Chapter Text
It was his job after all: to escort him home, to shop, even to his tours, like now; though Aoba didn't make his job any easier, but he has to admit he wasn't the best at it. He didn't like chasing the poor boy around, and he understood his resistance towards him, pushing him to keep his distance which forced him to look after him from afar, hidden in the club's shadows feeling ridiculous. Ridiculous in the clothes Aoba had forced him to wear, instead of his suit that clearly clashed with the local ambience, and ridiculous with himself for remaining hidden behind the curtain, watching Aoba's erratic movements on the stage as he played various songs.
He slowly made his way through the crowd, arriving at the bar and repeating the same routine as always, watching him from afar. He had nothing to do, nor could he do anything at the moment, and it always gave him the impression that the further away from him he was, the looser he looked, until their gazes connected and for a slight second his face transformed only for and by him.
He couldn't go on much longer as the song ended, bringing his performance to a close and bidding farewell to the people on stage. Quickly Koujaku approached him, entering backstage, following him along with Mizuki, who was talking excitedly about what a great show he had put on.
He stood silently, following closely behind them as they made their way somewhere in the secluded club, until, just as they passed through a door, a hand stopped him, resting gently on his chest.
"This is as far as you will go."
"May I remind you that it's my job to-"
Koujaku's words died in his mouth, being pushed back slightly by Aoba, who was closing the private room's door, leaving the older man behind it unable to do much else.
"Aoba, you are so mean." Mizuki spoke before bursting out laughing.
Unable to do much else, he approached the railing, watching as people danced and drank. Behind him, the private rooms were holding their own party. And in that strange duality, he took the opportunity to smoke.
Time passed, and he was able to talk to some of the security guards and waiters who passed by, making his waiting time more pleasant. After a while, the door opened.
"MR. GUARD, HOME!"
Aoba's cheeks were red, and his balance was poor as well as Mizuki who seemed to be in the same situation, though slightly better.
He was waiting patiently for them to come down the stairs, as Aoba was still reluctant to his help and Mizuki, although trying to hold on to Koujaku's arm, looked like he was going to fall off at any moment under Aoba's weight.
They made it as best they could to the car, helped by the brunet who was not looking at anything else but them.
Luckily, the hotel wasn't too far away from the club where they had been, arriving rather quickly. Aoba was the first to get out of the car, followed by Mizuki and lastly, Koujaku, who had to grab the light luggage they were carrying.
A heavy sigh left his lips, stepping in total silence into the elevator, which would take him to the floor where they were staying, each in a different room, but together.
Nothing could be heard, neither in the lift, nor on the floor, and in part he was grateful for it, he could happily deal with a bit of silence after more than five hours of loud music.
He took a few steps forward, standing still as he saw Mizuki standing in front of the door to his room, staring blankly at the door's number.
"Mizuki? Is there something I can help you with?"
"Koujaku. What are you doing outside your room?" The words trailed between them, making it difficult to understand him.
"I didn't make it inside yet. Do you need my help?"
"No, no. I just wanted to talk to you." Koujaku didn't answer, letting the others continue. "Give him time, will you? He's shy, in his own way. It's a delicate situation, but..." he stopped for a second, catching his breath and holding it in his lungs as long as he could, letting it all out at once. "He doesn't hate you, neither do I, you know?."
"I'll keep that in mind." Koujaku gave a shy smile, helping him open the door and leaving his belongings inside the room.
Next to it was Aoba's room. He approached the door, knocking a few times to call out to him, without making too much noise. But, getting no answer, he decided to go in himself to leave his things.
He entered softly, without making much noise or turning the light on, just to leave Aoba's backpack on the corridor's floor. He sighed heavily, starting to turn around to have a break, until he heard a groan.
He quickly made his way towards the room, stepping away from the small hallway at the entrance and looking at the large bed, where there was no one. He glanced sideways to see Aoba resting on the bedroom floor, his head lying inside the bedside table.
He moved closer to him, rocking him slightly. He clearly wasn't going to wake up, or that was he had interpreted with the groans he had made as he shook him. He tugged gently, taking him by the legs and shoulders , carrying him back to the bed.
His serene face was something new to him, so much so that he would be lying if he didn't admit to staring at it a little longer than usual, being surprised by Aoba's hand grabbing his shirt.
"Mizuki, don't leave, I'm hungry." The voice came out as a whisper, being heard over the closeness they held.
"Aoba, you need to sleep."
Aoba's eyes snapped open, sitting up in his bed, and looking up at him in surprise, at the exact moment he decided to throw everything over the brunet.