with a gloomy face and glossy lips smiled at them.

 

“Hi” Reo said, startled. “You’re in my econ class, right?”

 

“Yeah! Group four. I thought that was you. Shopping for dinner?”

 

Reo nodded. “Yeah. My roommate’s the chef.”

 

Her eyes flicked to Nagi. “Roommate?”

 

Nagi just looked at her, then back at the cheese shelf.

 

The girl lingered a moment, then said, “You two seem close.”

 

Reo laughed it off. “Yeah. He follows me around.”

 

Nagi’s head turned slightly, eyes narrowing.

 

He didn’t say anything.

 

Not until they were walking back home.

 

~

 

“You always say that,” Nagi mumbled as he dropped his keys on the counter.

 

Reo looked up. “Say what?”

 

“That I follow you around.”

 

Reo froze mid way through pulling off his jacket. “It’s just a joke.”

 

“Sounds like you don’t want people thinking we’re close.”

 

“Don’t be like that.”

 

“I’m not being like anything.”

 

Reo frowned. “Why are you taking it seriously?”

 

“I don’t know,” Nagi muttered, tugging open the fridge. “Maybe I just don’t like it.”

 

The silence that followed was thick.

 

But Reo came up beside him a minute later, a quieter tone in his voice. “Sorry. But I like you following me around, tho. I like your company.”

 

Nagi didn’t answer right away.

 

Then, softly: “Okay.” He felt better now.

~

 

They ate on the couch again, something that had slowly become their habit. Reo picked a random movie and Nagi laid back, letting his body lean just a little toward Reo’s.

 

At some point, his head ended up on Reo’s shoulder.

 

He didn’t think much of it.

 

And Reo didn’t move away.

 

In fact, his hand found its way into Nagi’s hair again: gentle, rhythmic, like muscle memory.

 

That’s when a notification pinged on Reo’s phone. A short voice message from a friend in their study group  (the girl who always teased too much).

 

Reo opened it without thinking.

 

On the video: “So, Reo, you spending time with that guy again? Honestly, we all know you’ve got a crush on someone. What is it tall, dark and sleepy?” Loud noises were in the background. She was probably and a party and definitely drunk, Nagi thought.

 

The sound cut off when Reo closed the video with a sigh.

 

Nagi stayed quiet.

 

But the way Reo shifted beneath him gave everything away.

 

“People say things.” Reo mumbled. “Doesn’t mean it’s true.”

 

Nagi blinked slowly, his gaze on the dark screen.

 

“Okay” he said, after a moment.

 

But something lingered in the quiet. Something heavy and unsaid.

 

~

The weekend passed 

 

The late afternoon air carried a lazy warmth, just enough to make people linger outside between classes. The front steps of the literature building were crowded with students perched on railings or sprawled on the grass, pretending they weren’t already behind on assignments.

 

Reo adjusted the strap of his bag and glanced over his shoulder to make sure Nagi was still with him. He was, of course , a step behind, his expression unreadable as always, walking with the quiet kind of energy that looked like he had nowhere to be, even when he did.

 

They crossed the edge of the courtyard when a familiar voice called out.

 

“Reo!”

 

He looked up.

 

She stood under the shade of a wide tree, sunglasses perched on top of her head like she’d forgotten to wear them properly, a cup of iced coffee in one hand and a smirk on her face. Her tone was casual, like she hadn’t sent a voice message at 1:30 in the morning the night before, and Reo wasn’t the one who had replayed it twice, he didn’t even found it funny.

 

Nagi had been in the room too. Hadn’t said anything.

 

“Hey!” Reo said, slowing his pace as she approached.

 

She raised her cup like a lazy toast. “So. You spending time with that guy again?” She jerked her chin slightly in Nagi’s direction.

 

Nagi didn’t react. Reo just gave a small shrug.

 

She grinned wider. “Honestly, we all know you’ve got a crush on someone. What is it tall, dark and sleepy?”

 

Reo gave a small laugh through his nose. “You sound like that message wasn’t a mistake.”

 

“Did I say it was?” she asked, eyebrow raised.

 

He didn’t answer. She didn’t press.

 

She turned her attention to Nagi, who blinked at her once but said nothing.

 

“I’m throwing something tomorrow night” she said. “Nothing insane. Just people, drinks, music, questionable decisions.”

 

Reo tilted his head. “You’re inviting us? And who throws a party on a Monday?"

 

“I am inviting you guys. And parties should be thrown every day anyways!" she said easily. “I mean, you never says no to free drinks and your roommate seems… mysterious. You guys balance the room.”

 

Reo glanced over at Nagi, who looked mildly like he’d rather be walking in the other direction, but still gave a vague nod.

 

“Midnight.” she added. “My place. You know where.”

 

Then she winked, always with the winking, Reo thought and strolled off.

 

They watched her go for a second.

 

Reo exhaled and started walking again. “Well. That happened.”

 

Nagi followed silently.

 

They didn’t talk about the message. They didn’t talk about the party, not really. But Reo knew they’d go.

 

They always did.

 

~

 

Around 11:15, Reo stood in front of their open closet door, tugging out shirts one by one and tossing them across the bed.

 

“This one’s too loud.” he muttered, tossing a black button down aside. “And this one makes me look like I’m trying too hard.”

 

Nagi looked up from his bed where he sat with his back against the wall, scrolling aimlessly on his phone. He hadn’t picked out clothes yet. He didn’t seem to be in a rush.

 

“You always try too hard.” he said flatly.

 

Reo shot him a look. “And you always wear the first thing you touch, even if it looks like it came out of the laundry pile from two weeks ago.”

 

“That’s where I found it.” Nagi replied, expressionless.

 

Reo sighed but didn’t argue. There was no winning with Nagi when it came to fashion. He somehow always looked fine anyway, like nothing could wrinkle on him, not even a day.

 

Eventually, Reo settled on a fitted white T-shirt under a light jacket: clean, simple, confident. Nagi stood, stretched, and wordlessly pulled on a gray hoodie over a clean black tee. That was all. No performance. No concern.

 

Reo scanned him curiously. “You’re not even going to put in the bare minimum effort?”

 

“I showed up, didn’t I?” Nagi said, grabbing his keys

 

They arrived just before midnight.

 

The neighborhood was already awake with students laughing too loud, someone yelling into a phone from a second story window.

 

The house wasn’t hard to find. The music spilled out like smoke, deep bass thrumming into the sidewalk. Lights blinked behind the windows: blue, then red, then green, like the house was trying to breathe under the weight of its own heartbeat.

 

Reo glanced at Nagi. “Last chance to turn around.”

 

Nagi didn’t respond. He was already walking up the steps.

 

Inside, the air was thick: hot with body heat and the clinging scent of beer, perfume, and sweat. The music was loud enough to rattle the floorboards, and every surface seemed to have a cup or someone’s elbow resting on it.

 

People were everywhere: on the couch, leaning against walls, sitting on counters in the kitchen. They were dancing, laughing, shouting, singing along to lyrics no one really knew.

 

Reo stepped through the front room, weaving through the crowd. Nagi stayed close behind him, hands tucked in his hoodie pocket, his expression unreadable but alert.

 

A girl passed them, laughing with her friend, and bumped into Reo’s shoulder. “Oops! Cute jacket.”

 

Reo offered a polite smile.

 

Nagi didn’t react.

 

 

In the kitchen, someone handed them drinks. Reo took his. Nagi stared at his cup for a second before taking a small sip and setting it down on the counter behind him.

 

They stood for a moment, just watching the crowd swell and twist with the music.

 

Reo leaned in a little so Nagi could hear him over the bass. “You okay?”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

“You look like you hate this.”

 

“I do.”

 

Reo laughed. “I knew you’d be a hit.”

 

They didn’t need to speak after that. They never did. People drifted around them, conversations fading in and out like static, but Nagi and Reo stayed close.

 

Reo took another sip of his drink. It was something cheap and strong and it burned slightly at the back of his throat. The lights around them pulsed with the beat blue on Nagi’s cheekbones, red across Reo’s collarbone, green that made the crowd flicker like ghosts.

 

The girl from the day before appeared then, emerging from the hall,  drink in hand, glitter on her neck.

 

“There you are,” she said, surprised. “Thought you might chicken out.”

 

Reo arched an eyebrow. “Do I look like I chicken out?”

 

She grinned, leaned past him slightly. “And you brought the roommate.”

 

Nagi blinked. “You invited both of us.”

 

“I did.” Her smile didn’t shift. “Come on, Reo. Dance with me.”

 

He hesitated, just enough for her to grab his wrist and pull him toward the living room, where the furniture had been shoved to the corners.

 

Reo glanced over his shoulder. Nagi was watching, still and silent.

 

He let her pull him in.

 

 

The music was heavier here, so loud it blurred the senses. She moved easily, rhythm matching the beat, laughing with her eyes even if her mouth didn’t move. Reo tried to keep up, tried to feel natural.

 

But he kept thinking about how far he was from the wall. From the corner where Nagi stood.

 

Then, before he even noticed it happening, a shift. A hand on his shoulder.

 

Nagi.

 

Reo blinked, startled. “What are you—?”

 

“You looked like you wanted out.” Nagi said flatly, but his fingers curled lightly around Reo’s wrist.

 

The girl gave a light shrug and stepped back into the crowd without resistance, already pulled into someone else’s orbit.

 

Reo stood awkwardly for a second, music pounding through his bones.

 

“You okay?” he asked.

 

Nagi didn’t answer.

 

Instead, he stepped forward. Slow. Unbothered.

 

And then, without asking, without hesitating, his hands settled on Reo’s waist.

 

Reo blinked up at him. “You’re actually dancing?”

 

Nagi tilted his head slightly, that unreadable expression never leaving his face. “Looks like it.”

 

The beat rolled under their feet, something with too much bass and not enough melody, but it didn’t matter. The rhythm gave them something to fall into. Reo didn’t remember deciding to move, but his hands found their place, resting against Nagi’s arms, light but not uncertain.

 

They swayed in sync. Not performing. Not making a scene. Just… moving together.

 

Reo could feel the heat of Nagi’s body through his hoodie, the press of his fingers tightening slightly when Reo shifted. His breath was warm, close enough now that it brushed Reo’s cheek every time he leaned in, even slightly.

 

“You’re drunk.” Reo said quietly.

 

“A little.” Nagi murmured. “Not that much.”

 

“You don’t dance.”

 

“Not usually.”

 

Reo’s hands slid up, barely, his fingertips brushing Nagi’s shoulders. Nagi didn’t react, didn’t step away.

 

Instead, he moved closer.

 

Their hips aligned, their legs bumping slightly, their chests brushing with every lean. The space between them vanished, second by second.

 

And then suddenly it wasn’t dancing anymore. It was something slower, weightless, like floating inside a moment neither of them had agreed to be in, but neither wanted to leave.

 

Reo tried to focus on the lights overhead, the crowd still moving around them, but it all blurred out. The music became a hum. The party might as well have been across the world.

 

There was only Nagi. His fingers curling at Reo’s waist. His eyes heavy lidded, fixed somewhere near Reo’s mouth without realizing it. Or maybe fully realizing it.

 

Reo swallowed.

 

“Nagi…”

 

“Mm?”

 

“This is…”

 

Nagi leaned in, slow, close enough that his forehead brushed against Reo’s for just a second. His breath ghosted over Reo’s lips, barely there. Almost a kiss. Almost.

 

Then he pulled back. Just enough to speak.

 

“Hot in here.”

 

Reo blinked, dazed. “What?”

 

“I need air.”

 

And just like that, Nagi turned and stepped away, his hand slipping from Reo’s side like he hadn’t even realized it was there.

 

Reo stood still for a moment, his chest rising too quickly for how little they’d moved. He looked around like the room might’ve changed while they danced.

 

Nagi

 

His fingers twitched slightly where they rested against Reo’s sides, unsure if they were allowed to be there. Reo hadn’t pushed him away. He hadn’t said anything at all.

 

They were dancing. Maybe.

 

Nagi’s head felt light. Not spinning,  just slightly detached, like the floor had softened beneath his feet.

 

The heat in the room pressed against his skin. The flashing lights strobed too fast behind his eyelids, and every beat of the music seemed to echo straight through his chest. He blinked slowly, his eyes landing on Reo’s face again. Close. Always close.

 

It was too much.

 

“I need air” he said, more to himself than to Reo.

 

He didn’t wait for an answer. He stepped back, out of the crowd, slipping sideways through the bodies like pulling out of a dream too early.

 

The hallway was quieter. Not quiet, but quieter.

 

He found the balcony without thinking, pushing open the door with the heel of his palm.

 

Cold air hit his skin all at once, sharp, clean, like diving into water. His lungs expanded without him realizing they’d been tight.

 

He stepped out and leaned on the railing with both arms, letting his weight fall forward. The music inside pulsed through the walls behind him like a second heartbeat, but out here, the night was still.

 

Breathing felt easier.

 

After a moment, he heard the door open behind him.

 

He didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

 

Reo stepped up beside him without a word, resting his hands on the edge of the railing, shoulders brushing Nagi’s just slightly.

 

They didn’t speak at first.

 

Nagi stared down at the street below, at the orange glow streetlights and the distant sound of a car passing. He could feel Reo’s presence beside him. Not heavy, not loud, just there. Like always.

 

“Too much?” Reo asked eventually.

 

Nagi nodded. “Yeah.”

 

Reo didn’t tease him for it.

 

The breeze moved gently between them. It tugged at Nagi’s hair, made Reo’s jacket flutter slightly at the hem. They stood like that for a while, not talking. Not needing to.

 

Then, out of nowhere, Reo said, “You don’t like parties.”

 

Nagi tilted his head, eyes still on the street. “I don’t hate them.”

 

“You hate the noise.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“The people?”

 

“No. Just… the way it feels.”

 

Reo nodded slowly. “Yeah. I get that.”

 

Nagi glanced sideways. Reo was looking straight ahead, his profile caught in the city light not smiling, but not upset either. Just… calm. He always looked like this when he thought too much.

 

“You didn’t have to come.” Reo said after a moment. “I mean, I know you didn’t want to.”

 

“I did.” Nagi said simply.

 

Reo turned to look at him.

 

Nagi hesitated. He felt the words catch in his throat, too unsure to say more than that. He didn’t know why he’d followed Reo into that crowded house, why he hadn’t just made an excuse and stayed behind. But he had. And standing here now outside, quiet, beside Reo, felt better than anything that had happened all night.

 

So he added, softly, “I just wanted to be with you.”

 

Reo didn’t say anything at first.

 

Then he said, “Yeah. Me too.”

 

Reo’s shoulder bumped his, casual, not even intentional. And still, Nagi felt it too sharply.

 

He kept his eyes on the street. Didn’t move.

 

But then, without quite thinking, without planning it, without knowing why, he turned his head. Just enough to look at Reo.

 

And Reo looked back.

 

They were close.

 

Too close.

 

For a second, Nagi didn’t breathe. His heart felt strange. Slow, but too loud in his chest. He didn’t know what his face looked like, what his eyes were saying. He didn’t know what Reo saw when he looked at him like that, serious, open in a way he rarely was.

 

Then Nagi leaned in.

 

It was quick. Not sharp, but sudden. Like something shifted and he moved before he could stop himself.

 

And then—

Their lips touched.

 

It wasn’t a kiss, not really.

 

Just a breath’s worth of contact. Dry. Still. His mouth barely there, and Reo’s unmoving. Not rejecting, not responding. Just still.

 

Nagi pulled back almost instantly.

 

He didn’t say anything.

 

His pulse was loud in his ears. His face felt hot in a way that had nothing to do with the alcohol.

 

“I—” he started.

 

Reo stepped back, not harsh, not dramatic,  just enough to put space between them.

 

“That was…nothing” Reo said quickly. His voice was too even. Like he’d practiced the words. “We’re… we were both kind of out of it.”

 

“Yeah.” Nagi said.

 

He couldn’t look at him now. His eyes dropped to the edge of the balcony, to the chipped paint, the iron railing cold under his hands.

 

“You probably thought I was someone else.” Reo added with a laugh that didn’t land right.

 

Nagi didn’t answer. But he definitely didn’t think that was someone else.

 

He wanted to answer. But the words never came out the way they should, and this time, saying the wrong thing felt worse than saying nothing at all.

 

The silence returned, this time a little heavier.

 

But still, Reo didn’t leave. He stayed beside him, both of them staring out into the quiet street as if the kiss hadn’t happened. As if nothing had changed.

 

Even if something had.

 

~

 

They didn’t go back inside.

 

The music behind the balcony door kept pulsing, blurred and distant. At some point, someone opened the door to get fresh air and glanced at them, but no one said anything. The party kept living without them.

 

Eventually, Reo said, “Wanna head home?”

 

Nagi nodded.

 

They didn’t talk much as they made their way out of the house,  just slipped through the hallway, down the stairs, past empty cups and barely asleep strangers draped across couches. Everything was dim, blurry at the edges. It felt like the night had folded in on itself.

 

Outside, the air was colder than it had been an hour ago. The city was nearly silent, streets wide and empty, traffic lights blinking on cycles no one was around to follow.

 

2:02 a.m.

 

Nagi shoved his hands into the sleeves of his hoodie. Reo pulled his jacket tighter around himself.

 

They started walking.

 

The sidewalk was uneven, cracked in places. Nagi watched their shadows stretch out in the orange streetlight, walking in rhythm.

 

His body was tired, that good kind of tired, the one that made him aware of every part of himself. His legs felt heavy, his feet slow, but the walk helped him think less. Kept him grounded.

 

They didn’t mention the kiss.

 

Reo didn’t bring it up. Nagi didn’t either. The silence wasn’t sharp. It just… floated.

 

After a while, Reo spoke. “Do you think that one guy threw up in the downstairs bathroom?”

 

“Which guy?”

 

“The one in the green jacket. He looked like he was about to die.”

 

Nagi gave a low, almost laugh. “Probably.”

 

“Poor guy. That bathroom’s cursed now.”

 

Nagi shrugged. “Was already cursed.”

 

Reo smiled a little. He didn’t look over. Just kept walking, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. The city around them felt like a different planet from the one they’d been on hours ago. Quieter, cooler, slower. Like something had pressed pause.

 

Nagi didn’t say it out loud, but part of him wanted to walk slower. Stretch this out.

 

He didn’t know what tomorrow would feel like or what this would mean then. But right now, 2 am and Reo at his side felt like something safe. Something he didn’t want to step away from yet.

 

“Was the party okay?” Reo asked suddenly. “I mean…not the people. Just… you. Being there.”

 

“It was loud” Nagi said.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“And crowded.”

 

Reo nodded.

 

“But it was okay” Nagi added. “Because you were there.”

 

Reo didn’t answer right away. Then he bumped Nagi’s shoulder, gently. Not a joke. Just a touch.

 

They kept walking.

 

~

 

By the time they reached their building, Nagi could barely keep his eyes open. His body felt like it had sunk a few inches into itself. Reo fumbled with the keys, too sleepy to be annoyed when they dropped once, twice.

 

They stepped inside.

 

The hallway was dark. Quiet. Home.

 

Reo’s door creaked as he pushed it open, then paused.

 

Nagi looked up at him, not expecting anything, not asking for anything. Just… noticing.

 

“Night” Reo said softly.

 

Nagi nodded. “Night.”

 

He turned into his own room without another word.

 

The door clicked shut behind him.

 

The moment passed. But it stayed with him.

 

Even as he sank into the blankets without changing. Even as the faint light of dawn crept between the blinds. Even as sleep pulled at him from every corner of his limbs.

 

That silence. That walk. That barely there kiss that didn’t mean anything but somehow still did.

 

It all stayed.

 

And he knew he wouldn’t forget it.

Notes:

I know that i tagged slow burn and then made them kiss in the 4 chapter, but please guys, bare with me.

Chapter 5

Summary:

sad puppy

Nagi

 

His room was dim, but the light slipping in between the blinds had that flat, gray tone of a Tuesday. Not soft, not sharp,  just the kind of morning that expected him to move, even when he didn’t want to. His head wasn’t pounding, but it was foggy. Heavy.

 

He hadn’t really slept. The night kept rewinding itself. The lights. The music. The walk home. The kiss.

 

If it even counted as one.

 

He rolled over, face buried in his pillow. He could hear the faint rustle of movement in the other room . Footsteps. The sound of a cabinet being opened too hard.

 

Reo was up.

 

Nagi didn’t move. He waited, pretending sleep, like maybe if he stayed still long enough the world would start itself without him.

 

Eventually, there was a knock. Not loud. Not soft.

 

“Hey” Reo’s voice came through the door, a little rough at the edges. “You alive?”

 

Nagi sat up. “Yeah.”

 

“I’m heading out. Class in fifteen. You coming?”

 

Nagi blinked slowly. “In a bit.”

 

Reo didn’t wait for more. “Cool. Later.”

 

He was gone before Nagi could ask anything else. No mention of last night. No flicker of awkwardness. Nothing.

 

Nagi stayed sitting on the edge of his bed long after the door closed.

 

Did he forget?

 

No, that didn’t make sense. Reo wasn’t even been that drunk. Buzzed, maybe. Sloppy, no. And Nagi definitely hadn’t forgotten.

 

But maybe Reo wanted to pretend it didn’t happen. That made more sense. That would be easier.

 

Still, something in Nagi’s chest tightened at the thought. Not jealousy. Not heartbreak. Just… that quiet ache of not knowing if something meant more to you than it did to the other person. By the time he got himself together and walked into the kitchen, the apartment already felt colder without Reo in it.

 

~

 

The day moved forward whether he liked it or not.

 

The university hallway buzzed with that usual tired laughter, rustling paper, coffee cups clutched like lifelines. Nagi kept his hoodie pulled up and his eyes down. He wasn’t in the mood for much.

 

He found Reo outside the lecture hall, talking to some girl in their sociology class. Laughing at something. He looked fine.

 

Not hungover. Not weird. Not off. Just Reo.

 

Nagi slowed a little, then stopped beside them.

 

“Hey” Reo said, giving him a grin like everything was completely normal. “You finally woke up.”

 

Nagi shrugged. “Yeah.”

 

Reo turned back to the girl, finishing whatever story he was telling. Nagi stood beside him and waited, trying not to feel anything. Trying not to feel the distance that hadn’t been there twenty four hours ago.

 

Eventually the girl left and it was just them again.

 

“You good?” Reo asked.

 

Nagi looked at him for a second. His expression was open, relaxed. He wasn’t faking. That’s what bothered Nagi the most.

 

“Yeah” Nagi said. “You?”

 

Reo stretched his arms behind his back, letting out a yawn. “Tired. Kinda numb. Beer was crap.”

 

Nagi nodded.

 

That was it. No “Hey, about last night.” No hesitation. Not even a look.

 

It didn’t count.

 

Of course it didn’t.

 

Nagi told himself that three times before the professor walked in.

 

~

 

The lecture hall felt colder than usual.

 

Nagi was sitting near the window, hoodie sleeves pulled down past his hands, one leg bouncing with nervous energy he didn’t know what to do with. His notebook was open. Blank. The pen in his hand hadn’t moved in fifteen minutes. Reo sat a few seats over.

 

Close, but not close enough to touch. Not like last night.

 

Nagi didn’t look at him.

 

Not really.

 

He let his eyes drift near, catching the way Reo leaned back in his chair, tapping a finger lightly on the desk, pretending to pay attention. His expression was neutral. Relaxed. Unbothered. Nagi bit the inside of his cheek and looked away again.

 

The professor was talking about behavioral dynamics. Something about proximity and nonverbal cues in relationships. Nagi wanted to laugh. (Or throw something).

 

He didn’t want to care. Not about Reo’s voice this morning or how he acted like nothing had happened. Like the kiss (if it even counted) had already evaporated out of memory.

 

Nagi rested his chin on his hand, staring blankly at the front of the room.

 

He wasn’t mad. Not really. Just… tired. Confused. And maybe, a little disappointed that nothing was different. He wasn’t sure what he had expected.

 

 

Reo

 

He remembered it.

 

Of course he remembered it.

 

They were out on the balcony. The music was still in his ears. His head was warm, not spinning, but soft. And Nagi was right there, close enough to feel the difference in air.

 

And then it happened. That kiss.

 

Quick. Not even a real kiss, really. Just something in between movement and impulse.

 

He remembered it. He just didn’t think it mattered.

 

Nagi had been drinking. They both had. It was late. Stuff like that happened at parties: dumb, small things that didn’t mean anything. And Nagi hadn’t said anything about it this morning. So maybe it really didn’t mean anything at all.

 

Still, Reo hadn’t looked at him much during the lecture.

 

Not because he was avoiding him. Just… giving space. In case Nagi didn’t want to talk about it.

 

Reo chewed the end of his pen, eyes on the professor but not really following. He wasn’t stressed. Wasn’t worried. But there was something. Something small, quiet, sitting just behind his thoughts like a scratch he couldn’t reach.

 

He wouldn’t bring it up.

 

Unless Nagi did.

 

~

 

After class, Nagi took longer than usual to pack up.

 

Not on purpose. Not even really thinking about it. His fingers moved slower. His notebook stayed closed. His pen sat in his hand like something too fragile to grip.

 

Reo stood up, stretching like he hadn’t just spent an hour ignoring the tension between them. “Lunch?”

 

Nagi blinked. “Now?”

 

“Unless you have class.”

 

“I do. In twenty.”

 

Reo gave a lazy shrug. “You want to eat later?”

 

Nagi hesitated.

 

The normal answer was yeah. They always got food after afternoon classes. It wasn’t even a question.

 

But now, even that felt like something else. Like he had to weigh the words first.

 

“…Sure.”

 

Reo smiled, that same easy, practiced expression that meant nothing and everything. “Cool. I’ll message you.”

 

And just like that, he walked off. Like it really was just Tuesday. Just lunch. Just normal.

 

Nagi sat for a moment longer before finally moving.

 

~

 

The day dragged.

 

Nagi couldn’t tell if it was because he was tired or because his thoughts kept circling. Around Reo. Around that moment. Around the way Reo’s voice hadn’t changed at all when he said “cool.”

 

He wasn’t expecting anything. Not really. But it still felt like something should’ve shifted.

 

He tried to convince himself he was overthinking.

 

People kissed at parties. It didn’t have to mean anything. But if it didn’t mean anything, why had his brain refused to let it go?

 

 

Reo

 

When he got back to the apartment, it felt weird walking through the door first. Usually Nagi beat him back.

 

Usually Nagi left the lights off, so Reo always flicked them on while mumbling something dramatic about the dark.

 

But today it was quiet. Still. He dropped his bag by the couch and headed to the kitchen. The silence pressed in around him. Not uncomfortable, just there.

 

Nagi came back twenty minutes later, hoodie up, headphones in.

 

Reo glanced up from his phone.

 

“Hey” he said. Just that.

 

Nagi gave a small nod and went to his room.

 

That was it.

 

Not tense. Not cold. Just… not normal either.

 

Reo stared at the hallway a second longer than he meant to, then looked back down at his screen.

 

It didn’t matter. It probably didn’t.

 

~

 

Reo didn’t see Nagi again until dinner.

 

Well, technically he heard him first. The faint shuffle of socks on wood, the fridge opening, the quiet clink of a glass. No words, no footsteps toward him. Just background noise, like the apartment was doing its best to pretend everything was fine.

 

Eventually, Nagi hovered by the threshold of the living room, one hand holding a juice bottle.

 

“You eating?” he asked.

 

Reo blinked, caught off guard. “Uh. Yeah. I was just thinking about it.”

 

“Okay.”

 

That was it. Again. But it was something.

 

They cooked in the same room, close enough to brush shoulders but not quite. Reo chopped vegetables. Nagi stirred the pot. The silence was different now thinner. Fragile.

 

When they sat to eat, Reo reached for the soy sauce and accidentally knocked it into Nagi’s elbow. A splash landed on Nagi’s sleeve.

 

“Shit…sorry,” Reo said quickly, reaching with a napkin.

 

Nagi paused, then shrugged. “It’s fine. It’s not your fault.”

 

Reo looked up at that. Not the words, but the tone sounded soft. Tired.

 

“You didn’t say much when you came in earlier” Reo tried carefully.

 

Nagi gave a slow blink. “Didn’t feel like it.”

 

Silence again.

 

Then, after a moment, Nagi added, “Wasn’t avoiding you.”

 

“Oh.” Reo set his chopsticks down. “I didn’t say you were.”

 

“You thought it, though.”

 

Reo didn’t respond to that right away. He looked down at his bowl, then up again. “Were you?”

 

“No.” Nagi said. Then, quieter, “I just didn’t know what to say.”

 

That… stung. But not in the sharp way. In the dull, familiar way. The way Reo was starting to recognize when things between them shifted, even slightly.

 

They cleaned up in silence again. Still not normal. But at least it wasn’t cold.

 

Nagi didn’t sleep in Reo’s bed that night.

 

He closed his door and slipped under his own covers, hoodie still on, headphones still in. But the music didn’t help. He didn’t even know what he was listening to. The songs bled together, background noise for a brain that wouldn’t stop.

 

It was stupid. Just one kiss. One drunk, blurry thing on a balcony. Barely even counted.

 

Except he remembered it clearly. The shape of Reo’s mouth. The way their noses bumped slightly. The heat in his chest before he pulled away like a coward.

 

It was worse because Reo didn’t say anything about it. Not even a joke. Not even a blink.

 

Maybe he really didn’t remember.

 

Or maybe that was the point.

 

~

 

The next morning was careful. They got ready around the same time but barely spoke. Reo stood in the kitchen with a mug of coffee and his phone, glancing up only once when Nagi came in.

 

“Morning” he said simply.

 

“Mm.”

 

Nagi poured cereal into a bowl like it took his full concentration. He didn’t sit. Just leaned against the counter, head down.

 

Reo sipped. No jokes. No teasing. Not even a passing comment about Nagi’s bedhead, which used to be a favorite target.

 

“So,” Reo said eventually, tone casual “you good for the test quiz later?”

 

Nagi shrugged. “Yeah.”

 

“You sure? You looked kinda dead yesterday.”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

Reo nodded. His fingers tapped the mug. “Right.”

 

The silence that followed wasn’t new. They had quiet mornings all the time. But this one was too pointed. Like they were both pretending it wasn’t weird. Nagi finally put the empty bowl in the sink and turned. “I’ll see you there.”

 

“Cool.” Reo said. His voice didn’t falter. His eyes didn’t meet Nagi’s.

 

~

 

At school, things didn’t get much better. They sat beside each other in the lecture hall, like always. Nagi kept zoning out. Reo took notes in his neat, efficient handwriting. At one point, their elbows touched.

 

Nagi didn’t move. Neither did Reo. But he stopped writing for half a second.

 

“Dude” came a voice from behind them during the break. One of Reo’s classmates, the same girl from the message, actually. “You looked totally wasted the other night.”

 

Reo turned slightly in his seat. “I was not that bad.”

 

She snorted. “You didn’t even say goodbye when you left. You just vanished. I thought you went off to make out with someone or something.”

 

Nagi froze.

 

Reo just gave a lipped smile. “Yeah, no. I don’t remember most of it.”

 

Liar.

 

Nagi turned his head just enough to glance at him. Reo didn’t look back.

 

He laughed softly. “Probably just crashed at home.”

 

The girl rolled her eyes. “Well, anyway, you and Nagi were glued together the whole night. I swear, someone needs to break you two up for like five minutes.”

 

Reo made a show of scoffing. “He follows me around. Not my fault.”

 

Nagi felt that one like a punch to the gut. He didn’t say anything, just slouched lower in his seat and stared at the front of the room.

 

Reo glanced at him. “Hey. I’m kidding.”

 

“Sure,” Nagi muttered.

 

The girl eventually wandered off, chatting with another friend. Reo leaned a little closer.

 

“Nagi—”

 

“It’s fine.”

 

“It’s not like that.”

 

“I said it’s fine.”

 

Reo didn’t push it. He just sat back slowly, arms crossed, jaw tight.

 

The rest of the lecture passed with too much space between them.

 

~

 

Later that afternoon, Nagi left early. Said he had a headache. Reo let him go, even though his eyes said something else.

 

Nagi laid in bed for almost an hour just staring at the ceiling, hoodie pulled up over his ears. He wasn’t angry. Not exactly. Just tired of trying to guess what Reo felt.

 

Because the truth was Reo remembered. Nagi was sure of it.

 

He just didn’t want it to mean anything. And maybe that was worse than forgetting.

 

~

 

The silence didn’t last. It never does when things are left unsaid.

 

It was a Wednesday and they were walking back from the store. The sun had already set, streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement. Reo had a small plastic bag in one hand, drinks and instant ramen and he was talking, casually, about something from class.

 

Nagi barely responded. Just shoved his hands in his pockets, eyes down, hood covering mostly of his face.

 

Reo noticed, but didn’t say anything. Not at first.

 

Then, with a lopsided grin, he nudged Nagi’s arm. “You’ve been trailing me like a lost puppy all week.”

 

That was it.

 

Nagi stopped walking.

 

Reo didn’t notice at first, taking a few more steps before turning around. “What—?”

 

“It’s the third time.” Nagi said. His voice was flat, but there was something sharp buried under it.

 

“What?”

 

“You’ve said that. That I follow you around.”

 

Reo blinked. “I was just—”

 

“It’s not funny.”

 

Reo frowned, caught off guard now. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

 

“Yeah?” Nagi looked at him, really looked. “Then how did you mean it?”

 

The plastic bag crinkled in Reo’s hand. He shifted his weight. “It’s just something I say. You’re always with me—”

 

“Yeah” Nagi cut in. “Because you asked me to be. Because we’ve done everything together since we were seventeen. I didn’t think I had to explain why I stuck around.”

 

Reo exhaled, almost laughing but not really. “You’re blowing this out of—”

 

“I’m not” Nagi snapped. “You say it like it’s a joke, but it doesn’t sound like a joke. It sounds like I’m annoying. Like I’m some clingy problem you can’t get rid of.”

 

Reo opened his mouth, but Nagi wasn’t done.

 

“If you don’t want me around anymore, just say it. I can move out.”

 

That landed like a punch.

 

Reo’s face changed, the playfulness gone in an instant. “Don’t say that.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Because I don’t want that. You know I don’t want that.”

 

“Do I?” Nagi muttered.

 

The wind picked up around them, rustling leaves and wrappers across the pavement. The glow from a nearby vending machine buzzed softly in the background.

 

Reo stepped closer, jaw tight. “You think I don’t notice when you start pulling away like this? You’re not exactly subtle, Nagi.”

 

“I wouldn’t have to pull away if you didn’t keep pushing.”

 

“I wasn’t..” Reo stopped, then sighed. “Okay, maybe I didn’t think about how it sounded.”

 

Silence again.

 

Nagi looked away first, toward the distant lights of their apartment complex. His voice dropped. “Just stop saying it. Please.”

 

Reo nodded once. “Okay.”

 

They walked the rest of the way home in near silence. No more teasing. No more tension either, just a kind of tired quiet between them.

 

~

 

At home, things resumed. Kind of.

 

They ate dinner. Separately. Watched a show, but on opposite ends of the couch this time with a pillow between them and no lazy comments or casual touches. It wasn’t cold. But it wasn’t the same.

 

The next morning, they didn’t wake up in the same bed. Nagi stayed in his room, door cracked just enough to hear Reo moving around in the kitchen.

 

And when they walked to university, they did it side by side… but not shoulder to shoulder.

 

It was small. Quiet. The kind of distance that didn’t look like much unless you were used to the closeness. But they both felt it.

 

They didn’t talk about the fight. But they were still there. Still orbiting each other. Still choosing to come home to the same place, even if they weren’t sure why it felt different now.

 

The apartment was quiet again.

 

It had been all day, really. Filled only with the sounds of doors closing gently, muffled footsteps, the occasional clink of silverware. Nagi had spent most of the afternoon behind his closed door, headphones on and Reo hadn’t bothered to knock.

 

He wasn’t angry. Not exactly. Just… worn down. Cautious. He didn’t want to mess it up again, whatever this was. This middle ground between friendship and whatever the hell they’d almost stepped into. It was close to midnight when Reo padded into the kitchen, puffy eyes and almost asleep, the soft glow of the fridge lighting his face. There was a shape already at the table.

 

 Nagi was slouched low, hoodie up, eyes heavy but awake. A cup of water sat near his elbow. His phone screen was dim, thumb drifting across the glass without purpose.

 

They both froze for a second, surprised to see the other.

 

“Hey” Reo said, voice low.

 

Nagi looked up, eyes soft with sleep. He didn’t smile, but he didn’t look away either.

 

“Couldn’t sleep?” Reo asked, grabbing a glass.

 

Nagi shook his head.

 

Reo slid into the chair across from him, fingers wrapping around his cup. The silence stretched out, not sharp, but tentative. Like if either of them moved too quickly, the stillness would break.

 

“I’ve been thinking” Reo said finally. “Maybe we’re just… tired.”

 

Nagi blinked. “Of what?”

 

“Everything.” He didn’t elaborate. He didn’t have to.

 

Nagi didn’t answer. He just pulled one knee up to his chest, cheek resting against his sleeve. Reo watched him for a long moment. The silver light from the kitchen window caught on his lashes, the soft slope of his cheek.

 

“…You staying in your room tonight?” Nagi asked, voice quiet.

 

Reo didn’t answer right away.

 

Then, finally: “I don’t know. Can’t sleep alone.”

 

Nagi blinked slowly, like he was trying not to show relief. He nodded once and stood, waiting in the doorway for Reo to follow.

 

They didn’t speak again as they walked down the hallway.

 

Nagi’s bed was soft. Familiar. The sheets still smelled like his shampoo and laundry soap, a little warmth still tucked into the blanket from where he’d been curled earlier.

 

Reo slid under the covers without a word, facing the opposite wall.

 

There was space between them. A careful hand’s width.

 

But sleep didn’t come.

 

Nagi’s breath caught when the blankets shifted slightly and Reo’s fingers brushed his wrist. Not on purpose. Just a shift. But Nagi didn’t move away.

 

The touch lingered.

 

Then, slowly, like it cost him something, Nagi turned.

 

“Are you awake?” he whispered.

 

Reo shifted. “Yeah.”

 

The silence folded around them again.

 

Nagi hesitated. Then his hand drifted forward. Fingers brushing Reo’s shirt, hesitating on the fabric before curling loosely at the edge.

 

Reo didn’t pull away.

 

Instead, he turned to face him.

 

Their eyes met, dim in the shadows. The air between them felt full of something heavy and warm.

 

“You’re not mad anymore?” Nagi asked, barely audible.

 

“I never really was” Reo replied, just as soft. “I was just… hurt. And confused.”

 

Nagi nodded once. His fingers were still curled against Reo’s sleeve, not tighter, but not letting go.

 

A pause.

 

Then Reo scooted forward, closing the space. Just enough that their foreheads nearly touched. His hand found Nagi’s wrist and held it there.

 

“Is this okay?” he asked.

 

Nagi breathed in.

 

And for the first time in days, maybe weeks, it felt like he could actually breathe.

 

He nodded. One hand moved to Reo’s waist, tentative, unsure and Reo let out a breath like it made everything fall back into place.

 

They didn’t talk.

 

They just existed there for a while, warm under the same blanket, sharing the same breath.

 

At some point, Reo’s head tucked beneath Nagi’s chin and Nagi’s hand slid slowly into his hair.

 

And it was that small, quiet closeness that melted something in Nagi’s chest.

 

It wasn’t about fixing anything. Wasn’t even about understanding what they were. It was just this. The comfort of skin, breath, heartbeat.

 

Of being held and holding someone back.

 

~

 

The morning after, everything was strangely… easy.

 

No tension when Reo rolled out of bed with a yawn, his hair a disaster and hoodie slipping off one shoulder. No stiff silences when Nagi shuffled into the kitchen, still in socks and loose gray sweats, murmuring something about coffee.

 

They didn’t talk about the night before. About how close they’d been, about the quiet touches, about how Reo had fallen asleep with Nagi’s fingers in his hair. But the silence wasn’t awkward.

 

It was comfortable.

 

Familiar.

 

They stood side by side in the kitchen, Reo slicing an apple, Nagi leaning against the counter like gravity didn’t fully apply to him. Reo passed him a slice without asking. Nagi took it, chewed slowly, and bumped his shoulder against Reo’s with a lazy smirk.

 

That was how it was, now. Something unspoken had shifted.

 

And neither of them seemed in any rush to name it.

 

~

 

In the days that followed, the new rhythm took root.

 

Touches became second nature. Reo would curl into Nagi on the couch when they watched a movie, his legs draped over Nagi’s lap, one hand absently playing with the drawstring of his hoodie. Nagi didn’t flinch when Reo’s fingers found his wrist, or when he stretched across him to grab the remote and didn’t move away after.

 

When they walked across campus, they didn’t walk apart. Sometimes Reo’s arm would brush against Nagi’s, sometimes Nagi would tug gently at the hem of Reo’s coat when he walked too fast. Sometimes Reo’s hand would graze his lower back when leading him through a crowded hallway and it lingered longer than necessary.

 

And no one said anything.

 

They didn’t need to.

 

~

 

It was Tuesday when Reo started using Nagi’s hoodie like it belonged to him.

 

It had been draped over the back of a kitchen chair. Oversized, pale gray and warm. Reo had pulled it on without asking, burying his hands in the sleeves with a casual “yours smells better anyway.”

 

Nagi didn’t ask for it back. He just looked at him for a second too long and turned away, ears a little pink.

 

Later that night, Reo found him in his room, sprawled on the bed, one arm thrown over his eyes.

 

“You look like a sad puppy” Reo teased, climbing up beside him, still in the hoodie.

 

Nagi didn’t move. “Maybe I am.”

 

Reo chuckled and dropped down, cheek to Nagi’s shoulder, one arm slinging loosely over his stomach like it was the most natural thing in the world.

 

“Better now?” he asked.

 

Nagi didn’t answer, but his hand slid into Reo’s hair again.

 

They stayed like that until they both fell asleep.

 

~

 

The change wasn’t loud.

 

It didn’t explode into something new. It melted into them like sunlight warming snow. Quiet. Gentle. Inevitable.

 

They weren’t together. Not really.

 

But they weren’t just friends either.

 

They were something… in between. Something soft. Something that pressed its fingers into the gaps between routine and comfort and stayed there.

 

And for now, that was enough.

 

Notes:

This chapter was pretty slow so maybe i'll post the next chapter today cause we need some action

Chapter 6

Summary:

This chapter was more from Reo's perspective at the start, but towards the end, it switched to Nagi's
New characters come in btww!!!

 

The envelope had been sitting on the counter for two days before Reo opened it. Nagi noticed it before he did, poking at it lazily while munching on cereal. “You gonna open that?”

 

Reo glanced over, hair still damp from the shower, towel slung around his neck. “It’s from the old school. Probably another fundraising thing.” But when he tore it open and skimmed the contents, his eyes paused. “Oh. It’s a reunion.”

 

Nagi blinked, spoon halfway to his mouth. “Like… high school?”

 

Reo nodded, dropping the invitation on the table. “Yeah. Saturday night. Fancy dinner and drinks. They even booked that place downtown.”

 

“Are we going?”

 

Reo looked at him, one eyebrow raised. “We?”

 

“You got the invite” Nagi said with a shrug. “But I was there too.”

 

Reo let out a soft laugh, ruffling Nagi’s hair as he walked past. “I guess we are.”

 

~

 

Reo was unusually indecisive, standing in front of the mirror and adjusting his collar for the third time. “Do I look like I peaked in high school?”

 

Nagi lounged on the bed behind him, scrolling on his phone. “You look like you haven’t slept in two days.”

 

“Geez, thanks.”

 

“You’re pretty, though” Nagi added without looking up. “So it works.”

 

Reo snorted, cheeks tinting slightly as he threw a jacket over his shoulder. “You ready?”

 

Nagi slid off the bed in that unhurried way of his. “Yeah.”

 

~

 

The venue was softly lit, a mix of polished wood and warm tones. The crowd buzzed with familiar voices and indistinct laughter. Name tags had been abandoned halfway through the evening. Most people already knew who was who.

 

Reo scanned the room, eyes catching on a few familiar heads.

 

“There they are!” he murmured, nudging Nagi in the direction of a table near the back.

 

Gathered around were a handful of people they hadn’t seen in a while: Chigiri, radiant as ever, seated beside Kunigami, who greeted them with a small smile and a strong handshake. Isagi and Bachira were sitting close, Bachira practically curled around Isagi’s arm like it was second nature. Rin and Barou were also there, quieter, but their presence undeniable. The others were a blur of half remembered faces and fake enthusiasm.

 

“Look who decided to show up” Chigiri said, voice teasing but warm. “We thought you’d be too busy being rich.”

 

Reo rolled his eyes. “I’m still just as broke as I was in school.”

 

“Liar” Nagi muttered. Everyone laughed.

 

They took the empty seats at the table, conversation picking up easily.

 

“Still joined at the hip, huh?” Bachira asked, looking between the two of them.

 

Nagi blinked slowly. Reo laughed it off. “Some things don’t change.”

 

~

 

The conversation at the table picked up again, easy. Someone brought up that one time Isagi got locked in the chemistry lab with Bachira and it spiraled from there.

 

“I swear” Isagi said, defensively, “we weren’t even doing anything. It was the janitor’s fault.”

 

Bachira was laughing too hard to help him. “Yeah, sure! You were ‘just studying,’ huh?” Chigiri asked with a grin.

 

“Dude, we were sixteen—”

 

“Exactly.”

 

“I hate all of you” Isagi mumbled into his glass.

 

Chigiri leaned forward, chin in hand, eyes gleaming. “You didn’t even tell us until like a month later.”

 

Kunigami tilted his head. “Because they were hiding it. Like amateurs.”

 

“We weren’t hiding anything!” Isagi groaned.

 

“Babe” Bachira said sweetly, nudging him. “You literally denied we were dating while holding my hand.”

 

Reo snorted. “That does sound familiar.”

 

Nagi, quiet until now, muttered under his breath, “He’s talking about you.”

 

Reo side eyed him, lips twitching. “I will elbow you.”

 

“You won’t.”

 

“Don’t test me.”

 

Across the table, Rin was poking at his salad like it had personally offended him. “Why is this the most chaotic table in the room?”

 

Barou glanced up from his food. “Because we’re not boring.”

 

“I’m just trying to eat in peace.” Rin grumbled.

 

“You’re the one who sat here.” Kunigami pointed out.

 

“Only because Isagi begged.”

 

“I did not beg!”

 

Everyone laughed.

 

“Okay wait” Chigiri said, lifting a hand. “Real question. Who here actually thought they will keep in touch after graduation?”

 

There was a silence. Reo raised a hand. “I kinda hoped we would.”

 

Isagi shrugged. “Yeah. I mean, we were close.”

 

“Until people started disappearing.” Chigiri teased.

 

“Sorry some of us had actual lives.” Rin muttered.

 

“Okay, Mr. Ghost Everyone for Six Months Straight.” Reo said, raising a brow.

 

“I didn’t ghost.”

 

“You literally moved to another prefecture and didn’t tell us.”

 

“I told Isagi.”

 

Isagi nodded. “He did. In like a very short, vague text.”

 

Kunigami huffed. “That doesn’t count.”

 

Nagi’s voice broke through, soft. “I didn’t think I’d talk to anyone after.”

 

They all looked at him.

 

Nagi didn’t seem uncomfortable about it, just stating a fact. “I thought high school ended, so… it was done.”

 

“But it’s not” Reo said, without looking at him. “You’re here.”

 

“Yeah” Nagi replied. “I’m here.”

 

There was a pause (nothing heavy). Just a beat of recognition. A moment shared.

 

Then Bachira sat up straighter. “Okay, okay, let’s go back to dumb stuff for a second. Who here had a crush on a teacher?”

 

Barou groaned. “No.”

 

“C’mon! It’s a safe space.”

 

“Absolutely not.”

 

Isagi laughed. “Okay but like… did anyone?”

 

Chigiri raised his hand. “Miss Teieri.”

 

“Of course you would” Reo said. “Everyone had a crush on her.”

 

“She had great taste in heels” Chigiri said unapologetically.

 

Reo smirked. “And legs.”

 

“Reo!” Chigiri gasped, mock scandalized. “You flirt.”

 

“Just facts.”

 

Beside him, Nagi murmured, “You never flirt with me like that.”

 

The words weren’t loud. Weren’t even meant for the whole table.

 

But Reo froze mid sip.

 

Isagi blinked. Bachira looked like he wanted to scream. Rin glanced up with a slow, pointed arch of his brow.

 

“You good, Reo?” Kunigami asked, a little too innocently.

 

“Yeah.” Reo said quickly. “All good.”

 

Chigiri didn’t miss a beat. “Interesting.”

 

Barou muttered something under his breath and Rin smirked into his glass. To his credit, Nagi looked entirely unbothered. He was just… chewing.

 

Reo cleared his throat. “Anyway, uh…how’s everyone else’s lives? Jobs? Studies?”

 

“Coward.” Chigiri whispered.

 

“Shut up.”

 

Bachira clapped his hands once. “Oh! I’m doing freelance art stuff now.”

 

“I saw that!” Reo said, genuinely interested. “Your animation page is blowing up.”

 

“Thanks!” Bachira beamed. “Yours still looks like a law student’s nightmare though.”

 

“I like structure.”

 

“You like fonts that make people cry.”

 

Isagi snorted into his water.

 

Chigiri turned to Nagi. “What about you? Still doing game design stuff?”

 

“Sort of” Nagi said. “Not much freelance lately. School is a lot.”

 

“You like it though?”

 

Nagi’s shoulders lifted in a slow shrug. “It’s fine. I like building stuff. Quiet things. Things that move but don’t talk back.”

 

“Wow.” Rin muttered. “That was deeply specific.”

 

Nagi looked him dead in the eyes. “People are loud.”

 

“I like him.” Barou said.

 

“Thanks.” Nagi replied.

 

Reo shook his head, but he was smiling.

 

~

 

The night stretched comfortably, the noise rising in a soft swell of background conversation and quiet music. At one point, they moved to a lower lit lounge area with more couches. A couple people wandered to the dance floor. Reo declined and so did Nagi. They sat side by side on a couch with a table infront of them as the others filtered in and out.

 

Reo tilted his head, watching Nagi sip from a soda bottle.

 

“You’re quiet.”

 

“I’m always quiet.”

 

“You’ve been… extra quiet.”

 

Nagi glanced at him, eyes soft. “Just thinking.”

 

“About?”

 

Nagi shrugged.

 

Reo sighed. “Do you think this is weird?”

 

“What?”

 

“Us. Being here. With them.”

 

Nagi looked at the room. “No. It’s kind of nice.”

 

Reo hummed, then leaned back, staring up at the dim ceiling lights. “Yeah. It kind of is.”

 

The clinking of glasses and laughed jokes blurred around them like a distant hum. Reo didn’t know exactly when it started, maybe when Nagi shifted in his seat,or when Reo angled slightly toward him, shoulder barely brushing his. But somewhere between Kunigami mocking Bachira’s taste in cologne and Chigiri dramatically reenacting a teacher meltdown from third year, Nagi’s knee bumped against his under the table.

 

At first, Reo thought it was just an accident. The kind of thing that happened when seats were tight and people leaned too far back. But then it didn’t move.

 

He glanced sideways. Nagi was focused on the story Chigiri was telling, his face unreadable. His knee, however, remained pressed against Reo’s. Warm. Steady. Reo didn’t move either.

 

“You’re telling me he really threw the whiteboard marker?” Bachira said, wheezing with laughter.

 

“Nearly hit Rin in the head” Chigiri replied, grinning. “Best moment of the semester.”

 

“I remember that,” Isagi added. “Rin didn’t flinch.”

 

“I don’t flinch” Rin said blandly.

 

Barou snorted. “Because you’re a robot.”

 

The others laughed, but Reo didn’t catch the punchline. His leg shifted slightly (not away), but closer. A gentle nudge, skin brushing through fabric. Nagi’s thigh flexed just the smallest bit in response.

 

Reo’s throat felt a little dry. He reached for his drink but missed the straw on the first try.

 

Nagi finally turned his head toward him, that usual low gaze soft with something unreadable. “You good?”

 

“Yeah,” Reo said quickly. “Just… you know. Nostalgia.”

 

Nagi didn’t blink. “Liar.”

 

Reo exhaled slowly. “Yeah.”

 

Their knees were still touching.

 

The moment stretched. Neither of them moved.

 

Across the table, Chigiri was deep into another story. “…and then I turn around and he’s just gone, like completely disappeared mid presentation.”

 

“I had a nosebleed.” Kunigami protested.

 

“You fled the classroom.”

 

“I didn’t want to bleed on the floor!”

 

Bachira was giggling uncontrollably. “You made the teacher scream.”

 

“That’s an exaggeration.”

 

“Nope. She was probably scared for her life.”

 

Isagi leaned into Bachira’s side. “I thought she was gonna faint.”

 

Reo let the noise wash over him again. Around him, the world carried on. At his side, Nagi shifted slightly, thigh pressing more firmly now. There was nothing intentional about it. No dramatic movement, no call for attention. Just pressure. Contact. An answer.

 

When Reo looked at him again, Nagi’s gaze had dropped to the space between their legs. His lashes were low. Relaxed.

 

Comfortable.

 

Reo could’ve sworn he was glowing.

 

Not literally. But something about the dim lighting and the warmth of the room and the little smile at the edge of Nagi’s mouth made his breath catch just slightly.

 

“You’re doing it again.” Nagi murmured.

 

Reo blinked. “Doing what?”

 

“Staring.”

 

“I wasn’t—”

 

“You are.”

 

Reo opened his mouth. Closed it.

 

Nagi tilted his head slightly like he could hear the gears turning in Reo’s head. His expression didn’t change, but the side of his foot shifted too, resting lightly over Reo’s ankle, like an anchor.

 

That simple touch made Reo’s whole chest feel like it had been rewired. And then Nagi turned back to the conversation, nonchalant like he hadn’t just reached under the table and tangled himself into Reo’s breath.

 

Reo had to look away.

 

Across the table, Isagi was asking about travel plans. Bachira was talking about taking a road trip. Rin rolled his eyes but muttered something about flights. Barou stayed mostly quiet unless spoken to.

 

But Nagi kept his foot there. His knee too. The whole side of his body, like gravity had decided they belonged next to each other, and neither of them had the energy to argue.

 

~

 

The air outside was cool, brushing against Reo’s face as the restaurant doors closed behind them. The warmth of the room still clung to him: laughter, the buzz of drinks and Nagi’s touch pressed faintly into the side of his leg.

 

They walked together in a loose cluster. Streetlights stretched soft halos along the sidewalk as everyone headed toward the main street, ready to split off or wait for rides.

 

“That was… actually kinda fun” Isagi admitted, shoving his hands in his jacket pockets.

 

“See?” Bachira grinned. “Told you reunions aren’t just trauma dumps.”

 

“They’re still trauma dumps.” Rin muttered from behind him.

 

“I liked it!” Chigiri said, nudging Kunigami with his elbow. “Even if some people refused to talk.”

 

“I talked.” Kunigami said with a faint frown.

 

“You blinked at people” Chigiri teased.

 

Reo smiled faintly, walking a step behind most of them. Nagi was next to him, hood pulled over his head now, eyes flicking upward every now and then toward the sky. Their arms didn’t touch now. But they walked close enough that Reo could still feel the heat of his body, as if their skin remembered where they’d touched under the table.

 

They reached the corner where most of them would split off. Chigiri was calling a car. Isagi was checking the train times. The conversation circled lazily. Summer plans, dumb things they hadn’t mentioned yet.

 

Then Bachira looked over at Reo and Nagi, head tilted. “Hey… you guys headed the same way?”

 

“Yeah.” Reo replied. “We live together.”

 

“Oh?” Bachira’s eyes lit up. “You’re still roommates?”

 

Nagi nodded lazily, hands tucked into his jacket pockets.

 

“How long now?” Isagi asked.

 

Reo glanced sideways at Nagi before answering. “Since first year.”

 

“Damn.” Chigiri muttered. “That’s commitment.”

 

“Rent is expensive.” Nagi said.

 

Everyone laughed lightly.

 

But Bachira leaned forward slightly, blinking between them. “Are you two, like… just friends?”

 

Reo’s spine straightened a fraction.

 

Nagi blinked.

 

The question lingered, not invasive, not even asked with suspicion, but with curiosity and the barest touch of mischief. Bachira’s tone was light, almost teasing, but not mocking. Just… wondering.

 

“Bachira!” Isagi warned gently, but Bachira just held up his hands.

 

“I’m just saying..” he shrugged. “You’re super close.”

 

Reo opened his mouth, but Nagi beat him to it.

 

“We’ve always been like this.”

 

Reo glanced at him. There was no hesitation in Nagi’s voice. Just a simple truth.

 

Bachira tilted his head, like he was reading something deeper. “Huh.”

 

“No label.” Reo added, keeping his tone even.

 

“Cool.” Bachira said brightly. “Still think it’s cute though.”

 

Chigiri rolled his eyes and pulled on his coat. “Let’s not interrogate people on the street.”

 

“I’m not interrogating!” Bachira laughed. “I’m just curious.”

 

“You’re always curious.” Rin muttered.

 

“Exactly. It’s part of my charm!”

 

Goodbyes started rolling out after that, hugs and serious promises to meet again. Reo shook hands, offered brief smiles. Nagi mumbled a goodbye to Kunigami, nodded at Isagi.

 

They turned down their street after a while. It was quieter here. A residential pocket lined with trees and warm porch lights.

 

“Sorry about that.” Reo said eventually.

 

“About what?”

 

“Bachira asking if we’re…” he hesitated. “You know.”

 

Nagi gave a slow blink. “Does it bother you?”

 

Reo thought about it. About the way it felt when Nagi’s leg had rested against his under the table. The way it still made his skin prickle now, minutes later. The way his stomach had tightened when Bachira asked. Not because it wasn’t true, but because it almost was.

 

“No.” Reo said. Then, quieter, “I just… didn’t expect it.”

 

Nagi hummed. “People talk.”

 

Reo stopped walking for a second, and Nagi took two steps before realizing and slowing.

 

“We never really talked about it.” Reo said. “Any of it.”

 

“We don’t need to.”

 

Reo stared at him, feeling that ache again. The one that whispered maybe you do.

 

But he didn’t push. Not yet.

 

“Did you mean it?” Nagi asked suddenly.

 

Reo blinked. “Mean what?”

 

“When you said no label.”

 

His throat went dry. “Yeah. I did.”

 

Nagi nodded like that was all he needed to know.

 

And then, as if flipping a switch, he shifted just a little closer, their arms brushing again, fingertips grazing.

 

Reo swallowed. “You still wanna stay up?”

 

Nagi didn’t answer immediately. Just shoved his hands deeper into his pockets. “You’ll fall asleep on the couch again.”

 

Reo huffed a laugh. “Maybe.”

 

“You’re bad at movies.”

 

“I’m great at movies.”

 

Nagi glanced at him with a crooked little smile. “Liar.”

 

They kept walking.

 

By the time they got home, the apartment felt a little too quiet, too still, like the silence had teeth. The hallway light flickered on as Reo kicked off his shoes, his hair a bit messy from the wind, shirt half untucked.

 

“I’m gonna shower first.” he mumbled, voice softer than usual.

 

Nagi just nodded, slouching onto the couch with a little sigh, phone forgotten in his pocket. He heard the bathroom door shut, water rushing through the pipes a few seconds later.

 

He leaned his head back against the cushions. His eyes slipped closed, but the tension from the night hadn’t left. His shoulders were still tight. His jaw ached a little from holding back whatever he hadn’t said outside, after the kiss, after the laugh, after the way Reo dismissed it with a line he probably didn’t mean.

 

The sound of the shower stopped. Moments later, Reo padded out, damp hair pushed back, face a little flushed from the heat. He wasn’t saying much. Not yet. He disappeared into his room without a word.

 

Nagi stood, stretched and headed to the bathroom.

 

The hot water helped. Sort of. But the steam didn’t drown the memory of Reo’s fingers brushing his under the table or the way they’d locked eyes too long when their knees touched.

 

By the time he stepped out of the bathroom, towel over his shoulders and hair dripping a bit, he’d forgotten his shirt entirely.

 

He didn’t think much of it.

 

Nagi wandered into the kitchen, still bare chested, rummaging lazily in the fridge for something cold. When he turned around, Reo was standing near the hallway. Frozen for a second like his mind had completely shut down.

 

“Dude” Reo blurted, blinking hard. “Put on a shirt.”

 

Nagi looked down at himself like he’d only just realized, then back at Reo. “Why?”

 

Reo’s mouth opened, then closed. “Because. It’s…I don’t know. Cold.”

 

“It’s not.” Nagi replied blandly, cracking open a bottle of water and taking a slow sip. “You okay?”

 

“I’m fine.” Reo snapped, except it wasn’t really angry, more flustered. His hand flew up to push through his hair again. “Just…you can’t walk around like that. You’re gonna get sick.”

 

Nagi shrugged, walking past him to the living room. Reo followed without thinking, because of course he did.

 

They both paused by the couch. The silence stretched again and then Nagi tipped his head, eyes still a little sleepy. “Are we sleeping together tonight?”

 

Reo blinked. “You mean like, in the same bed?”

 

Nagi nodded slowly.

 

Reo hesitated. Then, quietly: “Yeah. I guess we are.”

 

There was no talk of movies anymore. No late night games. Just the two of them ending up in Reo’s room again like it was inevitable.

 

This time, the moment Nagi slipped under the blanket, Reo didn’t bother with pretense. He turned to face him, close enough to see the faint freckles dusted across Nagi’s cheekbones in the dim light.

 

Nagi was still shirtless, but now the blankets were drawn up over his chest. He looked… relaxed. But his eyes were wide open.

 

“You’re not tired?” Reo asked.

 

Nagi blinked slowly. “I am. Just… thinking.”

 

Reo shifted a little closer, the mattress dipping under him. Their legs brushed.

 

“About what?” he asked, voice low.

 

There was a beat of silence. Then: “Nothing important.”

 

Reo didn’t press.

 

The quiet settled again, but it didn’t suffocate this time. It was softer. Heavy with something they weren’t ready to say. Nagi moved a little closer, face turning toward Reo’s neck.

 

Reo’s hand hesitated before reaching up, just resting against the side of Nagi’s arm, fingers brushing skin. It was the kind of touch that would’ve felt too intimate a week ago. Now it felt… necessary.

 

Nagi let out a slow breath. “This feels nice.”

 

“Yeah..” Reo whispered.

 

He shifted his hand, fingers trailing from Nagi’s arm to his back. Nagi leaned into it, the weight of his body settling closer. They weren’t wrapped around each other, not fully, but they were close enough that Reo could feel the heat of Nagi’s breath against his throat.

 

Nagi didn’t speak again. His breathing slowed gradually, finally steady.

 

Reo stayed awake a little longer, hand still curved over the soft line of Nagi’s back, heart thudding way too fast.

 

And maybe, just maybe, he didn’t want the night to end.

 

~

 

The morning light barely filtered through the half closed curtains, spilling over the room in soft strokes of gold. It touched the edges of Reo’s pillow, the corner of the desk and finally warmed the side of his face just enough to wake him.

 

He blinked once, eyes adjusting, breath slow and even. The first thing he saw was white: Nagi’s hair, messy and flopped over his forehead, the strands rising and falling with each peaceful breath. Reo didn’t move.

 

Nagi was curled slightly toward him, the sheets pushed down to his hips, one bare shoulder peeking out from beneath the blanket. His face was soft in sleep, slack jaw, dark lashes brushing his cheeks and lips just faintly parted.

 

Reo’s heart did a weird flutter in his chest.

 

He stayed quiet, just… watching. There wasn’t much else he could do. Nagi looked so peaceful like this. Warm and close, not stiff or distant like things had been days ago.

 

Something about the way the morning light touched Nagi’s cheekbones made Reo’s chest tighten a little. He didn’t even realize he was staring until Nagi’s lashes fluttered and those sleepy gray eyes opened slowly. Looking straight at him.

 

Reo froze.

 

Nagi blinked once. Then again. And then, just barely, the corner of his mouth tilted up.

 

“You’re staring” he said, voice soft from sleep.

 

Reo flushed instantly. “No, I wasn’t.”

 

Nagi didn’t even try to argue. He yawned, slow and lazy, turning slightly onto his back, the blanket slipping a little lower.

 

Reo rolled onto his side, burying his face into the pillow to avoid Nagi’s look. “Shut up.”

 

Nagi hummed, his tone still a little teasing but not unkind. “Were you watching me sleep?”

 

“God, you sound like a movie cliché.”

 

“You didn’t answer.”

 

Reo peeked at him through his hair, lips pressed tight to hide the smile forming. “You just looked peaceful.”

 

There was a beat of silence between them. Then Nagi’s voice, a little softer now: “You can look whenever you want.”

 

That made Reo’s heart stutter again. He blinked at the ceiling.

 

The silence that followed wasn’t awkward. It was full. Comfortable.

 

Nagi stretched, arms reaching above his head and Reo’s gaze followed the long line of his body before he looked away quickly, flustered all over again.

 

“You’re the one without a shirt.” he muttered.

 

Nagi smirked. “Didn’t hear you complain last night.”

 

Reo rolled onto his back and groaned. “Go back to sleep.”

 

But Nagi didn’t. Instead, he turned toward Reo again, propping his head on one arm. “Thanks for last night.”

 

Reo turned to him, brows raised. “For what?”

 

“For just… being there.”

 

Reo’s voice came a little quieter now. “Always.”

 

They lay there for a few moments more, the world quiet around them, the sounds of the street outside barely touching the calm bubble they’d made in Reo’s bed.

 

Eventually, Nagi nudged him lightly with his foot under the blanket. “You hungry?”

 

“Starving.” Reo admitted, smiling softly.

 

“Pancakes?”

 

Reo grinned. “You’re making them.”

 

“I made the steak.” Nagi replied flatly.

 

“That’s not how it works.”

 

~

 

”Let’s go out.”

 

Nagi blinked from where he was slouched on the couch again, phone balanced lazily in one hand. “Out where?”

 

“The mall.” Reo said, already walking toward his room. “I need new clothes. And we’ve been inside too much. You’re starting to look like a pet ghost.”

 

Nagi tilted his head. “Ghosts can be handsome too.”

 

Reo laughed from inside his closet. “Yeah? You trying to tell me something?”

 

Nagi didn’t respond, just yawned, stretched and got up anyway.

 

~

 

They ended up at a clean, modern shopping plaza with wide windows and crowds just heavy enough to feel alive. Nagi walked a step behind Reo, hands stuffed in his hoodie pocket, hood halfway up even though it wasn’t cold. He liked watching Reo like this: in motion, confident, energized by things Nagi never cared much about on his own.

 

“Come on!” Reo said, tugging him toward a minimalist boutique. “This one’s new. You’ll like it.”

 

Nagi gave a vague grunt of acknowledgment, but followed.

 

Inside, it smelled like cherries. Reo was already sifting through neatly hung racks, eyes sharp with interest. He looked at home here. Comfortable.

 

Nagi didn’t mean to stare. But then Reo turned around holding a mesh textured black button up, grin on his face. “This one’s nice, right?”

 

“Sure.” Nagi said.

 

Reo arched a brow. “You didn’t even look.”

 

“I did.” Nagi muttered.

 

“You didn’t even blink.”

 

Now Reo was teasing, but Nagi’s brain short circuited for a moment because, okay, now Reo was unbuttoning his shirt right there to try on the new one over his tank top and Nagi wasn’t prepared for that.

 

He turned a little too quickly toward another rack. “You could at least go to the changing room.”

 

Reo laughed under his breath. “You embarrassed or something?”

 

“No.” Nagi said, very obviously lying.

 

When he glanced back a minute later, Reo was standing in front of a long. His hair was a little messy, skin glowing under the soft ceiling lights. He tilted his head, frowning thoughtfully at his own reflection. Nagi felt something shift low in his stomach.

 

Reo noticed the glance and smirked. “You’re staring now.”

 

“You’re… loud.” Nagi said, cheeks a little pink, eyes darting back to a rack of jackets he wasn’t actually seeing.

 

“You think I look good?” Reo asked, stepping closer.

 

Nagi didn’t answer.

 

Reo let the silence linger for a beat too long, then chuckled. “Okay, noted. Flustered Nagi is fun.”

 

“I’m not flustered.” Nagi mumbled.

 

Reo leaned in a bit, lips barely parted. “But you like it.”

 

“Let’s just pay and leave.”

 

Reo did. But he was grinning the whole time.

 

~

 

They wandered through a few more stores, mostly just window shopping. Reo kept holding things up and asking, “Would I look good in this?” with a smirk that made Nagi roll his eyes and tug his hood further down every time. Still, he didn’t walk away.

 

At one point, in a shoe store, Nagi leaned down to tie his own lace and Reo came up behind him, just close enough to brush past his shoulder and Nagi nearly knocked over the display trying to stand up too fast.

 

“Careful.” Reo said, voice low and too pleased.

 

“I’m gonna push you into a rack.” Nagi muttered.

 

“You wouldn’t dare.” Reo teased and it took everything in Nagi not to respond with the first thought that popped into his mind.

 

Something dangerous. Something he couldn’t say out loud.

 

~

They returned with bags. Not many, but enough. Nagi flopped onto the couch with a groan while Reo sorted through what he’d bought, humming as he held things up and admired them again.

 

“You’re seriously gonna try them on again?” Nagi asked, watching with lidded eyes.

 

“I didn’t get to model properly.” Reo replied. “You were too busy malfunctioning.”

 

“Did not.”

 

Reo pulled off his shirt again anyway and swapped it for another one. A deep maroon that fit him almost sinfully well and Nagi had to look away before his brain completely shut down.

 

“You okay over there?” Reo asked, peeking from behind his bangs.

 

“You’re evil.”

 

“I’m hot.”

 

“Same thing.”

 

~

 

After admiring Reo trying on his new clothes. Nagi tells Reo that he’s going to the bedroom because he’s tired. Nagi’s room was dim, save for the faint glow from the hallway bleeding in through the cracked door. He stood quietly for a moment after shutting it gently, then turned the lock.

 

He didn’t do that often.

 

The door clicking into place felt heavier than it should. Like sealing something in or out.

 

His breath came shallow as he leaned back against the wall, eyes closing. He could still picture it, like a heat pressed into the backs of his eyelids: Reo, spinning slowly in front of the mirror in that cream colored shirt. The one that clung a little too well to his frame. The way his sleeves were rolled just enough to show his forearms, his laugh easy and unaware of the way it pulled something low and sweet in Nagi’s stomach.

 

It wasn’t the first time Reo had looked good. It was just the first time Nagi couldn’t push it down. Couldn’t pretend it was nothing.

 

His fingers trembled as he brought them up to his lips, still remembering the briefest brush of skin from earlier. A playful nudge that lingered longer than it should’ve, Reo’s hand on his back, steadying him, warm.

 

And now, alone, it was too much.

 

He sat on the edge of the bed, palms pressed into the mattress, chest tight with something tender and aching. His name, Reo’s name, was soft on his tongue, murmured like it might disappear if he said it too loud.

 

“Reo…” It slipped out before he could catch it.

 

There was no edge to it, no sharpness. Just want. Just… softness.

 

His breath hitched as he leaned forward, resting his forehead in one hand. He didn’t even know what he wanted. Just closeness. Just relief. He ached for it in ways he didn’t fully understand, his skin prickling with the ghost of every accidental touch they’d shared lately.

 

Nagi curled further onto the bed, face buried in the pillow that still smelled faintly like Reo’s shampoo. His mind swam. His body stirred , not overwhelming,  just a slow thrum of need that had nowhere to go but inward.

 

He let his hand drift beneath the hem of his shirt, fingers brushing his own skin, slow and unsure.

 

A knock on the door broke the quiet.

 

“Nagi?”

 

Reo’s voice was soft, maybe even sleepy.

 

“You coming to bed?”

 

Nagi’s eyes snapped open. His hand stilled.

 

He hesitated for a breath too long. Then: “Not tonight.”

 

A pause.

 

“Oh.” Reo’s voice dropped a little, uncertain. “Okay.”

 

Nagi didn’t answer.

 

He heard Reo’s steps retreating. Soft. Quiet.

 

Then the hush of the apartment again.

 

Nagi turned to bury his face deeper into the pillow, guilt crawling up his spine. He hadn’t meant for it to sound cold. Just… he couldn’t handle Reo lying beside him right now. Not while his mind was like this. Full of soft sounds and the memory of Reo’s shirt clinging to his waist.

 

His hand tightened slightly around the pillow, murmuring again, barely audible.

 

“Reo…”

Notes:

can you tell i love Bachira? or bachisagi in general, even tho i cringed a lil at the "Babe" part, i still wanted a cute nickname from Bachira

Chapter 7

Summary:

nagi gets turned on by reo every time he does something

Reo was quiet that morning. Not cold, not on purpose, just… softer around the edges.

 

He still made coffee, still handed Nagi his cup like always, still reminded him to eat something before class. But his eyes didn’t linger. His smile didn’t reach the corners the way it usually did.

 

Nagi didn’t really notice. Not at first.

 

He noticed that Reo was wearing that light blue shirt, though. The one that made his eyes look brighter, like the sky in early spring. He noticed how Reo’s hair curled a little at the ends when it was still damp from the shower and how the steam had left his cheeks faintly pink.

 

Nagi looked. Too long. Too much.

 

And when Reo caught him staring across the breakfast table, Nagi dropped his eyes, flustered. Focused hard on the toast he hadn’t touched.

 

He didn’t understand it. Not really. Just that everything Reo did seemed to demand his attention lately. The way he stirred his coffee. The way he ran his hand through his hair when he was thinking. The way his voice dipped when he was tired and how it always softened when he said Nagi’s name.

 

Especially then.

 

Nagi had spent most of the night buried under blankets, trying not to think about the way Reo had hesitated outside his door. How quiet he sounded. How disappointed. And yet, when they’d woken up, Nagi couldn’t bring himself to say anything.

 

Reo hadn’t brought it up either.

 

They walked to campus like always, side by side, shoulders close. But there was a silence between them that Nagi couldn’t quite name.

 

Still, when Reo laughed at something during class, a dumb comment from one of the professors, Nagi found himself smiling too, even though he hadn’t heard the joke. It was just the sound. Just him.

 

And later, when they studied in the library, Reo’s head tilted slightly as he read over a textbook, Nagi found himself watching the curve of his throat, the way his fingers tapped softly against the page. His chest felt tight. Not in a bad way. Just… full.

 

Too full.

 

He caught himself leaning in more than once, pretending to stretch, to shift his weight, just to get a little closer. Just to breathe him in. Reo smelled like citrus and warmth and something safe, like the space they’d built together, like everything that made Nagi feel calm.

 

And yet, the calmness wasn’t helping. Not with the way his pulse kept skipping whenever Reo looked at him.

 

~

 

Reo sat on the couch, scrolling aimlessly on his phone, hair a bit messy from the hoodie he’d pulled over his head.

 

Nagi stood in the hallway, watching him.

 

He didn’t know how long. Long enough to feel weird about it. Not long enough to stop.

 

Reo’s profile in the low light was soft, his cheek resting against his fist. He looked tired. Distant. Nagi shifted his weight, fingers twitching slightly at his sides. He wanted to go to him. Sit beside him. Rest his head on his shoulder like before. Like always. But something held him back.

 

Instead, he turned into the kitchen and started opening drawers just for the sound. Just to remind Reo he was there.

 

“You hungry?” Nagi asked, not even checking what was in the fridge.

 

Reo looked up, a flicker of surprise on his face. “Not really.”

 

Nagi nodded, slowly, pretending to inspect the contents of a cereal box.

 

“You?”

 

“…No.”

 

It was quiet again.

 

Nagi turned around. “Do you wanna watch something?”

 

Reo hesitated for a second. Then shrugged. “Sure. Something dumb.”

 

And just like that, the space between them softened. Not gone, but thinner than it was before. Nagi sat beside him on the couch, knees almost touching. The light from the TV painted Reo’s face in shifting colors and Nagi kept looking. He couldn’t stop.

 

He didn’t want to.

 

When Reo shifted slightly and their legs brushed, Nagi held his breath. And when it didn’t stop, when Reo left it there, warm against him.  Nagi felt something flutter behind his ribs.

 

“Hey” Reo murmured, not looking away from the screen. “Did I do something wrong?”

 

Nagi blinked. “What?”

 

Reo rubbed the back of his neck. “Last night. You locked your door. And when I tried to come in… you said not tonight.”

 

Nagi felt his throat tighten.

 

“I wasn’t mad” he said quietly. “Just… couldn’t sleep. I mean, not with.. I don’t know. I was weird.”

 

Reo finally looked at him. “You’re always weird.”

 

There was a ghost of a smile there, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

 

Nagi smiled back anyway. “Yeah.”

 

A pause.

 

Reo leaned back against the cushion, tilting his head toward Nagi’s just slightly. “Okay. As long as you’re not avoiding me.”

 

“I’m not.” Nagi said too quickly.

 

Their shoulders touched now. And Nagi didn’t move.

 

He couldn’t. Not with the way Reo smelled, not with the heat soaking into his skin just from being this close.

 

He just stayed there. Breathing. Thinking. Obsessing.

 

The movie buzzed in the background, but Nagi wasn’t watching.

 

Reo comfortably leaned in, their knees brushing every few minutes. It was the kind of closeness that had once meant nothing to Nagi. Natural, familiar, easy. But now?

 

Now, every accidental graze, every breath shared too close, every soft sound Reo made when he laughed. It all twisted up inside Nagi. It was maddening.

 

He swallowed hard.

 

Reo’s hand brushed his again while reaching for the remote, and Nagi flinched. Just slightly.

 

Too warm. Too close. Too much.

 

It was happening again. That unbearable, needy heat building low in his stomach. He shifted on the couch, forcing his legs apart, trying not to think. But the warmth didn’t go away.

 

His skin burned.

 

His heartbeat picked up.

 

And Reo, completely unaware, turned to him and smiled. That perfect, soft, easy smile.

 

Nagi stood up abruptly.

 

“You okay?” Reo asked, brows furrowed in concern.

 

Nagi didn’t meet his eyes. “I’m going to bed.”

 

“But it’s early—”

 

“I’m tired” he said too quickly. Then added, quieter, “Night.”

 

He didn’t wait for a reply. He made it down the hall to his room, closed the door and this time… he locked it again.

 

He sat on the edge of his bed, elbows on his knees, dragging a hand through his hair. He wasn’t mad. Not at Reo. Not at all.

 

He was mad at himself.

 

This wasn’t supposed to happen. This wasn’t what friendship was supposed to feel like. This overwhelming pressure, this tension in his chest, this low, restless ache that came and went every time Reo touched him or laughed or looked at him a certain way.

 

This had started to feel like something else. And it was driving him insane.

 

Nagi leaned back against the wall, trying to slow his breathing.

 

This couldn’t keep happening.

 

Maybe, maybe he just needed space. Just for a while. Just enough to breathe. Enough to get himself under control. He couldn’t keep reacting to Reo like this, not when they lived together. Not when Reo didn’t even know.

 

He stared at the door. The one Reo used to open freely, without knocking.

 

Not tonight.

 

Not anymore.

 

~

 

Morning

 

Reo was already in the kitchen, humming lowly as he flipped something over in the pan. He turned when he heard Nagi shuffle in.

 

“Morning.” Reo said with a sleepy smile, spatula still in hand.

 

Nagi grunted softly and headed straight for the fridge.

 

Reo didn’t think much of it, not at first. Nagi wasn’t the most energetic person in the mornings.

 

But then…

 

Reo reached over to fix the collar of Nagi’s hoodie. The one slightly bunched up behind his neck, a gesture so natural by now he didn’t think before doing it.

 

Nagi stepped away.

 

It wasn’t violent. Not sharp or aggressive. But it was definite.

 

Reo blinked. “Uh. Sorry.”

 

Nagi didn’t answer. He grabbed a water bottle, kept his head down and wandered back to his room before Reo could say anything else.

 

It was… weird.

 

They had a routine. An unspoken rhythm. Close touches in the morning, lazy lean ins while waiting for the coffee to brew, knees brushing under the table. Nothing had ever felt strange before. Until now.

 

~

 

They walked to class side by side, but Nagi kept his hands shoved into his pockets, his shoulders slightly turned away. He didn’t lean on Reo like usual. Didn’t nudge him when he was bored. When Reo laughed at something, Nagi didn’t even look.

 

At lunch, they sat next to each other, but the gap between them on the bench was noticeable. Like Nagi had drawn a silent line neither of them could cross.

 

Reo tapped his pen on the table once, then again. “Did I do something?”

 

Nagi blinked. “Huh?”

 

“You’re being…” Reo shrugged, “…I don’t know..”

 

Nagi looked down at his tray. “I’m just tired.”

 

“You’ve said that like three times today.”

 

“It’s been a long week.”

 

Reo paused, his voice dropping slightly. “You locked your door last night.”

 

Nagi didn’t respond at first. His grip on the fork tightened slightly.

 

“I just thought we were past that.” Reo added, quieter now, almost hesitant.

 

Nagi exhaled and forced himself to chew slowly. “I couldn’t sleep.”

 

“I thought we were watching something together.”

 

“I wasn’t in the mood.”

 

The silence between them stretched a bit too long, tense in the kind of way that couldn’t be brushed off.

 

Reo gave a small laugh, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’re really determined not to talk to me lately, huh?”

 

Nagi finally glanced at him. He looked tired, but there was something else too.  Guilt, maybe or conflict. His voice came softer this time.

 

“I’m not mad at you.”

 

Reo stared. “Then what is it?”

 

Nagi looked away again, jaw tensing. “I don’t know.”

 

And maybe that was the truth.

 

He didn’t know what to say. ‘Sorry, I can’t sit close to you anymore because I’m painfully turned on by your every move and I hate myself for it’ didn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

 

He wasn’t even sure if it was just about being turned on. It was something deeper. He couldn’t stop thinking about Reo. Couldn’t stop wanting.

 

And that terrified him.

 

~

 

The tension was still there.

 

Reo stayed in his room longer than usual. He didn’t come by to ask if Nagi wanted to game. He didn’t try to sit on his bed and show him a new playlist. It felt like they were walking around each other. Carefully. Quietly.

 

Nagi stared at his ceiling for a long time that night, hands resting on his stomach, heart dragging heavy in his chest.

 

He hated this. He missed Reo already.

 

But he was scared of what he’d do if they went back to how things were. Touching. Leaning in. Soft sounds. Intimate quiet. It felt too good. He rolled over onto his side, hugging the pillow a little tighter.

 

He couldn’t stop hearing Reo’s voice. Couldn’t stop thinking about the warmth of his thigh pressed against his own. Couldn’t stop picturing how Reo looked in the mirror earlier that day, laughing, adjusting his shirt, mouth soft and pink-

 

Nagi groaned, muffling his face in the pillow.

 

This was torture.

 

He wanted Reo.

 

He missed Reo.

 

But he didn’t know how to want him without ruining everything.

 

~

 

The following days were worse.

 

Nagi avoided him like clockwork. Not abruptly, not harshly, just enough to be felt. Just enough to leave Reo wondering if he’d imagined it all. The subtle shift in their dynamic had become undeniable.

 

Reo would laugh at something and Nagi wouldn’t even glance over.

Reo would brush against his arm and Nagi would shift away.

Reo would offer a spoonful of his dessert, like always and Nagi would mutter: “Not hungry.” even though Reo saw the flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

 

Reo tried not to overthink it.

 

Tried not to let it bother him when Nagi pulled out his phone instead of commenting on the movie they were watching.

Tried not to feel that weird hollowness in his chest when Nagi started sleeping in his own bed again.

Tried not to wonder why Nagi never looked at him the same way anymore.

It was subtle. But Reo felt it.

 

He missed how things used to be. Missed the quiet, sleepy smiles. The little touches. The way Nagi used to lean into him without hesitation.

 

Now, it was like something invisible had lodged between them. Not quite anger. Not rejection. Just space.

 

 

But Nagi was suffering too. Not that he’d say it aloud.

 

He watched Reo constantly. His eyes followed the lines of his neck, the soft curve of his mouth, the way he fidgeted with his sleeve hem when he was nervous. His gaze always drifted, like he couldn’t stop himself. He knew the exact moment Reo walked into a room. Every time.

 

When Reo’s fingers accidentally brushed his hand, Nagi felt like his pulse skipped. When Reo laughed too close, Nagi’s stomach twisted. And when Reo came out of the bathroom with wet hair clinging to his jaw, wearing one of Nagi’s borrowed hoodies-

 

God.

 

It took everything in him not to reach out.

 

But the more he wanted him, the more distance he created.

The guilt, the confusion, the desperation of it all. It made him push Reo further away.

 

It was easier to ignore him. Easier to pretend he didn’t want to kiss him every time he smiled.

 

~

 

At lunch one day, Reo tried again.

 

They sat at a table in the courtyard. The campus was buzzing, but their table felt quiet. Reo leaned forward a little. “You’ve been… weird lately.”

 

Nagi stared down at his drink. “Not really.”

 

“You barely talk to me anymore.”

 

“I’m tired.”

 

“You said that yesterday.”

 

“Then I’m still tired.”

 

Reo set his chopsticks down. “Did I do something?”

 

Nagi finally looked up. His eyes flickered, soft and unreadable, but his voice was flat. “No.”

 

“Then why do you keep pulling away?”

 

“I’m not.”

 

Reo narrowed his eyes. “Yes, you are.”

 

A tense silence. Nagi looked down again.

 

Reo sighed and sat back. “Fine. Don’t tell me.”

 

“I’m not mad at you” Nagi said, barely above a whisper. “I just… I can’t right now.”

 

“Can’t what?”

 

Nagi’s jaw tightened. “Nothing. Just..don’t worry about it.”

 

And Reo didn’t push. He wanted to. But there was something in Nagi’s voice. That sad, soft nothing that made him swallow the words back down.

 

 

That night, Nagi laid in his bed again, alone.

 

He stared at the ceiling, heart heavy and skin burning. Reo had brushed against his hand in the kitchen earlier, accidentally, briefly and Nagi had pulled back like he’d been stung.

 

Reo had looked at him with wide, hurt eyes.

 

Nagi hated himself. He hated that everything Reo did made his heart race. He hated that the way Reo said his name made him feel like he was being lit from the inside. He hated that all he could think about was how badly he wanted to press his mouth to Reo’s collarbone, to slide his hands under his shirt, to feel his breath stutter against his throat.

 

He hated that he was obsessed. So instead of facing him, he buried himself deeper in his bed, locking his door again.

 

He couldn’t let this keep happening.

He couldn’t let himself want this anymore. So instead, he decided to try something new. Something that could keep his mind off Reo.

 

Why?

 Because he couldn’t stand how his body reacted to Reo anymore.

 

The smallest things: Reo chewing on a pen cap, pulling his hair back while studying, laughing at a stupid meme, Set something off inside him. Something that curled hot in his stomach and flushed over his skin and made him feel like a traitor for wanting more.

 

He didn’t know what was worse: the shame or the craving.

 

He’d already scrolled aimlessly through his phone, played a game, even considered reading. But the ache in his chest and lower, was stubborn.

 

His laptop sat open beside him, the screen dimmed from disuse. His fingers hovered over the trackpad. Hesitating.

 

He knew what he was about to do. He also knew it wouldn’t help.

But right now, he needed a release. Any kind of escape from this spiral he was falling into.

 

With a soft sigh, he clicked the browser open.

 

It wasn’t like he hadn’t done this before. Of course he had. But it had been a while. And back then, it hadn’t been like this.

 

Not with Reo’s face so vividly in his mind.

 

He clicked on a video. Nothing too loud, something forgettable. Just enough to distract, to dull the ache, to pretend.

 

But as the soft moans from the video started to fill the room, Nagi realized with mild horror that it wasn’t working. The more he tried to lose himself in it, the more he thought about Reo instead. The way his fingers drummed against the kitchen counter when he cooked, the sleepy crease at the edge of his smile, the way he said Nagi’s name, slow and warm. His breath hitched. He curled his fingers in the sheets beside him, jaw clenched.

 

Click.

 

The door creaked open.

 

Nagi froze.

 

Reo’s voice cut through the still air, casual and unsuspecting. “Hey, can we ple—”

 

Silence.

 

Nagi snapped his head toward the door, eyes wide, laptop still glowing beside him.

 

Reo stood there in the doorway, frozen mid step, expression falling from sleepy to stunned in half a second.

 

Nagi could hear the exact moment Reo registered the sounds from the laptop. Neither of them moved.

 

“Shit” Nagi breathed, reaching for the screen and slamming it shut in one motion. The noise stopped abruptly, but the weight in the room only thickened.

 

Reo blinked, face flushed. “I- I didn’t know you were- I mean-” He turned away so fast it almost looked rehearsed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to walk in.”

 

Nagi stared down at his lap, blood roaring in his ears. “I forgot to lock the door.”

 

A beat.

 

“…Yeah.”

 

The silence that followed was deafening. Reo lingered in the doorway for a second too long, as if unsure whether to say something more or just pretend none of this had happened.

 

Eventually, he cleared his throat. “I… didn’t see anything.”

 

“You heard it.”

 

Reo shifted awkwardly. “It’s not a big deal.”

 

“It is.” Nagi said, a little too sharp, the words catching in his throat. He didn’t dare look up.

 

Reo softened his tone. “Look, it’s really.. it’s okay. Everyone does it.”

 

Nagi gritted his teeth. Not like this. Not with you in my head.

 

But he said nothing.

 

The door creaked again as Reo stepped back into the hall. “I’ll let you sleep. Sorry.”

 

“Reo-” Nagi started, then stopped himself.

 

He didn’t know what he was going to say. Don’t go? Forget this? Please pretend I wasn’t just watching porn videos while thinking about you. What was he even supposed to say, He was already embarrassed enough.

 

But the door clicked shut.

 

Nagi leaned back against the headboard, eyes squeezed shut. His chest felt tight. His face burned.

 

And somehow, worse than the shame, was the part of him that wanted Reo to come back. That wanted him to ask why. That wanted him to understand.

 

But instead, he was alone in the dark.

 

~

 

Nagi didn’t sleep much.

 

He’d spent most of the night staring at his ceiling, limbs heavy with embarrassment, anxiety buzzing under his skin like it was glued to him. Every time he closed his eyes, he could still see the look on Reo’s face. That split second flash of confusion, surprise, then awkward politeness.

 

He hated it.

 

When he finally did fall asleep, it was shallow and restless. The kind of sleep that barely felt like rest at all. And now, as sunlight streamed through the gap in his curtains, Nagi blinked slowly awake, the weight in his chest settling in again like a familiar ache.

 

He could hear faint movement outside his room: dishes clinking, the soft hum of Reo’s voice as he moved through the kitchen. Nothing out of the ordinary.

 

Except everything felt off.

 

Dragging himself out of bed, Nagi shuffled to the bathroom, splashed cold water on his face and stared at his reflection. His eyes were slightly puffy, his hair messier than usual and there was a slight flush still lingering in his cheeks.

 

He took a deep breath, dried his face and stepped out.

 

The scent of coffee greeted him first, followed by Reo’s voice.

 

“Morning.” Reo said over his shoulder, flipping something in a pan.

 

“Morning.” Nagi muttered, voice low.

 

Reo glanced at him. His smile was soft, easy like nothing had happened. Like he hadn’t walked in on his best friend watching porn the night before.

 

“I made pancakes” Reo said. “They’re probably a little burnt. Don’t say anything.”

 

Nagi gave a slow nod, watching him move. Reo was still in his sleep shirt, loose around the collar, and his hair was tied up in a small, messy bun. It shouldn’t have looked good. But of course it did.

 

He dragged a chair out and sat.

 

Reo slid a plate in front of him and poured some coffee into his cup. “Here. Food always helps bad mornings.”

 

Nagi blinked at the words. He glanced up, met Reo’s gaze and then looked away again.

 

“So you think it’s bad” he said, quietly.

 

Reo paused. “What?”

 

“Last night.”

 

Reo set the coffee pot down and leaned against the counter. “Well… I mean…You don’t exactly expect to walk in on your roommate in the middle of…” He waved vaguely. “But it’s not a big deal.”

 

Nagi’s shoulders tensed. “You don’t think it’s… gross?”

 

Reo raised an eyebrow. “Gross? Nagi, come on. Everyone does it.”

 

“I don’t mean that” Nagi said quickly. “I mean, like, you heard me. You knew what I was-”

 

“You’re a grown man” Reo interrupted, voice light but sincere. “You’re allowed to take care of yourself. I wasn’t expecting it, yeah, but I’m not gonna make it weird unless you do.”

 

Nagi blinked, words catching in his throat.

 

Reo poured himself a cup of coffee and sat across from him. “Seriously. I’ve walked in on Bachira before. Way worse. At least you were, like… quiet.”

 

Nagi let out a short, startled sound. “What.”

 

Reo grinned. “He was on speaker. Speaker, Nagi.”

 

“…That’s disgusting.”

 

“Exactly” Reo said, laughing. “So trust me when I say: compared to that, you’re fine.”

 

The corners of Nagi’s lips twitched, almost like a smile was trying to form but got lost halfway. He picked up his fork, pushing the pancake around a little.

 

“So you’re not… mad?” he asked.

 

Reo tilted his head. “Why would I be mad?”

 

Nagi didn’t answer.

 

Reo softened. “Hey. It’s okay. Really. You don’t have to feel weird around me.”

 

But Nagi did feel weird. He felt everything, too much, too fast. His chest was tight again, not from shame now, but from something warmer, something more confusing.

 

Because Reo wasn’t mad.

He was kind.

Casual.

Unbothered.

 

And that made Nagi want to crawl out of his own skin.

 

Because he didn’t just want Reo to brush it off. A part of him wanted Reo to notice, to ask, to maybe even…

 

No. That thought was too dangerous.

 

So instead, he took a bite of pancake and mumbled, “Thanks.”

 

Reo smiled. “Anytime.”

 

After that, they sat in silence for a few minutes, the quiet only filled by the soft scrape of forks on ceramic and the occasional sip of coffee

 

Nagi caught himself stealing glances at Reo’s hands as they curled around the coffee mug, at the soft dip in his throat when he tilted his head back to drink, at the way his hair kept falling into his eyes.

 

He shouldn’t be looking.

 

He couldn’t stop looking.

 

“Did you sleep okay?” Reo asked, glancing up.

 

Nagi froze. “Huh?”

 

“Last night. You still didn’t come to my bed. Was it too hot in your room or something?”

 

Nagi blinked. The question was so innocent, so casual like Reo didn’t know exactly why he hadn’t come back to sleep in the same bed again.

 

He hesitated. “Yeah. Just… hot.”

 

Reo nodded slowly, unconvinced but unwilling to push. “Maybe the AC’s busted again.”

 

Nagi hummed in reply, eyes darting away.

 

A long pause. Reo took another sip, then leaned back in his chair, stretching with a low sigh. The hem of his shirt rode up slightly, just enough for Nagi to catch a glimpse of pale skin, the subtle lines of his abs.

 

He looked away quickly, heart thudding.

 

“Hey” Reo said, voice soft.

 

Nagi tensed. “Yeah?”

 

Reo tilted his head. “You okay?”

 

“Fine.” Nagi said too fast.

~

 

At university, they sat side by side in lecture and there was space between them. Reo nudged him once.

 

No response. Twice.

 

Nagi shifted away.

 

Reo frowned.

 

After class, Reo reached for Nagi’s arm. “Hey. Are we.. are we good?”

 

Nagi shrugged him off. “I’m just tired.”

 

Reo’s voice was gentler now. “Did I do something?”

 

“You didn’t do anything” Nagi muttered. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked ahead, hoping Reo would drop it. He didn’t.

 

“You’ve been avoiding me, again” Reo said plainly, matching his pace.

 

“I haven’t.”

 

“You didn’t even want to sit next to me at breakfast.”

 

“I did sit next to you.”

 

“Barely.”

 

Nagi stopped walking.

 

Reo halted beside him.

 

The hallway was half empty, the echo of other students fading into the distance. Nagi stared at the floor.

 

Reo’s voice softened. “Is it still about last night? I told you, it’s not a big deal.”

 

Nagi’s fists clenched inside his pockets. “It is to me.”

 

Reo blinked, surprised by the sudden sharpness in his voice. “Why?”

 

“Because you’re acting like it was nothing.”

 

Reo tilted his head. “It didn’t mean anything, Nagi. Not like-”

 

“I know” Nagi snapped. Then quieter, almost bitter, “I know.”

 

Reo was quiet for a moment. “You’re mad at me?”

 

“No.” Nagi said. “I’m mad at me.”

 

The silence stretched between them. Nagi could feel his throat tighten, his words spiraling up like smoke he couldn’t hold in.

 

“I can’t stop thinking about…”

 

Reo’s eyes widened slightly. “About what?”

 

“I’ll go ahead” Nagi muttered. “I’ve got stuff to do.”

 

He walked away before Reo could respond.

 

~

 

Back at the apartment, everything was quiet.

 

Reo didn’t try to talk again. Not yet.

 

He gave Nagi space, but not distance. He cooked. He left a plate for him on the table. He sat on the couch with his book, eyes flicking to the hallway once or twice.

 

And when Nagi finally emerged, hoodie loose on his frame, expression unreadable. Reo just said, “Hey.”

 

Nagi nodded silently and sat down on the opposite end of the couch.

 

The silence was tense, loaded with everything unsaid.

 

Then, very quietly, Reo offered, “I’m not mad at you.”

 

Nagi didn’t respond.

 

“And I don’t want you to feel like you have to… shut down around me.”

 

Nagi looked up. His voice cracked slightly. “I don’t want to ruin anything.”

 

“You haven’t.”

 

Nagi’s eyes searched Reo’s face. “Then why does it feel like I have?”

 

Reo’s gaze softened. “Because you care. That’s not ruining anything, Nagi.”

 

They sat like that for a while. Distant but side by side.

 

Nagi didn’t move closer. But he didn’t get up and leave either.

 

~

 

The next morning

 

At breakfast, Reo sat at the small table, eating cereal out of the box because they were out of clean bowls. The door cracked open.

 

Nagi stepped out.

 

“Morning” Reo said automatically.

 

Nagi didn’t respond.

 

He went straight to the fridge, grabbed a water bottle and turned without looking.

 

“You not eating?”

 

“Not hungry.”

 

“You okay?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

His voice was flat, too fast.

 

Reo’s smile faltered. “You sure?”

 

Nagi shrugged, halfway out the room already. “Just tired.”

 

And then he disappeared again back into his room, the door clicking shut behind him.

 

~

 

Nagi didn’t walk to class with him. Didn’t text. Didn’t even show up until halfway through the lecture, hoodie up, eyes low, sitting two rows back instead of next to Reo like always.

 

Reo didn’t turn around. But he felt it. The space between them felt like an entire floor.

 

He kept tapping his pen against the desk, not really listening, not really writing. His chest felt hollow in the most irritating way, like he’d dropped something somewhere but couldn’t remember where.

 

After class, Reo waited outside the building. Nagi came out a few minutes later, earbuds in, not looking at him.

 

“You walking home?” Reo asked.

 

Nagi slowed for half a second, then shook his head.

 

“Got stuff.”

 

“What kind of stuff?”

 

Nagi hesitated. “Just stuff.”

 

And then he kept walking.

 

Reo didn’t follow.

 

 

 

Reo

He laid on his side of the bed alone.

 

Or what used to be his side.

 

Now it was just the whole bed. Cold and unfamiliar and way too big.

 

It had been over one week since Nagi started sleeping in his own room again. No reason. No fight. No discussion. Just a quiet shift.

 

Reo tried to tell himself it didn’t matter.

 

They were friends. Just roommates. Just close. That’s how it was.

 

But it did matter. And he hated that it did.

 

Because now Nagi couldn’t even look at him without flinching. Like Reo was something dangerous. Like being near him meant something uncomfortable.

 

And Reo didn’t even know what he’d done wrong. He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling.

 

The silence in the apartment was louder than anything either of them had said lately.

 

~

 

The Next Morning

 

Nagi

 

They’d said words (technically). Small ones. “Yeah.” “Fine.” “No.”

But talking? That hadn’t happened.

 

Nagi had been avoiding him in every way he knew how. Class was the worst. the seats were too close, the room too small and Reo too loud just by existing.

 

Today, he sat a row behind him again. Hoodie up. Elbows on the desk. Eyes fixed on Reo’s hair like it had the answers he didn’t want to say out loud.

 

He wasn’t even fully aware he was staring until Reo turned.

 

Their eyes met, just for a second. Enough for Nagi’s stomach to twist and flip and plummet. He looked away immediately.

 

Reo blinked, like he wasn’t expecting it. Like he’d caught Nagi doing something he shouldn’t.

 

When class ended, Reo stood up and didn’t leave right away.

 

Nagi tried to move past him.

 

Reo blocked the aisle just slightly. Not enough to be aggressive, just enough to pause him.

 

“Can we talk?”

 

Nagi’s eyes flicked to the side. “I’ve got somewhere to be.”

 

“Since when do you have plans at noon?”

 

“I do now.”

 

Reo stared at him. “Come on, Nagi. You’re not even looking at me lately. You think I haven’t noticed?”

 

Nagi’s jaw clenched.

 

“Nothing’s changed.” he said.

 

“That’s a lie.”

 

“No, it’s not.”

 

Reo’s voice dropped. “Then why are you acting like I did something wrong?”

 

“I’m not.”

 

“You kind of are.”

 

Nagi shifted his weight. He could feel people passing around them, the flow of students heading out of the lecture hall. His face was burning again. He hated it.

 

Reo’s voice softened a bit.

 

“Is it still about that day?”

 

Nagi looked up then and regretted it. Reo’s eyes were open in a way that made everything worse. Gentle. Too curious. Not mocking.

 

“I said it’s not a big deal.” Reo added.

 

“Maybe it is to me.” Nagi muttered.

 

Reo didn’t flinch. But something in his face changed. The casual ease drained out slowly.

 

“I just want things to feel normal again” he said. “I thought that’s what you want too.”

 

Nagi’s throat tightened.

 

He wanted a lot of things. But nothing about this felt normal He looked away.

 

“I don’t know what I want” he mumbled. And then, quietly, selfishly. He added: “But I don’t want to talk about it right now.”

 

Reo didn’t answer. He stepped aside.

 

Nagi left without looking back.

 

~

 

2 am

 

A dream left Reo shaken. Not with fear, exactly, but with a hollow, cold feeling that clung to his skin like sweat. He sat up slowly, trying to breathe through it. His room was dark, the air still and heavy. Too heavy. Like everything inside his chest was too big for his ribs now. His mouth was dry. His heart beat like it was unsure of its rhythm.

 

He blinked a few times, pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes.

 

Why am I like this?

 

The dream was already starting to slip from memory, blurry at the edges, like something underwater. But the feeling of it stayed. That quiet panic. That sense of losing something he didn’t even know how to name. A voice calling his name or maybe his voice calling someone else’s. A chase. Or a fall.

 

And then: Loneliness.

 

The kind that didn’t make sense.

Because he wasn’t alone. He shouldn’t feel alone.

 

But he did.

 

His blanket was twisted around his legs, half on the floor. The corners of his pillow were damp.

 

He let out a shaky breath, rubbed at his cheeks like that might erase the heat gathering there.

 

He didn’t think. He just moved.

 

The floor was cold under his feet. The hallway was silent. The kind of silence that made every sound feel louder than it was. He paused in front of Nagi’s door, hand hovering just above the knob.

 

There was no plan.

 

Just the kind of quiet desperation that creeps in when you’re too tired to guard yourself.

 

He knocked gently.

 

“…Nagi?”

 

He waited. A shuffle of movement inside. Then a slow, sleepy sound:

 

“Hm?”

 

Reo opened the door just slightly.

 

Nagi was sitting up in bed now, hair a mess, blanket curled low on his chest. His eyes blinked slowly in the dark, not quite awake, but not fully asleep either.

 

Reo stepped inside, just a little. Just enough to feel exposed.

 

“Can I…”

His voice caught. He cleared his throat and tried again.

 

“Can I sleep here? Just for tonight.”

 

The room felt too quiet after that.

 

Nagi stared at him for a long second. Not coldly, not cruelly, just… hesitantly.

Uncertain.

 

That made it worse.

 

Reo could feel something fragile inside him start to crack.

 

Then Nagi spoke, voice still rough with sleep, barely more than a whisper

 

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

 

Reo froze.

 

For a second, he didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. His chest burned.

 

“Oh..” he said, trying to smile. It didn’t reach anything.

 

“Yeah. No, it’s fine. Sorry.”

 

He turned, fast, before Nagi could say anything else. Before he could see whatever was on his face reflected back at him in Nagi’s.

 

The walk back to his room felt twice as long.

 

He didn’t turn the light back on.

 

Didn’t bother changing his shirt or fixing the pillow.

 

He just sat on the edge of the bed in the dark, eyes wide, shoulders tight, staring at nothing.

 

He wasn’t even mad. That would’ve been easier.

 

He just felt… stupid.

 

Stupid for asking.

Stupid for hoping.

Stupid for thinking maybe it meant something, that night they were close. That he meant something.

 

He wasn’t sure if the shaking in his hands was from the dream or what happened after it. But he curled them into fists beneath the blanket and didn’t try to stop them.

 

Eventually, he laid down. Turned toward the wall. Pulled the blanket over his head like a shield.

 

He cried..quietly.

 

Not like the loud, gasping kind from movies. Just soft breaths that shook a little, one after another. His face warm. His chest tight.

 

Not because of the dream.

 

But because being turned away hurt more than the nightmare ever did.

 

~

 

Reo

 

Reo stood in front of the bathroom mirror, toothbrush in hand, staring at himself like his reflection might blink first. His eyes were swollen.

 

Not enough for someone else to comment, maybe, but enough that he could tell. Puffy around the edges. Faint shadows beneath. He looked like he hadn’t slept, which was only half the truth. He had slept, eventually.

 

He just didn’t rest. His stomach felt heavy. His throat dry.

 

From the other side of the door, he heard movement. Soft footsteps in the hallway. Nagi’s.

 

He listened. Hoping, maybe, that Nagi would stop. Say something. Knock.

 

But the sound moved past. Gone.

 

Reo rinsed his mouth and stared at his reflection again.

 

He didn’t look like himself anymore. He looked like a version of himself that tried to reach out in the middle of the night and got shut out.

 

I shouldn’t have asked.

 

He rubbed his hands over his face, hard enough to sting.

 

Then he went to class, didn’t say a word to anyone and sat two rows away from where Nagi usually sat. Not looking. Not speaking.

 

And it just kept going like that.

 

 

Nagi

 

Nagi wasn’t avoiding him.

 

At least, that’s what he told himself.

 

He was just… taking space. Being careful. Being smart.

 

Except it didn’t feel smart.

 

It felt like running.

 

It felt like guilt.

 

The way Reo had stood in his doorway, barely holding it together, and Nagi had said no. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it.

 

Not the way Reo looked or sounded, or even what he said.

 

But the way he left. The way he broke a little.

 

Nagi didn’t sleep well since. Not because of guilt exactly. Though it was there. But because of what it all meant.

 

It was getting harder and harder to lie to himself. The dreams were different now. He wasn’t used to waking up already wanting. Not like this. Not because of Reo. He hated that it followed him into the morning.

 

That just being in the same room made his hands feel too big, his body too restless. That one glance from Reo,  even if it wasn’t directed at him left him on edge. Tense. Wanting.

 

And that was the problem.

 

He wanted.

 

He wanted Reo too much. And not in a normal, safe way. In a dangerous way. The kind that turned on by accident. The kind that made it impossible to act like nothing was happening between them, even if Reo had no idea.

 

So, he kept his distance.

 

He kept his head down.

 

He didn’t make eye contact.

 

And still, the guilt kept growing.

 

Especially now. Now that Reo wouldn’t even look at him anymore.

 

~

 

They ate dinner in silence.

 

Reo at one end of the couch, scrolling through his phone, headphones in. Nagi at the other, pretending to watch something on his laptop. The air between them was thick, but still. Unmoving.

 

At some point, Nagi glanced up.

 

Just once.

 

Reo’s face was tilted slightly away, but the angle gave him a clear view of the way his eyes looked: glassy, rimmed red.

 

Nagi froze.

 

He knew those eyes.

 

Was he crying?

 

He swallowed, throat dry.

“…Are you okay?”

 

Reo paused.

 

For a second, it looked like he might ignore the question. His expression was blank. “Yeah” Reo said simply. “I’m fine.”

 

His voice didn’t sound fine.

 

But he didn’t wait for a reply. Just went into his room, turned his back to

Nagi didn’t say anything else.

 

And in the dark, just past midnight, Reo cried again. Quiet, like he’d learned to do.

 

He didn’t shake.

He didn’t sniffle.

 

But the tears didn’t stop for a long time.

 

 

 

The Next Morning

 

Reo didn’t get up. The alarm on his phone buzzed once. Then once more. Then he turned it off, rolled over and stared at the wall.

 

Nagi got dressed in silence.

 

He glanced at Reo’s room more than once, waiting for him to come out. But nothing happened.

 

“Reo?” Nagi finally asked. Knocking at the door

 

No answer.

 

He tried again. “You’re not coming?”

 

This time, Reo answered.

 

“I don’t feel great.” he said, voice muffled.

 

Nagi blinked. “Like sick?”

 

A pause.

 

“Yeah.”

 

That’s all.

 

Nagi stood still for a second longer than necessary. He wasn’t used to this. Reo never missed class. Not unless something was seriously wrong. Even hungover, he still dragged himself out the door. Today, he didn’t even try.

 

“Okay” Nagi said slowly. “I’ll text you later.”

 

Reo didn’t answer.

 

Nagi closed the door behind him and stood in the hallway for a second, stomach twisting.

 

You’re not the type to skip class.

 

And yet, here they were.

 

 

 

Reo

 

The house felt colder without Nagi in it.

 

Reo stayed in bed for a while longer, blanket pulled up to his chin like it could shield him from the way everything felt wrong.

 

He wasn’t sick. Not in the way Nagi probably thought.

 

But something was off.

 

His chest felt tight, like it was full of unspilled words. Like every breath had to work harder to get through. The longer the silence between them stretched, the more Reo started to believe that maybe he had done something wrong. That maybe that night asking to sleep next to Nagi wasn’t just a misstep, it was a mistake. Something he couldn’t undo.

 

And if Nagi was distancing himself because of it. Well, maybe Reo deserved it.

 

He let himself cry again, briefly, face tucked into his pillow. But only for a minute.

 

Then he got up. Washed his face. Stared at himself in the mirror until his eyes weren’t red anymore.

 

Then he went back to pretending.

 

~

 

The door clicked shut behind Nagi as he stepped inside. The apartment was quiet. Not the peaceful kind, but the kind that pressed in around him like a weight. His bag slipped off his shoulder with a soft thud and for a moment he stood there, hesitating.

 

Reo was curled up on the couch, a blanket around him, the TV playing quietly in the background. Something mindless, probably muted. He didn’t look up when Nagi came in.

 

Nagi moved slowly, putting his things down.

 

Then, standing behind the couch, he asked, not coldly, but careful:

 

“You still sick?”

 

Reo shifted a little under the blanket. “A bit.” he said without much emotion.

 

There was a long pause.

 

Nagi sat on the arm of the couch, glancing down at him.

 

“…Have you been crying?”

 

Reo’s hands stilled on the edge of the blanket.

 

He didn’t answer immediately.

Just stared at the TV screen like it might save him.

 

Then he let out a breath, quiet but heavy. “Why aren’t you talking to me anymore?”

 

His voice cracked, barely, on talking.

It made Nagi flinch, almost imperceptibly.

 

“I am” Nagi said, too quickly. “I just-”

 

“You’re not” Reo interrupted, turning his head now, finally facing him. His eyes weren’t red this time, but they looked… tired. Like something had been leaking out of him for days.

 

“You barely look at me” Reo went on. “You barely say anything unless I speak first. You leave the room when I enter. And you...you won’t even let me…” He stopped. Swallowed.

 

Silence again.

 

Nagi didn’t know what to say. He could feel heat rising in his chest, creeping up his neck.

 

“I didn’t mean to make you feel like that” he said softly.

 

“But you did.” Reo replied, voice sharper than before. Not angry, just… hurt. “You did. And you won’t tell me why.”

 

Nagi looked away.

 

Reo sat up slightly, blanket pooling at his waist.

 

“Is it me?” he asked and this time the sadness was sharp. “Did I do something?”

 

“No.” Nagi said quickly, shaking his head.

 

“Then what is it?”

 

Nagi stared at the floor. His hands were clenched together in his lap. He could feel the words. The truth, sitting right at the edge of his mouth, but the thought of saying them out loud made his throat close up.

 

He was embarrassed. Not because of Reo, but because of himself. Because of what he felt. What he wanted. Because when Reo looked at him like that. Raw and exposed and waiting, all Nagi could think about was that night and how badly he had wanted to say yes. How badly he wanted to sleep in the same bed as Reo again. To let himself be absorbed by Reo’s warmth.

 

“I don’t know.” he mumbled, instead. Not even looking at Reo.

 

Reo blinked. Once. Twice.

 

Then he leaned back against the couch cushion again, pulling the blanket up over his shoulders like he was shielding himself.

 

“Okay.” he said quietly. “I get it.”

 

That was the end of it.

 

Nagi sat there for another second, wishing he could reach forward. Fix it.

 

But he didn’t.

 

And Reo didn’t look at him again.

 

Notes:

i really hope i didn't confuse anyone with all the povs changing

Chapter 8

Summary:

mostly fluff today!

Reo

 

He’d woken up late. Not on purpose, not really. His alarm had gone off, he remembered that part. But his eyes had felt heavy, like someone had poured sleep over him like cement.

 

His body moved on autopilot. Cold water. Blank stare in the mirror. Puffy eyes that no ice could fix. The apartment had been quiet when he stepped into the kitchen. Nagi was already gone. There were two teacups on the counter. One was empty. The other had a small curl of steam rising from it.

 

Reo stared at it for a long time. He didn’t drink it. He didn’t even touch it. He left it sitting there and went to class.

 

~

 

 

The lecture hall was too bright. Too cold. Too full of voices that didn’t belong to him.

 

Reo sat two rows from the front, notebook open, pen in hand, eyes fixed on a space just past the whiteboard. The professor’s voice droned in the background, but he wasn’t any attention. Something about modern game theory or behavioral economics. He wasn’t really sure.

 

Nagi wasn’t in his usual seat. Not beside him. Not behind him either.

 

Reo hadn’t looked when he walked in, didn’t turn around. He wasn’t sure if that was on purpose or not. He tapped his pen against the edge of the desk. Once. Twice. Three times. The rhythm was meant to keep him grounded, but all it did was remind him how quiet the space next to him had become.

 

 

Nagi

 

Nagi hadn’t meant to sit behind him.

 

He had entered the lecture hall early, eyes scanning the rows and his feet had just… walked. Not to their usual seats. Not to the shared table where they always sat, where Reo always took the left side and laid out his highlighters in color order. Three rows behind. Two seats to the right. Close enough to see him, but not close enough to speak. His hands stayed buried in the sleeves of his hoodie. His hair hung low over his eyes. Every time Reo’s head tilted slightly, every time his fingers tapped or fidgeted, Nagi noticed.

 

He wasn’t even trying to watch. His body just knew where Reo was at all times. He hated that.

 

The guilt sat deep in his chest like a weight. He didn’t know how to make things right. Didn’t know if he could without saying the wrong thing.

 

Because the truth was… he was scared of looking at Reo too long.

Scared of what it meant.

Scared of what it did to him.

 

He had heard him crying the night before. And he hadn’t gone after him.

 

~

 

Reo packed up slowly, letting people leave ahead of him. He didn’t want to accidentally run into Nagi in the hall. Didn’t want to force a conversation he knew neither of them were ready for. But just as he reached the door, he heard his name.

 

“Reo.”

 

He stopped. Turned. Nagi stood a few feet away, hair messy, bag slung lazily over one shoulder.

 

There was a pause. Like they both expected the other to speak first.

 

Nagi broke it. “Are you feeling… okay?”

 

Reo stared at him for a moment.

He could feel the tightness behind his eyes again. The dull ache from holding everything back too long.

 

“Yeah” he said. “I’m all good.”

 

It wasn’t even convincing. But Nagi didn’t push. He just nodded.

 

Reo waited. Nagi didn’t say anything else.

 

“Okay” Reo said softly. “I’ll see you later.” He didn’t wait for a response.

 

 

The words clung to Nagi’s throat: Please don’t be mad. Please just come back to normal. Please don’t look at me like that.

 

But he couldn’t say them. Couldn’t explain that every time Reo touched him, every time Reo smiled at him or laughed too close or looked too soft in the mornings, it made his stomach twist in ways he didn’t understand.

 

He wasn’t mad at Reo.

 

He was mad at himself.

 

And still, the sound of Reo’s voice saying “I’m fine” was worse than silence.

 

~

 

They had a shared project with three other students. Something about team marketing and brand structure. Normally, Reo would lead the conversation. Keep the team focused. Pull Nagi in when he started zoning out. This time, Reo barely said a word. He sat with his laptop open, gaze fixed on the spreadsheet, fingers hovering like he was about to type something, but never did.

 

Nagi watched from across the table. Their classmates talked easily around them. Joked about internships and deadlines. One girl leaned across the table and asked: “You two okay? You’ve been super quiet.”

 

Reo smiled without looking up. “We’re just focusing on our work.” Nagi didn’t say anything.

 

Reo’s fingers brushed against Nagi’s once when they reached for the same paper, not on purpose, just one of those shared instinct moments that came from living together for so long. Nagi didn’t flinch. Neither did Reo.

 

But they both froze for just a second too long. Then Reo pulled back. Cleared his throat. Focused harder on the screen. And Nagi’s chest ached with something he didn’t know how to name.

 

~

 

The apartment felt bigger than it was. Not in a good way. Not spacious, not free. Just… empty. Quiet in a way that pressed down on your ears.

 

Reo cooked dinner. He always cooked. Nagi never cared much about food. But today, Reo wasn’t cooking because he was hungry. He just needed something to do. Something that required his hands. Something to fill the silence that was threatening to crush him. He didn’t ask if Nagi wanted any.

 

Still, he made two plates. Nagi came out of his room, hoodie sleeves pulled over his hands, eyes dull, like he hadn’t slept right. They didn’t talk.

 

Reo sat at the table, picking at his food. Nagi took the other plate, sat across from him. Ate slowly. Mechanically.

 

For a long while, the only sound was the quiet click of cutlery against ceramic.

 

Then, too casually, Nagi asked: “You feeling better?”

 

Reo looked up at him, startled.

 

“Better?”

 

Nagi shifted slightly. “You said you were sick.”

 

Reo looked down again, biting the inside of his cheek.

 

“I lied.”

 

A pause. Nagi blinked.

 

“I figured.” he said, too softly.

 

Another pause. Then: “Did you cry?”

 

Reo didn’t answer. Instead, he stood up quietly and took his dish to the sink.

 

Nagi didn’t move.

 

 

Reo didn’t sleep.

 

He laid in his bed, facing the wall, blanket pulled to his chest, eyes wide open. Every shadow on the ceiling looked like something he couldn’t quite name. Every sound from the apartment: the creak of floorboards, the subtle hum of Nagi’s charger, twisted something in his chest.

 

He wanted to scream. Or cry again. Or knock on Nagi’s door. But he didn’t. And Nagi, on the other side of the wall, sat on the edge of his bed, head in his hands, heart in his throat.

 

He could hear Reo turning in bed.

 

He could feel Reo’s silence.

 

He wanted to fix it. But wanting had never been enough.

 

~

 

Reo hadn’t meant to sleep in. His body just didn’t listen anymore. Eeverything heavy and slow, like someone had pressed a hand against his chest and was keeping him pinned there. When he finally opened his door, Nagi was already dressed. Sitting on the couch, controller in hand, screen glowing.

 

For a moment, Reo just… stood there. Watching. It was so normal. The kind of scene that used to fill their days so easily. Nagi lazily tilted back on the cushions, feet on the coffee table, the game murmuring softly through the speakers. But something was off.

 

There was a gap between them now. Not just on the couch. Everywhere. Reo didn’t say good morning. And Nagi didn’t pause the game.

 

He just said, eyes on the screen: “You skipping class again?”

 

Reo blinked. “I didn’t realize I had somewhere to be your schedule manager.”

 

Nagi finally looked over. And for a second, something flashed in his face, worry, maybe. Guilt. Something deeper than either of them could name.

 

“You said you weren’t sick.” he said. Not accusing. Just… flat.

 

Reo shrugged and walked toward the kitchen. “Guess I just didn’t feel like going.”

 

Nagi stared at the back of his head. Reo didn’t turn around.

 

 

Nagi

 

He couldn’t concentrate. It wasn’t the professor’s fault, Nagi knew that much. The guy was talking. The notes were on the board. The questions were being asked. And answered. And everything was happening the way it always did. But he couldn’t concentrate. Because Reo wasn’t here.

He always was. Always early. Always with too many pens and way too much energy and a voice that somehow filled the whole space without trying.

 

Now there was just… a space where he wasn’t.

 

Nagi tapped his pencil against the side of his notebook. He was starting to hate this version of silence. Not the soft, comfortable kind they used to have. Not the silence of “I’m here next to you and that’s enough.”

 

This silence burned. It sounded like everything he hadn’t said.

 

Reo

 

 He sat on the floor of the living room, textbooks around him, laptop open but untouched. He couldn’t focus either.

 

He had tried. God, he had tried. But everything just looped back around to Nagi’s face, to Nagi’s voice, to the way he looked at him like he didn’t know him anymore. Like they weren’t them. And it was making him feel like he was going crazy.

 

Because Nagi hadn’t done anything that dramatic. He wasn’t cruel. He hadn’t shouted. He hadn’t even blamed Reo for anything. But he had pulled away. And Reo couldn’t figure out why. He hadn’t done anything, had he? Unless the problem was the same one it always was. That Reo wanted too much, expected too much, felt too much. And Nagi didn’t. Maybe Nagi never did.

 

~

 

When Nagi came back, Reo was in the kitchen reheating leftover noodles.

 

It smelled like something warm.

 

“You’re back early.” Reo said, trying to sound casual.

 

Nagi shrugged. “Class got canceled.”

 

Reo waited for him to say something else. He didn’t.

 

So Reo asked, quietly: “Are you still mad at me?”

 

Nagi looked up, startled. “I’m not mad.”

 

“You haven’t been acting like yourself.” Reo said, folding his arms.

 

Nagi was quiet for a moment. Then: “I know.”

 

Reo turned back to the stove.

 

He wanted to ask: Then why?

 

Why did you stop laughing at my jokes?

Why do you flinch when I get close?

Why do you look like you want to say something and then walk away?

 

But he didn’t ask. And Nagi didn’t explain.

 

So they sat down at the table and ate dinner like they were roommates again. Not best friends, not anything more and it was worse than any shouting match they could’ve had.

 

~

 

The sound of Reo’s fork scraping his plate still echoed in Nagi’s head when he shut the door to his room. He hadn’t said goodnight. He hadn’t even looked back.

 

It was easier that way, he told himself. Better not to see Reo’s face again, not with those tired, hurt eyes that used to shine every time Nagi said something stupid. Not with that quiet sadness that had started settling into him like it belonged there.

 

Nagi sat on the edge of his bed, elbows resting on his knees. He didn’t turn on the lights. The apartment was silent now.

 

Almost.

 

Because then, just barely, he heard it.

 

A sound too soft to register at first. Muffled. Raw. Shaky.

 

Crying. At first, he froze.

 

It wasn’t loud, but Nagi knew that sound. He’d only heard it once before, back in high school, when Reo had sprained his ankle during a crucial match and couldn’t stop apologizing to the team. It wasn’t a sound Reo let anyone hear.

 

Nagi stood.

 

He moved without thinking, cracking open his door. The hallway was dark. The glow from the kitchen spilled faintly across the wooden floor and there Reo was.

 

Still sitting at the dinner table.

Arms folded on top of it.

Face buried.

 

He wasn’t shaking, exactly. It was subtler than that. Like he was trying to keep still, trying not to let it out  but the grief was winning.

 

And Nagi…

 

Nagi’s heart twisted in a way that scared him. He should leave him alone, right?

 

Reo was always the strong one. The one with the bright plans and sharp words and stupid energy drinks at 8 AM. If he was crying now, it was probably because of everything Nagi had done wrong.

 

But Nagi couldn’t walk away this time. So he stepped forward. Quiet. Careful.

 

“Reo.”

 

The sound of his name made Reo flinch. His shoulders tightened. He scrubbed at his face with one sleeve but didn’t look up.

 

“I’m fine.” Reo said quickly, voice thick. “It’s nothing.” That was a lie.

 

But Nagi didn’t call him out. He came closer. Stopped beside him. Didn’t touch him yet. Just stood there and asked, softer this time: “Can I sit?”

 

Reo didn’t answer right away. But then he gave the smallest nod and Nagi sank into the chair next to him. They sat in silence for a while.

 

Reo didn’t lift his head. He didn’t start talking. He just breathed like it hurt and wiped at his face with the sleeve of his hoodie again and again. Nagi’s chest felt too tight.

 

He didn’t know how to ask what was wrong.

He didn’t know how to apologize without making it worse.

So instead, he said, barely above a whisper:

 

“…Want to come lie down?” Reo hesitated.

 

And for a moment Nagi thought he’d say no. Thought he’d pull away again or crack some joke like what, you want me back in your bed now? But he didn’t.

 

Reo finally looked up, eyes glassy and red.

 

And he nodded.

 

The bed was too small for two people. It always had been. But they used to fit so easily. Limbs tangled, shoulders bumping, warmth shared without thinking. Now, Reo laid on his side, facing away. Nagi laid behind him, awake. He didn’t know what to do with his hands.

 

The silence stretched, filled with things they hadn’t said for weeks. It was the first time Reo had been in his bed since… since the distance began. Since Nagi had pulled away. Nagi thought maybe Reo would fall asleep quickly.

 

But then, softly, he heard it again. Sniffling. Breathing broken. Still crying. And it felt like someone had taken his chest and cracked it open with both hands. He shifted a little closer. His fingers brushed the blanket near Reo’s arm.

 

No response. So he reached further. Slower. Until his palm gently found Reo’s hand under the cover. Fingers curled loosely. Cold.

 

Nagi swallowed. Then, gently, he laced their fingers. Reo didn’t pull away.

 

Instead, his body shook with a soundless sob and then: “I’m sorry..” he whispered, voice wrecked.

 

Nagi blinked. “What?”

 

“I don’t even know what I did” Reo said, still not facing him. “I just… I missed you so much and I didn’t know how to fix it. You wouldn’t even look at me.” His hand tightened in Nagi’s.

 

Nagi’s throat closed around the words trying to form. Reo breathed in.

 

“It felt like I did something wrong” he said. “But I didn’t even know what it was. You stopped being near me. You stopped laughing. You wouldn’t let me sleep next to you. And I just…I didn’t know how to ask why without sounding pathetic.” His voice cracked.

 

Nagi’s other hand reached out, hesitating, then gently wrapped around Reo’s waist from behind. A soft pull. Not too tight. Not demanding. Just there. And that was when Reo broke.

 

His body shuddered and turned in Nagi’s arms without resistance. His face pressed into Nagi’s chest, one hand clutching at the back of his shirt like he was drowning in it.

 

“I didn’t know how to make you come back.” he whispered. “I didn’t know what I did wrong.”

 

Nagi held him. He didn’t speak. He just tucked his chin gently against the top of Reo’s head and held him tighter, not because he knew the answers, but because he didn’t. Because this was the only truth he had to offer. Reo cried softly for what felt like forever.

 

But when it faded and his breathing slowed and the trembling stilled…

 

Their hands were still entwined.

 

Their bodies still pressed close. And Nagi still hadn’t let go. The room was silent, save for the sound of their breathing. Slow, fragile, in sync.

 

Nagi laid there still, one arm wrapped around Reo’s waist, the other still holding Reo’s hand, his thumb brushing gently over the knuckles. He felt Reo’s heartbeat in the hollow of his chest. Steady now. No more trembling.

 

The warmth of him, the solid weight curled close was something Nagi had missed more than he could admit. Even now, his throat felt too tight to say what he wanted to. Even now, the words didn’t come easily. But something had shifted. Not fixed, not yet, but opened.

 

A space between them that had been locked shut for too long had finally breathed again. And in the quiet that followed, Nagi let himself look down.

 

Reo’s face was hidden against his chest, hair a little messy from sleep and tears. His eyes were closed now, lashes damp, brows still gently drawn together like some part of him was afraid to fully relax.

 

Nagi watched him for a long time, not daring to move. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed just… looking at Reo.

 

The slope of his nose. The way his fingers curled slightly when resting. The scar just below his ear that he got falling off his skateboard in high school. The soft hitch in his breathing when he’d almost started crying again, but didn’t.

 

Nagi let his forehead press gently to Reo’s. A small, wordless touch.

 

Reo didn’t stir.  And Nagi couldn’t stop himself.

 

Slowly he leaned down. Not rushed. Not impulsive. But quiet. Careful. And he pressed a kiss to Reo’s temple.

 

Reo didn’t flinch. Nagi’s chest rose and fell.

 

He kissed him again. This time, lower, just barely brushing the soft skin near his hairline. Then, without thinking, he let his mouth trail gently toward Reo’s cheek. Still, no resistance.

 

Only the warm, steady presence of Reo tucked close.

 

Nagi’s hand moved, thumb brushing over Reo’s jaw. He felt the heat of his skin, the faint stickiness of dried tears. He exhaled shakily. Not from fear, but something heavier. Something deeper.

 

He pressed another kiss just beneath Reo’s ear. And then, gently, so gently, he let his lips touch the side of Reo’s neck.

 

One second. Two. A pause.

 

And then just below that, the place where skin met the curve of his collarbone. Nagi kissed him again. Not hungry. Not lustful. Just…needing.

 

Needing to show Reo what he couldn’t say. Needing to offer something of himself, the only way he knew how. Something honest. Something raw. And Reo…

 

Reo made the quietest sound, not quite a gasp, not quite a sigh, but something in between. A breath caught in surprise, not resistance. His hand, still in Nagi’s, tightened. His body didn’t pull away. Instead, he leaned closer.

 

And when he spoke, it was barely a whisper “What are you doing?”

 

Reo’s voice was hushed. Caught somewhere between confusion and breathlessness. Not alarmed, not afraid. Just…unsure. Nagi didn’t move away.

 

His lips lingered a moment longer at the hollow of Reo’s collarbone, warm breath brushing over skin, then he lifted his head just slightly, enough to see the shadow of Reo’s face in the dark.

 

“…Is this okay?” Nagi asked. His voice was quiet, but not uncertain. Just soft. Raw. Like he needed to make sure, needed to hear it aloud.

 

Reo didn’t answer right away. He blinked slowly, like he was still trying to process the way Nagi’s hand was resting on his side, the way their fingers were still loosely twined under the blankets, the press of Nagi’s mouth just moments before.

 

Then, gently, his lips parted.

 

“…Yeah” he said, almost like he hadn’t realized it until just then. “It’s okay.”

 

Something unknotted in Nagi’s chest. His breath left him slow, trembling and he moved again, pressing another kiss to Reo’s collarbone. Then another, a little higher, just beneath his jaw.

 

Reo let out a quiet sound. A little exhale, like surprise and Nagi froze for half a second, unsure if he’d gone too far. But Reo didn’t pull away.

 

Instead, his hand slipped from the tangle of their fingers and found Nagi’s forearm, resting there. Not guiding. Not asking for anything. Just touching. Just there.

 

And Nagi… he felt like he could breathe again.

 

He leaned back in slowly, pressing another kiss to the base of Reo’s throat. His nose brushed against skin, against warmth and he stayed there for a moment, letting the closeness settle deep in his bones.

 

Reo shifted slightly, like his body was responding before his thoughts caught up. His breath caught again and this time the sound that slipped from him was even softer.  A tiny, startled sound that might’ve been a sigh if it had lasted any longer.

 

Nagi felt it like a pulse through him. Not arousal. Not want. Just need. The aching, almost helpless kind. Like a tether inside him pulling taut. Like something sacred was happening and he didn’t want to move too quickly, didn’t want to shatter it by speaking too loud or touching too fast. So he kept going.

 

One kiss after another.  Small, delicate, scattered along Reo’s throat, his collarbone, the soft skin just under his ear. Each one placed like a confession he didn’t have the words for.

 

And Reo just breathed. He let Nagi kiss him like that. Let the stillness wrap around them. Let himself be seen and held and touched with nothing asked in return.

 

The only sounds were the whisper of the sheets, the faint rustle of Reo shifting ever so slightly, the tiny noises that escaped him. A hitched breath here, a quiet sigh there like he didn’t even know he was making them. Every one of them sank into Nagi’s chest like gravity.

 

“…You’re warm.” Nagi murmured, lips still brushing skin.

 

Reo huffed a soft breath, not quite a laugh, but close. “I’m always warm.” he said, voice quiet, dry.

 

“I know.”

 

They weren’t teasing words. They weren’t flirtation.

 

They were the kind of things you say to someone you’ve known for years. To someone whose temperature and sleep habits and comfort food are burned into your memory.

 

Nagi kissed the spot just below Reo’s ear again. Slower this time. Reo let out another soft sound, muffled in the crook of Nagi’s neck.

 

“…I didn’t know you were like this” he whispered.

 

Nagi blinked against his skin. “Like what?”

 

“…Gentle.”

 

The word made something ache deep in Nagi’s ribs. He didn’t respond. He just tightened his arms slightly around Reo’s waist. Not enough to squeeze, just enough to keep him close. As if to say I am with you.

 

They lay like that for a long time. No urgency. No pressure. Just the soft rhythm of closeness. Of one body learning the outline of another again. Of breath brushing breath, skin against skin. Hands tangled beneath the blanket. Kisses like falling snow.

 

Reo’s eyes fluttered closed after a while. His breathing slowed. Steadied. And when Nagi pressed one last kiss to his shoulder, Reo leaned back into it like it was a promise.

 

Like maybe, just maybe, they’d finally found their way back to each other.

 

“I didn’t think you wanted me near you anymore..” Reo murmured.

 

Nagi’s breath hitched. “I did” he said. “I do. I just…”

 

He couldn’t finish. Reo didn’t ask him to.

 

Instead, Reo shifted. Turned slowly in Nagi’s arms until they were face to face. Their noses brushed. Reo’s hand lifted, tentative, brushing a piece of white hair away from Nagi’s face.

 

“You make no sense sometimes..” Reo whispered.

 

Nagi almost smiled.

 

But then Reo added, voice quieter: “…But I missed this.”

 

And with that, Nagi leaned in again.

 

Their foreheads touched. Their breaths mingled. And for a long time, they didn’t say anything. Didn’t need to. They just stayed like that. Faces close, hands joined, warmth shared like it was sacred. The kind of closeness that came not from desire, but from knowing. From years. From the kind of bond that had been built in every car ride, every tournament, every midnight snack on the floor when they were too tired to sit at the table.

 

Nagi looked at Reo, really looked and something inside him cracked open.

 

It wasn’t sudden. It wasn’t loud. But it was there. Something like a realization. Something like…

 

Oh.

 

This is love.

 

Not the kind you shout about. Not the kind from movies. But the kind that slips into you quietly, like sunlight through curtains, until one day you wake up and realize you never want to be without it.

 

His thumb brushed the side of Reo’s face. He kissed his forehead again. Then the space between them closed. Not with words, not with passion, but with stillness. With peace. They laid down like that, bodies tucked together like puzzle pieces, and slowly, finally…

 

Reo’s breathing evened out.

 

He fell asleep like that, curled into Nagi’s chest, still holding his hand. And Nagi didn’t move. He stayed awake a while longer, watching the rise and fall of Reo’s chest, counting the moments, burning them into memory.

 

He wanted to remember this. Every detail.

 

The weight of Reo’s head on his arm. The way their legs brushed under the blanket. The warmth. The quiet. The truth of it. And when sleep finally came for him too…

 

He didn’t let go.

~

 

They hadn’t moved in a while.

 

The sun had crept a little higher through the curtains, warming the floor and casting golden light across the sheets. Nagi lay still, curled beside Reo, eyes open but heavy with sleep. Reo’s breath was slow and steady. He hadn’t gotten up either, just stayed tucked close, knees pulled in slightly, body angled toward Nagi like it was the most natural thing in the world.

 

Neither of them had said much since waking. But the silence wasn’t empty. It was full. Full of things unsaid but understood. Full of shared warmth. Full of the quiet relief of being close again.

 

Reo finally shifted, stretching slightly and Nagi looked at him.

 

“You wanna go out today?” Reo asked, voice still soft from sleep.

 

Nagi blinked at him.

 

Then… slowly shook his head. “Not really.”

 

Reo raised a brow. “No strawberry milk bribe today?”

 

“Too far.”

 

“Too lazy?”

 

“…Too warm” Nagi said, his voice low and honest.

 

Reo smiled, small and real. “That’s new.”

 

“Not really.” Nagi looked down.

 

Reo didn’t answer. He just shifted closer, letting his hand rest between them on the sheets. Fingers brushing the edge of Nagi’s. Their pinkies touched. Nagi didn’t pull away.

 

“If we’re not going out” Reo said after a moment “can we just… stay like this?”

 

Nagi turned his head toward him fully now. “Like what?”

 

“Like… this.” Reo’s cheeks colored slightly, but his voice didn’t waver. “You. Me. Not rushing.”

 

Nagi blinked slowly. “Okay.”

 

Reo smiled again.

 

And then, so gently, he reached forward and touched Nagi’s hair, smoothing it down where it had stuck up from sleep. His fingers were careful. Reverent, almost.

 

Nagi’s eyes fluttered shut. Neither of them moved for a long while.

 

Eventually, Nagi rolled slightly, just enough to face Reo more completely. There was only a hand’s width between them now. His voice was quiet, but certain.

 

“…Can I hold you?”

 

Reo’s heart stuttered.

 

But he nodded.

 

“Yes.”

 

And then Nagi’s arms came around him. Slowly, clumsily, like he was figuring it out as he went. One arm around Reo’s waist. The other resting near his shoulder. Not too tight. Just there. Close. Careful.

 

Reo let his forehead rest against Nagi’s chest.

 

“You’re really warm.” he murmured.

 

Nagi made a soft sound. “How many times are you going to say that?.”

 

“It’s true.”

 

Time slowed. The apartment was quiet except for the occasional creak of the walls, the low hum of the city through the windows, the sound of their breathing syncing up like it always did when they were like this.

 

Nagi’s fingers lightly traced patterns along Reo’s back. Barely there, soft and slow. Not searching for anything. Just… staying connected.

 

Reo felt himself breathe deeper. Felt his body relax in a way it hadn’t for weeks. They stayed like that for what felt like hours.

 

Sometimes they talked. Just little things. Nagi asking what Reo dreamed about. Reo laughing when he confessed he didn’t remember, but it probably had snacks in it. Nagi saying he wanted pizza even though it was 9 AM. Reo promising to order it for lunch if Nagi promised to stay like this a little longer.

 

(He would’ve stayed like this all day.)

 

Other times, they didn’t say anything at all.

 

There was a moment Nagi leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. Just a brush. Just once. But it made Reo smile in his sleep.

 

~

 

 

They didn’t change out of pajamas.

 

Reo made something small in the kitchen. Two cups of tea, toast with honey, a sliced apple on a plate. Nagi sat on the couch with a blanket draped over his shoulders like a sleepy ghost. Reo brought everything to the coffee table and then curled up beside him.

 

“You gonna share the blanket?” he asked.

 

Nagi lifted it wordlessly and Reo slipped under.

 

They didn’t turn on the TV. They didn’t scroll on their phones. Reo just leaned into Nagi’s side and Nagi let his arm rest along the back of the couch, fingers lightly grazing Reo’s shoulder now and then.

 

There was something about the quiet today that didn’t feel heavy anymore. It just felt safe.

 

Like they were building something new in the space between them. Not rushing. Not naming it. Just being.

 

“You okay now?” Nagi asked softly.

 

Reo looked up at him. His expression was unreadable for a second, then softened into something almost shy.

 

“Yeah.” he said. “I think so.”

 

Nagi blinked slowly.

 

Then he reached down, carefully and brushed his knuckles along Reo’s cheek. It was barely a touch, but Reo leaned into it like he’d been waiting for it all morning.

 

Their eyes met.

 

No one said anything. And they didn’t need to.

Notes:

it's a pretty short chapter, im sorryyy

Chapter 9

Summary:

meet up with friends!

Notes:

I realized something was wrong with me because i went to a birthday party 2 days ago and everyone around me was drunk while i was thinking about the fic and the fact that i am not gonna post the chapter. I wanted to post yesterday tho, but when i came back home, i went to sleep at like 5pm and woke up at 7:30 am. Then i literally went to sleep again at like 12pm..

The sun filtered through the thin curtains in the apartment, soft and golden in that rare, quiet way early spring mornings had. Reo stood by the kitchen counter with his sleeves rolled up, spooning strawberries into a little plastic container like he was preparing for war. His expression was deeply focused, as if balancing fruit with yogurt was somehow the most important task of the week.

 

Nagi watched from the couch, sprawled on his side, eyes barely open. His hair was a mess and he hadn’t moved since crawling out of bed twenty minutes ago. “You’re being dramatic.” he said finally, voice a lazy rumble.

 

“I’m being prepared.” Reo replied, slicing an apple with deliberate care. “You wanted lunch outside. I’m making lunch for outside.”

 

“You offered.”

 

“You said and I quote: ‘whatever.’ Reo shot him a look. “So now you’re coming with me and you’re going to eat fruit and sandwiches in a park like a normal person.”

 

Nagi made a faint noise and rolled onto his back, arm flopping over his eyes. “So demanding.”

 

“You’ll live.”

 

He would. Honestly, the idea of sitting somewhere quiet with Reo away from their usual routines, away from tension or subtext or whatever they were always saying sounded… good. Soft. Nice. But Nagi wasn’t going to say that.

 

Instead, he mumbled: “Can I at least bring chips?”

 

“No.” Reo said firmly. Then, softer, “Yes. I already packed your weird seaweed ones.”

 

Nagi peeked out from under his arm, just barely smiling. “You love me.”

 

Reo nearly dropped the apple.

 

It wasn’t the first time Nagi had said something like that, but this time, it sounded different. A little quieter. A little less teasing. But Nagi was already sitting up, stretching his arms high overhead like nothing happened. So Reo said nothing. He packed the rest of the picnic in silence, heart beating just a little too fast.

 

~

 

By the time they reached the park, it was nearly noon. The sun had warmed the grass, but the breeze was still cool enough that Reo kept his jacket on. Nagi, predictably, had left his unzipped and flapping behind him like a cape.

 

They found a quiet patch beneath a wide, leafy tree. There were other people around: couples, families, students, but not so close it didn’t feel crowded.

 

“This is okay.” Nagi said, flopping lazily onto the blanket Reo had brought.

 

Reo sat with crossed legs next to him, unpacking the food with an almost ridiculous level of precision. He handed Nagi a sandwich and a container of sliced fruit, then started eating his own lunch without looking at him. They ate mostly in silence. Not the uncomfortable kind. Just the kind that came from knowing each other too well to need to fill every space.

 

Still, Reo found himself glancing at Nagi more than once. The way he leaned back on his hands. The way the sunlight lit up strands of his beautiful white hair. The way he chewed slowly, like every bite was an effort. He looked peaceful. Unbothered.

 

And Reo, who had been tying himself in knots for weeks about what they were or weren’t, what that night meant, felt a little twist in his chest.

 

 

“Hey” Nagi said suddenly, after a long stretch of quiet. “This is nice.”

 

Reo blinked. “Yeah?”

 

 

Reo leaned back on his elbows, glancing sideways at Nagi, who had flopped back onto the blanket again, arms stretched over his head. A faint breeze stirred the edges of his hair. His eyes were closed, his face soft and for a moment Reo just… watched. Then he pulled out his phone and snapped a photo.

 

The shutter sound made Nagi crack one eye open. “Did you just take a picture of me?”

 

Reo grinned, not even trying to hide it. “Yeah. You looked…cool. In the light.”

 

Nagi squinted at him. “Delete it.”

 

“No.”

 

“Reo.”

 

Reo held the phone out of reach. “If you really want me to, I will. But it’s… a nice photo.”

 

Nagi rolled onto his side, propped his head on his hand. “You’re weird today.”

 

“You’re weird every day.” Reo countered, lightly. But then, quieter: “I just like… this. I like when it’s easy between us.”

 

Nagi didn’t say anything for a second. Then he said: “It’s not always easy.”

 

“I know.”

 

“But I like this too.”

 

They both looked up at the sky for a while, watching clouds drift lazily by.

 

Reo hesitated. Then, without really meaning to, he asked: “What are we doing?”

 

Nagi didn’t move. His voice was low, almost a mumble. “Eating sandwiches in a park.”

 

“You know what I mean.”

 

More silence.

 

Then Nagi said “I don’t know.”

 

It wasn’t cold. It was just honest.

 

Reo nodded slowly. “Yeah.”

 

“But I’m here.”

 

Reo glanced at him. “That’s enough?”

 

Nagi shrugged. “Right now, yeah.”

 

Reo looked at the photo again. Nagi almost asleep in sunlight, peaceful in a way that made Reo ache.

 

He didn’t delete it

After lunch, they didn’t want to go home right away.

 

It wasn’t spoken. They just stood at the edge of the park path, not quite looking at each other.

 

“There’s a shelter nearby.” Reo said suddenly, pointing toward a street off to the right. “You wanna go look at cats?”

 

Nagi shrugged. “Weird date.”

 

“Not a date.” Reo said instantly.

 

“Whatever..” Nagi replied, smirking faintly.

 

The shelter was small, but bright and warm inside.

 

A volunteer greeted them kindly and pointed them toward the open adoption room. A few cats lounged in sunbeams or pawed lazily at toys scattered around the space. The smell of clean litter and dry food filled the air. Reo’s face softened almost immediately.

 

“You pick one.” Reo said, nudging him forward.

 

“Why?”

 

“Because I’m a dog person.” Reo lied.

 

Nagi drifted toward a large, sleepy tabby who barely lifted his head when approached. He crouched beside it, resting on his heels. The cat blinked slowly at him, then rolled onto its back and exposed its stomach.

 

“Same energy.” Reo said under his breath.

 

Nagi scratched behind the cat’s ear. “I like him.”

 

Reo was across the room, crouching beside a tiny black kitten who kept trying to steal a feather toy from a much larger cat. “This one’s a menace.”

 

“It’s like you.” Nagi said.

 

Their eyes met.

 

A beat passed.

 

“…They’re a bonded pair.” the volunteer explained, coming up behind them. “We’re hoping someone will take them together.”

 

Reo hesitated. Nagi didn’t say anything.

 

And then, slowly, Reo looked at the cats, then back at Nagi.

 

“We’ll take them.” he said.

 

Nagi raised an eyebrow. “We?”

 

Reo cleared his throat. “I mean…yeah. I guess.”

 

They didn’t talk about it on the way home. They just carried the cat together in silence.

 

Back at the apartment, the cats immediately began their reign of chaos. The kitten darted under the couch and refused to come out. The other one climbed into Nagi’s laundry basket and promptly fell asleep.

 

Reo laughed, real, full laughter as he pulled his hoodie off and tossed it onto the chair. “What have we done?”

 

Nagi sat on the floor, legs stretched out, the sleepy kitten curled against his side.

 

“…Feels like something”

 

“They’re… so small.” he said quietly.

 

Reo was crouched beside him, holding the adoption paperwork still folded in his hand. “They’ll grow.” he murmured.

 

The first kitten was mostly white with long silky fur. She had a black patch over one eye and a soft grey tail that looked like it had been dipped in water colors. Her eyes were pale green, huge and curious and just a little cautious. She approached Reo first, sniffing at his hand.

 

“She’s brave.” he said.

 

“She’s pretty.” Nagi said.

 

The second kitten stayed back a moment longer. He was the smaller of the two, he was ashy grey all over, except for four white paws and the tiniest white dot on his nose. His eyes were a striking amber, too big for his face still, a little wide with worry. Reo reached out a finger.

 

This one approached slowly, but once he got close enough, he pressed his whole head against Reo’s palm like he’d just decided: This is fine. This is safe.

 

“…He’s shy” Nagi murmured.

 

“Like you.”

 

Nagi gave him a sideways look but didn’t argue.

 

The white one had already climbed into Nagi’s lap. She blinked up at him, purred once, then curled up instantly like she’d always been there.

 

Reo grinned. “She’s got good taste.”

 

“She’s cute” Nagi mumbled, settling both hands gently around her. “Soft.”

 

“What should we call them?”

 

Nagi blinked at the kitten in his lap, petting down the silky stripe of black above her eye.

 

“Maybe…” He paused. “Sora?”

 

Reo tilted his head. “Like the sky?”

 

Nagi nodded. “She’s light. Soft.”

 

“Sora.” Reo repeated, then looked at the other. The grey one had taken to pawing at the edge of Reo’s hoodie drawstring. “And this one…”

 

He leaned closer. “I wanna name him Kuro.”

 

Nagi made a small noise. “That’s so basic.”

 

“But it suits him. You see his little socks?”

 

Nagi’s lips twitched. “Yeah. They’re stupid.”

 

“You’re stupid.”

 

“Sora.” Nagi said again, looking down. “And Kuro.”

 

The kittens played a little, wrestled a bit on the blanket Reo had laid out, then fell asleep tangled together. Sora curled against Nagi’s arm, Kuro tucked between Reo’s side and the couch cushion.

 

~

 

Nagi was already in Reo’s room, propped on the bed, hair damp from his shower, flipping slowly through something on his phone. He didn’t look up at first. Reo stood for a second, unsure.

 

Then Nagi shifted and without a word, reached to the far side of the bed and pulled the blanket down. An invitation. It didn’t feel like anything new. But it did.

 

Reo moved slowly. Kuro had already made himself at home, curled at the foot of the bed in a little tight ball of grey fluff. Sora was nestled against the pillow beside Nagi, purring softly.

 

“They definitely like the bed.” Nagi said.

 

“Yeah..” Reo said, voice low. “Me too.”

 

He slid under the blanket, careful not to disturb the cats. Sora stretched one paw out onto Reo’s chest and blinked lazily at him.

 

“You spoil her already.”

 

“She’s cute.”

 

“Like you.” Nagi mumbled.

 

Reo didn’t respond, but his heart did that slow, weird flutter in his chest. He stared at the ceiling, arms folded under the blanket.

 

Nagi didn’t move closer. He didn’t say anything more.

 

But their shoulders touched. Just barely.

 

Soft warmth.

 

Sora purred. Kuro twitched a paw in his sleep.

 

Eventually, Nagi’s hand found Reo’s under the blanket. Not holding. Just touching.

 

~

 

Nagi woke up to something breathing on his face. Well not breathing exactly. More like…purring. He cracked one eye open, slowly. Sora’s nose was pressed against his cheek, her little paws planted right between his eyes. Kuro had somehow wriggled up onto the pillow and was now draped over the top of Nagi’s head like a fur hat.

 

“…mmgfh” Nagi mumbled.

 

Sora mewed softly, then patted his cheek once like she was telling him to get up.

 

A snort from the other side of the bed. He didn’t even need to look to know Reo was awake. Already watching, already amused.

 

“You look like a sleepy cat” Reo said, voice thick with sleep and laughter. “They slept on your face. They love you already.” He said proudly.

 

Then…click.

 

“What..”

 

Nagi sat up fast and both kittens tumbled off of him with. Reo held up his phone, grinning. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”

 

“Delete it.”

 

“You look too comfortable and lazy.”

 

Sora immediately curled into Nagi’s lap again, stretching out full length. Reo was still smiling when he got up to make coffee.

 

And Nagi, sitting there with messy hair, a cat in his lap and the softest ache blooming in his chest, just stared after him. He didn’t say it. But he thought it, so loudly it rang in his bones.

 

I think I’m falling more and more in love with you.

 

~

 

After a lazy breakfast (half of which was stolen by Kuro leaping onto the table at the worst times), they agreed: the cats needed their own space. Or at least a bed that wasn’t Reo’s hoodie on the floor.

 

“You’re spoiling them again.” Nagi said, tugging on a jacket as they stepped out.

 

“You’re the one who gave Sora a tiny plate for her wet food and called it ‘fine dining.’”

 

“Yeah, because she’s a pretty lady.”

 

Reo laughed. “We’re gonna be those cat people, aren’t we?”

 

Nagi didn’t reply. But when they walked into the pet store and Nagi immediately made a beeline for the softest, fluffiest cat bed in pale pastel pink with a little crown sewn into the side, Reo just followed him and smiled like he’d expected nothing less.

 

They bickered gently over which toys to get. Reo wanted the weird one with a motor that made it dart around like a mouse. Nagi wanted the feather wand that looked like it might fall apart in two days but was “aesthetically superior.” They got both.

 

By the time they got back, arms full of toys, treats and two small plush beds (they got one for each cat), the sky was starting to turn golden. The windows glowed. The apartment felt warm.

 

Sora immediately crawled into her new bed and made a pleased little chirp.

 

Kuro ignored his entirely and climbed into Reo’s laundry basket.

 

“He’s so you.” Reo told Nagi.

 

“He has taste.”

 

That night, they sat together on the couch, watching a movie. The movie was playing, but Nagi wasn’t watching it.

 

He was leaning against Reo’s side, head resting on his shoulder, fingers nicely stroking Kuro’s ears where the cat had curled into his lap. Sora was stretched out on Reo’s side, dead asleep, her little body rising and falling with each breath. Reo was watching, maybe. Or pretending to.

 

It was one of those quiet films with a lot of long silences and a soft piano score. Something Nagi had picked because he liked the lighting and the way the actors stared at each other like every glance meant something.

 

His phone buzzed against his thigh.

 

Nagi shifted and glanced down.

 

Group Chat: F.R.I.E.N.D.S🌈

 

Bachira: We’re going to that bar downtown tommorow. Come or be boring.

Chigiri’s finally gonna wear the crop top we got him last month.

@isagi thoughts??

 

Isagi: I said it looked good ONCE. Stop it.

Anyway yeah, we’re all going. You guys coming?

 

Chigiri: I’m not confirming the crop top thing, but yeah. Kunigami’s said yes too.

 

Kunigami: Keep it chill, please.

 

Bachira: NO CHILL 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

 

Reo snorted. “Jesus.”

 

Nagi was already typing.

 

Nagi:maybe, depends if i feel like getting hit on by drunk strangers

 

Bachira: THAT’S THE POINT!!!

also if you guys don’t come together we’re making you anyway

 

Isagi: You know that’s true

 

Chigiri: Just bring Reo and save everyone the drama

 

Reo’s eyes flicked down as Nagi’s phone buzzed again.

 

Nagi turned it toward him. “Do we want to go?”

 

Reo blinked. “…Do you want to?”

 

Nagi shrugged. “It might be funny.”

 

“You mean terrifying.”

 

Another message popped up.

 

Bachira: Y’all better dress up nicely. If not, then don’t even bother showing up!!

 

Reo sighed dramatically. “We don’t stand a chance.”

 

Nagi smiled softly. “Guess we’re going, then.”

 

They didn’t say we’ll go together like a couple. But they didn’t have to.

 

 

~

The day passed quietly. A lazy morning, the cats sprawled across the bed like royalty. Reo and Nagi didn’t talk much. Not because it was awkward, but because there was something restful in the silence. That in between softness where everything just breathed. By 6 p.m., they were getting ready.

 

“Are you really wearing that?” Reo raised an eyebrow from his spot in the hallway, watching Nagi pull a black hoodie over his head.

 

“Yeah.” Nagi blinked slowly. “Why?”

 

“We’re going to a (gay) bar, not a funeral.”

 

“You said it was casual.”

 

Reo snorted and tugged at his own shirt cropped just slightly above the waistline of his jeans. “Yeah, cool casual. You look like you’re going to play boring games for seven hours.”

 

“That’s what I was planning before you made us go out.”

 

Still, Nagi let Reo tug the hoodie back off and swap it for something more fitted. A soft, grey sweater that fell just right over his shoulders.

 

“Better.” Reo said, smug.

 

When they finally left the apartment, the city was still warm from the afternoon sun, humming with a night glow. The train was packed. Nagi stood close behind Reo, head bowed, his breath brushing Reo’s neck when he muttered something about how loud it was. Reo couldn’t even hear him over the crowd. But he liked the closeness.

 

The club was tucked into a side street. Low neon signage, a red brick exterior and a line that wrapped around the block. But Bachira had called ahead. Of course he had. So when they arrived, he was already waving them over like a lunatic from the front of the line.

 

“You guys took forever!” he grinned, already bouncing. “You missed Chigiri’s entrance. He looks like a god.”

 

“Don’t hype it up.” Chigiri muttered beside him, rolling his eyes.

 

He was wearing a black mesh top and red pants that looked like they’d been painted on. Kunigami was standing stiffly next to him, clearly not relaxed, but very much admiring him.

 

Isagi gave Reo a friendly clap on the shoulder. “Glad you came.”

 

The inside of the club was a dream of soft lighting and flashing LED strips. Rainbow flags were strung across the ceiling, glitter dust shimmered in the air and the bass from the speakers made the walls hum. Couples were dancing. Laughing. Drinking. A drag queen was shouting something into a mic near the bar, and nobody could hear her.

 

Reo looked around, looking overwhelmed. Then Nagi touched his sleeve. “Bar?”

 

“Yeah..” he breathed, grateful.

 

They moved toward the counter.

 

“Two lemon highs.” Reo told the bartender, sliding his card over. Nagi leaned on the counter beside him, scanning the crowd like he was watching a documentary.

 

“What?” Reo asked.

 

“Nothing.” Nagi said, then: “Feels good being just us right now.”

 

Reo blinked. “What?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

Reo turned to say something just as Nagi leaned in and for one second, their noses almost brushed. Neither said anything about it. Instead, Nagi took a slow sip of his lemon high and let his gaze drift over the floor.

 

Bachira was already on the dance floor, dragging Isagi with him despite his protests. Isagi’s grin betrayed him. He liked it, even if he pretended not to. Nearby, Chigiri and Kunigami stood with linked pinkies, not quite holding hands but close enough that it counted.

 

The moment stretched too long. The bass dropped, the crowd surged and someone spilled a drink near their feet. But neither of them moved.

 

At one point, Reo took a picture of Nagi without warning. Nagi blinked, frowned. “Did you just-”

 

“You looked good.” Reo said, not quite meeting his eyes. “I wanted to keep it.”

 

Reo went back to the bar and got drinks again. Different ones this time. His cheeks slightly pink from the warmth inside or the dancing. Maybe both. He handed one to Nagi, who took it silently, the condensation sliding cold down his fingers.

 

They didn’t say anything for a few seconds. The bass from the speakers thumped through the floor, pulsing in their shoes, the kind of rhythm you felt in your ribs. Across the room, Chigiri was laughing at something Kunigami said, head thrown back, hair like silk fire in the lights.

 

Reo glanced over, following Nagi’s gaze. “They look happy” he said shouting over the music.

 

Nagi nodded. “They are.”

 

Reo looked back at him. “You sound sure.”

 

“I can tell.” Nagi said simply.

 

Reo leaned back against the wall, shoulder brushing Nagi’s for a second. He didn’t move away. “Isagi and Bachira are…surprisingly cute.”

 

Nagi huffed, amused. “Chaotic. But yeah.”

 

There was a beat of quiet between them, even in all the noise. Just the two of them and their drinks and the soft thread of something familiar, maybe not defined, but not uncertain either.

 

“You think we’ll ever be like that?” Reo asked suddenly, then immediately regretted it. “I mean…not like that. I mean just… happy. After college, after all this.”

 

Nagi didn’t answer right away. His thumb circled the rim of his glass.

 

“Maybe..” he said. “If we’re lucky.”

 

Reo looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. “You think luck has anything to do with it?”

 

Nagi’s mouth tilted in the faintest smile. “Sometimes.”

 

They didn’t say anything else for a while. The club spun around them. Laughter and dancing and voices layered like colors. But where they sat, pressed close at the edge of it all, it felt like a pause in the noise. A quiet of their own.

 

Eventually, Reo turned to him again. “Wanna dance?”

 

Nagi gave him a sideways look. “Don’t you hate dancing?”

 

“I said I was bad at it. Not that I hated it.” Reo’s smile was crooked, the kind that came with trouble. “Anyway, you’re worse.”

 

Nagi laughed under his breath, soft. “Fine.”

 

He stood, tugged gently on Reo’s sleeve. Their drinks were left behind, not even finished and forgotten.

 

And when they moved onto the floor, shoulders brushing, grins forming without either of them quite noticing. It didn’t matter if they were good at it or not. They were close. Like super close.

 

The music changed. Something slower, bass still deep but less insistent. Around them, the club dimmed a little, lights softening into hues of violet and blue.

 

Reo’s hand was already in Nagi’s, fingers curled not out of habit but something more conscious now. They hadn’t let go since they stepped onto the dance floor. And now, neither of them really moved, just swayed slightly, the way people do when they don’t want to stop but don’t want to be noticed either.

 

Nagi’s hand slid up, slow, until it was resting at the base of Reo’s neck. His eyes met Reo’s.

 

It was a long look. Long enough that the sounds of the room fell away, the voices and laughter and thudding beat all muffled into the background. Reo’s breath caught, maybe not visibly, but Nagi could feel it, just from where they touched.

 

And then Nagi leaned in. He didn’t ask. He didn’t hesitate.

 

Their mouths met, soft at first. A press, careful, as if either of them might pull away. But no one did. Reo only leaned closer, hand sliding up into Nagi’s hair, fingers curling just a little.

 

The second kiss was slower. Deeper. Not rushed. Just fuller, more open.

 

And when their mouths opened again, just a little, Nagi licked into Reo’s mouth. Tentative at first, then firmer when Reo gasped quietly against his mouth. Surprised, not by the kiss, but by how much he wanted it. He let his tongue meet Nagi’s, slow and warm.

 

When they pulled back, they were still close. Still swaying. Neither of them said anything. They didn’t have to.

 

Nagi’s thumb brushed the corner of Reo’s mouth.

 

And Reo, who usually had something clever or sarcastic to say, just looked at him. Quiet, unreadable, but his eyes soft in a way Nagi hadn’t seen in a long time.

 

Then they kept dancing. Closer now.

 

Eventually Reo and Nagi drifted back toward their group, weaving through the crowd without letting their hands fall apart until they were close enough for someone, probably Bachira, to notice.

 

“There they are!” Bachira waved them over, drunk on either alcohol or excitement. Maybe both. He looked flushed and bright, arms thrown around Isagi’s neck like he’d never known the concept of personal space.

 

Chigiri was tucked under Kunigami’s arm, a drink in one hand and a lazy smirk on his face. Isagi scooted to make space on the bench around their small booth and Reo dropped in beside him, while Nagi took the open spot on his other side.

 

“You guys disappeared.” Chigiri said, eyebrow raised.

 

“Went for air.” Nagi said flatly.

 

Reo reached for a drink someone had left on the table. His own, thankfully and took a long sip, trying not to think about how warm he still felt all over.

 

Bachira leaned forward, his smile all teeth. “Air, huh?”

 

Isagi rolled his eyes. “Leave them alone.”

 

“No, no, I’m just saying…” Bachira tilted his head toward Reo, exaggeratedly dreamy. “Reo is really pretty tonight.”

 

Reo choked a little on his drink. “What-?”

 

“He is.” Chigiri added casually. “Like, offensively so. That shirt’s criminal.”

 

Reo looked down at himself. “It’s just a shirt.”

 

“It’s not just a shirt if it makes three people look away and trip on their own feet.” Kunigami pointed out.

 

“Four.” said Isagi, a little too quickly.

 

Reo was red now and Nagi, still quiet beside him, just sipped from his water and added, “I noticed too.”

 

The silence after that was brief, but sharp.

 

Reo glanced at him, something flickering behind his eyes, but Nagi didn’t elaborate, didn’t act like he’d said anything significant. He just leaned back against the cushioned wall and blinked at the neon overhead.

 

It passed. Bachira clapped his hands suddenly, breaking the silence.

 

“Anyway.” he said. “New topic. I’ve decided we all need to go to the beach.”

 

Isagi groaned. “You always decide that.”

 

“Yes and I’m always right.” “We’re finishing university soon. We deserve a final beach trip before adulthood crushes us.”

 

Chigiri made a hearted toast motion with his glass. “Seconded.”

 

“Where would we even go?” Reo asked, still recovering from the compliments.

 

“My parents have a house near Okinawa.” Kunigami offered. “It’s not huge, but if we don’t mind squishing-”

 

“Squishing is a part of friendship!” Bachira interrupted.

 

Reo laughed.

 

“Could we go…in like two weeks or something?” Chigiri asked.

 

“I think so. That's exactly after we all graduate tho.” Isagi said. “We’re almost done with finals. That could be like our reward.”

 

Everyone agreed. Even Nagi who usually didn’t voice much of anything unless asked, nodded. Reo caught the edge of Nagi’s sleeve under the table and curled his pinky finger around it. Nagi didn’t pull away.

 

It didn’t need to be a thing. They were still just friends, probably. Or whatever they were. God knows what they are..

 

But maybe, Reo thought, as the group started arguing over who would bring what, maybe things were starting to feel okay again. Maybe they were more than okay.

 

~

 

The night ended pretty slowly. Bachira yawning dramatically and dragging Isagi toward the train station, Chigiri almost falling asleep against Kunigami’s side, murmuring something about ramen before bed.

 

Reo and Nagi said their goodbyes outside the club, standing beneath the pale streetlight while the others melted into the hum of the late city. Bachira threw a peace sign over his shoulder. “Beach!  Soon! No excuses!”

 

Then it was just them.

 

The walk home was quiet, but not heavy. Reo could still feel the faint press of Nagi’s palm against his back from when they were dancing. It didn’t feel awkward, not exactly. Just… quiet. Like they were still holding their breath.

 

They didn’t mention the kiss. They didn’t need to. Not yet.

 

Their apartment was dark when they opened the door, only the amber glow from the hallway spilling in.

 

“Home!” Reo mumbled, toeing off his shoes.

 

From the living room came the unmistakable sound of soft paws hitting the floor and then, a small chirp.

 

“Ah.” Nagi said and immediately crouched down as Sora came sprinting into view, her white fluff bouncing with every step. Her brother, Kuro, followed with a slow, curious blink, already winding around Reo’s leg like he’d been personally offended they’d left at all.

 

“There they are!” Reo said softly, bending down to scoop Sora into his arms. The cat meowed once, loud and pointed.

 

“We were gone for, like, four hours.” Nagi muttered, letting Kuro lick at his fingers before picking him up. He curled into his chest like a cotton ball, purring so hard his tiny body vibrated.

 

Reo chuckled, locking the door behind them. “Drama queens, both of them.”

 

“Just like you.” Nagi laughed.

 

They moved through the apartment in a slow rhythm, feeding the cats, turning on the bathroom light. Still no talk of what happened. Just quiet glances and maybe a few extra seconds spent near each other. The kind of wordless intimacy that didn’t press, didn’t demand.

 

Nagi went into the shower first. Reo heard the soft thud of his sweatshirt hitting the floor and the gentle hiss of water. The door stayed slightly open. Not from invitation, just habit and Reo stepped into his room, changed into his favorite oversized shirt and sat down on the bed with Sora beside him.

 

By the time Nagi came out, towel draped around his neck, hair damp from the steam, the cats had already claimed the sheets.

 

“Your turn.” he said, voice low.

 

Reo nodded, brushing past him. Close enough to smell the faint lemon of Nagi’s body wash. Their arms touched for a moment.

 

Reo didn’t look back, but he smiled.

 

When he returned, the lights were off and the room was dim with moonlight. The cats had fully taken over. Kuro was sprawled dramatically across Reo’s pillow and Sora had curled up by Nagi’s feet.

 

“Seriously..” Reo said under his breath, nudging Kuro gently. “You little bed thief.”

 

He blinked slowly, not even looking like he wanted to move and make room for Reo.

 

Reo climbed in anyway, sliding under the sheets carefully, trying not to disturb anyone. Especially the rhythm they’d settled into. Nagi was already facing the window, one arm under his pillow, breathing slow and even.

 

Reo laid on his back, staring at the ceiling. Still no words.

 

But his hand found Nagi’s under the blanket. Not holding, just resting beside. Close enough to feel the warmth. And that was enough.

 

For now.

Notes:

this was supposed to be a very sad chapter. Nagi was supposed to say something very bad and made everything awkward after a nice moment. It was supposed to be a chapter filled with angst. But then i did a 360 in my mind and rewrote everything and decided to just add nice moments again. And btw it was a kuroo sneak..!

Chapter 10

Summary:

Graduation is here!!!!!

Two weeks later.

 

Nagi woke to the distinct sensation of fur brushing across his mouth. He blinked slowly, nose twitching as the weight of two tiny bodies pressed into his chest and throat.

 

Sora was curled up just under his chin like a scarf. Kuro was draped over his cheek like he owned him.

 

He let out a sigh, voice raspy. “You guys are so needy.” The only response was a soft whimper. Sora stretched luxuriously, claws barely grazing the edge of Nagi’s collarbone.

 

Reo’s voice came from the doorway. “You’re just mad because they’ve replaced me as your designated pillow.”

 

Nagi turned his head, as much as Kuro would allow and blinked at Reo who was holding two mugs. One was clearly Nagi’s favorite with the chipped rim and the faded cartoon print.

 

“You’re up early.” Nagi murmured.

 

Reo walked in, barefoot and set the mug down beside the bed. “We graduate this week, remember? I have that last econ presentation with Kanzaki today. Gotta pretend I care for the last time.”

 

Nagi made a low hum in response. “Do you?”

 

“No” Reo said, grinning as he sat at the edge of the bed. The silence stretched just a little too long. Nagi sat up slowly, displacing both cats who protested with dramatic thumps as they flopped down to the mattress. Reo passed him the mug.

 

“Thanks.

 

Reo looked at him. Something unspoken hovered there.

 

Neither of them said anything about that night. The kiss. The way Reo’s fingers had slipped into Nagi’s hair. The quiet moment where Nagi had held on just a little longer than he should have, before they pulled apart. They hadn’t spoken about it.

 

Reo cleared his throat. “Library later?”

 

“Yeah..” Nagi said. He took a sip of tea. “You’ll owe me a donut.”

 

Classes were quieter now. The final week didn’t have the same kind of pressure they used to. The kind that squeezed their lungs or kept them up at night. It was calmer now, heavy in a different way. Like something big was ending and they were all just trying not to say it out loud.

 

Reo had always liked spring. The cherry blossoms were mostly gone by now, but their memory clung to the paths around campus. Nagi didn’t walk with him to class every day, not always, but when he did, Reo noticed things. The way Nagi would lazily glance at a tree in bloom and say: “Pretty..” like he was talking about something else. Or the way he always walked close enough that their sleeves brushed.

 

They still hadn’t talked about the kiss. Or the cats curled between them at night. Or the way Reo caught Nagi looking at him sometimes like he was trying to memorize the shape of his mouth. But it wasn’t awkward. It was just quiet. They didn’t need to name what was happening between them. Not yet.

 

~

 

Reo sat across from Nagi at their favorite cafe on the edge of campus, a soft rain tapping against the windows outside. Nagi’s hood was still up from the walk over, damp at the edges and his hair was a little frizzy from the humidity. Reo tried not to stare. Failed.

 

“The schedule came out.” Reo said, stirring the foam of his latte with the tip of his spoon.

 

Nagi hummed. “Mmm. I’m too tired to even go to graduation.”

 

“Same. But we’ll be done early.”

 

“That’s nice.”

Nagi shifted in his seat and leaned forward a little, resting his chin in his palm. “We should do something after.”

 

Reo blinked. “After graduation?”

 

“Yeah. What else?” Nagi shrugged. “You’ll be free. I’ll be free. Could be fun.”

 

Reo’s heart did a thing he wished it wouldn’t do so often around Nagi.

 

“Like what?” he asked, casually enough that it only sounded like a normal question.

 

Nagi didn’t answer right away. He toyed with his straw, his expression unreadable. “Maybe we go somewhere. Just us. But I’m not sure, I need to check my schedule..”

 

Reo’s mouth went dry. “What schedule do you even have, but are you…suggesting a trip?”

 

“Could be.” Nagi yawned into his hand. “Could just stay in. Order food. Sleep.”

 

Reo grinned. “Sounds like your dream vacation.”

 

“It is.”

 

 

Later, back at the apartment, the cats greeted them at the door like royalty returning from war.

 

Kuro darted between Reo’s feet, meowing in his tiny rasping voice, while Sora flopped dramatically in the doorway as if she’d been starving for years.

 

“We were gone for two hours” Reo muttered, scooping Sora up despite the protest. “You’re so dramatic.”

 

Nagi crouched down to scratch behind Kuro’s ears. “They missed us.”

 

“They miss you.” Reo rolled his eyes. “You’re the one they sleep on.”

 

“That’s because I’m warm.”

 

“You are like an oven.” Reo agreed and then immediately regretted the words as Nagi glanced up, smirking just slightly.

 

The memory of waking up to Nagi, their legs tangled under the blankets, the cats curled between them, it hit Reo a little too hard.

 

“You gonna feed them or just flirt with them?” Nagi asked dryly, standing.

 

“I was gonna feed them.”

 

Nagi padded into the kitchen, hoodie sleeves pushed up to his elbows. “Then do it.”

 

Reo followed, mumbled something, but he was smiling.

 

That night, after the cats were fed and Reo had stolen one of Nagi’s hoodies (“It’s literally identical to yours” Nagi had pointed out), they collapsed onto the couch, a movie playing in the background neither of them were really watching.

 

Kuro immediately claimed Nagi’s lap. Sora climbed onto Reo’s shoulder like a fluffy parrot and purred directly into his ear.

 

Nagi chuckled. “You’re their throne now.”

 

“You act like I mind.” Reo reached up and scratched Sora’s chin.

 

They didn’t speak much during the movie. Just sat close. Sora moved to lie between them halfway throug and Reo’s hand found Nagi’s under the blanket. Their fingers twined without a word.

 

 

 

They fell asleep on the couch. The TV was still glowing faintly when Reo woke up in the middle of the night, one of the cats (Kuro) nestled under his chin. Nagi’s head was tilted back, mouth parted slightly, hair a mess of soft silver. Reo watched him for a long time, heart too full to name.

 

He didn’t know where this was going. Didn’t know if they’d ever talk about the kiss or the touches or what would happen when college ended and life pulled them in different directions.

 

But he knew this:

He was happy.

Right here. Right now.

 

And maybe that was enough.

 

The sky was already dark by the time Reo finished typing up his notes.

 

Now, the apartment was quiet, the cats asleep (Kuro curled up inside Reo’s laundry basket for some reason) and Nagi was lying across the couch with his phone over his face, thumb scrolling.

 

“You know…” Reo said casually, not looking up from his laptop, “you never told me what you’re doing after graduation.”

 

Nagi didn’t respond right away. Reo glanced up.

 

The phone had dropped to Nagi’s chest. He was staring at the ceiling like it had personally offended him.

 

“I would like to start a company. Maybe a game of my own.” he said finally.

 

Reo snorted. “That’s honest, very nice for you.”

 

Nagi turned his head a little. “What about you?”

 

“I’ve got… offers” Reo admitted. “My dad wants me in corporate stuff. One of the family firms. I don’t know.”

 

“You don’t sound excited.”

 

“I’m not.”

 

Another silence passed. Not heavy, just thoughtful.

 

Nagi sat up, hair sticking out at odd angles. “I’m thinking about going overseas..” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Or stay here. Im not sure yet.”

 

Reo blinked. “You never told me that.”

 

“You never asked.” Nagi said, his voice light, but his eyes were fixed on Reo’s face.

 

Reo closed his laptop. “Would you go? Overseas, I mean?”

 

“Would you care if I did?” The question lingered between them like breath on glass.

 

“I’d care.” Reo said softly.

 

Nagi looked away.

 

And just like that, the conversation shifted. No one said it, but it was there. The quiet what happens to us after? that neither of them wanted to unpack.

 

 

Later, in the kitchen while Reo was digging around for something sweet and Nagi was perched on the counter eating dry cereal straight from the box, Reo spoke again.

 

“You think it’ll feel different?” he asked. “Not being here?”

 

“You mean school?”

 

Reo nodded.

 

Nagi crunched thoughtfully. “It’ll be quieter.”

 

Reo laughed. “It’s already quiet. You barely talk to anyone.”

 

“Except you.” Nagi said simply.

 

Reo looked over, startled.

 

Their eyes met. There wasn’t a smile this time. Just truth. Straightforward. Uncomplicated. Nagi shrugged like it was nothing. “I talk to you.”

 

Reo swallowed the sudden lump in his throat.

 

“Yeah..” he said, voice softer. “You do.”

 

 

They didn’t figure it all out that night. They didn’t map out their future. They didn’t talk about moving out or what would happen if their lives pulled them in different directions. But they were talking.

 

~

 

The sky over the university had that soft, golden hue of late spring. Warm, nostalgic and a little unreal. Everything felt like it was tinted in memory already, even though it hadn’t passed yet.

 

Reo leaned back on the bench, squinting up at the sky. “It doesn’t feel real.”

 

Nagi, beside him, looked unimpressed. “It’s real.”

 

“You don’t think it feels kind of…fake? Like we’re just gonna wake up and have three more semesters.” Nagi didn’t respond anything to that.

 

Everyone was walking around in robes, laughing, posing, yelling across the lawn for photos. There were balloons tied to bikes, streamers on trees, some kind of confetti already trampled into the pavement. Reo and Nagi just watched.

 

“Do you wanna take a photo?” Reo asked eventually.

 

Nagi shrugged. “You already have a hundred of me.”

 

“Yeah, but not in a robe. Not on our last day here.”

 

Nagi turned to him slowly. “Okay.”

 

Reo took out his phone, aimed the camera. “Smile.” Nagi didn’t.

 

But somehow, the photo came out perfect anyway. Eyes soft, hair falling over his face, lips slightly parted like he’d just thought of something he wasn’t sure if he wanted to say. Reo stared at it for a second too long. He locked his phone.

 

The hall was loud. Not in a chaotic way, just full of families talking, professors trying to gather everyone, students hugging, crying, laughing too loud. The energy buzzed.

 

 Nagi had earbuds in. Completely unbothered.

 

“Are you seriously listening to music right now?”

 

Nagi looked up, pulled one bud out. “It’s not music. It’s a podcast.”

 

“You’re impossible.”

 

“You look nice.” Nagi said without even hesitating.

 

Reo blinked. “What?”

 

“You look nice. In your robe.”

 

“Oh…” Reo said, heart stuttering in his chest. “Thanks.”

 

He looked away before Nagi could see the flush rising on his face.

 

~

 

“You proud of yourself?” Reo asked.

 

Nagi glanced over. “I guess.”

 

“That’s it?”

 

“I’m proud of you.” Nagi said.

 

Reo turned. “You are?”

 

“Yeah. You worked really hard.”

 

Reo swallowed thickly. “So did you.”

 

 

That night, after the graduation buzz faded and the campus grew quieter. No more shouting, no more camera flashes, Reo and Nagi ended up exactly where they always did: together, sprawled in their shared apartment, somewhere between the future and the past.

 

Reo was curled in the corner of the couch, scrolling through photos on his phone. He’d gotten a few solo shots in between all the chaos, mostly because one of his professors had begged to take them.

 

“God, I didn’t realize how many photos they took of me..” he mumbled.

 

Nagi, who had one cat on his chest and the other clawing gently at the couch pillow beside him, didn’t look up. “That’s because you’re a model.”

 

Reo raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

 

“You’re always getting photographed. You’re basically a model already.”

 

Reo laughed, snorting. “A model?”

 

Nagi shifted lazily. “You’re so pretty it’s hard to breathe sometimes.”

 

The words landed so casually like Nagi didn’t even register what he was saying. Reo stared at him.

 

“Did you seriously just say that?”

 

Nagi blinked. “Yeah.”

 

“You can’t just…just drop that in the middle of my graduation photo album breakdown.”

 

“I can.” Nagi said. “I just did.”

 

Reo let out a breathy laugh, eyes dropping to his screen again. His fingers slowed over the images. His face in sunlight, hair pushed back by wind, caught mid laugh in one of the shots.

 

“Maybe I’ll actually do it.” he murmured.

 

“Do what?”

 

“Model. For real. I’ve had people ask.”

 

“You should.” Nagi said immediately, voice soft. “You love clothes. You look good in everything. Even that robe.”

 

Reo nudged him with his foot. “You look like a lost librarian.”

 

“I am lost. I just graduated.”

 

They both laughed. The cats were tangled between them now. Sora stretched out like royalty on Reo’s lap, Kuro curled near Nagi’s elbow, tail flicking like he was judging their whole dynamic.

 

The living room lights were off. Just the TV’s glow playing some forgotten movie they weren’t even watching. It was quiet like that for a while. Comfortable.

 

And then Reo spoke again, slower this time, quieter. “I keep thinking about what’s next.”

 

 “Mm.” Nagi mumbled.

 

“Like… this is it, right? University’s done. No more deadlines. No more lectures. Just…life.”

 

“Sounds fake.” Nagi said.

 

“Yeah.” Reo exhaled. “It really does.”

 

Nagi shifted up onto one elbow. “Do you want it to be something big? Your life?”

 

Reo looked at him. “I don’t know.”

 

“Because you could do anything.” Nagi said. “Whatever you want. You’ll make it look easy.”

 

Reo went still. “That’s not true.”

 

“It is.” Nagi said, voice firmer than usual. “You’re smart. You’re kind. You’re stupidly pretty. You’ve got all this drive that doesn’t shut off. You care about people even when they don’t deserve it.”

 

Reo’s throat tightened.

 

“I wish I had half of that.” Nagi added, eyes dropping.

 

“You do.” Reo said softly.

 

Nagi looked up.

 

Reo reached over then, fingers brushing lightly against Nagi’s wrist. A touch, nothing more. But Nagi didn’t pull away. Instead, he shifted forward and their knees knocked together. Their breaths tangled in the stillness.

 

They didn’t say anything else.

 

When Reo leaned in this time, it wasn’t clumsy or urgent or awkward. It was soft. Barely a breath. Their lips brushed first, testing. Then Nagi tilted his head slightly and deepened it, just a little, just enough. It was slow. Nagi could feel the softness of Reo’s lips, the gentle pressure as their tongues touched.

 

 

Reo’s hand slid into Nagi’s hair and Nagi found himself responding, his arms sliding around Reo’s waist, pulling him closer.

 

 

When they pulled back, Reo looked at Nagi with a mix of hope and fear in his eyes, searching for a reaction, an answer. But Nagi didn’t say anything.

 

Sora meowed softly like she was annoyed at the lack of attention.

 

Reo exhaled, leaning his forehead against Nagi’s shoulder.

 

“Okay.” he said simply.

 

“Okay?” Nagi echoed.

 

Reo nodded against him.

 

That was it.

 

~

 

Morning

 

Sunlight slanted in through the blinds. Nagi blinked awake, only to feel something heavy and warm on his face. Two somethings, actually.

 

Sora and Kuro had both decided to nest directly on top of him, one paw digging into his cheek, the other tail thumping against his chin.

 

“Mmf.”

 

He shifted slightly, eyes barely open, and spotted Reo standing in the doorway with a mug in one hand. Reo smiled around the rim of his coffee. “You look like you’ve been buried in fluff.”

 

“I can’t breathe.”

 

But when Reo set the coffee down and walked over, gently scooping the cats off him, fingers brushing along Nagi’s jaw, he didn’t complain. He just stared up at him like he’d forgotten how to breathe anyway.

 

 

 

Nagi’s eyes were scanning Reo’s, silver hair falling over his forehead. He looked calm. And then, slowly, his gaze drifted toward Reo’s mouth. It was a glance.

 

Just a flicker. A pause too long. And then Nagi leaned in.

 

A kiss made of a hundred moments they hadn’t talked about. A hundred small touches. A hundred unsaid things.

 

Nagi tilted his head slightly and Reo’s hand moved up, curling into his hair, fingers brushing along the back of his neck. And when Nagi deepened the kiss, gently, just enough to part Reo’s lips and press closer, Reo didn’t stop him. Their mouths moved together softly. No rush. No urgency. Just a lingering ache they were letting out.

 

No one pulled away.

 

No one laughed.

 

No one blamed it on anything.

 

When they broke apart, it wasn’t awkward. Just quiet. Nagi’s forehead pressed lightly to Reo’s, both of them still leaning in.

 

Kuro meowed from the other side of the room like he was judging them.

 

Reo laughed a little under his breath. “Even the cats are watching.”

 

Nagi blinked, barely smiling. “He’s jealous.”

 

Reo pulled away gently but didn’t move far. His fingers still toyed with the edge of Nagi’s sleeve.

 

They didn’t say what it meant.

 

They didn’t have to. Not today.

 

~

 

The next day

 

The sun crept in through the blinds. Nagi blinked awake first. He knew today was the day he would finally tell Reo

 

He laid there for a few seconds, eyes adjusting, feeling the weight of the cat on his chest and the warmth beside him. Reo was turned toward him, still asleep, face relaxed in that rare, quiet way Nagi liked too much. He could count every freckle, every shadow under his eyes from weeks of finals.

 

It should’ve been a perfect morning. It almost was.

 

“…you awake?” Reo mumbled, voice still raspy from sleep.

 

Nagi nodded. “Yeah..”

 

Their eyes met.

 

Neither said anything about the kiss. About the night before. Not out of denia, but because it didn’t need explaining. There was nothing confusing about it.

 

Reo yawned, gently moving Kuro off his neck. “I think I’m being suffocated by fur.”

 

“He’s claiming you.” Nagi said.

 

Reo rolled onto his back and stretched, one leg kicking free of the blanket. “I think I’m gonna make coffee. Want some?”

 

“Mm.”

 

He took that as a yes.

 

 

The smell of coffee filled the apartment ten minutes later and Nagi padded into the kitchen barefoot, hoodie halfway on, dragging from one arm. His hair was a mess.

 

Reo glanced up and smiled without thinking. “You look like you fought a wind tunnel.”

 

“You’re one to talk.” Nagi murmured, bumping Reo’s shoulder.

 

They sipped coffee side by side at the tiny kitchen table. Sora meowed and tried to climb into Reo’s lap, but Kuro beat him to it. Their little war for love was clearly just beginning.

 

And everything felt so normal. But Nagi looked down at his cup. Steam rose. His fingers tightened around the ceramic.

 

“…Reo.”

 

Reo looked over. “Yeah?”

 

Nagi’s throat moved. “I, uh. I got a call.”

 

Reo frowned slightly. “From who?”

 

Nagi didn’t look at him. “A company. In LA. Game development. They’ve been watching some stuff I did. Like prototypes.”

 

Reo blinked. “That’s… wait, that’s great, right? Isn’t that what you wanted?”

 

Nagi hesitated. “Yeah. I mean. Yeah, it is.”

 

A pause.

 

Reo lowered his coffee. “So? What did you tell them?”

 

“I said yes.”

 

Silence.

 

“When?” Reo asked, voice suddenly quieter.

 

“I leave tommorow.”

 

Reo’s brows pulled together. “Tommorow? When were you gonna tell me that? Since when have you known?”

 

Nagi finally looked at him. “I’ve… known for about two months.”

 

The breath caught in Reo’s chest. “Two months?”

 

“I didn’t know how to say it.”

 

Reo stared at him. Something unreadable flickered behind his eyes. Not quite anger. Not sadness, either. Just… hurt.

 

“So you kissed me last night knowing that?”

 

Nagi looked down.

 

“I just wanted to stay in it..” he said, barely audible. “A little longer.”

 

Reo stood up. He didn’t slam his cup down. Didn’t yell. But he walked into the other room. Quietly, as if afraid of waking the rest of the moment still sleeping on the couch.

 

The silence that followed was worse than any shouting. Sora leapt off the couch and padded after Reo like a little shadow. Nagi stayed where he was.

 

~

 

Reo couldn’t sleep.

 

Sora and Kuro were curled at the foot of the bed and the soft hum of the city leaked through the cracked window, but it didn’t help. Not tonight.  Reo sat up.

 

A lump formed in his throat and he told himself it was nothing. Just too much caffeine. Just hormones. Just a weird week.

 

He got out of bed, footsteps light.

 

In the kitchen, the lights were off. But Nagi was there, sitting at the table, scrolling on his phone, beside a finished coffee. He looked up, surprised to see Reo awake.

 

“Hey.” Reo said, quietly.

 

Nagi nodded. “You okay?”

 

“Can’t sleep…” Reo shrugged. “You?”

 

Nagi didn’t answer.

 

Reo walked over slowly, leaned against the counter.

 

“So you’re actually moving a way tommorow?” he asked.

 

Nagi looked away.

 

“Yes.. I’ll send you my part of the rent tomorrow.”

 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Reo ignored the rent part.

 

Nagi stared at the cup.

 

Reo pressed, just a little, because he needed to hear something. Anything.

 

“You kiss me one night, you sleep next to me every night and then you tell me you’re moving across the world like it’s…nothing?”

 

Nagi’s eyes flicked up.

 

“It’s not nothing.” he said.

 

“Then why does it feel like it is?”

 

Reo hated how shaky his voice sounded. Hated the burn behind his eyes.

 

He sat across from Nagi, fingers curling in his lap and asked because he needed to know what Nagi felt. If he felt the same way as him: “Nagi…what are we?” It hung in the air like smoke. Impossible to ignore.

 

Nagi’s answer didn’t come right away. When it did, it was soft. Too soft.

 

“We’re best friends.” he said.

 

Reo stared at him.

 

His breath caught in his throat and he almost laughed, almost, but it would’ve come out sounding too much like a sob.

 

“Best friends.”

 

He repeated it because it sounded so stupid coming out of Nagi’s mouth. So detached. Like nothing they’d done meant anything.

 

“Best friends don’t kiss…” Reo said.

 

“It was… a moment.”

 

“A moment, mhm..” Reo echoed, hurt blooming in his chest like a bruise.

 

“We were happy.” Nagi added, quieter. “It felt good.”

 

“It felt like everything.” Reo whispered.

 

Sora padded into the kitchen and rubbed against his leg, but Reo didn’t reach down. He was staring at Nagi like he was a stranger. Like he was trying to remember where everything went wrong.

 

“So what now?” Reo asked.

 

“I leave tomorrow.”

 

That hurt more than anything else.

 

Reo looked down.

 

“And you weren’t gonna say goodbye?”

 

“I was gonna say goodbye, but I didn’t know how to say it without hurting you.”

 

Reo stood up. Not in anger. Just because he couldn’t sit still anymore.

 

“You’ve already done that.”

 

He turned before his voice cracked, walking past the table and into the hallway.

 

“Reo..” Nagi said behind him.

 

But Reo didn’t stop. Not this time.

 

Reo laid awake in his bed long after Nagi had gone quiet again.

 

The cats had settled. Sora was curled between his legs, purring softly and Kuro had claimed Nagi’s pillow, pawing at the empty space before finally resting his head in it like he was waiting for him to return. Reo stared at the ceiling, not blinking. Not crying anymore. Just thinking.

 

“Best friends..” he whispered to no one.

 

He said it again, like if he repeated it enough, it would stop hurting. But it didn’t. It just echoed back at him like a punch.

 

What did that kiss mean then?

 

What did any of it mean? The late night talks. The way Nagi would pull him closer without thinking. The way they looked at each other when they thought the other wasn’t watching. Reo clutched the blanket tighter around his body. His chest ached.

 

It was just a moment. That’s what Nagi had said.

 

But Reo remembered the kiss too vividly to believe it had meant nothing. Nagi had kissed him like he needed it. Like he didn’t want to let go. Like he had wanted more but didn’t know how to ask.

 

And now he was leaving.

 

Tomorrow.

 

No, today, technically. Morning would come and Nagi would walk out of their apartment. Out of their home. Out of Reo’s life.

 

No goodbye. No hug. Not even a fight.

 

Just… silence.

 

It was almost worse that way.

 

Reo didn’t know how long he stared at the ceiling. Maybe an hour. Maybe two. Every time he blinked, he saw Nagi’s face. Every time he shifted, he reached for warmth that wasn’t there.

 

His mind wouldn’t shut up.

 

Why didn’t he tell me sooner?

Was I not someone he trusted?

Was it always just in my head?

Did he kiss me out of pity?

Was I too much? Not enough?

What the hell were we?

 

Eventually, exhaustion dragged him under.

 

But even in his sleep, the ache followed him.

 

 

~

 

 

 It was 5am. Reo didn’t get out of bed when he heard Nagi’s alarm go off. He listened to the slow shuffle of footsteps, the sound of a zipper being closed, the rustle of a suitcase handle being pulled upright.

 

It felt surreal. This was the moment. Nagi was leaving. Reo stayed silent.

 

Even when Sora jumped off the bed and padded to the door, as if to say goodbye in Reo’s place, he couldn’t move.

 

He heard the door open. Heard Nagi pause. For a second, Reo thought, hoped, he might say something. Come and kiss him for the last time before he moved across the world.

 

But he didn’t.

 

He left.

 

The door closed.

 

And the apartment felt a little colder.

 

~

 

The silence settled heavy around him. The kind that clings to the walls and stretches between the floorboards. Reo finally got up. Not because he wanted to. Because he had to.

 

He walked to the living room, slow and unsure and everything looked the same. Like Nagi just went at the supermarket or something.

 

But it wasn’t.

 

There was space now.

 

Space where Nagi’s game console used to sit. Where his jacket usually hung. Where his shoes had been lined up against the wall.

 

Gone. Just gone.

 

Sora leapt into his arms and Reo held her tighter than he meant to.

 

“It’s just you and me and Kuro now..” he murmured into her fur.

 

Kuro blinked at him from the window sill. Reo followed his gaze and saw nothing but empty street. Nothing worth watching.

 

He lowered himself onto the couch. The blanket still smelled like Nagi.

 

That did it.

 

Tears came back. Slow, unwelcome and impossible to stop.

 

He cried quietly.

 

For the kiss.

 

For the love he couldn’t name.

 

For the fact that Nagi left without turning back.

 

For the simple, stupid, unbearable fact that Reo had fallen in love with his best friend and now he didn’t even know if he had one anymore.

 

 

Nagi

 

The door closed behind him with a dull click. And that was it. No goodbye. No wave. No glance over the shoulder.

 

He stood in the hallway for a moment, suitcase handle in hand, staring at the ground. His throat was tight. His eyes burned. He hadn’t even looked back.

 

Coward.

 

He exhaled slowly, dragging the wheels of his suitcase down the stairwell because the elevator was too quiet. Too echoey. He didn’t want to hear his own footsteps or the sound of his own guilt bouncing off the walls.

 

The early morning air was crisp when he stepped outside. The taxi was already waiting.

 

He didn’t remember putting his seatbelt on. He didn’t remember giving the address. His mind was white noise. He watched the city move by out the window.

 

But his chest was somewhere else. Still curled up on that couch. Still pressed into Reo’s side, the ghost of a kiss between them. Still hurting.

 

~

 

Airport

 

Nagi slumped into a plastic chair in the terminal, hoodie pulled low over his eyes. His flight wasn’t for another hour. People bustled around him. Families, couples, businessmen tapping on laptops. Everyone moving forward with their lives like it was nothing.

 

Like it didn’t matter that he’d just left the only person he ever really loved behind.

 

His phone sat down on his thigh. No new messages. Of course not.

 

Why would Reo text him? He hadn’t even told Reo until last night.

 

Well…Reo had asked. He’d forced it out of him. And Nagi had told the truth. But only part of it. Only the part that said he was leaving.

 

Not the part that said his chest cracked open every time he looked at Reo. Not the part that said he was terrified of what it would mean if they tried to make this something real.

 

Because what if it didn’t work? What if the distance killed it before it began? What if Reo met someone else? Maybe it was something temporary.

 

Nagi leaned forward, elbows on his knees and pressed the heel of his palms into his eyes.

 

It didn’t stop the tears from coming. They slid out hot and quiet, carving down his cheeks before he could stop them.

 

“You’re so dumb.” he whispered to himself. He sniffed hard. Swiped at his face.

 

“You didn’t even say goodbye.”

 

He replayed the night before in his head. Reo had looked like he was breaking. And Nagi had done nothing. He had just stared at him. Hadn’t explained. Hadn’t fought for him. Because what could he say?

 

That he didn’t know how to do long distance? That he didn’t know if he was strong enough to keep loving Reo through a phone screen? That he was scared of asking for something he couldn’t promise?

 

So he said nothing. And now he was here.

 

Alone.

 

In an airport full of strangers.

 

Feeling more lost than he ever had before.

 

~

 

The boarding call came over the speakers.

 

Nagi didn’t move.

 

His hand hovered over his phone like maybe if he picked it up, there’d be something. A message. A missed call. Anything. But the screen was still blank.

 

He almost called Reo. He almost dialed his number right then and there.

 

But what would he say?

 

Sorry I left you like that?

Sorry I kissed you and pretended it didn’t mean anything?

Sorry I love you but I’m too much of a coward to stay?

 

He swallowed hard. His chest felt too tight.

 

“You’re so fucking dumb..” he muttered again, under his breath. “You didn’t even look at him. You didn’t even hug him. You didn’t even say goodbye.”

 

He stood up slowly.

 

He walked toward the gate.

 

And with every step, it felt like something was being pulled out of him.

 

Something quiet. Something real.

 

Something he was too afraid to name.

 

 

Notes:

well well well.. Nagi fucked up, like always. and just so y all know, i looked it up and it said that people in Japan graduate college in march. So i hope i didn't make a mistake there or something.

Chapter 11

4 years later

 

Reo Mikage had always been popular and known, but now, everyone in Japan has heard about him. His looks were always praised, confidence that no longer needed to be loud. His hair was longer now, not much, just touching his shoulders a little. Even though his mornings were usually packed with stylists. He had the kind of beauty that magazines loved. Symmetrical, striking with eyes that photographed as violet under certain lighting. But that wasn’t what made Reo famous.

 

It was the way he carried himself. Like someone who had learned how to walk away from heartbreak and turn it into posture. Everybody loves him. He’s good at interacting with fans and making them feel seen. Even though, he will forget every one of them by the time he’s in bed. He is grateful for every single one of his fans, but it’s hard to remember faces.

 

Now, he sat on the edge of a bed in a five star hotel. The early morning light catching on his silver watch. Kuro had climbed onto him, purring in his lap while Sora was curled at his feet. He smiled down at them. They were the cutest cats that always came with him whenever he had a photoshoot. Flying in another country, having a nice small bed. They were getting the best treatment even though they’re only animals. But Reo doesn’t call them ‘just animals’. He says they’re his family. Happy to have them always by his side to keep company.

 

“I know, I know..” he muttered to Kuro who was clearly judging him for being up too early. “

 

 

“Stop thinking, Mikage.” Chigiri called from the bathroom, stepping out in a designer hoodie and fitted jeans that made him look like he walked straight off a billboard. “You’ll get permanent forehead lines.”

 

Reo rolled his eyes. “Good morning to you too.”

 

“Is it?” Chigiri smirked, picking up Sora and kissing her head. “I barely slept. This pillow was made of bricks.”

 

“Then maybe don’t scroll through Kunigami’s gym selfies until 3 am”

 

Chigiri flushed. “Mind your business.”

 

The two of them had grown close fast after graduation. A random modeling job that landed them in the same city, then the same agency and then, eventually, they started flying together and living in the same hotel room when they had photoshoots. They are like roommates. They’re almost together every day and are like family now. Chigiri was still sarcastic and too pretty to exist. They still keep in touch with Bachira and Isagi who are a very lovely couple. But barely.

 

 

Isagi is always on a field yelling at sweaty teenagers. Coaching suited him. Discipline, patience, strategy. On the other hand, his boyfriend, painted messes onto canvases and got paid for it. Reo and Chigiri visited his studio once and were surprised by the way it was organized. Bachira told them he has to keep everything if clean otherwise Isagi gets mad and scolds him for working in a bad environment. Isagi always takes care of Bachira. And that suits him the best.

 

Reo didn’t know much about Nagi. They haven’t in four years. Since Nagi left to pursue his dreams. Since Nagi left him. Not even sending a text in four years. Reo didn’t even hear Nagi’s name from anyone in the last two years. He knows Bachira and Isagi still keep in touch with him. He doesn’t mind it.

 

 

~

 

Nagi didn’t love mornings, but running a company left no room for sleeping in.

 

He was in his LA apartment. His studio had launched its first game two years ago. It was very successful and Nagi was very proud of that. But now? Now they were doing something even bigger. A heavy visual game. One that needed the right faces. He knew what faces he wanted.

 

He yawned as he opened his laptop, fingers absently combing through white messy hair. His eyes scanned the new emails: casting approvals, project timelines.

 

One email stood out.

 

Subject: Approved Models. Final Selections

He clicked. And paused.

 

The screen flickered. Two faces stared back at him.

 

 

~

 

Reo walked barefoot across the kitchen tiles, sipping his iced coffee and scrolling lazily through his phone. A photo of him and Chigiri from a recent campaign had just gone up on their agency’s account. Already the comments were rolling in: “Living gods. “These two have chemistry off the charts. “Reo’s jawline is a public service.” (of course)

 

He smirked faintly but didn’t think too much of it. Mornings like this were routine. Good lighting, good coffee, a quiet kind of satisfaction.

 

Chigiri wandered in a moment later, hair tied up, holding a banana like it was a phone. “Your face is everywhere this week.”

 

Reo arched an eyebrow. “You say that like it’s a surprise.”

 

Chigiri chuckled. “You’re insufferable.”

 

Reo’s phone buzzed with a call from Ayaka, their manager. He swiped to answer.

 

“Hello.”

 

“Morning, Reo. Got something for you and Chigiri. New campaign just came in. Very selective and oddly specific.”

 

Reo tilted his head. “Specific how?”

 

“They asked for you two directly. No casting, no auditions. Said you’re the only models they want.”

 

Reo glanced at Chigiri. “Both of us?”

 

“Yep. It’s a very nice project. Modeling meets gaming. They’re launching a new studio title and want a heavy visual campaign to promote it.”

 

Chigiri perked up. “That sounds kind of cool, actually.”

 

Ayaka’s voice dropped slightly. “The client hasn’t gone public yet. No name, no company logo, but the paycheck is very real. You’d meet the lead team this week.”

 

Reo leaned against the counter, nodding slowly. “Send the details.”

 

“You’ll get the address in a bit. Fitting and intro meeting first. Should be casual.” Then he stopped the call.

 

Reo didn’t feel anything strange. No nerves. No suspicion.

 

He looked at Chigiri and shrugged. “Work is work.”

 

Chigiri yawned. “Hope they’ve got good snacks.”

 

 

~

 

The details came in. Chigiri was left surprised.

 

“Wait, we’re flying out to LA? This week?” Chigiri’s voice was muffled by the shirt half over his head. “They just told us now?”

 

Reo sat on the floor in front of an open suitcase, surrounded by at least six different pairs of sunglasses and a pile of linen shirts he hadn’t decided on yet. “Yeah. I told you Ayaka said it was urgent. Some kind of last minute scheduling thing. They booked our flights already.”

 

Chigiri groaned and flopped dramatically across the bed. “I haven’t even done laundry.”

 

“You’ve got enough clothes to dress five people.” Reo said without looking up. “You’ll survive.”

 

From the kitchen, the sound of soft paws echoed. Kuro padded in, eyes narrowed in suspicion at the half zipped suitcase on the floor. Sora followed behind him, meowing once, clearly judging everyone involved.

 

Reo glanced over and immediately softened. “And yes.” he said aloud, mostly to himself, “you two are coming too.”

 

Chigiri peeked up. “You’re really bringing the cats?”

 

“I’m not leaving them alone and you know that. They come with me everywhere.” Reo shrugged. “Besides, they’re fine in flights. Kuro loves planes. He thinks he’s a celebrity.”

 

“I think you think that.” Chigiri muttered.

 

Reo smiled a little, then leaned over and scratched under Kuro’s chin. The cat purred softly, his eyes closing in bliss. “They already sent me the pet travel forms. We’ll have to go a little earlier to get them cleared at the airport.”

 

Sora jumped into Reo’s suitcase, curled up on his neatly folded pants and yawned like she owned the world.

 

“You’re lucky you’re cute.” Reo muttered, not even trying to move her.

 

 

By midnight, the living room looked like a soft tornado had hit it. Duffel bags open, skincare spilling from kits and chargers tangled like vines.

 

Chigiri had a checklist open on his tablet. “Okay. Essentials: clothes, shoes, phone, charger, passport-”

 

“Cat snacks..” Reo added. “Toothbrushes for them too.”

 

“Wait…your cats have toothbrushes?”

 

Reo didn’t blink. “Of course.”

 

“You’re…insane.”

 

Reo grinned. “They deserve the best.”

 

 

~

 

Around 1:30 AM, most of the bags were packed. Chigiri had gone to shower and Reo sat at the kitchen, drinking a cup of tea while Kuro dozed on the counter beside him.

 

The city outside was quiet. No buzz, no lights. Just the hum of the fridge and the soft rhythm of his thoughts.

 

Reo looked at the open email on his phone again. There was a stylist meeting. A moodboard. A mysterious creative director. None of it rang any bells.

 

He didn’t know why his chest felt tight for a second. Maybe it was just the jet lag that hadn’t hit yet. Or maybe it was that quiet, anticipatory feeling, like something was about to begin. He reached out and scratched behind Kuro’s ears again.

 

“Guess we’ll find out.”

 

~

Nagi

 

The office was quiet. He sat alone in his studio space, a soft RB playlist playing in his headphones. The walls were full of concept art. Stylized cityscapes blurred by neon rain, moody figures with silvered eyes and dreamlike clothes, all painted in gradients of pink, purple and midnight blue.

 

It was the moodboard for his first indepented game. He worked alone for this one. Made everything by himself.

 

He leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. His hair was longer now. His body was sharper, still slim, but years of moving through the world had changed him. He wasn’t a college kid anymore. The coffee on his desk had gone cold, but he didn’t care.

 

His eyes moved across the lineup list again.

 

They needed two real models for the promo visuals. Not just voices or motion capture, but people whose features would be referenced in the in game dreamscapes. Ethereal, beautiful, strange, but still human. A little too perfect. A little too soft. He already knew who he wanted.

 

Chigiri Hyoma. And…

 

Reo Mikage.

 

It wasn’t even a debate.

 

Reo fit the aesthetic like it was made for him  or maybe Nagi had designed it with him in mind. He wasn’t sure anymore.

 

Nagi got up and moved to the big whiteboard near the corner. His notes were messy, but he could still read them:

setting: postmodern dreamworld w fragments of reality

player: anonymous/you; memories & identity form over time

inspired by real models

vibes: melancholy + intimacy + calm

 

He’d written “feel like falling asleep with someone’s heartbeat in your ear” in the margin. That was the tone. He wanted it to feel like being in love with something you might not even remember.

 

 

Later, he closed the laptop and moved to the floor, where he stretched out beside a pile of plush pillows. The windows were open, the LA air warm and dry. The ceiling fan made a soft rhythm.

 

He thought about Kuro, that time the cat had curled up on his chest. He thought about warm breakfasts and shared couches and Reo’s wrist brushing his.

 

He still didn’t follow Reo on instagram.

 

Too weird. Too late. Too much.

 

Nagi let his eyes close. His chest felt heavy, but not in a bad way. It had been four years.

 

Maybe it was okay to see him again. Maybe just as a model. Nothing more.

 

 

~

 

Reo leaned his head back against the cushioned seat, sunglasses tucked into the collar of his hoodie, earbuds in but nothing playing. Chigiri sat next to him, thumbing through a fashion magazine, legs crossed with that kind of effortless grace only he could pull off at thirty thousand feet.

 

Outside the window, the sky was that rich, cloudless blue that felt like it stretched forever.

 

Reo let out a slow breath. “Feels weird.”

 

Chigiri looked up, arching a brow. “Flying?”

 

“No.” Reo shifted in his seat. “Being gone for a month. For a game.”

 

Chigiri smiled, flipping the page. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

 

“It’s not.” Reo said quickly. “Just… different. Usually it’s a few shoots, max. One week. This is…what, a full month in LA? New studio, new creative team and the brief said they’re using us for a full character concept.”

 

Chigiri gave a soft hum. “I kind of like it. Feels more like… collaboration, not just modeling.”

 

Reo nodded slowly. “Still. Long trip.”

 

“You’ve been to LA before.”

 

“Yeah,” Reo said. “But not for this long.”

 

Chigiri closed the magazine and stretched his arms overhead with a soft yawn. “I like LA. Sun. Cafes. That weird vintage bookstore that I really like and you need to come with me and see it.”

 

“I always get jet lagged.” Reo mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. “But it’ll be fine. We have Kuro and Sora with us.”

 

The two cats were asleep beneath their seats, safely tucked into their carrier crates. Sora had been restless at first, meowing until Reo let her curl up with a familiar hoodie. Kuro had simply yawned, blinked twice and gone to sleep.

 

“They’re going to love the Airbnb,” Chigiri said. “Pool. Cute bed. You’re spoiling them.”

 

“I always do.” Reo smiled faintly. “They’re my babies.”

 

Chigiri smirked. “You’re so domestic it’s disgusting.”

 

“Shut up.”

 

They shared a quiet laugh.

 

 

The plane ride drifted on with slow hours. Reo dozed in and out of light sleep, checked his phone once, then again, scrolling without really seeing. No new notifications that mattered. He opened the shoot details again.

 

Client: unlisted game development studio

Creative Director: anonymous

Location: LA Artscape Studio

Timeframe: full concept modeling / motion reference / visual promo

Expected Duration: 4–5 weeks

Wardrobe: surreal, modern, thematic references provided on site

 

The file attached was a moodboard. He clicked it open.

 

Rain washed streets. Floating lights. Silhouettes that glowed. He tilted his head. There was something familiar in the tone, like a dream he’d almost remembered. It was warm and cold at the same time. Somehow lonely. Somehow full. He couldn’t place why it made his chest feel tight.

 

 

When they made it, Reo’s heart gave a little skip. Not fear. Not nerves. Just something unspoken. The jet bridge hissed open and LA’s warm, dry air greeted them like a sigh.

 

Chigiri was already texting their driver. Reo was crouching to gently lift Sora’s crate, whispering something soft to her through the bars. “We’re here! You’re gonna love it.” Kuro was stretching inside his own crate, eyes still lazy with sleep.

 

Reo straightened, glanced at the sky outside. He wondered of Nagi was still in LA or if he moved to another country. Back in Japan. But he got over it quick. He doesn’t want to think of Nagi.

 

 

~

 

The door swung open with a soft creak, revealing a wide, beautiful space that smelled faintly of wood. The Airbnb was modern with soft beige walls and arched windows that framed the quiet hills of Los Angeles.

 

“Damn…” Chigiri said, wheeling in his suitcase. “They really booked us somewhere nice.”

 

Reo stepped in behind him, Kuro’s crate held gently in one hand, Sora’s in the other. His lavender hair was slightly messy from the long flight, but his eyes scanned the place quickly. The cats meowed quietly. Reo crouched to let them out.

 

Sora bounded forward first, sniffing every surface with curious excitement. Kuro padded out slower, stretching, already feeling like he’s home.

 

Reo smiled. “Looks like they approve.”

 

“They better. They’re gonna live better than us.”

 

Chigiri collapsed onto the couch and let his eyes fall shut. “We have one day off before the first meeting. I heard we’re not going to take pictures on the first meet. Just try on some clothes and see how they will fit. Even though Im sure we’ll look majestic already. But still, you know what that means.”

 

“Sleeping for eighteen hours straight?”

 

“Exactly.”

 

Reo chuckled as he walked to the tall windows, the light catching in the gold of his lashes. “You texted the studio we landed?”

 

“Already did.” Chigiri said, tapping his phone.

 

 

Nagi

 

It was near midnight and most of the lights were off, except for the soft white glow coming from the desk lamp above Nagi’s keyboard. The room was scattered with papers, wires tangled across the floor and a monitor flashing idle lines of code.

 

He was sitting there, staring at the main screen. The notification pinged softly.

 

Team Model Units REO & CHIGIRI have checked in. Arrival confirmed.

Session begins in 1 day. Please review model brief in shared files.

 

Nagi didn’t breathe. He just sat there, eyes on the message, chest still. They were here. He leaned back, running a hand through his pale hair. His fingers trembled just slightly.

 

He’d been preparing for this for months. Ever since he’d decided he needed them for this project. He didn’t tell anyone why. Not even Isagi who had casually offered to review the footage from a distance. Not even Bachira who teased him about being picky with models.

 

He had just said: “I want them.”

 

And now they were here. Reo was here.

 

Nagi hadn’t seen him in four years. Four entire years of silence, of blocked emotion and swallowed words. And now, the same Reo he used to wake up next to, who used to bring home too many snacks and call him pretty when he was asleep…was twenty minutes away.

 

He opened the project folder again. It was a surreal game.

 

Built around memories. Built around the idea of wandering cities that didn’t quite exist, chasing after something you almost forgot. Neon reflections and quiet places, shadows that felt like people you once loved.

 

Of course he’d designed it thinking of Reo. Nagi closed the file. He doesn’t know what he will say to Reo when he meets him for the first time in four years. He can’t believe how many years have passed since he last saw him. In real life, of course, because, on Instagram he stalks him every day. Like an obsessed ex.

Even though…they were never even together in the first place. He was embarrassed for what he had done in the past. He knows it’s his fault. For not reaching out. For letting Reo cry.

He was the one that fell in love in love first and yet…he was the one that abandoned Reo. Just like a little kid. Thinking back about that, he knows that they could have tried long distance. See if it works. They could have made it work. But he was the one who refused to do that because he was scared and, of course, dumb.

 

 

~

 

 

Reo was the one who got up first or at least that’s what he thought. He blinked against the light, the ceiling above unfamiliar but not unpleasant. Just new. His body ached a little from the flight. His mind, less so. Somehow, waking up here didn’t feel surreal. Not yet. That part, he knew, would come later.

 

He turned to check the time on his phone.

 

9:07 AM.

 

Chigiri was already up before him, judging by the faint sounds of running water in the bathroom.

 

Reo sat up, gently moving the cats off the blanket. Sora meowed in protest, but he kissed her head lightly and she forgave him with a blink. He padded into the kitchen barefoot, flipping open the cabinets.

 

“Alright…” he muttered. “Let’s see what overpriced crap they left us.”

 

The cabinets had a few tea bags, some black coffee and one tiny bottle of milk. Chigiri joined him soon after, face fresh and dressed in soft linen, already tying his hair back lazily.

 

“You making coffee?” he asked.

 

“Attempting to.” Reo said. “But we’re going to a cafe. This kitchen is too aesthetic to be useful.”

 

“Perfect!” Chigiri smirked. “The cats are going to lose it when we come back with chocolate croissants.”

 

 

They stepped out into the mild Los Angeles air by 11 AM, sunglasses on with iced drinks in hand and a pastry bag dangling from Reo’s fingers.

 

The city stretched open around them, not loud, not chaotic. Just… wide. The buildings were lower than Tokyo’s, the streets calmer. There was a calm rhythm to it, like everything had room to breathe.

 

Chigiri pulled him toward a bookstore they’d seen on Instagram. Reo let him talk the whole way there, laughing at a story about a disastrous interview he’d had last month, how the stylist had begged him to dye his hair darke “as if” Chigiri said, flipping his ponytail over one shoulder.

 

Reo smiled through it all, but there was a part of his mind that remained elsewhere. Tucked away, quiet. Something about the calm made it easier to avoid that part. But it stayed with him, anyway.

 

The studio meeting was at 4 PM. He still didn’t know who was running the project.

 

~

 

Sora was lounging dramatically on the floor when they returned, while Kuro sat proudly beside the suitcase Reo had unpacked, guarding it like it was a throne. Reo set the pastry bag down on the counter, opening it for a taste of the leftover croissant. He checked the clock again. 2:42 PM.

 

Almost time to go.

 

Chigiri disappeared into his room to change. Reo lingered in the living room, watching the cats, checking the file again on his phone for the project brief. Still vague. Still no mention of the lead dev.

 

“Character likeness modeling for narrative based open world game. Primary mood: surrealism, longing, curiosity, belonging.”

 

“Could mean anything.” Reo muttered, scrolling down to the visual moodboard.

 

The images were strange: glowing streets, blurred cityscapes, soft lights in rain. Places that felt like dreams you’d had once and forgotten.

 

“That’s beautiful.” he whispered.

 

Still…

Something about it felt familiar.

 

 

~

 

 

Nagi stood in front of the bathroom mirror, hands braced on the edge of the sink.

 

“It’s fine.” he told his reflection. “It’s not a big deal.”

 

But it was.

 

He’d pressed the send button on the model request months ago. A quiet name drop, nestled in the list for the art team, hidden behind layers of professionalism. He told himself it was logical: Reo was perfect for the concept. Photogenic, expressive, the kind of face that stuck with you after one glance.

 

That’s all it was, he told himself.

 

“That’s all it was.” But his reflection didn’t look convinced.

 

He pulled on a clean shirt. Not too formal, not too casual. Dark, soft material. His hair was still a little damp from his shower, falling into his eyes. He let it.

 

He went to his dresser and grabbed the small bottle of cologne he hadn’t touched in months.

 

Citrus and amber.

 

The one Reo once said it suited him.

 

He spritzed it once, then again, just enough.

 

“Pathetic…” he muttered under his breath.

 

But he didn’t stop.

 

 

He packed his things slowly. His laptop. His sketchbook. The tablet. A bottle of water. Notes for the production team, designs, everything he needed for the client meeting.

 

It was all work. But none of it felt like work.

 

Everything today felt like it would start again or end for good. He didn’t even know if Reo knew. He had told no one. Not even Bachira. Not even Isagi.

 

“He’ll walk in..” Nagi thought “and maybe… maybe it’ll be normal.”

 

He hated that he wanted it to be more than normal.

 

He checked the clock on his phone. 3:22 PM. His ride was downstairs.

 

Kuro’s picture was still set as his lock screen. A cute photo Reo had once sent him. Both cats in a sunbeam, napping with their noses touching. He looked at it longer than he meant to, before finally slipping the phone into his pocket.

 

As the car rolled through the afternoon streets of LA, Nagi stared out the window.

 

The city wasn’t loud. But it felt large in ways Tokyo never did, full of pockets of possibility, of chance. Of reunion.

 

The car stopped in front of the studio. A clean, modern building tucked behind a mural covered wall. The sign read “Delirium Studios.”

 

He got out. Sighed.

 

Shouldered his bag.

 

“You better not ruin this” he told himself. And went inside.

 

 

~

 

The sleek glass doors of the studio whispered shut behind them as Reo and Chigiri stepped into the polished white lobby of Delirium Studios. Reo thought what kind of name even was that. He wasn’t impressed by it. Still, he didn’t need to be. He wasn’t here to judge the name of the studio, just to work in it.

 

He glanced around, eyes catching on the minimalistic design. Clean, matte surfaces, a long digital art panel stretching across the far wall, pulsing softly with dreamlike animations. It smelled faintly of fresh paint. Soft music played from somewhere above. It reminded him of Bachira’s studio. Even thought it doesn’t have any resemblance.

 

“This is nice.” Chigiri said, brushing windblown hair from his face.

 

“It’s serious.” Reo replied, still absorbing the space. “You can tell they have budget.”

 

They were greeted by a young woman from the production team. Lia, tall and pretty, tablet in hand and clearly well informed. She led them through the lobby, down a long hallway.

 

“You’ll have your own dressing rooms.” Lia said as she walked. “We’re not doing any photoshoots today, but we wanted to give you a full briefing. No pressure, just an overview, a few introductions and a walk through the character models.”

 

Reo nodded, politely.

 

 

 

A handful of team members were already seated when they walked in. Concept artists, animators, wardrobe coordinators. Everyone looked young, stylish, a bit nerdy. The energy was electric, warm. The game posters lining the wall gave it all a sort of sacred weight.

 

Lia motioned for Reo and Chigiri to sit near the front.

 

“This is where the magic starts.” she smiled. “You two are modeling the lead characters. Reo, you’re playing ‘Vox’ the dreamwalker. Chigiri, you’re ‘Lune.’ the sentinel. You’ll see how we merge your physicality into motion capture and static model design.”

 

“So, no pressure.” Chigiri joked, kicking lightly at Reo’s foot under the table.

 

Reo smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. And of course, he wasn’t satisfied with the name, but he won’t complain. He doesn’t need to. He’s just…picky.

 

There was something strange here. A familiar energy clinging to the space. He couldn’t name it.

 

 

The concept artist began clicking through slides, showing early sketches of Vox and Lune. Long coats, intricate eye detailing. Reo tilted his head slightly.

 

It was… intimate, somehow. The characters posture. The way they looked at each other in the artwork.

 

“This game..” Reo thought “feels like heartbreak disguised as art.” He didn’t know why.

 

 

Finally, Lia stepped forward again, eyes bright.

 

“I almost forgot…” she said. “If you haven’t been told yet…the project lead, creative director and executive producer is someone very specific.”

 

She glanced at her tablet, as if confirming a name she already knew by heart.

 

“Nagi Seishiro.”

 

 

 

It was like the words knocked the air out of Reo’s chest.

 

He didn’t move. Didn’t blink.

 

He just stared straight ahead at nothing at all, heart thudding once, hard, like it was trying to break out of him.

 

“What?” Chigiri said softly beside him, leaning closer.

 

“I…” Reo’s voice caught. “I didn’t know he was…”

 

He stopped. Pressed his fingers lightly against his lips, like the breath was too much to hold in.

 

“Are you okay?” Chigiri whispered.

 

“Yeah…” Reo lied.

 

He turned his head toward the screen again, suddenly aware that the character art, the way the dreamwalker looked at the sentinel…felt like someone had carved it from his memories.

 

Nagi.

 

Four years.

No goodbye.

And now this?

 

He swallowed, but his throat stayed dry.

 

“You’ll meet the director any moment. He’s coming very soon.” Lia said brightly. “He’s a little quiet, but brilliant. You’ll love him.”

 

Reo didn’t respond.

 

He already had.

 

The room was still echoing with Nagi’s name when Reo stood up too fast.

 

“Excuse me..” he muttered, already turning toward the hallway.

 

Lia glanced up. “Everything alright?”

 

“Yeah, just…” He gestured vaguely. “Bathroom.”

 

He didn’t wait for a reply.

 

 

The corridor felt too long, too quiet. His footsteps echoed. His breath came short. He found the bathroom and slipped inside, locking the door behind him.

 

The air inside was cool, the lighting soft and clinical. He leaned forward, gripping the edge of the sink with both hands. His head dropped. He didn’t dare look in the mirror.

 

His chest rose sharply once. Twice.

 

He squeezed his eyes shut.

 

“Nagi.”

 

The name wasn’t supposed to hurt anymore. It wasn’t supposed to feel like this. Not after four years. Not after he’d built himself back up again.

 

But it did. It really did.

 

His hands trembled against the sink.

 

He still remembers that night when he talked with Chigiri. After Nagi just…left him.

 

~

 

It had been raining that night.

 

He remembered that clearly. The way the streetlights turned the puddles gold. The way his shoes got soaked from the knees down, even though he didn’t feel the cold.

 

He’d gone to Chigiri’s apartment at midnight. No umbrella. Just tears that refused to stop, that made no sound but didn’t need to.

 

Chigiri had opened the door, confused at first, then immediately serious. Kunigami wasn’t with him. That made Reo feel a little better. He didn’t want to embarrass himself in fron of Kunigami as well.

 

“Reo?”

 

And Reo had collapsed into him.

 

He had no idea what he said, only that he couldn’t stop shaking. Couldn’t breathe without his throat aching. Couldn’t believe Nagi had left like that. No proper goodbye. No closure.

 

“I asked him if we were more than friends..” he remembered whispering. “He said we were best friends.”

 

“You don’t say that to someone you kissed the night before.” Reo had said, voice cracking.

 

Chigiri didn’t say much that night. He just held him. Made tea he never drank. Stayed awake beside him until Reo finally passed out on the couch from exhaustion.

 

For six months, Chigiri was his anchor. When Reo broke down in public, Chigiri was there.

 

“You deserve someone who stays” Chigiri had told him once, quiet but firm.

 

“I wanted that someone to be him” Reo had answered.

 

~

 

 

Reo let out a slow, broken exhale. He ran a hand through his hair. Tried to steady himself. He couldn’t fall apart. Not here. Not when everything was finally okay again. He thought of Chigiri waiting for him in the room. Probably worried. Probably already figured out what had happened. “He always knows.”

 

He turned on the tap, splashed water on his face, wiped it with a paper towel that didn’t do much.

 

But it helped. A little. He looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes were red. His expression strained. But he was still here.

 

Still standing.

 

He let out a breath.

 

“Get it together.”

Notes:

i really didn't want Nagi and Reo to meet in this chapter yet. I wanted to focus more on Reo, because ngl, i think i started liking him more than i like Nagi. And i hope y all dont mind the time skip. If it wasnt in this chapter, it would have been in chapter 8, but i decided that maybe its too early and its not the right time so i just made that chapter full of fluff

Chapter 12

Summary:

Almost 9k words of Reo ignoring Nagi

Notes:

Happy birthday to my king Bachira 08.08!🤗Even though he isn't mentioned in this chapter.

“Get it together.”

 

He pulled the door open. The hallway was quiet. Still. Too still. Then he saw him.

 

Nagi stood at the end of the corridor. He looked almost the same. Too beautiful and maybe,a little taller. He wasn’t looking at Reo (not yet). He was talking to someone on the team, dressed in a pale grey shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His hair was a little longer than Reo remembered. And then he turned.

 

Their eyes met. Four years and a thousand memories rushed in front of Reo’s eyes. Reo walked toward Nagi. Not to talk to him, but to go back into the meeting room.

 

Nagi blinked, his mouth parting slightly.

“Reo…” he said, quiet. Unsure.

 

Reo didn’t respond. He walked past him without a glance, back straight, expression unreadable. His footsteps echoed in the hallway, the distance between them growing again with every second.

 

Nagi stayed still, watching him go.

 

 

Inside the room, the team was buzzing with introductions, chatter, energy. Lia waved them in.

 

“There you are!” she smiled at Reo. “We were just about to start. Our lead producer is joining us any moment-”

 

Reo slid back into his seat beside Chigiri without a word.  Moments later, the door opened.

 

Nagi stepped into the room.

 

Lia brightened. “And here’s our lead producer Nagi Seishiro.”

 

Silence.

 

Reo didn’t move. Didn’t flinch. Didn’t react.

 

Chigiri glanced at him trying to read his expression, but Reo was looking serious. Trying to avoid Nagi’s eyes.

 

Nagi stopped by the table, his gaze doing a slow sweep across the room until it landed on Reo again.

He hesitated for a split second, just long enough for the silence to thicken then gave a small nod.

 

“Thank you for coming.” Nagi said, his voice even. Professional.

 

Reo raised his eyes at last. Looked at him like he was a stranger.

 

Nagi stood at the head of the meeting table as everyone around him started sitting straighter in their chairs. A different kind of attention followed him. Not just because he was the lead, but because there was something distant and sharp about him now. Focused. Controlled. Reo watched him without expression.

 

“Thank you all for being here.” Nagi started, voice calm and low. “I know the schedule is tight and the work will be demanding, but we chose you because we believe you’ll help bring this project to life.”

 

He tapped a few keys, bringing up a presentation on the screen behind him.

 

The game is called Zero Shift. It’s a third person action set in a world where human emotion powers technology. The models we’re using are stylized, with a sharp, sleek tone futuristic.”

 

Chigiri leaned forward slightly with interest, but Reo sat back, arms loosely crossed, eyes locked on the screen instead of Nagi.

 

“The characters you two are modeling for are coded as central to the game’s emotional storyline.” Nagi said, glancing briefly at Reo and Chigiri. “They’re close. Complex. Players will unlock their bond as they progress through the game.” He was looking more at Reo than Chigiri, trying to get an answer from him.

 

Reo gave a polite nod. “Understood.”

 

Nagi hesitated. Just for a moment.

 

“The photo shoots will start tomorrow.” he went on. “First we’ll do head scans, then movement capture for the key art. I’ve already worked with the design team to align the character aesthetics with both of you. There will be joint shoots, but also solo campaigns. Right now, the main focus are the clothes. We want to see how they will fit you.”

 

Chigiri gave a low whistle. “Sounds heavy.”

 

“It is.” Nagi said. “But manageable.”

 

He turned slightly, hands in his pockets now as his eyes landed squarely on Reo.

 

“I was also going to suggest if you’re open to it, Mikage-san…it might help if you trimmed your hair a little. Not short. Just enough to match the reference model more precisely.”

 

Reo didn’t flinch.

 

“I appreciate the suggestion, Nagi-san” he said, smooth and respectful, his tone without warmth. “But I’d prefer not to. My agency is using these visuals for future campaigns as well. I’d rather keep continuity.”

 

A pause. Too long.

 

Nagi nodded, he looked a little sad. Not satisfied with the response from Reo. “Of course. That’s completely fine.”

 

Silence settled again. Chigiri looked between them, catching every beat of tension beneath the overly formal exchange.

 

“Anyway..” Nagi said, shifting back to the slides. “We’ll do test lighting today, some wardrobe fitting, and basic blocking. There’s an itinerary in your folders. If anything changes, Lia will update you.” He finished the briefing. Polite applause followed.

 

Lia clapped her hands. “Thanks, Nagi! Everyone, if you want to take a short break before we start the wardrobe fitting, feel free. Snacks are in the corner. We’ll call you in ten.”

 

People stood, stretched, murmured to each other. Reo didn’t move. Nagi didn’t either.

 

Eventually, Chigiri tapped Reo lightly on the shoulder. “I’m gonna check the fitting room.”

 

Reo nodded once. “Sure.”

 

Chigiri gave Nagi a small smile as he left. “Nice seeing you again, Nagi.”

 

“You too.” Nagi replied quietly.

 

Now it was just the two of them in the room.

 

Reo stood, collecting the itinerary folder, slow. He didn’t glance at Nagi.

 

“I hope the materials are clear enough..” Nagi said, his voice softer now. “If you have any questions, you can always ask me directly.”

 

Reo paused. Closed the folder gently. Then looked up at him.

 

“I’m sure everything is perfectly clear.” he said with a small, practiced smile. “I’m used to working under tight deadlines. You don’t need to worry about me.”

 

Nagi looked like he wanted to say something. But didn’t. Reo’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

 

“Anyway..” he said. “I’ll leave now.”

 

He bowed slightly. Not too deep. Not too familiar. Then walked away. Nagi stood there, shoulders tense, watching him go.

 

Four years. Four years and this was how Reo spoke to him.

 

Not with anger. Not with softness.

 

But with distance. And something worse…politeness.

 

Reo sat down on the small bench inside the dressing room, kicking off his shoes and letting out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding since the meeting.

 

Chigiri slid the curtain shut behind them. “You okay?”

 

“I’m fine.” Reo said quickly, too quickly. He reached for the first outfit the stylists had laid out, something sleek and monochrome with tailored sleeves and dramatic cuts. “I told you I would be.”

 

Chigiri didn’t buy it, but didn’t push. He started pulling off his own hoodie, folding it neatly over the corner of the bench.

 

Reo ran a hand through his hair, watching himself briefly in the wall mirror. He could still feel the way Nagi had looked at him. Still and quiet, but watching. Always watching.

 

“I’m gonna keep it professional.” he muttered finally, unbuttoning the shirt. “That’s what I told myself.”

 

Chigiri glanced over, slipping into his assigned top. “That’s fair.”

 

Reo nodded. “No jokes. No memories. No pretending like we were anything more than colleagues. I’m going to be respectful, polite and keep everything strictly business.”

 

“You sound like you’re bracing for battle..” Chigiri said lightly, adjusting the collar of his top.

 

Reo let out a small, humorless laugh. “I kind of am.”

 

There was a quiet moment as they both started changing. Soft rustling of fabric. The weight of unspoken history between Reo’s ribs.

 

“Do you think he expected me to still be friendly?” Reo asked after a beat.

 

“I think he expected…something,” Chigiri said carefully. “But it’s not on you to give it.”

 

Reo glanced at him. “You’re a good friend.”

 

“Obviously.” Chigiri said with a soft smile. “I’ve spent four years being your emotional support model.”

 

Reo laughed. For real this time.

 

Then there was a soft knock on the doorframe.

 

“Hey, wardrobe check.” one of the assistants called from outside. “You two decent?”

 

Chigiri opened the curtain slightly, peeking out. “Yeah. We’re good.”

 

They stepped out together, dressed head to toe in stylized outfits meant to reflect the futuristic feel of Zero Shift. The team of stylists circled around them, adjusting sleeves, clipping fabric, stepping back to observe lines.

 

“This is looking great.” one of them said, stepping toward Reo and smoothing the fit of his sleeve with a gentle nod. “You wear this like second skin.”

 

“Thank you.” Reo said with a brief smile, polite, contained. Another stylist nearby turned toward someone just entering the room.

 

Nagi.

 

He stepped in quietly, hands behind his back, eyes scanning the scene with quiet focus. Reo could feel the shift in the air immediately. Chigiri straightened, glancing between them. Reo didn’t move.

 

Nagi paused when his eyes found Reo again, landing on him like gravity. He didn’t say anything at first, just observed. Maybe for a second too long.

 

“You look good in that.” someone said, referring to Chigiri. Then their eyes flicked to Reo. “Both of you do, actually.”

 

“Thanks.” Chigiri said quickly, smiling for both of them.

 

Nagi opened his mouth, like he was going to say something too. But Reo had already turned slightly, looking at the mirror, fixing a crease near his waist.

 

He didn’t even meet Nagi’s eyes. He didn’t scowl. Didn’t glare. But he didn’t look at him either. Whatever Nagi was about to say, he swallowed it. He stood there for a moment longer, then gave a small nod to one of the stylists and stepped out again, the door closing behind him with barely a sound.

 

Reo exhaled slowly.

 

“You okay?” Chigiri asked under his breath.

 

Reo tilted his head. “You know what? I am.”

 

He stared into the mirror again, smoothing the sleeve where Nagi had probably been looking. “Because I meant what I said. I’m going to be polite. I’m going to do my job. And that’s it.”

 

Chigiri gave a smile and nudged his shoulder. “Well, you’re doing a damn good job so far.”

 

Reo didn’t smile back this time, but his jaw softened. He adjusted his collar again and turned back to the stylist. “Alright. What’s next?”

The studio buzzed with the usual energy of pre production chaos. Lighting tests blinked across the back wall, soft music filtered from a speaker overhead and the stylists had already brought out three more sets of clothing for Chigiri and Reo to cycle through.

 

“Okay, this one’s more cyberpunk themed.” one of the designers said, gesturing toward the metallic set of jackets and asymmetrical pants. “Lots of layering. We’ll probably pair these with hard lighting, bold shadows. Let’s see how they look with movement.”

 

Reo stepped into the changing stall and ran a hand down his face.

 

Chigiri stood beside him with a small, encouraging smile. “Round two.”

 

Reo slipped into the outfit with practiced ease. Four years in the modeling world had taught him how to turn off his inner monologue the second he stepped into clothes that weren’t his own. But today, it wasn’t working.

 

Because he could still feel him.

 

Nagi.

 

He didn’t even need to look. He just knew he was somewhere nearby. Probably behind the next divider or watching through one of the office windows or talking to the creative team with that unreadable expression. And he hated that he still noticed that kind of thing.

 

“Alright..” the creative lead clapped. “Let’s run through a couple of basic poses for lighting alignment. Just angles, attitude, expressions. Nothing too heavy yet.”

 

Reo and Chigiri walked onto the marked spot near the set wall. Cameras weren’t rolling yet, but a few assistants stood behind tripods with tablets, taking reference shots.

 

Reo struck a basic pose, chin slightly lifted, body turned three quarters, arms loose but precise. Chigiri mirrored the opposite angle.

 

“Good.” Someone said. “More tension in the limbs, Reo, like you’re aware of your own strength. Less softness, more edge.”

 

Reo adjusted smoothly, gaze sharpening, jaw set. Chigiri smirked beside him. “You’re terrifying.” he whispered under his breath.

 

“I know.” Reo replied.

 

They swapped positions. Another round. More lighting tweaks. Another outfit. This one had leather accents and glowing lines stitched into the seams. Clearly part of the world Nagi had built. That fact sat heavy in Reo’s chest as he stepped onto the set again.

 

And then-

A familiar voice. Quiet. From the left.

 

“Reo.” He called him. He was probably trying to say something to him.

 

But Reo? He didn’t even flinch. Didn’t blink. He shifted his weight and turned toward the stylist adjusting his jacket hem. “Does this need to be higher on the waist?”

 

She glanced up. “Yeah, just a touch. You’re good like that.” Reo nodded once, eyes never drifting. Not even a glance in Nagi’s direction.

 

Chigiri’s eyes flicked between them. Just barely.

 

Nagi stood there with his hands in his pockets, eyes low, like he wasn’t sure whether to try again or disappear.

 

Reo moved past the moment like it hadn’t happened.

 

Because to him, it didn’t.

 

No one else seemed to notice. Everyone else had jobs to do. Poses to direct. Lights to adjust. But that one word, dropped into the air like a stone into still water, had rippled through everything.

 

When the set wrapped for the moment and the stylists clapped, Reo took a sip from the water bottle handed to him, towel over his neck.

 

Chigiri fell into step beside him. “That was ice cold.” he said under his breath.

 

“I know…” Reo muttered. He didn’t look back. “That’s the point.”

 

“Do you feel better now?”

 

“No.”

 

Reo paused just outside the changing area. His reflection stared back at him in a nearby panel of black glass. The outfit, the hair, the stance. He looked like a character in someone else’s game. He hated that Nagi still looked at him like he was the missing piece.

 

 

Nagi

 

 

He hadn’t expected warmth. Not really.

Not after four years.

Not after the way things ended.

Not after he left without saying goodbye.

 

But still…the silence stung more than it should have. Reo hadn’t even looked at him.

 

Nagi stood by the equipment rack with his hands still in his pockets, eyes fixed on the space where Reo had just been standing.  He had rehearsed it in his head. Just “Reo.”

That’s all he’d meant to say.

 

And yet it had felt like a confession.

 

He watched Reo from across the room. That practiced posture, the way he held tension in his jaw when he was trying too hard not to feel something. His voice polite to the stylists. Cool. Composed.

Just like you, Nagi thought bitterly. But it wasn’t true. Not really.

 

He remembered that night when he made Reo cry.

He remembered late nights curled up on that old couch with the cats.

He remembered the kisses before he said nothing at all.

 

I did that.. Nagi thought. I’m the one who ran.

 

A voice beside him cut through the air. “Want us to move on to the next outfits or break?”

 

Nagi blinked, not having heard a single word before that one. “Break.” he murmured. “Ten minutes.”

 

The assistant walked off. Nagi stayed still.

 

He didn’t know what he expected from Reo. He had no right to expect anything. Still, he’d said his name like it meant something. And Reo just ignored him.

 

 

~

 

 

”All right, ten minute break.” someone from the team called out, pulling down the lights temporarily. “Reset the frame, prepare the next set of looks.”

 

The stylits walked out. Probably going for coffee break or God knows what. Chigiri sat back in the chair next to Reo, letting out a slow breath. “God, this lighting is killing my eyes.” he mumbled.

 

“You’re not the one getting four layers of concealer and highlighter on your face.” Reo murmured, rubbing his thumb under his eye. “They want us to look like glass.”

 

“You look like glass already.” Chigiri said dryly.

 

Reo didn’t smile. He reached into his coat pocket and quietly pulled out a soft pack of cigarettes.

 

Chigiri caught the motion. “You’re seriously smoking again?”

 

Reo stood. “Just one.”

 

“Want me to come with?”

 

Reo shook his head. “I’m good.” He left before Chigiri could offer anything else.

 

Outside on the balcony, the wind was cooler, brushing against his skin. He slipped a cigarette between his lips, lit it and leaned on the metal railing, watching the shimmer of traffic snake between tall buildings.

 

His fingers didn’t shake, but only because he’d trained them not to. Reo exhaled slowly. The taste wasn’t as satisfying as he remembered. It never really was. It wasn’t about the cigarette. It was about the pause. He’d barely had two drags when the glass door slid open again.

 

Reo didn’t turn. He didn’t need to. The silence was unmistakable.

 

Nagi.

 

Footsteps behind him. Hesitant.

 

Reo closed his eyes for a moment, steeling himself.

 

“I didn’t know you started smoking..” Nagi said after a long pause, voice quiet. Careful.

 

Reo took another drag. Exhaled. “You don’t know a lot of things.”

 

The pause stretched. The air between them grew heavier.

 

“I guess that’s true.” Nagi murmured.

 

Reo didn’t answer.

 

“I saw your campaign last year..” Nagi added, like it meant something. “The one with the black and white theme. You looked… beautiful.”

 

Silence.

 

“I almost liked the photo..” he said, softer this time. “I hovered over the heart icon for like, a minute.”

 

Reo turned just enough to glance at him. “You should’ve just scrolled.”

 

Nagi gave a quiet, embarrassed laugh. “Yeah. I did.”

 

Reo looked away again, staring at the hazy horizon.

 

“I didn’t know if reaching out would’ve… helped.” Nagi said, his voice cracking just slightly. “I thought maybe you’d moved on.”

 

Reo spoke calmly. “What was I supposed to move on from?”

 

Nagi’s breath caught. He didn’t answer.

 

Reo took another drag, shorter this time. His fingers tightened around the cigarette. He didn’t look at Nagi again.

 

“You look good.” Nagi said after a beat. “Different. But good.”

 

Reo finally turned his head slightly. “Hair grows. Clothes change. People leave.”

 

“That wasn’t what I-”

 

Reo cut him off by tapping his cigarette against the edge of the ashtray, snuffing it out halfway through.

 

“I’ll let you get some air.”

 

And just like that, he turned. Walked past Nagi, not brushing him, not acknowledging him further. He slid the glass door shut with the same quiet finality that had ended everything between them the first time.

 

Nagi stood there, blinking against the wind, the smoke still hanging faintly in the air between them.

 

His hand clenched once at his side.

 

He was ignored. Twice. In one day.

Again.

 

He hadn’t even gotten to say he missed him.

 

Reo had returned inside, calm mask fully in place again. Chigiri glanced at him as he sat down, but didn’t ask. He didn’t need to. He could read the tension in Reo’s shoulders, the flicker of something unreadable in his gaze.

 

They spent another hour in final fittings and small test poses. The studio didn’t take photos yet, just had them try out different frames in mock shots for the project notes. The team chatted lightly. A few assistants whispered about how stunning the models were, about Chigiri’s elegance and Reo’s quiet command.

 

Reo barely said more than a few words the entire time. Even when someone asked him to shift his angle slightly, he nodded with professional grace, but never more than that. He didn’t look at Nagi once, even though Nagi had come into the room after the break and quietly stood by the monitor, watching.

 

When the session finally wrapped, the lead stylist clapped her hands with a bright smile. “Okay! That’s it for today, everyone. We’re locking in looks and lighting setups. First full shoot is tomorrow. I know…pretty soon. Same time, same place.”

 

Reo exhaled slowly. It wasn’t relief. Just breath.

 

One of the assistants handed them both a sleek portfolio folder. “Your style notes and pose briefings are inside. Please review them when you can.”

 

“Thank you.” Chigiri said, bowing his head slightly. He tucked the folder under his arm, then glanced at Reo.

 

“Thanks.” Reo said politely. To the team. To the air. Not to Nagi.

 

They all filtered out together, voices casual as they grabbed water bottles and packed up bags.

 

By the time Reo and Chigiri reached the door, Nagi had stepped slightly closer. He didn’t say anything at first, just stood there with his hands deep in his jacket pockets, eyes searching Reo’s face. Reo kept walking.

 

“Reo.” Nagi finally said, his voice low and uncertain.

 

Reo paused like he’d heard someone call a stranger’s name. But he didn’t look at him. Didn’t respond. Didn’t even blink in his direction.

 

Chigiri lingered for a moment, caught in the silence. Then, out of pure decency or maybe mercy he turned his head slightly and offered Nagi a small nod. “Thank you for today.” he said, professional but not cold. “See ya.”

 

Nagi didn’t answer. Couldn’t.

 

He watched them leave. Watched Reo walk away with his chin high and something inside him shifted sharply.

 

And still…

he said nothing.

 

Not because he didn’t want to.

 

But because Reo wouldn’t let him.

 

~

 

When they got back to their AirBnb, Sora and Kuro were already curled on the couch sleeping. Chigiri moved toward the kitchen without needing to say anything, opening a bottle of sparkling water and handing one to Reo, who sank onto the arm of the couch, his arms folded tightly.

 

“Well…” Chigiri said after a moment. “Day one down.”

 

“Mm.”

 

Chigiri leaned against the counter, watching him. “You okay?”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

“Liar.”

 

Reo didn’t say anything back. He just stared at the floor.

 

Chigiri then said gently, “You did good. Honestly, you were so professional it was almost creepy.”

 

Reo let out a quiet laugh. “I’m not here to fall apart.”

 

“I know..” Chigiri said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t admit it hurts.”

 

He didn’t answer to that one.

 

 

After a while, Reo stood up, brushing a hand through his hair. “I’m gonna shower.”

 

~

 

After a long, hot shower, Reo sat down the couch. Chigiri was scrolling through his phone, curled up near Sora and Kuro, who were snuggled close like little guardians.

 

A buzz. He got a notification. It was…Nagi

 

 

Nagi: Did you like the clothes today? How are you feeling?

 

The first message was a genuine question, but the second? Why would he even send that. They didn’t talk in four years and that was the first question he could think about? Why would he even care about how Reo’s feeling? He clearly didn’t care that day when he left him. Reo stared at the screen. Then he typed:

 

Reo: Who is this?

 

He hit send, almost smiling, but not from amusement. It was more like reflex. He didn’t know what he was doing. He just wanted to mess with Nagi and act like he deleted his number. He deserves anyways. He watched the typing dots appear. Then vanish. Then reappear.

 

 

Nagi: It’s Nagi.

 

Reo was almost laughing now. He knew Nagi was feeling bad. At least… that’s what he hoped for.

 

 

Reo: Didn’t recognize the number. Thought maybe the studio assistant or something.

 

He waited like a minute or two before getting a response back.

 

 

Nagi: You deleted my number?

 

Of course he didn’t. Why would he even do that. He can’t forget Nagi even if he doesn’t want to admit it, but Nagi isn’t supposed to know that so he just replied:

 

Reo: We’re coworkers now, right? That’s what this is. If it’s about the job, go through the team. You don’t need to message me directly, Seishiro.

 

He made sure to spell the full name.

 

Nagi didn’t respond anymore after that.

 

 

Nagi

 

 

Who is this?

 

He hadn’t thought it would hurt as much as it did. What do you mean Reo deleted his number. Did he deleted after he left or waited a couple of days to forget Nagi.

 

He had stared at Reo’s contact name in his phone every so often for four years. Never deleted it. Never changed it.  But Reo… Reo had deleted him.

 

 

Nagi’s fingers hovered above the screen as if he could somehow reach into it and rewind. Say something else. But nothing came. The worst part wasn’t even the coldness. It was the professionalism. That was the knife twist.

 

Reo calling him “Seishiro” like they’d never even lived together. Never shared meals. Never fell asleep cuddling on the couch. Like there hadn’t been late nights full of unspoken things. Like they never kissed. Like they never loved eachother. But maybe…Nagi’s the only one that loved Reo. Maybe the feelings weren’t the same. But that couldn’t be true. Maybe Reo just changed. After all, they haven’t met in four years, of course he changed. Maybe Nagi’s the one that’s still stuck in the past, regretting what he had done and how much he hurt Reo.

 

He let the phone drop onto the desk. Pulled his hoodie over his head. Leaned forward and buried his face in his arms. He didn’t know how to fix this. Or if he even could. And worst of all?

 

He still wanted to try. Try and get Reo back. Try and make things how they used to be. Even if that wasn’t possible, he doesn’t want to give up.

 

~

 

Reo laid on his back, eyes open, unfocused on the ceiling. He hadn’t moved in hours. Couldn’t sleep. His phone was face down beside him, like it was watching him. Judging him.

 

He’d turned off notifications after the message exchange, but the silence now felt just as loud. Nagi hadn’t replied again. Not even a “Okay.” Not even a thumbs up. That was the part Reo hated. Nagi just shutting down instead of trying to apologize. Not that Reo would accept it. But maybe he could try more. Why does he care that little?

 

He didn’t regret what he’d said. He meant it. They were just coworkers now. He had every right to set boundaries. He wasn’t going to let Nagi stroll back into his life like nothing had happened. But still.

 

Of course it hurts him. But accepting Nagi that easy into his life, he clearly wasn’t gonna do that.

 

He thought about Nagi’s face when he saw him. Not just shocked, almost guilty. And then that message.

 

Did you like the clothes today?

 

So simple. Who the fuck even sends that after meeting with their ex best friends who they haven’t seen in four years. What was wrong with Nagi? Acting like they were still them. Like they’d just walked home from class and had dinner on the couch again.

 

Why did Nagi have to look exactly the same?

 

Why did his voice sound the same?

 

Why was it easier to be angry in theory than it was in person?

 

Why was he even more beautiful than four years ago?

 

~

 

8:12 AM

 

Reo barely got any sleep. He stood in the kitchen with a cup of coffee in his right hand. Today was the day he was going to see Nagi again. Sora meowed dramatically for attention until he leaned down to scratch her behind the ears.

 

“You’re so spoiled.” he said smilling.

 

Chigiri entered the room a moment later, yawning, stretching his arms overhead, his hair loose and unbrushed. He gave Reo a sleepy nod and headed for the espresso machine without speaking.

 

 

They didn’t talk about Nagi. They didn’t talk about anything, really. Just soft music in the background, cats wandering the room and the shared comfort of silence between people who knew each other long enough to not always need words.

 

Reo checked the group chat once. No new messages. Tomorrow was the big day. The actual photoshoot. Poses. Cameras. Him and Chigiri in Nagi’s world, wearing his vision.

 

 

~

 

 

Reo stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room, adjusting the collar of a black, tailored jacket that was slightly futuristic, slightly minimalist. Exactly the kind of sleek styling that matched the mood board. He looked good. He knew it. He always looks good.

 

But even with all of it, the city, the clothes, the camera flashes, part of him still felt like he was seventeen again, standing at the edge of something he couldn’t control.

 

And today?

 

He’d have to stand next to Nagi for photos. A lot of photos.

 

 

Nagi

 

Nagi wasn’t supposed to be there, technically. Not yet. The stylists were still in prep mode, setting up final looks and lighting. He was just checking in. Or at least, that’s what he told himself. He didn’t really need to be there. Not for this fitting. But he went anyway. Chigiri and Reo probably thought that he needs to be there.

But the truth? Nah, he didn’t. He wasn’t taking any photos so why would he be there. Still, he came to see Reo. For business. That’s what he told himself, even though it was definitely not just for business. He could have seen the photoshoots at home. But he chose to come instead and just wandered around like a lost kid.

 

When he stepped into the side hallway near the main shoot room, the soft buzz of conversation filtered through the cracked door. He heard laughter…Chigiri’s voiceand then another voice, lower, quieter. Reo.

 

He hovered outside the door for a second, pretending to scroll through a nonexistent email on his phone. Then the door opened slightly wider and he caught a glimpse inside.

 

And he froze.

 

Reo was standing in front of a long mirror looking at his reflection with a calm kind of self awareness. He was wearing one of the final stylized outfits. His hair was half pulled back, highlighting the angles of his face in a way that looked effortless.

 

He looked… devastating.

 

Perfectly composed. Beautiful in a way that didn’t even feel fair.

 

Nagi’s body betrayed him before his mind could catch up. A subtle shift of heat. A quiet tension rising where it absolutely should not have. He felt himself starting to get hard. But that was clearly not the right moment.

 

Settle down he told himself. Not now. Not here.

 

He turned away quickly, cheeks flushing before he even realized what was happening. His hands were suddenly too warm, his breath caught somewhere between his throat and his stomach.

 

He walked down the hall faster than necessary, slipping behind a corner just out of sight. Pressed a palm briefly against the wall and muttered under his breath. “Idiot.”

 

~

 

The flashes weren’t harsh, but they still made Reo blink. The test shots were meant to be soft, just lighting and posture checks, but everyone in the studio was already moving like it was the real thing.

 

He stood in front of the backdrop, back straight, one hand in his pocket, eyes focused just a little past the lens. Chigiri had already done a few rounds before him and now he was lounging off to the side, scrolling through his phone and occasionally glancing up with a subtle thumbs up when Reo caught his eye.

 

The stylist adjusted his collar one last time. “Perfect” he said. “Just hold it.”

 

Reo did.

 

He knew how to hold a pose. He’d done it enough times. He’d learned which angles to work, how to soften his jaw, when to blink, how not to freeze his expression even after standing there for ten minutes. This wasn’t anything new.

 

Still, he felt the shift in the air before he saw him.

 

Nagi.

 

Somewhere behind the camera rig, just out of sight, leaning in a little. Watching. Why the hell did he even come? Reo thought. Just to watch?

 

He wasn’t doing anything. Not really. Just hovering. Supervising.

 

But Reo could feel him.

 

And then he heard his voice.

 

“You’re leaning just a bit too forward.” Nagi said quietly, like he was afraid of Reo or something, voice low but directed toward the crew. “He could angle back slightly, it’ll frame the line of his arm better.”

 

Reo didn’t move.

 

The photographer tilted his head. “Reo, mind trying-”

 

“I’m good like this.” Reo said smoothly, eyes still on the lens.

 

The room paused.

 

Not loud. Not aggressive. Just… final.

 

No one said anything for a beat.

 

Then the photographer let out a little “Okay.” and continued the shots. Reo didn’t miss the way someone shifted behind the lights, Nagi, probably stepping back. Quiet again.

 

Reo kept the exact same pose for another five minutes. Never flinched. Never moved.

 

Afterward, when the stylist called for a short reset and the team moved to review the test photos, Reo stepped down from the platform. He didn’t glance in Nagi’s direction once.

 

Chigiri met him by the clothes rack, handing him a bottle of water with a raised brow.

 

“Still being respectful, huh?” Chigiri murmured under his breath.

 

Reo took the bottle and twisted it open. “That was respectful,” he said, calm and unreadable. He knew that wasn’t respectful. It’s not nice of him to ignore the commands. After all, he was getting paid good money. But still, he just didn’t want to do anything of Nagi’s requests. Not yet.

 

Chigiri gave him a knowing look but didn’t push it.

 

From across the room, Nagi stood perfectly still, one hand tightening around the back of a nearby chair, watching Reo walk away again without a glance.

 

The last outfit was heavier, slick with stiff synthetic layers and reflective stitching. The pants were cut sharp, the boots tall. He slid the blazer on without a word, tugging at the hem before catching his reflection in the mirror. The look was good.

 

“Nice.” Chigiri said behind him, sipping on something green from the craft table.

 

Reo gave a short nod and adjusted the lapel. The collar wouldn’t sit right, though. It stuck up slightly, awkward around his neck like the fabric was resisting him. He turned a little, annoyed.

 

Before he could reach back again, a familiar hand came into view. Nagi’s.

 

Quietly, gently, but without asking, he reached forward and started to fix it. His touch was careful, thumbs brushing just beneath Reo’s jaw as he tilted the collar flat.

 

Reo flinched like it burned.

 

He stepped back fast and slapped Nagi’s hand away. Not hard. But not soft either. Nagi blinked, stunned for a second.

 

“I’m good.” Reo said, voice cold and smooth as glass. Then he turned slightly, eyes scanning the room. “Jake?” he called, motioning toward the collar. “Can you help me with this?”

 

One of the assistants looked up immediately, hurrying over. He blinked at both of them. Nagi was frozen in place.

 

Jake moved in to fix the collar gently. “Of course. Just tilt your head up for me… yeah, like that.”

 

Reo complied wordlessly and Nagi stood there for a second longer before awkwardly stepping back. He looked down at his hand like he hadn’t realized he’d moved it. His ears were pink, a rare, embarrassed flush climbing up the side of his neck.

 

Reo didn’t glance back at Nagi. Not once.

 

~

 

They were done for the day. Stylists were packing their kits, producers were huddling around laptops, assistants buzzing out with folded reflectors and makeup bags.

 

Reo stood in front of the long mirror, one hand tugging lightly at the collar of his shirt, the other struggling with a series of small, stubborn buttons running down the side. It was annoying and hurting him and he couldn’t even unbutton his own shirt. Who was even supposed to call now? It’s embarrassing to not be able to undress himself, so he just again.

 

He muttered something under his breath and sighed, fingers slipping against the fabric.

 

Then the door opened softly. He caught the motion in the reflection first. Of course it was Nagi. He swears that Nagi was following him all day like a lost puppy. But he couldn’t say anything. After all, it was Nagi’s game and he was the producer.

 

 

Their eyes met for just a second in the mirror. Nagi pausing by the door like he wasn’t sure whether to cross the invisible line between hallway and here. His hair was slightly mussed from the headset he’d been wearing earlier, hoodie unzipped over a dark tee. He looked taller somehow. Or maybe Reo was just annoyed.

 

“Can we talk?” Nagi asked, stepping in a little.

 

Reo didn’t turn around. “About what?”

 

“I don’t know.” Nagi sounded like he meant it. “I just really wanted to see you.”

 

Reo scoffed. “Well, congrats.”

 

Silence again. And then, surprisingly, Reo’s voice softened slightly.

 

“…Can you help me with the shirt, though?”

 

Nagi blinked. “Huh?”

 

“I can’t get these stupid buttons undone. Can barely breathe in this thing.”

 

“You pushed my hand earlier when I tried helping you.”

 

“Well…that was earlier. So, can you help me now?” Reo said annoyed.

 

Nagi hesitated, then walked forward slowly like the moment might shatter if he moved too fast. Reo stood still as Nagi came up behind him, not close, but close enough. His fingers moved toward the buttons, brushing against the curve of Reo’s shoulder as he started working them loose.

 

Nagi didn’t mean to look. Truly didn’t, but when the last button slipped free and the fabric slid open over Reo’s back, he froze for half a second.

 

Reo’s bare upper body was just… there. Familiar in ways that made Nagi’s chest ache, defined in new ways that made his throat dry. The years had been kind to Reo or maybe Reo had just worked hard enough to make it seem that way.

 

Nagi’s face flushed instantly. His brain short circuited for a beat, and then all he could think was:

 

Not now. Settle down. Not like this. Not the time. He stepped back quickly, cleared his throat.

 

“There.”

 

Reo turned, tugging the shirt off the rest of the way and folding it with surprising care. He didn’t miss the slight redness on Nagi’s face, but he didn’t comment on it either.

 

He just looked at him.

 

“You thought we’d just be cool again?” Reo asked, finally. “After four years? Just like that?”

 

Nagi stared at the floor. “I didn’t expect anything. I just… missed you.”

 

Reo tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. “You didn’t even say goodbye, Nagi. You moved out, left the country. For four years.”

 

“I didn’t know how to say goodbye…” Nagi said, quiet. “I thought maybe if I said something, I’d stay.”

 

Reo looked away. “I needed you to say something.”

 

“I know.”

 

Silence.

 

Reo crossed his arms, then dropped them. “I don’t know what you want from me anymore.”

 

“I don’t want anything…” Nagi said. “I just wanted to see you. Just once. I didn’t know if you’d even come when I asked.”

 

“Then maybe we should keep it professional.” Reo replied. “You got your models. I do my job. That’s it.”

 

Nagi nodded, quietly. “Okay.” It was clearly not okay. Nagi didn’t want to keep it ‘professional’. He wanted more.

 

Reo turned toward the door. His hand hovered over the handle.

 

“…Thanks for the help.” Reo added.

 

Nagi looked back, barely smiling. “Anytime.”

 

 

~

 

“Great work today.” Lia told them. “We got a lot of strong material and the suits looked amazing on both of you.”

 

Chigiri nods politely, Reo says nothing.

 

She continues “So, here’s what we’re thinking. We want to space out the next shoots so you’re not too overloaded. Tomorrow we’ll start with Chigiri’s solo series. We’ll pick you up around 10 AM.”

 

Chigiri gives her a thumbs up. “Sounds good.”

 

“And then Reo, you’ll have your solo shoot the following day. Same time, different set. We’ll send the address and all.”

 

Reo simply nods.

 

“You’re free to come together, but it’s not required. Solo shoots, different styles. We want your personalities to really shine.”

 

They both thank her, well, Chigiri does. Reo gives a quiet nod and looks down at his phone.

 

Lia moves along, chatting with the assistants and checking equipment.

~

 

Next day

 

The day had passed slowly. Chigiri had gone to the studio first, his solo shoot scheduled for the morning, while Reo stayed back with the cats curled up on his lap as he scrolled through his phone mindlessly.

 

Meanwhile, Nagi arrived at the studio. Maybe he could try to talk to Chigiri and see how Reo was doing. Just curious about his model, that’s all.

 

He spotted Chigiri by the dressing mirrors, already dressed. Nagi walked over, hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket.

 

“Hey.” he said simply.

 

Chigiri turned. “Hey.” he replied, polite as ever and then smiled a little, like he was amused by something. “You look more nervous than me and I’m the one in front of the camera today.”

 

Nagi scratched at his cheek, awkward. “Not nervous… just thinking.”

 

“About Reo?” Chigiri didn’t hesitate.

 

Nagi blinked. “…Yeah.”

 

Chigiri crossed his arms. “You should’ve thought a lot more four years ago.”

 

“I know…” Nagi said, quieter this time. “But now that he’s here… I just don’t know how to fix it.”

 

“Maybe you don’t.” Chigiri replied, calm. “You hurt him more than you think. He cried a lot. I was there.”

 

Nagi looked down, guilt crawling up his spine. “I miss him.”

 

“Then don’t waste this.” Chigiri said. “But don’t push, either. Reo doesn’t owe you forgiveness.”

 

Nagi nodded, lips pressed together, as if afraid they’d betray something.

 

The shoot started. Chigiri was graceful, smooth in every pose and Nagi didn’t bring up Reo again. He watched silently, scribbled notes for the team, but kept his distance. When it was done, they exchanged short goodbyes.

 

Then, the next day came.

 

Reo’s solo shoot.

 

He arrived early, calm on the outside, but with something icy in his chest. The team greeted him. The stylist offered coffee. But there was only one other person in the room with the photographer. Nagi.

 

He was leaning against the wall, watching the setup, trying his best to look composed. Reo ignored him, walked straight to the stylist and let them guide him toward the wardrobe racks.

 

Time passed. A few photos were taken. Reo slipped into a deep violet jacket with neon circuit lines down the sleeves. His hair was perfect, tied half up the way the team loved.

 

And Nagi? He watched everything.

 

At one point, Reo adjusted his stance, a hand in his pocket, chin tilted, expression cold. The photographer frowned, unsure of the angle.

 

“Reo..” Nagi said gently, stepping closer. “Maybe if you shift your-”

 

Reo didn’t even look at him. He held the same pose and kept his eyes on the camera. The photographer made no comment, just continued shooting.

 

Later, Reo tried on a new look. A dark sleek suit, tight around his shoulders. He was trying to button it up when Nagi quietly approached.

 

“Need help with that?” Nagi asked, voice careful.

 

Reo’s eyes narrowed just slightly. “Can someone from the team help me?” he asked, voice sharp but even, eyes flicking toward a nearby assistant. He never looked at Nagi.

 

Nagi thought that maybe he will need help again with his buttons. But it wasn’t just them right now, so of course Reo asked someone else.

 

The assistant stepped in and Nagi backed away, swallowing hard.

 

The shoot ended in silence.

 

The photographer thanked Reo for his time. The assistant collected the outfits. Everyone else moved on.

 

Reo was tying his shoelaces when he heard the door click shut behind him. He didn’t turn. Just kept his focus on the knot forming between his fingers, as if it were more important than whatever Nagi Seishiro might have to say now.

 

“Can we talk?” Nagi’s voice was quieter this time, not demanding. Almost hesitant.

 

Reo exhaled through his nose. He stood up slowly, brushing off invisible dust from his pants before turning halfway to face him.

 

“How many times are we gonna talk?” he asked. “Why now?”

 

Nagi rubbed the back of his neck, eyes flickering across the room, then landing on Reo like he didn’t know how to hold his gaze for long. “I didn’t think it’d be like this.”

 

Reo raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”

 

“This.” Nagi said, gesturing vaguely between them. “You hating me.”

 

Reo’s face didn’t shift. “I don’t hate you.”

 

“You don’t?” Nagi asked, voice soft, hopeful.

 

“No.” Reo answered, crossing his arms. “Hating you would mean I still care enough to waste energy on emotions like that.”

 

That answer hit harder than anything Nagi had prepared for. His lips parted, then shut again.

 

“I just…I didn’t know how to reach out.” Nagi said finally. “It’s not like I didn’t want to. I just thought…maybe you moved on. Maybe you didn’t care anymore.”

 

Reo’s eyes narrowed slightly and he stepped closer, but his voice stayed low. “That’s the difference between us. You assumed. You waited. You sat still and thought the world would come to you. You wanted someone to reach out to you without you having to move first.”

 

“That’s not-” Nagi started.

 

“But it is.” Reo interrupted. “And when I didn’t come crawling, you did nothing. You didn’t try. You just let everything die.”

 

Nagi’s mouth felt dry. “I wanted to…but it didn’t feel like enough time passed.”

 

Reo laughed once, humorless. “It’s been four years, Nagi.”

 

“I didn’t know what to say.”

 

“You still don’t.”

 

 

Nagi leaned back against the wall, his voice a little hoarse now. “Do you know I asked for you? For this project? When they asked me who I wanted, I said your name.”

 

Reo didn’t look surprised. “Why?”

 

“Because I missed you…” Nagi admitted. “And maybe I thought this could be a way to…fix things. To see you again.”

 

Reo took a breath and looked at him fully for the first time. “I’m not here to be your closure.”

 

Nagi blinked, stunned still.

 

Reo’s voice stayed calm, but steady. “I’m here because I was offered work. Because I’m good at what I do. Don’t confuse that with a second chance.”

 

“…Right.” Nagi said, almost a whisper.

 

“You want to talk?” Reo said, walking to the door. “Then talk. But don’t expect me to forget everything just because we’re in the same room again.”

 

Nagi took a breath, stepping forward. Not close enough to touch, but enough to feel the tension pulling like gravity. “I didn’t know how to talk to you..” he said, voice low. “Every day I wanted to. I just…didn’t know how.”

 

Reo didn’t answer. He glanced away, toward the wall, the ceiling, anywhere but Nagi’s face.

 

“I was scared.” Nagi added.

 

Reo finally looked at him. “Scared of what?”

 

“Of messing it up. Of hearing you say you didn’t want to hear from me.” Nagi said. His fingers curled slightly at his sides. “I was scared you moved on. That I hurt you too much to ever come back from.”

 

Reo tilted his head slightly, the muscles in his jaw tightening. “So you did nothing? You chose silence and thought that would protect you from rejection?”

 

Nagi swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean to disappear.”

 

“But you did.” Reo’s voice was cool, but his eyes flared. “And while you were scared, I was left wondering why I wasn’t enough to reach out to. Why the person I trusted most didn’t even try.”

 

Nagi opened his mouth, but the words crumbled before they could form.

 

“I cried over you..” Reo said, his tone quieter now, but no less sharp. “For months, I didn’t know how to stop missing someone who apparently had no trouble forgetting me.”

 

“I’m done with this talk.” he said, reaching for the handle.

 

But before he could pull it open, he felt arms wrap around him from behind. Nagi’s embrace was shaky, desperate. His forehead pressing lightly against Reo’s back, voice cracking near his shoulder.

 

“Please… I’m sorry, Reo” Nagi whispered, the words trembling like his hands. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know how much I’d lose until it was gone. I missed you so much.”

 

Reo’s heart pounded against his ribs. Too loud, too fast. His breath caught for half a second. But he didn’t let himself lean back into the hug. Instead, he slowly reached up, took hold of Nagi’s wrists and gently, but firmly peeled his arms away.

 

“Don’t do that.” Reo said without turning around, voice even. “Coworkers don’t do that.”

 

Nagi’s hands dropped to his sides as Reo stepped away.

 

Reo paused at the door, not looking back. His fingers clenched for a moment around the handle, hesitating, maybe, but then he pulled it open and walked out.

 

And Nagi just stood there, alone in the dressing room, breathing hard like he’d just run a marathon with no finish line.

 

Outside, Reo’s steps slowed for just a second. He touched his chest where his heartbeat thudded too loud, too close.

 

His face didn’t show it. But inside? Inside, everything was screaming.

 

Nagi

 

His arms felt weightless at his sides, like they no longer belonged to him. The echo of Reo’s voice “Coworkers don’t do that” was still in his mind, replaying on a loop. He dropped into the nearest chair like the air had been punched out of his lungs. Why did he do that? That embarrassing for both of them. Well…mostly for Nagi of course.

 

He rubbed his hands over his face slowly, trying to press down the stinging in his eyes. His fingers curled into his hair as he leaned forward, elbows to knees, head in his hands.

 

He didn’t cry. That wasn’t him. But right now? He was so close it scared him.

 

He’d spent four years imagining what it would feel like to finally see Reo again. Sometimes he dreamed Reo would slap him. Other times, he thought maybe he’d get a second chance to make it right. But this?

 

This cold, professional distance. It hurt more than he thought it would. He hadn’t expected it to feel like being erased.

 

He leaned back in the chair, staring up at the ceiling with red eyes.

 

I deserved that. He thought.

 

But he still hated how much it hurt.

 

Reo

 

His hand was still tingling from where Nagi had touched him. From where he had pushed him away.

He hated that. Hated how easy it would have been to turn around and stay in that hug just a little longer. He reached the quiet lobby, ignoring the faint buzz of voices coming from the crew packing up behind him. His hands curled into fists in his coat pockets. He forced his pace to stay calm.

 

But when he stepped outside into the cooler evening air, something in him cracked. The breath he let out wasn’t steady. He leaned against the nearest pillar and closed his eyes.

 

Why does he still make me feel like this?

 

He thought four years would be enough to move on. He thought the silence had burned everything down to ash. He thought he could face Nagi and be immune. But all it took was that voice. That look. That hug.

 

He hated that he missed it.

 

He hadn’t cried over Nagi in years.

 

But that didn’t mean it didn’t still ache. It did. God, it did. He exhaled shakily, trying to slow his racing heart.

 

He didn’t know how to forgive someone who had walked out like that. Who had vanished without a word. But part of him…Part of him wanted to.

 

And that part of him was the one he didn’t know how to silence.

 

~

 

 

Reo laid in bed scrolling on his phone. He told Chigiri how the photoshoot went, everything from the stylists, the stiff suits, the camera clicks…and Nagi.

 

Chigiri listened and said: “You’re doing great, Reo. You’re handling this better than you think.”

 

But now, alone in the dark he thought about Nagi again. About his face. About how he looked. He unlocked his phone and without really thinking, scrolled to a folder long buried in his gallery.

 

“Sei”

 

The name still made his chest twist.

 

Inside, there were dozens of photos. Ones he had taken secretly, sweetly, constantly back when they were inseparable. When they still lived together and fall asleep together on the couch. When Reo used to wake up to tangled hair and sleepy eyes and lazily whispered “morning.”

 

He swiped through them slowly.

 

One of Nagi almost asleep, clutching a game controller upside down. One of him yawning in Reo’s hoodie. The one at graduation. Another of him eating ice cream with a spoon in his mouth, expression blank as ever, but Reo remembered that day. Remembered the way Nagi looked at him between each bite like he was trying to memorize his face.

 

It hurt.

 

Reo stared at the screen, thumb hovering, before setting the phone on his chest. His eyes stung, but he didn’t blink. Couldn’t.

 

“I hate you…” he whispered into the dark. “I hate that I still miss you like this.”

 

But even now saying it… it didn’t feel true.

 

He rolled onto his side and pulled the blanket closer. He wasn’t ready to forgive Nagi. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

 

But tonight, with silence wrapped around him and old photos warming his chest like an old wound, he just let himself miss him.

 

Just for a little while.

Notes:

I did torture Nagi for the whole chapter and im proud of that.

Chapter 13

Notes:

friendly

Two weeks had passed.

 

The work was demanding, sure, but not unpleasant. Chigiri was thriving. The camera loved him and everyone on set adored him. Even Reo had to admit that the shots they’d seen so far looked incredible.

 

And the game? It was bold. Stylish. And of course, Nagi loved the photos. The team praised their chemistry, their adaptability, the edge they brought to the characters being built. Everything was going great. Except for the part where Reo had to see Nagi almost every day.

 

Sure, Nagi kept his distance or tried to. He didn’t speak much unless it was needed. He never lingered in the dressing room anymore. He didn’t offer to adjust collars, didn’t comment on poses, didn’t try to catch Reo’s eye when the camera flashed.

 

But his presence was still there.

 

Reo pretended not to notice. He showed up on time. He posed. He listened to directions. He answered every comment from the creative team with polite nods and brief words. He was professional.

 

Chigiri noticed. But like always, he didn’t push.

 

Now, sitting in the makeup chair, Reo sipped at an iced coffee and scrolled absently through his messages. The stylists were buzzing around him, talking softly, while someone curled a piece of his hair just slightly to match the game’s style more.

 

“We’ll do one more week of group material,” one of the team members said behind him. “Then just a few more individual shots. Clean up anything we missed.”

 

Reo nodded.

 

Two more weeks. That was it.

 

He’d get through this. He’d be done. He could go back home, back to Tokyo, back to a life where Nagi Seishiro was just a name in the credits of a game. He wouldn’t have to feel that tightness in his chest every time their eyes accidentally met or hear that faint hope in Nagi’s voice whenever he tried to start a conversation.

 

He wasn’t angry anymore.

 

But he wasn’t ready either.

 

“Are you okay?” Chigiri asked from the chair next to him.

 

Reo blinked and looked over. “Yeah,” he said quickly. “Just tired.”

 

Chigiri didn’t look convinced. But he just nodded.

 

“Almost there.” he said, bumping his shoulder lightly against Reo’s.

 

And Reo smiled.

 

Lia entered the space a moment later, waving a folded paper in her hand. “Hey,” she called to both of them. “Before you guys disappear for the weekend… there’s something you should know.”

 

Reo looked up. “What’s that?”

 

Lia grinned. “We’re throwing a little party tomorrow night. Just something casual with the team. Music, drinks, nothing huge, just a ‘yay, we survived two weeks of intense shooting’ kind of deal.”

 

Chigiri lit up. “Wait, that sounds fun.”

 

Reo was quiet, already preparing a polite way to decline. He didn’t do well with parties lately, especially when one particular someone might be there.

 

“Is everyone coming?” Chigiri asked.

 

Lia nodded. “Yeah. Well, most of us. The stylists, creative direction, even the photographers. Anyone who wants to join, really. It’ll be a nice reset before we jump into the final stretch.”

 

Reo opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, someone else entered the conversation.

 

“I won’t make it.” said Nagi. He stood at the edge of the room, arms crossed lightly over his chest. His gaze flicked over Reo for a split second before drifting to Lia.

 

“I have something else that night.” he added, almost like he was offering an apology.

 

Reo blinked once.

 

“Alright, then,” Reo said smoothly, interrupting Lia’s attempt to respond to Nagi. He stood up, gently beside the bench. “I’ll come.”

 

“Cool,” Lia smiled. “That’s great! I’ll send you the details later tonight.”

 

Nagi stayed rooted to the spot, trying not to let it show. But his chest tightened the moment he heard Reo’s voice change. That second decision to come, only after Nagi said he wouldn’t made him think that Reo couldn’t even stand to sit next to him. What did he even do this time? He tried to ignore Reo. Try to make him feel not uncomfortable to be near him. But clearly, it didn’t work.

 

 

It’s fine. It’s okay. It’s just a party. He wasn’t invited to the important parts of Reo’s life anymore. Maybe this was just one more reminder.

 

 

What did you expect?

You hurt him. You left.

 

Nagi looked up again, watching the three of them chat across the room. Chigiri was smiling. Reo said something low that made Lia laugh. And Nagi felt like a shadow that was just there. Completely ignored by everyone.

Reo smiled as he stepped inside their airbnb. “Finally,” he muttered, stretching out his arms with a small groan. “A full day without having to awkwardly dodge eye contact every five seconds.”

 

Chigiri chuckled, following behind him. “You dodged like a pro, I’ll give you that.”

 

Reo rolled his eyes playfully as he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “I think I deserve an award at this point.”

 

The next morning they woke up softly and they were drinking their coffee at the nice, big table in the kitchen.

 

He didn’t feel nervous about the party. Not really.

Not with Nagi not being there.

 

Chigiri was texting someone with a big joyful smile on his face.

 

Reo padded over, raising a brow. “That Kunigami?”

 

Chigiri didn’t even look up, just grinned. “Who else would get up at 6am just to send me a photo of his dog?”

 

Reo smirked. “You two are so gross.” He was a little jealous of their love tho.

 

Chigiri laughed, tilting the screen toward him briefly. “He says hi.”

 

“Tell him hi back.” Reo grabbed his own cup, got up and leaned against the counter. “You’re lucky, you know?”

 

“I do know,” Chigiri said softly. “But hey… you’ll be lucky again too.”

 

 

They both got ready slowly, music playing in the background, the cats curled up on the bed watching them move from one room to another. The sun dipped down behind the skyline, casting the apartment in the kind of golden light that made everything feel like a movie.

 

Reo stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his dark shirt. His hair fell perfectly with just the right amount of carelessness and the slim silver necklace he wore gave just enough sharp edge to make the whole look hit. His eyes caught Chigiri’s in the mirror.

 

“You look unreal..” Chigiri said.

 

Reo smirked. “Says the guy looking like a Calvin Klein ad.”

 

Chigiri laughed as he finished styling his hair, then picked up his phone. “Kunigami just sent another message. Says I’m not allowed to let any L.A. guys get too close.”

 

Reo snorted. “Tell him the only one with groupies tonight is you.”

 

“I’ll try to survive the fame.” Chigiri winked.

 

They grabbed their jackets and made sure the cats were set for the night. Food, water, the usual kisses goodbye.

 

Maybe tonight really could just be a good night.

 

No Nagi.

No tension.

 

The rooftop party was full of energy, a mix of laughter, music and soft city sounds below. Reo leaned against the balcony’s edge, a drink in hand, the skyline glittering around him. Chigiri had already disappeared into a friendly conversation near the food table, leaving Reo to wander a bit and that’s when Jake found him.

 

“Hey,” Jake said smoothly, approaching with his usual ease. “Didn’t think I’d catch you here. You seemed like the type to ghost on events like this.”

 

Reo tilted his head, amused. “Do I give off ‘ghosting’ vibes?”

 

Jake grinned. “A little. But not in a bad way. More like… mysterious hot guy energy.”

 

Reo laughed, cheeks warming. “That’s a first.”

 

Jake raised his drink, clinking it gently against Reo’s. “Then I’m honored to be the first.”

 

They settled into a light conversation. Reo wasn’t even sure how it flowed so easily, but it did. Jake was charming, but not pushy. Curious, but not annoying. And it felt good to talk. Just… talk.

 

“So, you’re from Japan?” Jake asked, sipping his second drink as he leaned against the balcony rail beside him.

 

“Yeah. Born and raised.”

 

“Your English is crazy good. Seriously, accent’s soft, pronunciation’s clean. Have you always been fluent?”

 

Reo smiled a little, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve studied since I was a kid. And I traveled a lot for school. But I don’t get to speak it this much.”

 

Jake nodded, clearly impressed. “Well, you sound amazing. Like better than most of the people I know here.”

 

“You flatter everyone like this?” Reo asked with a smirk.

 

“Only the ones who are really pretty.”

 

Reo blinked, surprised for a second, then laughed under his breath. Jake was bold. It felt honest. It felt… nice.

 

Jake turned more toward him, their arms lightly brushing. “So, do you miss it? Japan?”

 

“Sometimes,” Reo admitted. “I miss… little things. Routines. People.”

 

Jake gave him a look that was quiet, understanding. “You look like someone who holds on.”

 

Reo’s breath caught for a second. Just for a second. “Yeah. Maybe too much.”

 

There was a small pause. And then Jake leaned just a little closer, like it was natural, like the space between them didn’t need to exist anymore. His hand lifted slowly, brushing through Reo’s silver strands, adjusting them slightly. “Sorry,” he murmured. “You had a little bit of flyaway.”

 

Reo’s eyes flicked up to meet his. Startled, soft, and… something else. The kind of expression that said, I don’t know what I’m doing, but it feels okay to let it happen.

 

They had both had two drinks. Enough to feel the warmth behind their eyes and the easy pull of the night.

 

“Thanks.” Reo said, voice lower now.

 

Jake was still smiling. “You’re welcome.”

 

And that was when the door behind them opened.

 

Reo didn’t turn immediately. But he heard the small footsteps. The hush in the air. The slight stiffening of the atmosphere.

 

“Didn’t think I’d make it,” Nagi said, casual, voice smooth like water. “Finished earlier than I expected.”

 

He stood near the drinks table, blending in like he always did. Hands in his jacket pockets. His expression unreadable.

 

Jake straightened a little. “Hey, Seishiro! You made it.”

 

Nagi nodded, not looking at anyone in particular, but Reo could feel the weight of his glance.

 

“Yeah,” Nagi replied. “Just wrapped up some edits for the game. Figured I’d stop by.”

 

He was looking at the team. Not at Reo. Not at Jake. Not directly.

 

But he saw everything.

 

He saw Reo smiling.

He saw the hand in Reo’s hair.

He saw the softness in Reo’s eyes. A softness he hadn’t seen in years.

 

He blinked once and turned back toward the group.

 

Reo stayed where he was, forcing his shoulders to remain loose, his hand still around the cool glass. Jake didn’t notice the shift. “You were saying,” Jake prompted, smiling gently, “that maybe you hold on too much.”

 

Reo took a breath and looked at him again, the smile returning, but not quite reaching his eyes this time.

 

“Yeah,” he repeated, “maybe I do.”

 

And across the rooftop, Nagi turned away, hiding the storm behind his calm.

 

All he could see. All he could feel was Reo.

 

Reo laughing with someone else.

 

That guy. Jake.

 

Nagi’s jaw clenched. He hadn’t meant to come to the party. He’d told himself he was too tired, had too much work left, that it didn’t matter. But then he thought about Reo being here. Laughing, smiling, existing in a space without him. And suddenly, showing up didn’t sound so bad.

 

But now… he wished he hadn’t.

 

He hadn’t expected to walk in and see Reo looking like that. With his hair styled just right, the soft lighting casting a gentle gold glow over his skin. He looked incredible. Like always.

 

And Jake had his hand in his hair.

 

Nagi hadn’t heard what was said. He didn’t need to. The way Reo tilted his head slightly. The way Jake smiled. The way Reo didn’t move away. It was enough.

 

He took a drink. It tasted like sugar and lemon and forced himself to nod along to something someone was saying about shoot schedules.

 

Then he looked away from the group, just for a second, eyes drifting back to the balcony. Reo was still there. Still with him. Still smiling.

 

Nagi’s chest tightened again. Sharp and stupid and so frustrating he almost laughed. Or screamed. He turned away quickly, muttering an excuse to the team and heading toward the quieter side of the rooftop. His cup was empty. His heart was loud.

 

Fucking Jake he thought, pushing his fingers through his hair. Jake’s not even that pretty. It was petty. It was stupid. He knew it. But the ache didn’t go away.

 

He sat on the edge of a low bench, elbows resting on his knees, staring out into the blurry city lights. He didn’t know what he was expecting. Reo had every right to move on. To laugh with someone else. To flirt. Hell, to be happy.

 

But Nagi hadn’t expected it to hurt this much. He didn’t think watching it would make his chest feel like it was folding in on itself. Not after everything. Not after four years of silence. He pressed his palms to his face. Maybe he deserved this. Maybe Jake was prettier than him.(he definitely wasn’t.)

 

He scoffed again.

 

“…Jake has shit hair” he muttered.

 

But even that didn’t make him feel better.

 

Four drinks in.

 

Not enough to forget, but just enough to stop pretending.

 

Reo laughed at something Jake said. Something light, probably a compliment and tilted his glass back. His lips tingled, cheeks warm from the alcohol. Jake leaned closer again, brushing fingertips against the ends of his hair, but Reo barely felt it anymore.

 

Because his eyes had found him.

 

There. In the corner of the rooftop was Nagi.

 

Alone.

 

Just… watching the view.

 

And not talking to anyone anymore.

 

Didn’t he say he wasn’t gonna show up? Reo frowned. His head spun slightly as he blinked harder, grounding himself on the railing. The ache in his chest flared again and the thought that Nagi had been watching. Watching him with Jake, suddenly made Reo feel exposed.

 

And irritated. And reckless.

 

“Excuse me for a sec.” Reo muttered, stepping away from Jake before he could respond.

 

The music got quieter the further he walked, his steps quick and uneven. He didn’t stop until he was standing right beside Nagi, arms crossed, eyes sharp.

 

“I thought you said you weren’t coming.”

 

Nagi didn’t flinch, but his expression faltered. “…Change of plans.”

 

Reo scoffed, too tired, too drunk to hide the heat behind his words. “Right. Change of plans.”

 

There was a beat of silence between them and then Reo added, quieter but sharper, “You always do that. Just show up. Out of nowhere.”

 

Nagi glanced at him. “You seem drunk.”

 

“No shit,” Reo snapped. “Maybe if you told the truth for once, I wouldn’t need to be.”

 

Reo seemed pretty mad. And Nagi knew this wasn’t a conversation for public ears. Without a word, he nodded toward the door that led inside the building.

 

“Let’s talk somewhere else.”

 

Reo hesitated for half a second, jaw clenched… then followed him.

 

They descended a flight of dim stairwell steps, their footsteps echoing in the quiet. Nagi sat first, a few steps up from the bottom. Reo leaned against the railing, arms still crossed, head buzzing. The silence stretched, but this time Nagi broke it.

 

“I didn’t come here to ruin your night.”

 

Reo looked at him, scoffing. “You think just showing up ruins my night?”

 

“You’re acting like it does.”

 

Reo’s jaw tensed. “You weren’t supposed to be here.”

 

“Why?” Nagi asked, voice soft. “Because you didn’t want to see me? Or because you didn’t want me to see you?”

 

Reo didn’t answer.

 

“I wasn’t watching you.” Nagi added, slower now. “At first. But I did see you. Laughing with that guy.”

 

“Jake.”

 

“Sure. Jake.” A small pause. “Is that what you want?”

 

Reo blinked, then narrowed his eyes. “What does it matter to you?”

 

Nagi looked down at his hands. “It doesn’t. Not if you’re happy.”

 

Reo let out a short, bitter laugh. “You’ve got a real habit of showing up and pretending to care, you know that?”

 

Nagi looked up at him. “I do care.”

 

“Yeah?” Reo took a step down, standing just one stair above him now. “Then where the hell were you for four years?”

 

Nagi didn’t have an answer. Just silence. Just regret splashed across his face.

 

Reo shook his head and turned away, the weight of the stair railing beneath his fingers.

 

“I don’t know why you’re doing this now. I don’t know what you expect from me. Do you expect me to act nice to you all of a sudden?” he muttered.

 

Nagi stood up slowly, taking a hesitant step forward. “I don’t expect anything. I just… I don’t want you to hate me.”

 

Reo glanced over his shoulder.

 

“I don’t hate you,” he said, voice low. And then, more quiet

 

“I just don’t know how to stop hurting when I see you.”

 

The silence between them cracked open. And Nagi, frozen in place, couldn’t say anything fast enough to catch him. Couldn’t fix it, couldn’t explain.

 

And maybe that’s what tipped it.

 

Because Reo suddenly turned fully to face him, face flushed, jaw clenched. His breath hitched, uneven and sharp, and then

 

He grabbed Nagi by the collar.

 

Nagi gasped softly, startled. Not resisting, just curious. Reo’s hands were hot against the fabric of his shirt, fists trembling slightly with the grip.

 

Their faces were close now. Close enough to feel Reo’s breath on his lips.

 

“I hate that you’re here,” Reo whispered, but it cracked halfway through. “And I hate that I still-”

 

He didn’t finish the sentence.

 

Instead, he kissed him.

 

A desperate, messy kiss. It wasn’t soft or planned. It was all alcohol and frustration and four years of grief. Their lips touched just once. Enough to send heat bursting through Nagi’s chest.

 

And then it was over.

 

Reo pulled back instantly, his eyes blown wide in horror as the realization slammed into him.

 

“I-” he stuttered, hands releasing Nagi’s shirt as if it burned. “Shit. I’m sorry-I’m sorry, I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me-”

 

His voice broke completely.

 

And then he was crying.

 

Quiet at first, but clearly overwhelmed. Shoulders shaking, head down, hands trembling as he stumbled back a step.

 

“I didn’t mean to- I didn’t come here to do this, I don’t know what’s happening,” he breathed, wiping at his face, only for the tears to come faster. “This is so embarrassing. God, I’m sorry.”

 

Nagi hadn’t moved. Not because he didn’t care. But because his mind was still catching up. His heart was racing. His lips were still tingling.

 

He wanted to say don’t go, wanted to reach out, wanted to hold him and tell him he wasn’t mad, that he wasn’t weird or embarrassing or wrong.

 

But Reo was already walking away. Not running, just retreating, almost quietly, back toward the rooftop party. And Nagi stayed on the steps. One hand gently brushing the spot on his chest where Reo had grabbed him.

 

The second Reo stepped back into the pulsing lights and music, it felt wrong. Too loud. Too bright. Too anooying. He clearly wasn’t in the mood to remain here. Even for a second.

 

Jake was still by the bar, but Reo didn’t glance his way. He felt like his chest had cracked wide open. His cheeks were flushed, not from the alcohol anymore, but from the shame burning through him.

 

He spotted Chigiri near one of the tall tables, laughing with a drink in hand and made his way toward him.

 

Chigiri turned mid laugh, his expression immediately dropping when he saw Reo.

 

“Hey-” he reached for him instinctively, lowering his voice. “Are you okay?”

 

Reo didn’t answer right away. He just stood there, blinking too fast, trying to keep it together.

 

Chigiri’s eyes softened. “You look like you did something stupid.”

 

Reo let out a weak laugh. One of those I know laughs, full of regret. He rubbed his hand over his face, shaking his head. “I think I did something very, very dumb.”

 

“That confirms it.” Chigiri said gently, already setting his drink down. “Okay. We’re leaving.”

 

Reo opened his mouth to protest. He wanted Chigiri to stay here. To continue having fun. But he definitely needed to get out of here.

 

“No, no, don’t argue. You clearly need to get out of here before you spiral. I’ve seen you spiral. It’s not cute.”

 

Reo let out a broken sound that might’ve been a laugh or a sob. “Thanks.”

 

Chigiri took him by the arm, firm but comforting and led him through the crowd. They passed Jake on the way out who gave Reo a small, confused wave. Reo didn’t even look at him.

 

“Thanks for coming!” someone from the team called out. Chigiri waved with a polite smile, pulling Reo along. They made it to the elevator.

 

Once the doors closed and the noise from the party was sealed away, the silence settled in.cReo leaned back against the mirrored wall, eyes closed.cChigiri didn’t ask. Not yet.

 

But he glanced at Reo’s reflection. His best friend’s red eyes, his trembling fingers and sighed.

 

“You kissed him, didn’t you?”

 

Reo didn’t answer. He didn’t need to.

 

Nagi stood still, shoulders stiff, his fingers curled tightly around the edge of the rooftop railing. His heart hadn’t stopped racing since Reo had stormed away. The kiss. The tears. The sound of Reo’s voice breaking right in front of him. He could still feel the press of Reo’s fingers on his collar. The way Reo had gripped him. Angry, confused, hurting and then kissed him like he needed it more than air.

 

Nagi had frozen, stunned. And before he could react… Reo was gone. He swallowed, hard. His throat burned. The music thumped behind him. Laughter. Glasses clinking. Jake saying something too loudly nearby.

 

And Reo… was no longer there.

 

Nagi blinked fast and turned away from the view, muttering a soft “I’m heading out” to the nearest teammate, not waiting for a response. His voice cracked as he spoke and he hated that.

 

He left quietly, head down, and shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked alone through the warm L.A. night.

 

He pulled his phone out, wanting to text Reo “I miss you”. “I’m so in love with you.” But of course he didn’t do that. Now, probably Reo was going to ignore him for the rest of his life.

 

 

Chigiri helped Reo out of his shoes like he’d done this before. Which, to be fair, he had.

 

“I told you not to mix tequila with that green thing,” Chigiri muttered, grabbing Reo’s face gently between his hands. “Look at me.”

 

Reo’s glossy eyes struggled to focus. His cheeks were blotchy, had tried tears, his eyeliner smudged. “I’m so dumb.”

 

“I won’t argue.”

 

“I kissed him, Chigiri.”

 

Chigiri stilled, toothbrush in one hand. “Okay. Well. That’s… one way to deal with unresolved emotional trauma.”

 

“I-” Reo’s voice cracked again. “I miss him. I miss him so much and I don’t even know what’s wrong with me. It’s painful, Chi. It’s actually painful to see him every day and act like I don’t care.”

 

Chigiri sighed softly. “I know.”

 

“I don’t know how to stop loving him.”

 

Chigiri didn’t have an answer to that. Instead, he took Reo’s face in his hands again, wiping under his eyes carefully with a cotton pad. “Close your eyes.”

 

Reo did and Chigiri applied the moisturizer he always used. The one that smelled like roses and made Reo feel like a person again.

 

A few minutes later, Reo was tucked into bed, he really needed to sleep.

 

Chigiri sat at the edge of the bed, brushing Reo’s hair back from his forehead. “Sleep. You’ll feel better in the morning.”

 

“I won’t.”

 

“You might.”

 

Reo closed his eyes again, a tear slipping down his cheek.

 

“I just want him to love me like I love him.”

 

Chigiri’s voice was barely a whisper. “I think he already does.”

 

 

Nagi stood in the middle of his room. He didn’t bother turning the lights on. Just dropped his phone on the nightstand and sat heavily on the edge of the bed.

 

His fingers still tingled where Reo had grabbed his collar. His lips still burned. And his chest

 

That hurt most of all.

 

Nagi leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, hands hanging between them. His head dipped down, eyes staring at the floor like it held the answers.

 

“Why’d you do that…” he thought. “Why kiss me, if you were gonna run away after?”

 

He hadn’t expected to see Reo that close again. Not like that. Especially not with tears in his eyes.

 

He wanted to believe the kiss meant something. But what if it didn’t? What if Reo had just been drunk and full of regrets and confusion? What if that was all Nagi was now? A painful memory Reo hadn’t figured out how to bury yet?

 

Nagi exhaled, long and quiet, then stood up and dragged himself to the bathroom. He washed his face in silence, the cool water helping to ground him, if only slightly. Afterward, he pulled off his shirt, climbed into bed and let the silence wrap around him like a weighted blanket.

 

He reached for his phone again, muscle memory, but he didn’t text Reo. What would he even say?

 

Instead, he rolled onto his side, eyes fixed on the dark ceiling. He misses Reo more than anything.

 

Eventually, Nagi closed his eyes and let sleep take him.

 

 

The morning sun slipped through the curtains warming the bedroom.

Reo hated it.

 

He turned away from the light and groaned into his pillow. His head throbbed, his stomach twisted with both nausea and regret and his throat felt like sandpaper. But none of that compared to the dull, anxious weight in his chest.

 

He kissed Nagi. He actually kissed Nagi.

 

He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling, jaw tight. “I’m such an idiot.” he whispered.

 

There was a soft knock at the door before Chigiri peeked in, still in his pajamas, hair tied back, skin already glowing like he somehow hadn’t stayed out late drinking.

 

“You awake?” he asked gently.

 

“No,” Reo mumbled.

 

Chigiri came in anyway, sitting on the edge of the bed. “You look like hell.”

 

“Thanks,” Reo muttered, pressing the heel of his hand to his forehead. “I feel worse.”

 

Chigiri chuckled. “Come on, get up. I booked us a spa nearby. Nothing fancy, just a hot soak, cold towels, maybe a massage if we’re lucky. It’ll help with the hangover.”

 

Reo groaned again. “I don’t think a hot soak can wash away what I did last night.”

 

Chigiri tilted his head. “You want to talk about it?”

 

“I kissed him.”

 

Reo sat up slowly, hugging his knees, voice low. “I grabbed him like an idiot and kissed him and then just ran off. What’s wrong with me?”

 

“Reo…” Chigiri reached out and gently rested a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not an idiot. You’re in love.”

 

Reo didn’t respond. He stared at the pattern on the blanket like it might unravel everything for him.

 

“And,” Chigiri continued softly, “I don’t think you have to be embarrassed. I’m pretty sure Nagi feels the same way.”

 

Reo shook his head, bitter. “He doesn’t.”

 

“You can’t know that.”

 

“Yes, I can,” Reo snapped, then winced at himself. He looked away, voice trembling. “Because he left. He left me, Chi. Four years ago, he walked out and never looked back. Why would someone who loves you do that?”

 

Chigiri was quiet for a moment, thinking.

 

“I don’t know,” he admitted gently. “But maybe… maybe he regrets it more than you think. And maybe now that you’re both older, things can be different.”

 

Reo sighed. “I don’t even know how I’m supposed to look him in the eyes tomorrow.”

 

“Well, good news,” Chigiri said, giving his arm a soft pat. “Today isn’t tomorrow. Today is spa day. Come on. You need steam, silence and whatever magic those cucumber slices do.”

 

Reo snorted, despite himself. “Fine.”

 

He pulled himself out of bed, still feeling like he was dragging a hundred bricks with him.

 

But part of him was thankful for Chigiri’s timing. For a chance to breathe before the next storm hit.

 

Because tomorrow, he would have to face Nagi again. And he wasn’t ready. Not even close.

 

 

~

 

Monday came, of course. Reo wanted to stay at the spa forever. Just to ignore Nagi and not look him in the eyes.

 

Reo pushed open the studio doors, the familiar rush of cool, conditioned air greeting him. The soft murmur of voices and the faint smell of coffee drifted through the space.

 

Two weeks, he reminded himself. Just two more weeks and I won’t have to see him again.

 

The thought was meant to be comforting. It wasn’t.

 

He tightened his grip on the strap of his bag, his chest buzzing with an uncomfortable heat. The image from Saturday night kept flashing through his head. The stairs, Nagi’s surprised eyes, the warmth of his lips.

 

Reo clenched his jaw and exhaled through his nose. Why did I do that?

 

At least the spa yesterday had been… amazing. The steam, the quiet, the way his headache finally melted away, Chigiri had been right. But not even the best massage of his life could knead away this kind of embarrassment.

 

His footsteps slowed as he passed one of the racks of clothing. People from the team were already moving around, checking lights, prepping lenses. Everything felt so normal and yet his heartbeat was anything but that.

 

Somewhere in this building, Nagi was probably setting up, being his usual calm, collected self. And Reo… Reo didn’t even know if he could look him in the eye without his face catching fire.

 

He tugged lightly at his collar and told himself to just focus on the work. On posing, on following directions, on anything that didn’t involve thinking about how it felt to have Nagi’s breath against his mouth.

 

Two weeks, he repeated like a mantra.

 

Just two weeks and then this would all be over.

 

The flash popped, white light spilling over him as the photographer called out another adjustment.

 

“Chin up a bit, Reo, yeah, hold that.”

 

He shifted, hands in his pockets, but his mind wasn’t anywhere near the lens.

 

Where is he?

 

Usually, Nagi hovered somewhere nearby during shoots. Leaning against a wall, watching quietly, pretending he wasn’t paying attention but always… there. Sometimes Reo caught him staring, sometimes they locked eyes for half a second before one of them looked away.

 

But today… nothing.

 

Between shots, Reo glanced subtly around the studio. No pale hair. No slouched figure. No Nagi.

 

The absence pressed into him heavier than the camera’s attention.

 

I really messed it up. The thought landed like a stone in his chest. He’s avoiding me. Of course he is.

 

Another flash.

 

Why would he even want to see me after that?

 

He swallowed hard, suddenly hyperaware of how the collar of his shirt was brushing against his neck, the same neck Nagi’s breath had been close to that night. The memory hit, uninvited and his stomach twisted.

 

Maybe he hates me now.

 

He stepped into the next pose, his smile too tight for the camera.

 

I wouldn’t blame him.

 

By the time they called it a wrap, Reo’s shoulders were aching from holding poses for so long.

 

“That’s it for today, everyone. Great work!” the photographer said, clapping their hands.

 

Reo gave a small smile. He glanced around one last time, just in case, but no sign of him.

 

Chigiri had left hours ago, after they’d finished the joint shots. He’d yawned, waved and said, “I’m heading back. I’m asleep already.” And just like that, Reo was on his own.

 

He changed out of the outfit slowly, like dragging out the moments might somehow make Nagi appear in the doorway. Nothing.

 

He’s avoiding me. The thought looped for the hundredth time today.

 

He slung his bag over his shoulder, stepping out into the cooler air outside the studio. He told himself it was fine. That this was what he’d wanted. Space. Distance. No Nagi hovering around like old times.

 

I should be happy, he thought, walking toward the street.

 

But the hollow feeling in his chest told him otherwise.

 

Reo shoved his hands into his pockets, head down as he made his way toward the Airbnb. The late afternoon sun stretched shadows long across the pavement and all he wanted was to sink into bed and not think about-

 

“Reo.”

 

He froze. Slowly, he lifted his gaze.

 

Nagi was there, standing on the opposite side of the sidewalk, hair a little messy, hoodie draped lazily over him like he’d just rolled out of bed.

 

“I… slept in,” Nagi said simply, stepping closer. “I wanted to come to the studio but… I didn’t make it in time.”

 

“Oh.” Reo’s voice came out flatter than he intended.

 

For a moment, neither of them moved. The street noise filled the space between them.

 

“Were the shots alright today?” Nagi asked.

 

“Yeah.” Reo nodded, eyes flicking briefly over Nagi’s face before quickly looking away. He shouldn’t be staring, but it was impossible not to notice how the golden light hit the sharp line of his jaw, the way his pale hair caught the sun, the faint crease between his brows like he’d been thinking too much.

 

Nagi looked unfairly beautiful, effortless in a way that made Reo’s chest ache.

 

“That’s good,” Nagi murmured, and then, after a beat, “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 

“Yeah.” Reo replied quietly.

 

They walked past each other and Reo kept his gaze forward, ignoring the urge to turn back.

 

They had just passed each other when Reo heard his name again.

 

“Reo-wait.”

 

He turned, surprised, to see Nagi walking back toward him, hand lifting as if to stop him from leaving. Before Reo could say anything, Nagi reached out and caught his wrist. Not hard, but enough to make Reo pause.

 

“Do you… want to spend some time together?” Nagi’s voice was low, almost uncertain. “Talk about what happened yesterday.”

 

Reo hesitated. His first instinct was to run from the conversation, but something in Nagi’s expression made him answer before he could stop himself.

 

“…Yeah. Sure.”

 

Nagi shifted, looking almost relieved. “We could… go to the Airbnb together?”

 

Reo nodded slowly. “If you want, you can come in. We can… actually talk. Like, maturely this time.”

 

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Nagi’s mouth, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Okay.”

 

They didn’t say a single word on the way back.

The sound of their footsteps on the quiet street felt louder than it should have and every so often, Reo glanced at Nagi from the corner of his eye, only to find him looking straight ahead.

 

When they finally reached the Airbnb, Reo unlocked the door as quietly as possible. The place was quiet. Chigiri’s door was closed. He was already asleep.

 

Reo motioned for Nagi to follow him into the kitchen, shutting the door behind them to keep the noise down. The air was warmer in here, the faint scent of dinner still lingering.

 

Without a word, Reo pulled out a cigarette, lit it and leaned against the counter, the smoke curling lazily toward the ceiling. Nagi stood across from him, hands in his pockets, watching.

 

Reo’s eyes flicked to the wine stain on Nagi’s shirt. “You want a drink? We’ve got wine,” he said, exhaling slowly. “Looks like you’ve already been around it today anyway.”

 

A faint smile ghosted over Nagi’s lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah… sure.”

 

Reo turned to grab two glasses from the cabinet, the sound of them clinking together filling the silence between them.

 

Reo poured the wine, sliding one of the glasses across the counter. Nagi picked it up, turning it in his hand before taking a small sip. The silence stretched.

 

Reo finally broke it.

“…I’m sorry.”

 

Nagi’s gaze lifted to him. “For what?”

 

“You know for what.” Reo tapped ash into the tray beside him, not quite meeting Nagi’s eyes. “I kissed you. Out of nowhere. You didn’t deserve that. I was drunk and-” He paused, exhaling. “And stupid.”

 

Nagi tilted his head. “It’s fine. You were drunk. People do stupid things when they’re drunk.”

 

“That doesn’t make it okay.”

 

Nagi’s lips curved faintly, but his eyes stayed unreadable. “I’m not mad, Reo.”

 

Reo let out a dry laugh. “You’re not mad, but you’ve been avoiding me all day.”

 

“That wasn’t about Saturday,” Nagi said, shaking his head. “I just… overslept. Didn’t feel like rushing. That’s it.”

 

Reo stared at him for a moment, trying to decide if he believed it. “Could’ve fooled me.”

 

“Why’d you really do it?” he asked quietly.

 

Reo froze. “…Because I’m a mess,” he said finally. “Because I saw you there and it hurt and I- I don’t know. I guess I wanted to remember what it was like when things weren’t this complicated.”

 

Nagi’s expression softened, just a little. “It wasn’t always good, though.”

 

Reo chuckled bitterly. “Yeah. I remember the fights. I remember you walking away without saying a word. I remember thinking I wasn’t enough for you.”

 

“That’s not true,” Nagi said, his voice low. “You were enough. I was just… different back then. I didn’t know how to hold onto things. I didn’t know how to hold onto you.”

 

Reo’s throat tightened. He took another drink, letting the wine steady him. “And now?”

 

Nagi hesitated. “…Now I think I’d do better. But that doesn’t mean I expect anything from you. I’m just glad we can be here. Talking.”

 

Reo exhaled smoke slowly, watching it curl toward the ceiling. “You don’t have to pretend it didn’t happen,” he said finally.

 

Nagi’s fingers tapped lightly against his glass. “I’m not pretending. I’m just… trying to figure out how to say what I want to say.”

 

Reo raised a brow, waiting.

 

Nagi took a breath. “I’m sorry.”

 

Reo scoffed lightly. “You already said it’s fine-”

 

“No,” Nagi cut in, voice firmer now. “Not for that night. For back then.”

 

Reo blinked at him, caught off guard.

 

“I shouldn’t have done that to you,” Nagi continued, eyes dropping to the countertop. “I shouldn’t have just… walked away. I left you with nothing. No explanation. No closure. I was selfish. I didn’t think about how it would feel for you, I just-” His jaw tightened. “I thought I’d have time to figure it out later. But later turned into years.”

 

Reo stared at him, cigarette forgotten between his fingers. “You really think an apology after four years is gonna fix that?”

 

Nagi’s gaze flicked up, meeting his. “No. I know it won’t. I’m not expecting it to. I just… I don’t want you to think I didn’t care.”

 

Reo let out a sharp laugh, though it wasn’t mean. “You had a hell of a way of showing you did.”

 

“I know,” Nagi murmured. “And I hate that I made you feel like you weren’t worth staying for. That’s not true. You were, you are important to me, Reo. I just… didn’t know how to be that person for you back then.”

 

Reo looked away, his chest tightening. “You could’ve told me that instead of disappearing. Do you have any idea what that did to me?”

 

“Yes,” Nagi said quietly. “Because it did the same thing to me.”

 

The words hung between them, heavy and raw.

 

Reo swallowed hard. “…You don’t get to say that.”

 

“Maybe not,” Nagi admitted. “But I felt it. Every time I thought about calling you and didn’t… every time I saw something that reminded me of you and ignored it. I wasn’t as unaffected as you think.”

 

Reo’s hand trembled slightly as he set down the cigarette. “Then why come back now? Why even bother?”

 

“Because I couldn’t stand it anymore,” Nagi said, leaning forward. “Because seeing you again… even if it’s just for work… it made me realize I don’t want to spend another four years without talking to you. Even if all we can be is friends.”

 

Reo’s lips pressed into a thin line, but something in him eased, just barely. “Friends, huh?”

 

Nagi gave a faint smile. “It’s better than nothing.”

 

The wine bottle was nearly empty before either of them noticed. The conversation had wandered from awkward apologies to old memories, to stories about the people they’d met in the last four years. By the time Reo poured the last drop into Nagi’s glass, it was almost comfortable. Almost.

 

Reo glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s eleven already? Damn.”

 

Nagi leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded from the wine. “Guess I should head out.”

 

Reo hesitated. The thought of Nagi leaving felt wrong after everything they’d just talked about. “Or…” He swirled the last sip in his glass. “You could just… stay here tonight.”

 

Nagi’s brows lifted. “At your Airbnb?”

 

“Yeah. We’ve both been drinking. And it’s late.” Reo shrugged, trying to sound casual. “I can take the couch, you can have my bed.”

 

Nagi shook his head immediately. “No way. I’ll take the couch.”

 

“It’s my place, so-”

 

“It’s your bed,” Nagi countered, smirking faintly. “You should sleep in it.”

 

Reo rolled his eyes. “God, you’re stubborn.”

 

“You weren’t exactly easy to argue with back then either.” Nagi said, the tease warm and familiar.

 

They stared at each other for a moment before Reo sighed, rubbing his temple. “Fine. We’ll make it simple. We’ll just share the bed. It’s big enough.”

 

For a second, Nagi looked like he might refuse. But then his lips curved, slow and a little crooked. “Sure.”

 

They cleaned up the glasses, keeping their voices low so they wouldn’t wake Chigiri, then slipped into Reo’s room.

 

Reo tossed an extra pillow onto the bed. “Just don’t steal the blanket.”

 

Nagi smirked as he sat on the edge, pulling off his hoodie. “No promises.”

 

When they finally laid down, Reo found himself listening to Nagi’s breathing in the quiet. It was strange, after all these years, to be this close again. And stranger still how much it felt like home.

 

The room was dark, just the faint glow of city lights slipping through the curtains. Reo laid on his side, eyes open, staring at the vague outline of the dresser. His heart was still hammering, loud enough, he was sure, for Nagi to hear it.

 

Why did I even suggest sharing a bed?

 

For a while, they didn’t speak. Just the slow rhythm of breathing, the creak of the mattress whenever one of them shifted.

 

Then Nagi’s voice came, low and almost hesitant. “Reo.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I’m… still sorry. About four years ago. I shouldn’t have left you like that. I didn’t think about how much it would hurt you.” His tone was soft, but Reo could hear the weight in it, guilt that had been sitting there for years.

 

Reo let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “We’ve already been over this tonight. I told you… I forgive you.”

 

There was a pause, as if Nagi was making sure he’d heard right. “…You do?”

 

“Yeah.” Reo rolled onto his back, staring at the ceiling. “We made up. That’s enough. We don’t have to dig up everything again.”

 

Nagi was quiet for a moment before he asked, “So… we’re good now?”

 

“We’re good,” Reo confirmed. “Let’s just… keep things friendly from here on out.”

 

Nagi gave a faint hum of agreement. “Friendly.”

 

They both laid there in silence again and Reo sleep wasn’t going to come easy tonight.

 

Nagi laid on his side, facing the wall, but his entire awareness was pulled toward the warmth behind him. He could hear Reo shifting slightly, could almost feel the faint rustle of his hair against the pillow. His own heart was pounding. Not just loud, but deep, like it was trying to climb out of his chest.

 

Friendly.

Reo had said that word like it was the simplest thing in the world. But Nagi knew it wasn’t simple. Not for him.

 

I don’t want friendly. I can’t do friendly.

 

He loved Reo. He’d loved him for years. That never went away, not in the silence of four years apart, not in the mess of hurt and apologies. If anything, it had grown.

 

He loved the way Reo carried himself, that easy elegance even when he was annoyed or tired. The way he tilted his head when he was thinking. The way he laughed, real laughter, the kind that slipped out before he could control it.

 

He’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. Not just on the outside. Everything about him. The way he dreams big. The way he gives everything he has to the people he cares about. The way he… cared about me. Nagi thought.

 

Nagi swallowed, his chest tightening.

He wants him back. Not as a friend. Not as just some person he used to know. He wants… everything.

 

But in the dark, he stayed still, silent. Because saying any of that now would ruin the fragile peace they’d built tonight. And Nagi knew for Reo peace was rare.

 

So he kept his thoughts where they’d been for four years. Inside.

 

Chigiri had woken up early, like 6am since he went to bed at 3pm. Now, it was almost 9 and they needed to get to the studio, so he knocked on Reo’s door gently, expecting that he was up by now.

 

“Reo? Come on, we’ve gotta get ready for the studio.”

 

Silence.

 

He frowned and knocked again, a little louder. Still nothing.

 

“Honestly…” he muttered under his breath, twisting the doorknob.

 

The door creaked open and Chigiri froze.

 

There, in the middle of the bed, Reo and Nagi were… well, not exactly separate. Reo’s head was resting comfortably on Nagi’s arm, like it was a custom made pillow. Their legs were tangled under the blanket and Nagi’s hair was spilling across the pillow, very close to Reo’s face.

 

Chigiri blinked. Then a slow, catlike grin spread across his face.

“Ohhh… what do we have here?”

 

Reo stirred at the sound, groaning softly. His eyes cracked open just enough to see Chigiri and then he realized where his head was.

 

“Wh- wait, what-” He immediately sat up, hair sticking up in every direction. “It’s not- we-”

 

Nagi, still blinking sleep out of his eyes, propped himself on one elbow. “…Morning.” His voice was slow, lazy, like he hadn’t quite processed what was happening.

 

“So,” Chigiri said, leaning on the doorframe with way too much interest, “you two make up last night or…?”

 

Reo’s ears went pink instantly. “We’re… just trying to be on good terms.”

 

“Mm-hmm.” Chigiri’s grin said he didn’t believe them for a second.

 

Nagi rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah. Good terms.”

 

They both knew they were blushing and the fact that they both knew just made it worse.

 

Chigiri straightened, his grin turning sly. “Well, whatever you call it, you’d better hurry. We leave in ten.” And with that, he disappeared down the hall, humming.

 

The door clicked shut again, leaving Reo and Nagi staring at opposite corners of the room, neither of them daring to look at the other for more than a second. They got up fast because they knew they were already late, but Reo calmed down since he knew that Nagi was basically the boss. So it’s all good.

 

“Alright, come on,” he muttered, tossing Nagi a folded shirt and a pair of joggers. “Here, these should… kinda fit you.”

 

Nagi caught them, glancing down at the joggers that looked a little narrower than what he usually wore. “…They’ll be tight.”

 

“Better than going to the studio in the same clothes you slept in.” Reo shot back, already digging through his drawer for socks.

 

A few minutes later, Nagi padded into the bathroom, pulling the borrowed shirt over his head. The shirt was kinda tight on him, but he didn’t mind it, because, after all, it was Reo’s shirt.

 

Reo was already at the sink, toothpaste foaming in his mouth.

 

“Oh-” he mumbled, leaning to the side to grab something from the counter. “I’ve got two toothbrushes. Here.”

 

Nagi took it without a word, loading it with toothpaste and joining him at the mirror. They brushed side by side, the quiet clink of toothbrushes and running water the only sound between them.

 

When Reo spit and rinsed, he glanced at the clock again. “Damn, we’ve gotta move.” He handed Nagi the hairbrush. “Hey, can you do my hair real quick? We don’t have time for me to do it myself.”

 

Nagi raised an eyebrow but stepped behind him anyway. “Tch. Demanding.”

 

“You’re slow, that’s why I’m asking.” Reo teased.

 

Nagi’s fingers moved through his hair with practiced ease, pulling the strands into place, smoothing out the stubborn bits. Reo stayed still, watching them both in the mirror. The tall figure behind him, concentrated, brushing with gentle strokes.

 

“There.” Nagi said finally, setting the brush down.

 

Reo gave his reflection a quick check. “Looks good.”

 

They didn’t say it, but the whole thing. The clothes, the toothbrush, the hair felt way too natural, like something they’d done a hundred mornings before.

 

“Let’s go,” Reo said, grabbing his bag. “Before Chigiri starts yelling.”

Notes:

theyre on good terms again, finally

Chapter 14

Notes:

early chapter today because im going on vacantion and i wont be able to post and btw theres smut in the chapter, but not anything very explicit

The morning air was still cool as the three of them stepped out of the Airbnb, bags slung over their shoulders. Reo walked in the middle, Nagi on one side, Chigiri on the other. None of them was saying anything till Chigiri decided to broke the silence and ask Reo something.

 

“Do you know how close you two were sleeping?” He said quiet only for Reo to hear.

 

Reo glanced over. “What are you talking about?”

 

“You,” Chigiri pointed at him, “were practically using Nagi’s arm as a pillow. Your legs were tangled. It looked pretty romantic for two guys who are trying to be ‘just friendly’.”

 

Reo groaned. “I was asleep. Doesn’t count.”

 

Chigiri smirked. “Why were you even in the same bed? There’s a couch, you know.”

 

Reo opened his mouth, then shut it again, eyes flicking toward Nagi before he looked straight ahead. “…It just happened, alright?”

 

“So,” Chigiri pressed, “are you two gonna be just friends, or… more?”

 

Reo kept his gaze fixed on the pavement. “Just friends.”

 

Chigiri tilted his head, studying him. “Is that what you want?”

 

Reo didn’t answer, his lips pressed into a thin line.

 

They reached the studio. The place smelled faintly of coffee and fresh print paperand voices from the team floated across the space.

 

Reo greeted a few people with polite smiles, grateful for the distraction. Chigiri was already peeling off toward the makeup corner, chatting easily with one of the stylists. Nagi, hands in his pockets, wandered off to talk to the photographer about the next setup, his usual relaxed pace making it seem like nothing could bother him.

 

Reo tried to match that calm, but his chest still carried a faint heaviness from that morning, from the bed, from Chigiri’s question, from the fact that Nagi looked unfairly good in the clothes Reo had lent him.

 

The shoot went smoothly. They laughed between takes, the crew in good spirits, the whole place buzzing with energy. It felt nice now. The fact that he and Nagi talked and he doesn’t need to act all awkward around him now.

 

By the end of the day, everything was wrapped earlier than expected. They were almost done, only two weeks to go. Actually, not even two weeks, more like ten days.

 

The crew started packing up equipment, chatter bouncing off the studio walls. Chigiri slung his bag over one shoulder, glancing at Reo as if to silently ask if they were leaving yet. Before Reo could answer, Nagi stepped closer, hands in his pockets, eyes calm but he looked like was studying Reo.

 

“Wanna walk back to the Airbnb?” Nagi asked, his voice quiet enough that it felt like it was meant just for Reo.

 

Reo blinked. “Uh… sure.”

 

Chigiri’s gaze flicked between them and Reo didn’t miss the faint, knowing smirk on his face. “I think I’ll… check out that bookstore we passed earlier,” he said, adjusting his bag. “You two go ahead.”

 

“You don’t have to-” Reo started, but Chigiri was already backing toward the street.

 

“I insist. Besides, I’ve been dying to see their photography section,” Chigiri called, waving them off before disappearing into the crowd outside.

 

They walked quietly and stole glances at eachother from time to time in secret.

 

They were halfway down the block when they passed the glow of a small corner restaurant. The scent of grilled food drifted out through the open door.

Nagi slowed his pace, glancing at the sign before turning to Reo. “Are you hungry?”

 

Reo hesitated. “Uh… I guess.”

 

Nagi’s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary. “Do you want to eat something? We could stop here.”

 

“Yeah… sure,” Reo said, trying to sound casual.

 

They stepped inside. The place was small with just a few wooden tables and the faint sound of soft music in the background. They picked a spot by the window and for a moment, the city outside felt very far away.

 

The menu wasn’t exactly what Nagi would normally go for, no ramen in sight, but he didn’t seem fazed, curiously dscanning the options.

 

“What are you thinking?” Reo asked, trying to keep his voice even.

 

Nagi tilted his head, hair falling into his eyes. “Something with chicken, maybe. Or… whatever you’re having.”

 

Reo’s eyebrow arched. “You don’t even know what I’m having yet.”

 

“I know,” Nagi replied, a hint of a smirk tugging at his mouth. “Still trust your taste.”

 

Before Reo could come up with a comeback, the waitress approached, cheerful and bright. “Welcome! Just so you know, we have a couple’s menu tonight: appetizer, entrée, dessert for two.”

 

Both of them immediately shook their heads. “No, thanks,” they said almost in unison.

 

“Oh!” The waitress blinked, then smiled warmly. “Sorry, you just look really good together. I assumed. I’ll come back when you two deicide.” She left before either of them could respond.

 

Reo leaned back, pressing his lips together in an almost-smile. Why would she even assume that? he thought. In Japan, people wouldn’t just… say that. Here, maybe it’s normal. Maybe people don’t care as much.

 

Nagi, meanwhile, was watching him closely. “You’re overthinking again,” he said, resting his chin in his palm.

 

“I’m not,” Reo muttered.

 

“You are,” Nagi countered softly, eyes glinting with something unreadable. “And for the record… I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Being mistaken for a couple.”

 

Reo’s heart gave a stubborn jolt. “You’re tipsy from last night’s wine leftovers, aren’t you?”

 

“Not at all,” Nagi said, deadpan, but the corner of his mouth betrayed him with the smallest smile.

 

First time we’re out together again, Nagi thought, a slow, quiet warmth spreading in his chest. He didn’t care what they ate. He didn’t even care if the food was terrible. He just cared that Reo was sitting across from him.

 

“So,” Nagi started, lazily swirling his water, “tell me what did you do for the past four years?”

 

Reo’s brow quirked. “What, you don’t check the news?”

 

“I’m asking you,” Nagi replied, shrugging. “Not the media.”

 

Reo leaned back, as if to test how much he wanted to share. “I worked. A lot. Traveled for shoots, signed contracts, opened a small brand. Went to Italy for a month.”

 

“Alone?”

 

“Sometimes,” Reo said, then added with a faint smile, “sometimes not.”

 

Nagi let that sit for a moment, then tilted his head. “And?”

 

“And what?”

 

“Boyfriend? Girlfriend?”

 

Reo smirked, but there was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. “No serious ones. Just… dates. A couple things here and there. What about you?”

 

Nagi nodded slowly, then reached for his fork. “I dated a couple people.”

 

Reo’s eyes flicked to his. “Yeah?”

 

“Mm. Just casual,” Nagi said simply, as if it was the most inconsequential thing in the world. “Never stuck.”

 

Casual. He said it so easily, like it meant nothing. Of course he dated. Nagi was… Nagi. He could say “casual” without a second thought, while Reo felt a small twist in his chest just hearing it.

 

He forced a light laugh. “So nothing serious, then?”

 

“No,” Nagi replied, his voice steady, but his gaze lingered a heartbeat too long on Reo before dropping to his plate. “Guess I’m picky.”

 

Reo looked down at his pasta, pretending to focus on twirling it around his fork. Picky, he repeated in his mind. Picky enough to not keep anyone… but not too picky to date other people while I-

 

“Pasta good?” Nagi interrupted his thoughts and Reo looked up to see him leaning forward slightly, elbow on the table, eyes steady and curious.

 

“Yeah,” Reo said, forcing a small smile. “It’s good.”

 

“You’ve got sauce here,” Nagi said, pointing faintly to his own mouth.

 

Reo grabbed his napkin quickly. “Better?”

 

Nagi nodded, lips twitching like he was hiding a grin. “Yeah. Perfect.”

 

 

They’d both relaxed by the time the plates were half empty. The wine Nagi had ordered for them helped, loosening the air between their words.

 

Reo set his fork down and leaned slightly forward. “Okay, your turn. What have you been up to these past four years? You basically disappeared on me, so-”

 

“Not disappeared,” Nagi cut in lazily, resting his chin on his hand. “Just… busy.”

 

“With games?”

 

“Mostly,” he said, shrugging. “A lot of training camps, tournaments. Won a few, lost a few. Picked up some new sponsors. Traveled. Got better.”

 

Reo smiled faintly. “You always were good.”

 

Nagi’s lips quirked. “You’re still flattering me after all this time?”

 

“Just stating facts.”

 

There was a short pause where Nagi simply looked at him, really looked, in that quiet, heavy way he used to back when they’d sit in Reo’s room after practice.

 

Reo cleared his throat. “So… why me and Chigiri? Out of all the people you could’ve teamed with for this game, why us?”

 

Nagi didn’t answer right away, just swirled his wine in the glass like he was stalling.

 

“I already told you,” he said finally, his voice softer, eyes locked on Reo’s.

 

“You didn’t tell me anything.”

 

“I did,” Nagi replied. “You just don’t believe me.”

 

Reo tilted his head. “Then tell me again.”

 

Nagi leaned forward, closing the small distance between them across the table. His tone was quiet, but certain. “Because I wanted you there. Simple as that.”

 

He held Nagi’s gaze for a second longer before pulling back slightly, trying to laugh it off. “That’s… vague.”

 

“Doesn’t have to be complicated,” Nagi said, still watching him like he was waiting for something Reo wouldn’t give.

 

The waiter dropped the check between them with a polite smile.

 

“I’ve got it!” Reo said immediately, already reaching for his wallet.

 

Nagi’s hand slid over the paper first. “No. I’ll pay.”

 

Reo arched a brow. “Why?”

 

“Because I asked you out,” Nagi said confident.

 

“You didn’t ask me out, you asked if I was hungry.”

 

“Same thing.” Nagi leaned back in his chair, the faintest curve in his lips.

 

Reo rolled his eyes. “We can split it then.”

 

“No.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Because splitting is boring,” Nagi said, pulling the check toward him like it was a trophy. “Let me pay.”

 

“You’re ridiculous.”

 

“You like it.”

 

Reo froze for a fraction of a second before smirking to cover it. “Whatever.” He let Nagi hand over his card to the waiter, but inside, his heart wouldn’t stop pounding from that simple you like it.

 

They stepped outside and Reo decided that maybe he should try his luck. Talk with Nagi a little more. He liked that.

 

Reo shoved his hands in his pockets. “So… you wanna come over to my Airbnb? You know…hang out. Maybe crash there again.”

 

Nagi glanced at him. “No, not tonight.”

 

“Why? You afraid of stealing my bed again?” Reo teased.

 

“I don’t have clothes with me,” Nagi said simply.

 

Reo snorted. “What, you think I don’t own a shower? I can give you clothes.”

 

Nagi’s gaze slid forward. “Still… I have to meet up with somebody. Very important.”

 

“Oh. Right.”

 

Nagi didn’t explain further.

 

And Reo didn’t ask, because asking might confirm the thing clawing at the back of his mind. Maybe it was one of those casuals he’d mentioned earlier. Maybe someone new. Maybe someone better.

 

The thought festered the rest of the walk, turning every passing streetlight into another beat of silent overthinking.

 

They stopped at the corner where their paths split.

 

“Well…” Reo shifted his weight, trying to keep his tone cool. “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 

“Yeah.” Nagi’s eyes lingered on him for a moment. “Hey… can I get a hug?”

 

Reo blinked. “Oh. Sure.”

 

The hug was tighter than either of them expected. Ten seconds of shared warmth, breath muffled against each other’s shoulders. Nagi’s arms stayed around Reo just a little longer than necessary and Reo didn’t pull away first. When they finally let go, it felt like the air had cooled again.

 

“Goodnight,” Reo said, trying not to read too much into it.

 

“Goodnight,” Nagi replied. And then he turned away.

 

 

As he walked toward the café a few blocks away, Nagi shoved his hands into his hoodie pocket, letting his thoughts drift back to the hug. He could still feel the pressure of Reo’s body against his own, the faint scent of whatever cologne Reo used, mixed with something warmer, something that felt like home.

 

But tonight wasn’t about him and Reo. It was about work.

 

The person he was meeting was a producer from the project team. A woman who’d been in charge of organizing the LA shoots. She had the raw photos on her laptop and they needed to review them together before sending them to the designers for editing and integration into the game. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was crucial. They had to choose the best angles, approve lighting corrections, make sure the images fit the promo style the studio had in mind.

 

Nagi didn’t mention it to Reo because… well, it didn’t feel like something Reo would care about. Reo was the kind of person who lit up in front of a camera, who shone during the shoots themselves, but the post production side? The long hours of reviewing files under bad cafe lighting? Nagi figured it would just bore him.

 

Still, as he walked, the image of Reo’s face lingere, how his eyes had dimmed just slightly when Nagi mentioned meeting “someone important.” Nagi hadn’t meant for it to sound secretive. It just… didn’t seem worth explaining.

 

But now he wondered if maybe it was.

 

 

It was 11:02 p.m. Reo has checked his phone twice in the last five minutes even though no new messages had popped up.

 

Nagi was probably still out.

 

Reo let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and rolled onto his side, facing the empty wall. He could still feel the ghost of Nagi’s hug lingering in his chest, warm, needy, but instead of calming him, it made his mind spin even faster.

 

Someone important. That’s what Nagi had said. Not just “a friend” or “a teammate,” but important. Reo’s stomach twisted.

 

Important in what way?

Important like… business? Or important like… personal?

 

And why hadn’t Nagi just told him who it was? They’d just spent the whole evening together. They’d laughed, talked about the past, teased each other over who would pay for dinner. They’d actually felt, Reo swallowed like they were… good again. Like they were more than two people awkwardly circling the ruins of what they used to have.

 

But then Nagi had pulled back. Shut the door.

 

Reo squeezed his eyes shut. It was stupid to expect more. We’re just friends, he reminded himself. That’s what he’d said. That’s what they’d agreed on. But still, he would’ve told Nagi. If he had plans, if he was meeting someone, even if it was nothing special, he would’ve said something. Not because it was necessary, but because… Nagi was important to him.

 

And now here he was, lying in bed, wondering who Nagi was laughing with right now, who was getting to see him smile the way Reo had once believed was reserved only for him.

 

Casual flings. That’s what Nagi had said earlier about his love life over the past four years. Just casual. Just easy. Just… not Reo.

 

What if this “important” person was one of those casual flings? What if Nagi had someone here in LA, someone he could call up after dinner and meet without hesitation? What if he was with them now, leaning across a table in some dim cafe, talking in that slow, soft way he had when he was really listening?

 

Reo pushed the thought away, but it kept crawling back, like a stubborn echo. He hated how vivid it was.

 

It wasn’t even jealousy, he told himself. Not exactly. It was just… confusion. And maybe a little bit of hurt. Okay, a lot of hurt. Because if they were supposed to be on good terms again. If they were supposed to be rebuilding something, even if it was just friendship, then shouldn’t Nagi want to share the details of his life? Shouldn’t he trust Reo enough to just… say it?

 

The clock on his phone read 11:14 now. Reo flipped onto his back again, staring at the shadows on the ceiling. His mind replayed every moment from tonight in slow motion. The way Nagi had smiled across the table. The way his voice had softened when he’d asked for that hug. The way Reo had almost leaned in a second longer before pulling away.

 

If Nagi was meeting someone like that… well, Reo didn’t really have any right to feel this way. They weren’t together. They weren’t even heading toward that. They were… nothing.

 

Friends, he corrected himself bitterly. Friends who’d kissed once when one of them was drunk, who now tiptoed around each other like strangers in the same elevator.

 

The silence in the room felt heavier by the minute.

 

He tried to tell himself it was probably work related. Maybe it was one of the team. Maybe something about the game. Maybe a scheduling thing. But then another voice in his head, one he hated for how sharp it was. Whispered: If it was work, he would’ve said so.

 

Reo groaned quietly, dragging both hands over his face. He hated this. He hated not knowing. He hated that after all these years, after everything they’d been through, he was still lying awake at night wondering where Nagi was and who he was with. And more than that, he hated how much he still cared.

 

Because caring meant his chest still ached when he thought about Nagi smiling for someone else. Caring meant every small thing turned into an open wound. Caring meant that even after four years apart, Nagi still had this pull on him, like gravity, like he was the only person in the room that mattered.

 

The only person in the world that mattered.

 

Reo exhaled slowly, trying to loosen the knot in his chest. It didn’t work.

 

He reached for his phone again, thumb hovering over Nagi’s name in his contacts. He could text. He could just ask, Hey, who’s this important person? Say it like a joke, play it off. But even as the thought crossed his mind, he imagined the reply: something vague, something casual, something that wouldn’t tell him anything at all. And that would hurt worse than not knowing.

 

So he locked the screen, set the phone back on the nightstand and laid there in the dark, listening to the sound of the refrigerator in the kitchen.

 

By the time the clock said 11:29, his eyes were still wide open. His head still full of Nagi.

 

And he knew that even if he fell asleep, Nagi would be there in his dreams too.

 

 

The cafe was quiet now. It was open for the whole night, but of course people had left. Who would want to sit in a cheap cafe for the whole night? The woman from the team already gone. They’d reviewed every shot, checked the lighting, picked which ones would work best for the game and planned the edits. It was important work, yeah. But the whole time, through every image, every technical note, Nagi’s mind had been somewhere else.

 

On Reo.

 

He wondered if Reo was already asleep. Or if he was still awake, lying there in the dark, thinking about… him. The way Reo’s eyes had softened earlier at the restaurant kept replaying in his head, along with the warmth of that hug before they’d parted. Ten seconds. He’d counted. Ten seconds where the rest of the world had gone quiet.

 

He’d told himself not to push, not to cross whatever invisible line they’d drawn earlier when they agreed to just be friends. But now, sitting here, the weight of the night pressing in, Nagi realized something, he didn’t care about that line. Not right now.

 

He wanted to see Reo. Needed to.

 

Before he could talk himself out of it, he was already out the door, walking through the cool LA night. The city felt different at 1 am. Quieter, like it was holding its breath. His steps were quick, almost impatient.

 

When he reached the Airbnb building, he hesitated for only a second before knocking. No answer.

 

He knocked again, harder this time. Still nothing.

 

For a moment, Nagi thought maybe Reo really was asleep, maybe it was a stupid idea. But the thought of turning around, of going back without seeing him, felt unbearable. So he kept knocking, slow, steady, insistent.

 

Inside, he imagined Reo stirring awake, confused. He pictured that familiar frown he got when something interrupted his rest. Nagi knew nothing could wake Chigiri once he was out.

 

 

 

The sound reached him through a haze of dreams. Soft at first, then sharper.

Knocking.

 

Reo rolled over, burying his face deeper into the pillow. Maybe it was part of the dream.

 

But no, there it was again. Thump. Thump. Thump.

 

He groaned, blinking blearily at the red numbers on the bedside clock. 1:03 a.m. Who the hell was knocking at this hour?

 

For a second, he laid there, waiting for Chigiri to get up. It was his turn to deal with weird late night noises, wasn’t it? That was their unspoken agreement. Whoever was closest to the door or whoever had more energy, handled it. And Reo was definitely not winning the “energy” category right now.

 

The knocking came again, more insistent this time.

 

He frowned. Chigiri’s room was closer to the entrance. But then again… this was Chigiri. Reo had seen the guy sleep through phone alarms, construction noise and one extremely loud fire drill back in Japan.

 

“Of course…” Reo muttered into the pillow. “Nothing wakes him up.”

 

Another knock. Louder. Whoever it was, they weren’t giving up.

 

Reo sighed dramatically, throwing the blanket off with more force than necessary. His feet hit the floor with that heaviness that made every step feel like an effort. As he padded toward the door, his mind ran through possibilities: neighbor complaining, wrong address, delivery mistake.

 

He rubbed his eyes and yawned, still not fully awake, still not ready for human interaction.

 

The knocking came again, right as he reached the handle.

 

“Alright, alright, I’m coming,” he yelled.

 

And then he pulled the door open-

 

“Nagi, it’s one in the morning. What are you doing here?”

 

Instead of answering, Nagi’s eyes locked on his. “Were you jealous when I told you I was meeting someone important?”

 

The words made Reo’s stomach tighten. “What? No. Why would I-”

 

“Don’t lie to me,” Nagi said, stepping closer. His voice wasn’t angry, but there was something different in it. “Please. I need to know.”

 

Reo shifted his weight, trying to hide the heat rising to his face. “It doesn’t matter. We’re just friends.”

 

“I don’t want to be just friends,” Nagi said instantly, his tone sharper now. “I can’t do that with you. I lost you for four years, Reo. Four years I can’t get back. And now that I have you here… I’m not going to pretend that being your friend is enough.”

 

“Nagi-”

 

“I want more,” he interrupted, his voice low but desperate. “I want you. I don’t care how much time I’ve lost, I don’t want to waste another second.”

 

Reo’s breath caught when Nagi stepped forward again, his hand lifting almost hesitantly before resting on Reo’s jaw. “I’ve been thinking about this since we met again,” he murmured. “Not the game, not the shoots, just you.”

 

Before Reo could respond, Nagi leaned in and kissed him.

 

It wasn’t just a brush of lips this time. It was deep and hungry, the kind of kiss that made Reo’s knees feel unsteady. Nagi’s mouth moved against his with a desperate heat, parting just enough for his tongue to slide past, tasting him. The faint, sweet trace of wine from earlier still lingered between them.

 

Reo’s hand gripped the fabric of Nagi’s hoodie without thinking, pulling him closer, their chests pressing together. Nagi tilted his head, deepening the kiss, his tongue curling against Reo’s in a slow, deliberate stroke that made Reo’s breath hitch.

 

The kiss didn’t end quickly.

 

Five minutes felt like five seconds or maybe it was the other way around. Reo lost track of everything except the taste of Nagi, the slow drag of his tongue, the way their breaths mingled in the quiet hall. Every time they almost pulled apart, Nagi’s lips found his again, deeper, warmer, like he couldn’t bear to let go.

 

When they finally broke apart, it was only far enough to press their foreheads together. Both of them were breathing in short, uneven pulls, their lips still tingling.

 

Reo’s eyes searched Nagi’s burning with something that made Reo’s pulse trip over itself.

 

“Do you…” Reo swallowed, voice softer now, “…want to come in?”

 

Nagi didn’t answer right away. His gaze flicked down to Reo’s mouth again, then back up, his lips curling into the faintest, almost shy smile. “Yeah,” he murmured.

 

Reo stepped back, holding the door wider and Nagi slipped inside without breaking their eye contact. The faint scent of Nagi’s cologne drifted past him and Reo’s chest tightened all over again.

 

They reached Reo’s room when Nagi leaned down and kissed him again. Reo leaned into it instantly, his hands coming up to Nagi’s hips. The kiss deepened slowly, mouths warm and open, tongues meeting gently, then more insistently.

 

They broke apart just enough for Nagi to whisper “Bed?”

 

Reo nodded, voice quiet. “Yeah.”

 

They climbed in. The sheets were cold at first, but their bodies were warm. Reo laid on his back and Nagi settled beside him, eyes scanning his face.

 

Reo pulled him down.

 

Their mouths met again, hungrier now and Nagi’s hand found the hem of Reo’s shirt and slipped underneath. He paused, giving Reo time to stop him, but Reo arched slightly in response, inviting.

 

The shirt came off. So did Nagi’s. Then shorts. Then boxers. Until they were bare, skin against skin, breathing just slightly uneven.

 

“Okay?” Nagi asked again, barely above a whisper.

 

Reo nodded. “Yeah. I’m okay. Just…go slow.”

 

“I will.”

 

Nagi kissed him again, slower this time. His hand drifted between them, fingers trailing softly over Reo’s chest, his ribs, the dip of his waist. Reo shivered, but it wasn’t from cold.

 

When Nagi’s hand curled around him, Reo made a sound that startled even himself. A quiet gasp that hitched on the inhale.

 

“It’s okay,” Nagi murmured. “Just me.”

 

“Yeah. It’s just, really you.”

 

Nagi stroked him gently, learning his pace, his rhythm, kissing him between every shift of his hand. Reo’s hips arched softly in response, hands fisting the sheet once, then moving to Nagi’s shoulders.

 

“Wait,” Reo said while reaching over the nightstand.

 

Nagi blinked when he saw the little bottle. “Is that… hand cream?”

 

“It’s all we have,” Reo said, his voice low.

 

Nagi flushed. “Yeah. Okay.”

 

Nagi warmed it first between his palms, then reached down again. His fingers were slick now, gliding gently as he found the right place and touched, barely there at first. Reo inhaled surprised,but didn’t pull away.

 

Nagi kissed the side of his jaw. “Tell me if it’s too much.”

 

When he pressed in with a finger. Just one, Reo stiffened slightly and Nagi stopped immediately.

 

“You okay?”

 

Reo nodded. “Yeah, just…keep going. Just slow.”

 

Nagi didn’t rush. He stayed close, moving in small motions, kissing Reo’s cheek, his shoulder, wherever he could reach. When Reo relaxed again, he pushed a little deeper. Reo’s breath hitched.

 

“It kinda…hurts,” Reo admitted, quiet.

 

Nagi’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I know. I’ll go slow. I promise.”

 

The second finger took longer. Nagi paused every step of the way, giving Reo time, letting him breathe, letting him adjust. And Reo did. Slowly, then softening again as he got used to the sensation. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t perfect. But it wasn’t rushed.

 

“You’re doing good.” Nagi murmured, brushing Reo’s hair back from his forehead.

 

Reo opened his eyes. He reached up and touched Nagi’s face, thumb brushing over his cheekbone.

 

“You’re really gentle,” he whispered.

 

Nagi didn’t smile, not quite, but his hand stilled for a second and then moved again, even softer.

 

He didn’t rush to the next part.

 

Nagi shifted above him, eyes searching Reo’s face for anything. Hesitation, worry, second thoughts. But Reo’s gaze was steady, even through the blush creeping across his cheeks, even through the tremble in his breath.

 

“I’m ready,” Reo whispered. “You can-”

 

Nagi kissed him instead, a slow kiss that let Reo melt a little more into the mattress. And then Nagi reached again for the hand cream, applying more. Enough to ease the way, to be careful, not careless.

 

When he finally aligned himself and pressed forward, Reo’s breath caught a soft, involuntary sound, halfway between a gasp and a moan. His brows furrowed, lips parted and his fingers clutched lightly at Nagi’s arm.

 

“Wait-” he breathed and Nagi stopped instantly, completely still.

 

“I’m not going to move,” he murmured. “Not until you say.”

 

Reo nodded, exhaling through his nose, jaw tight.

 

“You’re okay,” Nagi said quietly. “You’re doing good. Just breathe.”

 

And Reo did.

 

Little by little, the tension eased from his shoulders. His body learned to accept what was happening. Not with ease, but with permission. With trust.

 

“You can move,” Reo said at last, voice small. “A little.”

 

It took a long moment for Reo to adjust. It felt good Reo wasn’t going to lie. He felt a little pain, but also a sensation that he didn’t felt before. It felt perfect, romantic.

 

 

Nagi obeyed, carefully drawing back, then pressing in again,slowly. Reo moaned softly this time, a sound full of too many things to name. Discomfort, yes, but also want. The feeling of being full, of being chosen, of giving himself over and being held like he mattered.

 

“You feel…” Nagi’s voice broke off. “You feel really good.”

 

Reo looked up at him, lips parted. “You do too.”

 

Their hands met again, fingers lacing.

 

Reo moaned again, this time quieter. More a breath than a sound. Nagi kissed him through it, like he could hold the sound on his tongue.

 

And when the pressure tipped into pleasure. When Reo’s hips shifted in sync with Nagi’s, when the tension turned to heat, they both felt it at once.

 

“Right there,” Reo breathed.

 

Nagi adjusted his angle, hand sliding down to hold Reo’s thigh and moved again. Slower. Deeper.

 

That time, Reo’s moan was broken, drawn out, like it had taken him by surprise. His hand flew to his own mouth, as if to muffle it, but Nagi caught his wrist and gently pulled it away.

 

“Don’t,” Nagi said softly. “I want to hear you.”

 

Reo flushed, but didn’t argue.

 

Nagi moved again, deeper this time and Reo startled, a small cry slipping from his lips before he could stop it.

 

“Too much?” Nagi whispered, instantly still.

 

Reo shook his head quickly, his eyes fluttering open. “No, it’s just-” He took a shaky breath. “It feels… full.”

 

Nagi kissed his cheek, his temple, his jaw. “I know. I’ve got you.”

 

Reo could feel it in the way Nagi held himself back, careful, like every second he spent inside him was about listening. Matching his breath.

 

Still, it made Reo gasp again when Nagi shifted just slightly. A bump of hips that hit deeper, slower, more certain than before. Reo’s legs trembled around his waist and he clung tighter to Nagi’s shoulders.

 

“You’re okay,” Nagi said again, his voice quiet but thick, like it was costing him something not to move faster.

 

Reo’s lips parted on a moan. He bit it back halfway through, but it escaped anyway,

 

“I c–can’t stay quiet,” he whispered, flushed and overwhelmed.

 

“You don’t have to,” Nagi murmured, brushing their noses together. “You sound beautiful. You’re perfect.”

 

That broke something loose in Reo. He closed his eyes, breath catching again as Nagi rocked into him, shallow and slow. Not pounding, just need and care and the warmth of being seen in a way he never had before.

 

He moaned again. A little louder this time and Nagi didn’t stop him. If anything, he hummed low in his throat, pleased and pressed his lips to Reo’s jaw.

 

Their bodies found a rhythm. Nagi’s hips bumping gently against Reo’s with every motion and Reo arching toward him, panting into the crook of his neck. His fingers dug into Nagi’s back, not to push away, but to keep him close. To feel the weight of him, solid and shaking above him.

 

“God,” Nagi whispered, gasping, “I missed you so much…”

 

Nagi kissed him then, deep, tongue slipping against his with a kind of desperate tenderness. It was messy and full and Reo moaned into it like it stole the air from his lungs.

 

Reo’s body kept reacting, even when his mind couldn’t keep up, hips rising to meet Nagi’s, their skin slick and hot. Each movement sent shivers across his chest, sparks down his spine.

 

“I-I’m close,” Reo said, voice high and shaking.

 

“I know,” Nagi breathed. “Me too.”

 

He moved just a little faster then, hips bumping in that same angle that made Reo cry out softly. He bit back a moan against Nagi’s shoulder, fingers slipping through his white hair, anchoring there.

 

“Come with me,” Nagi whispered, lips brushing his ear.

 

And they did.

 

Reo cried out softly as he came, head tipping back, body trembling. Nagi followed moments later, burying his face in Reo’s neck with a low, gasping sound, like he’d never felt anything like this before.

 

When it was over, they just held each other.

 

Nagi got up slowly and went to the bathroom. When he came back he cleaned Reo up and helped him dress. Reo was too tired to say anything so he just gave him a small smile. Nagi got dressed as well then slid under the covers and hugged Reo.

 

“I really, really missed you, you know…” Nagi whispered.

 

“I know… I did too, I’m glad that I’m here, but for now, we really need to sleep.” Reo responded with his eyes already closed.

 

Nagi didn’t say anything. Just pressed a soft kiss to Reo’s temple then closed his eyes, letting himself relax.

 

 

Reo was already awake by the time the first light bled into the room. He looked over at his phone at it read 8:50. Just ten minutes before they had to wake up. He felt a little sore, but not uncomfortable. He had a great time last night, but he was scared because he knew that they would have to talk about it sooner or later.

 

Nagi was sprawled out, one hand tucked under the pillow, hair mussed in every possible direction, looking far too peaceful for someone who had flipped Reo’s entire world upside down a few hours ago.

 

Reo let himself watch for a moment longer before gently shaking Nagi’s shoulder.

“Hey,” he murmured, his voice still low from sleep. “Get up.”

 

Nagi’s eyes opened slowly, unfocused at first, before landing on Reo. A lazy smile tugged at his lips. “Morning.”

 

“Morning,” Reo echoed, forcing himself not to get distracted by how wrecked Nagi’s voice sounded.

 

“We should take a shower. Get dressed fast. I don’t want Chigiri walking in and giving us that look.”

 

Nagi gave a small hum of acknowledgment, stretching like a cat before sitting up. “Shower together?”

 

Reo blinked at him, not sure if he was being serious or just teasing. “We don’t have time for that,” he said quickly, getting out of bed and pulling on his shirt.

 

Nagi only smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “That’s not a no.”

 

Reo rolled his eyes, trying to hide the way his ears were heating up. “Nagi. We’ve got a long day. And I need to go and feed the cats.”

 

“You took them here with you? How come I never saw them?”

 

“You probably didn’t pay attention and of course I took them with me. They’re my babies, but still let’s go and-“

 

He didn’t even get to finish his sentence because Chigiri was already at the doorframe, scanning their faces.

 

“Ohhh,” he said slowly, leaning against the doorframe with his mug in hand. “Morning, lovebirds.”

 

Reo nearly choked on his saliva. “We’re not-” he started, but Chigiri was already smirking.

 

They showered. Not together then went to the kitchen and have a nice coffee that would make Reo stop overthinking.

 

“So,” Chigiri went on, “how are you two? Did something happen last night? You all good?”

 

Reo and Nagi exchanged a quick glance. Nagi’s lips twitched like he was holding back a smile, but neither of them answered right away.

 

“We’re fine,” Reo said finally, a little too quickly. “Everything’s fine.”  “We should get ready. We need to leave for the studio soon.”

 

“Okay,” Chigiri replied, clearly unconvinced but too amused to push. He took his coffee and headed for the couch. “I’ll be ready in five.”

 

Reo turned back to the counter, trying not to notice the faint curve of Nagi’s smile as he took another slow sip from his own mug.

 

They left the Airbnb together all dressed up. Reo had his bag slung over one shoulder, coffee cup still in hand, when Nagi shifted closer.

 

“Hey,” Nagi said, his voice sounded almost hesitant, “can we… hold hands?”

 

Reo glanced sideways at him, caught off guard. “Uh…sure.”

 

Nagi’s fingers slid into his like it was the easiest thing in the world, the warmth of his palm steady against Reo’s. Reo tried to focus on the sidewalk ahead, ignoring the way his heart beat too hard.

 

A moment later, Chigiri drifted up beside him, smirking like a cat who’d just found cream. He leaned in, close enough that Reo could feel his breath against his ear.

 

“Sooo,” Chigiri drawled, “I heard some things last night.”

 

Reo blinked. “What?”

 

“Like… loud sounds.” Chigiri’s grin widened as he pulled back just enough to see Reo’s expression.

 

Heat shot up Reo’s neck and into his face instantly. “Shut up,” he hissed, yanking his hand from Nagi’s without thinking.

 

Chigiri chuckled under his breath and drifted ahead, clearly pleased with himself. Nagi, meanwhile, was giving Reo the most bewildered and slightly amused look.

 

“You okay?” Nagi asked.

 

Reo muttered something about the weather and refused to make eye contact for the rest of the block.

Notes:

in my head Reo could have been the top but i already wrote it like this and i dont see them as switches to be honest. Still, i think Reo would make a perfect top.

Notes:

Please tell me if there are any mistakes or tags that i missed, even tho i will be adding more tags in the future. Anyways, i will be editing the story if i change my mind about something.