Work Text:
Today had not been a good day for Doppo. From his Excel file crashing to him royally screwing up a client’s order. His little split second of peace was even ruined today when he went to go make his afternoon tea and they were all out of Matcha powder. When in the hell were they ever out of Matcha Powder?!?! Though, if that was all that happened, then Doppo would have categorized today as more of an average one. What truly made today horrid and discouraging was the actions of his balding piece of shit of a boss. That bastard had the nerve to call him out about errors he had made a week ago in front of everyone. Doesn’t that dipshit know you’re supposed to take your employee into your office and talk privately about these kinds of things? It was common workplace etiquette god damn it! Plus it was Friday, meaning the bastard had waited over an entire week to give him hell. Probably docked his pay again while he was at it. What a way to start the weekend.
He stared at the empty train tracks at the busy Shinjuku Station. It would be so easy to end it all. Throw himself in front of the speeding train just as the bells signaled its arrival. His stressful life would be over and done with. No one would miss him.
Actually one person might.
On days like this, when Doppo got this bad, he normally would make his way home and vent his frustrations to his alluring husband while in his loving arms. The man would always talk him down from doing anything rash, then would feed him his favorite foods for dinner followed by snuggles with him while watching some cheesy TV movie on the couch before letting exhaustion take over. But even fate had robbed him of such a blissful evening. Because again it was a Friday night, meaning his husband was currently busy at work and such a night was currently impossible!
Doppo sighed as the train pulled into the station and lines of people proceeded to board the already cramped train. The salary squeezed his way in, muttering apologies as he made his way deeper in the train, already feeling absolutely exhausted. Maybe it was for the best that his lovely husband was at work right now. He was honestly ready to go pass out and sleep for many long hours on their overly plush bed.
Doppo was almost content with the idea of sleep when an idea hit him. It was both genius and stupid. Very unusual for the overworked salaryman. He silently checked his bank account and then got off at a stop earlier than he normally would. Doppo was not normally one to make brash and lavish decisions, but goddammit today had been more hellish than usual. He was desperate for anything that would turn his luck around. Plus he shouldn’t consider this to be too stressful on his wallet since the money should circle back to him eventually.
~ ~ ~
A few blocks from the station and a handful of twists and turns until he found himself in front of a building that was way too familiar. The building itself was pretty plain and blended in with the others around it. It was decorated in bright neon signs and billboards typical to the Shinjuku nightlife. But what stood out to Doppo were the crowds of ladies dressed to the nines. They filled the area with the scent of floral perfumes and casual chatter about which host they would like to entertain them this evening.
Urgh. Everything about the place repelled Doppo from it. And to make matters worse it was, of course, a Friday night, so the place was getting way more foot traffic than usual.
Today was definitely one of the days that he cursed his husband’s profession. That’s right. His husband worked at nights as a host. And he wasn’t just any host, he was the Hifumi Izanami, the Shinjuku Division’s number one host. On a busy night like tonight, it would be near impossible to nab his beautiful idiot of a husband. It would be nice if for once he could use his married card to his benefit and skip the line but again, his husband was a god damn host. Meaning he’s supposed to be single and not married to a downer of a man like Doppo. He was almost about to leave and go sleep. Almost. But noticed a woman standing at the door waving at him to come near.
“Hey don’t be shy. You’ve been standing out here for a while, haven't you? Just come on in already!” He muttered to himself and then figured he might as well give in and do as the woman said. He was halfway in when the woman leaned over and whispered in his ear, “Don’t worry there may be ladies everywhere but this club is very accepting of homosexuals.”
Doppo blushed and the woman disappeared to who knows where. Whatever he was in. Might as well see if Hifumi was available. He figured he was in too deep. He walked up to a man who was sitting at the front counter. “Welcome, sir! What can I do for you on this lovely evening,” the man greeted cheerfully.
“Hello umm. I would like to see a host,” Doppo answered, awkwardness clearly showing. He walked by the place several times and has even been inside a time or two, but this was his first time actually being a guest. He hoped he was doing this whole “ordering a host” thing right.
The man started clicking around on a computer. “Ah yes, is there anyone, in particular, you would like to see?”
“Hifumi Izanami,” Doppo quickly replied.
Without looking up the man continued to tap around on his computer. “He’s a popular one, it may be a bit of a wait. Do you have your heart set on him or are you okay with another?”
“Hifumi’s the only one I’d really like to see. I don’t mind waiting,” Doppo muttered, trying not to let his disappointment show. The man stopped what he was doing and looked at Doppo up and down. Probably thinking to himself what a worthless salaryman wanted with their number one host.
“Okay I’ll see what I can do. Feel free to sit at the bar while you wait,” the man finally replied while motioning off to the area to his right. Before Doppo could even say thank you the man was seen walking off into the sea of booths of hosts.
Doppo went and sat at the bar and promptly ordered himself a highball. If he wouldn’t get to see Hifumi tonight then he would at least have himself a nice drink. It was good and really hit the spot at this point in time. He was sitting there twirling the ice in his drink, thinking about what he could do to possibly prevent another docking of his pay when a familiar yell could be heard from across the room. He turned to see his beloved husband applauding the success of one of his favored champaign towers. The salaryman couldn’t help but smile to himself a little bit at the sight. He felt like every worry he had had just fled him getting to see a rare sight of his husband. With that Doppo honestly felt satisfied with his trip out and was ready to go home and retire for the night. He was now calm knowing he would get to see that smiling face in the morning.
He quickly finished downing his drink and was in the middle of paying his tab when the man from the front desk approached him. “You’re in luck sir! Hifumi just finished off his last appointment and is now available. Please follow me!”
After paying the initial fees, and mourning his wallet, he followed the man to the booth his husband was currently residing in. On the way over, he started to get nervous. What if Hifumi didn’t want to see him here? What if this was a big mistake? The other man was sure to reprimand him for the money he just spent.
His heart skipped a beat when he locked eyes with the love of his life. It took every ounce of his sanity to not jump into his arms and start telling him about how much the world hated him today.
The host was cool as a cucumber and gave him one of his signature flirtatious grins. “Good evening good sir. Come sit down and make yourself comfortable in my little piece of paradise,” Hifumi greeted with a wink as he motioned for the other to sit down beside him.
Ah right. Host Hifumi was a bit different from his usual Hifumi. Much more charismatic and less his goofy domestic self. Hifumi had to keep up the act so he wouldn’t loose it being suround by so many members of the opposite sex. Plus again they couldn’t announce their true relationship without Hifumi losing his job. So Doppo guessed that Hifumi was playing an act of pretending they were strangers. Normally he’d be annoyed but whatever. He was at least getting his much needed Hifumi time. Doppo walked over and plopped himself down on the overstuffed couch with a sigh. Out of habit he sat as close as possible to the host without being considered laying on top of him.
“A rough day my kitten? Want to tell Hifumin all about it?” Hifumi purred as he handed Doppo a glass of complimentary champagne. The host then grabbed a glass for himself and wrapped his other arm around Doppo’s shoulders.
“God today was the absolute worst, Hifumi” The salaryman then began to spill out everything that happened today to the man beside him.
“This boss of yours sounds like a real piece of shit,” Hifumi concluded when Doppo was done.
“Right? I can’t wait for the day a rampant bird comes and attacks that shiny head of his,” Doppo muttered. Hifumi laughed one of those genuine laughs that makes Doppo’s heart flutter. God did he love this man.
It gets quiet for a minute and Hifumi pulls him closer. Doppo hums appreciatively, feeling in absolute bliss finally getting what he wanted, even though it was in a very roundabout way.
Hifumi picks up Doppo's left hand and starts to admire his wedding band. “You’re married? Who’s the lucky lady?”
Doppo has to resist the urge to elbow the other in the ribs. He could see where this was going from a mile away. Hifumi never missed an opportunity to get complimented and toot his own horn. The host listened to his sob story during work hours so he figured he could give in to his little game. “Man, actually.”
“Ah, I bet he has to be gorgeous and a wonderful cook to score a catch like you,” Hifumi commented dramatically.
Doppo couldn’t help but roll his eyes at that one. “Yeah it’s true he’s absolutely stunning. He lights up a room whenever he walks in and brings me some of the only joy I seem to be able to feel in this pitiful life. He makes the absolute best food and I would most definitely starve to death if I didn’t have him around to take care of me. My husband is the real catch,” Doppo says fondly, leaning his head into Hifumi’s chest.
Doppo looks down at where their hands have somehow intertwined and sadly noticed the absence of Hifumi’s wedding ring. It was a given, but it’s still disheartening and the salaryman couldn’t help but sigh a little. The host must have noticed this because he let out a small laugh and moved to bring their joined hands over to his neck. That’s when he realized he could feel the outline of Hifumi’s wedding band from underneath his shirt. Doppo smiled and nuzzled further into the host. They sat comfortably there for a while, basking in each other's warmth. Doppo normally wasn’t one for PDA but the stress from work and alcohol pumping through his veins let him throw away his concerns. Plus Hifumi’s cologne smelled so good. He couldn’t resist snuggling deeper into the other’s embrace. The booths had high walls so they should definitely have quite a bit of privacy and totally would not ever be disturbed right?
Wrong.
Doppo had to curse his luck as a handsome waiter approached their booth asking if they would like to order anything. Doppo jumped, and may have screamed a little bit, as he moved to get off Hifumi but the host’s grip locked him in place.
“Would you like anything, my prince? Another drink, or maybe something to eat?” Hifumi reiterated while giving him a knowing look.
Doppo wanted to show his annoyance to the host for furthering his embarrassment, but his stomach had other ideas. With the concept of food being mentioned, his stomach growled loudly, reminding the salaryman that he had yet to eat dinner. Hifumi seemed to catch on quickly. Doppo watched as the host pouted for a second before leaning forward and ordering a few of Doppo’s favorite snacks. “And you can add those on to my tab tonight,” Hifumi finished with a wink.
Hifumi had a tab? Did he buy drinks for customers regularly? Doppo made a mental note to make sure to ask him about it once they were home.
After the waiter had left, Hifumi slowly turned to him and started to reprimand him. “Honey, really you should remember to eat dinner before coming here to drink with me. I bet your poor husband left a beautiful meal out for you that went untouched tonight”
Doppo felt a little guilty at that. “Yeah I’m the worst, aren't I?”
“Uhuh, the absolute worst!” Hifumi exclaimed as he pulled Doppo back on to him. “You’re gonna need to reaaallllly make it up to him tonight.”
Doppo smiled. Looks like his normal Hifumi was starting to shine through. “Hmm I do, don’t I? How do you suppose I should go about that?” Doppo asked, once again giving into the host’s antics.
Hifumi hummed as he tapped his finger to his lips. “I think you should make sure to give him lots of extra hugs and kisses when you get home. Maybe volunteer to be the big spoon tonight. Oh! Also maybe you should also buy him one of his favorite convenience store ice creams.”
Doppo nodded taking it all in. “Sounds like a good plan to me though do you think he would really want ice cream tonight? It’s already getting pretty late.”
“Ah maybe you’re right. You should still buy him ice cream at some point. He’d definitely appreciate it,” Hifumi says with a laugh. “And I bet he would be willing to let you cash in on those kisses at annnyyyy time.”
Oh wow, sounds like Hifumi was tempting him to play with fire. “Hmm anytime you say?” Doppo looked around the room, searching for any prying eyes before placing a soft kiss on Hifumi’s lips. It was fleeting, but it was exactly what Hifumi was looking for.
Not long after the waiter returned with a plate of gyoza and karaage. Hifumi thanked the waiter while Doppo just sat there, body stiff, eyes drawn to the floor, and face a blushing mess.
“Alright my prince, your food is here! Say ‘ah’!”
Doppo finally looked up to see Hifumi leaning over him with a piece of karaage hovering before his lips. Doppo just glared back at him. For some reason, this situation, in particular, felt a little demeaning. Hadn’t Hifumi already embarrassed him enough?
“Remember tonight you’re one of my kittens. And my kittens get to be hand-fed by Hifumin,” Hifumi replied with a coy look on his face.
“Hifumi…” Doppo grumbled in response.
Hifumi continued wiggling the food in front of the other man. Doppo could smell the food and the growling in his stomach was enough for him to give in. He sighed as he opened his mouth and Hifumi swooped the food in. It wasn’t amazing but man did it hit the spot. Doppo allowed Hifumi to feed him a few more times after that. Though after the third bite that was followed by Hifumi making weird high pitched cooing noises, he had enough. The salaryman grabbed the extra set of chopsticks left on the table and proceeded to feed himself.
Hifumi just snickered in response and helped himself to a few bites of food. "I bet this is nothing compared to your husband's cooking," Hifumi suggested once the plate was almost clean.
That was for sure. Doppo could tell for the most part everything had to have been from freezer bags stored in the back. This wasn't an establishment known for their cuisine after all. "Way better."
“Oh! Looks like my prince is a bit of a messy eater!”
Before Doppo could truly process what Hifumi was saying, there was a warm palm holding his face swiping a thumb across his face. Honestly Hifumi wiping his face was nothing unusual for the two. Doppo was indeed a messy eater at times and normally he wouldn’t think twice about it. What stood out this time was the way Hifumi then brought the crumbs he collected to his lips and gave him yet another flirtatious wink. This action made Doppo’s stomach do a backflip and heat rose to his face. Out of everything Hifumi’s done to him, this has to to be the most embarrassing of them all. And honestly a bit seductive too.
“Hi-Hifumi stop!” Doppo whined, shaking Hifumi’s arm.
“Hmm? You didn’t like that?” Hifumi asked, seeming genuinely surprised. Why was Doppo in love with this idiot again?
“I-It’s not that that I didn’t like it. It’s just uh, you know?” God damn it now Doppo was becoming a stammering mess. “Anyways, you don’t do this with your other clients do you?”
“Aww is my kitten getting jealous? How adorable!” Hifumi chided. This man was going to be the end of Doppo. Yeah he paid to get this treatment but still how dare Hifumi continue to make a mess of him. The mess of a man was lost of words and just continued to sit there wondering why he got himself into this mess.
His drury thoughts were interrupted by the gorgeous sounds of familiar laughter. He looked up to see the absolutely stunning host genuinely laugh at his embarrassment. If it were anyone else, Doppo would be digging a hole and burying himself in it. After Hifumi composed himself, he then looked fondly back at the man before him. The love Doppo felt for the host reflected back at him. “Don’t worry, I don’t do anything that my husband wouldn’t like.”
This was new. “Your husband? I thought hosts weren’t allowed to have relationships?” It was finally Doppo’s turn to tease.
“Oh yeah, make sure to keep it a secret!” Hifumi responded while pressing a finger to his lips. “I would like to keep my job.”
“Yeah I guess that would be nice.” Doppo half agreed. The salaryman enjoyed the money the host would bring home, but he still disliked the fact that Hifumi had to put on a fake persona in order to not have a mental breakdown.
Doppo allowed himself to flop back down on Hifumi, taking the host by surprise judging by the yelp he received in response. “I told you about my husband, why don’t you tell me about yours?”
“That’s a first for a kitten to be interested in my lover. Hmmm I guess I could indulge.” Hifumi hummed and tapped his fingers in thought, an action that felt like it was meant to piss him off. Doppo normally would tell Hifumi to hurry it up at that. Nervousness over what the other was about to say had him repressing the urge.
“My husband is honestly a depressive anxiety-ridden mess!” Hifumi exclaimed.
Ouch.
“Though at the same time he’s super kind and hardworking. He’s always looking out for me and keeping me out of trouble. He also works waaay too hard at work and his bosses won't grant him any evidence of it. Instead they just shove a crap ton of extra work on my poor husband. Resulting in worsening his state. I just want to take him away from that hell and give him a sweet stressless life full of his favorite side dishes!”
No string of words in this universe could be used to describe how embarrassed and loved Doppo felt at that moment. Doppo wanted to pull Hifumi down and kiss the man as lovingly as he could and shower him in adoration. Since they were indeed in public, and at Hifumi’s place of work at that, Doppo settled for sliding his head down into Hifumi’s lap and hiding his face in the other man’s stomach. “You must really love your husband,” Doppo mumbled.
“I do, I do. Very much so,” Hifumi nodded in reply as he started to card his fingers through Doppo’s fluffy red and blue hair.
The action was very soothing to Doppo and he could feel his eyelids start to get heavy. Hifumi knew him so well and knew exactly what to do to make Doppo feel at peace. Today may have been a stressful day overall, but it was definitely ending on a positive note. It didn’t take long before the salaryman gave in to the sleep he had been desperately craving.
~ ~ ~
The next time Doppo came to consciousness he felt, warmth and comfort. Before opening his eyes, he stretched out an arm and knew exactly where he was. He resisted the urge to snuggle deeper into the warm confines of blankets and pillows and sat up. He finally then opened his eyes to stare at familiar walls lit by the morning sunlight pouring in from the window.
He was home. How did he get home?
Doppo looked over to his side where his answer laid. His alluring husband Hifumi was currently fast asleep before him, long lashes closed and breathing soothingly. It was unusual for the salaryman to wake up before his husband on the weekends. Normally Doppo would be forced awake by a prodding Hifumi and would be greeted by the smell of freshly made breakfast. Guess Doppo’s antics from last night must have worn him out. He couldn’t help but lightly chuckle at the thought. It was kind of fun to be on the other side of things for once. Being able to watch his husband’s peaceful face as he slept. It made Doppo feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The thought of making breakfast for Hifumi crossed his mind. The other would definitely be touched at the motion but Doppo was not very competent in his cooking skills and might very likely burn their apartment complex down in the process. Maybe he could try getting a load of laundry started? No Doppo didn’t honestly even know how to turn the damned thing on and would most definitely find a way to turn all their clothes pink. Jeez was Doppo really this worthless?
It was then that Doppo had remembered what Hifumi said he should do to make it up to his husband for not eating his lovingly made dinner. It was too late to be the big spoon for the night since it was morning. Doppo would have to make an effort tonight instead. Doppo would also save the hugs and kisses for later since he wanted to let his husband sleep in for once. Then Doppo remembered the request for ice cream. That Doppo could actually do at this point in time. The salaryman quietly got out of bed and changed into a quick pair of going out clothes. He noted that Hifumi must have somehow have gotten him changed out of his suit last night.
As quietly as he could, Doppo left their apartment and made his way down the calm Shinjuku street to the nearby convenience store and picked up a few of him and Hifumi’s favorite ice creams. He then quickly ran back up to their apartment and quietly celebrated when he discovered Hifumi hadn’t woken while he was out. He put the ice cream in the freezer and quickly made his way back to bed.
He sat down and noticed his phone nicely placed on his bedside and on the charger. How was Hifumi constantly so thoughtful? He had a few emails from work he read quickly. They were thankfully about nothing dire, and he finally noticed the time. Oh wow, it was 11 am! That means Doppo had to have awakened around at least 10:30. Man, that was early for a Saturday. At least, in Doppo’s case. Host Hifumi must have really rejuvenated him. Was that why those women were constantly all over the host version of his husband?
Hifumi normally got up about now, so Doppo figured it was alright if he started to wake him up. Doppo snuggled into bed behind the love of his life and wrapped his arms around the other’s sleeping figure. Doppo could feel Hifumi start to awaken with the action and squirm a bit. Doppo kissed his temple. “Good morning my love.”
“Mhmm Doppo?” The blonde turned over to face his husband. “What’re you doing up so early?” Hifumi asked before sleepily nuzzling into Doppo’s chest.
“For some reason, I was feeling super well rested for once in my life.” Doppo kissed the top of Hifumi’s head. “It must have been some magic from a host I met last night.”
“A host put a spell on you? Should I be jealous, Doppyon?” Hifumi asked, a knowing smirk forming on his face.
“Hmmm I think you would approve of said host. He’s a great guy really. Might need to cut back on the champaign and pet names, but overall a good guy.” Doppo replied, which earned him a poke in the side.
Hifumi then pulled Doppo down to meet him for a kiss. It was tender, sweet, and sent electricity through Doppo’s veins. Doppo kissed him back and held him just a little tighter. God did he love this man.
They separated and both sat up in bed. “Thank you for everything Hifumi.”
Hifumi chuckled. “Thank you for stopping by last night Doppyon. I was starting to wonder if you were ever going to visit.”
That struck Doppo as odd. “What do you mean by, ‘ever going to visit’?”
Hifumi pouted a bit at that. “Have you not been picking up on my hints?”
Hints? Doppo guessed he could remember several instances Hifumi had brought up his club. Trying to entice Doppo to try out their latest cocktails or check out their current decor. “Sorry I uh guess I didn’t quite get what you were getting at.”
“Well, it's fine because you finally visited me!” Hifumi exclaimed while bringing Doppo close. “How did I do? Was Hifumin super seductive? Did he sweep away all your worries?”
Doppo nodded as he leaned into his husband’s embrace. “Yes, you were quite charming.” Hifumi giggled and hugged him tighter.
They sat like that for a minute. Just enjoying each other's warmth on a Saturday morning. But Doppo had to disturb the moment when several questions came to mind.
“Hifumi?” Doppo started.
“Doppo?” Hifumi responded as he started to play with Doppo’s hair.
“I’ve got a couple of questions. First off, did you have something to do with me beating through the line of lusty ladies or was luck actually on my side for once in my life?” Doppo had to know the truth.
“Heh welllllll I mayyy have told the front desk staff to make room in my schedule if a sad-looking red-headed salaryman ever came by asking for me,” Hifumi replied while giving Doppo one of his famous “oopsie” faces.
“Also how did I get home? Did you have to get off work early? Did you get in trouble because of me? Did they figure out that we’re married? Did they fire you? Oh God Hifumi I’m so so sorry you really shouldn’t risk yourself for me. You should’ve just kicked me out onto the street like the trash I am.” Doppo couldn’t help but spiral a bit at that. The thought of getting his beloved in trouble at work was a nightmare.
Hifumi massaged his scalp a bit to soothe and bring him back to Earth. “Shhh. Doppo you know I hate it when you talk about yourself like that. I just explained to the staff how you’re my childhood friend/roommate and convinced them to let you sleep in the back room until my shift was over. They let us do little things like that for friends and family all the time,” Hifumi assured. “Plus how could they say no to their top host Hifumi Izanami!”
Doppo smiled at that, nerves finally dying down. Though one detail suddenly struck him. “Did you end up carrying me all the way home?”
“Naw. Believe it or not I actually got you to walk home. You leaned on me most of the way and it looked more like sleepwalking but still, you made it pretty okay on the train. You looked kinda like a zombie.” Hifumi laughed at the memory.
“I’m sorry I inconvenienced you like that..” Doppo trailed off as he pictured Hifumi having to drag his sack of potatoes of a body all throughout Shinjuku.
“Hey hey. No need to apologize. I’d do anything like that for my sweet fuzzy wuzzy husband.” Hifumi emphasized his point by putting a dramatic smacky kiss on Doppo’s cheek, making the other a flustered mess. “Plus I actually got paid to seduce my husband. You heard that right? I got paid. So seduce my husband. It was like a dream come true!”
“Yeah that does sound like a dream.” Doppo leaned up and placed another quick kiss to Hifumi’s lips. “Thanks again for always putting up with me.”
“Of course my love,” Hifumi replied, giving him a similar peck back. “Anyways I’m starving! How about I whip us up some breakfast?”
“Oh speaking of food I took host Hifumi’s advice last night and went out and bought some ice cream.” Hifumi, who was already halfway out the bedroom door let out an audible gasp and ran straight to the freezer. He opened it up and grabbed the bag filled with his favorite ice cream cups. “Omigosh Doppo thank you thank you thank you! You are a saint sent from heaven. I have been craving this ice cream for days! Days Doppo! Days! God you know me so well!” He ran over to where Doppo was now standing in the kitchen and pulled him into a bone-crushing hug. “I love you so much!”
“I love you too but please don’t strangle me,” Doppo pleaded. Hifumi gave him another dramatic kiss on the cheek before releasing the other man.
“Change of plans Doppo,” Hifumi announced as he sat down and opened up one of the ice cream cups. “We’re going to be having ice cream for breakfast!” Hifumi excitedly ate a decadent bite of the ice cream and squealed in happiness.
Doppo laughed and grabbed an ice cream cup for himself. “That doesn’t sound like the most healthy start to the day.”
“I’ll make us some lunch later to make up for it! And if you don’t want ice cream, someone still has leftovers that were lovingly cooked that he could eat instead.”
“Hey I promised I’ll make it up to you for it! I’m sorry Hifumi! I’ll definitely eat them later and will be the big spoon tonight to make up for it!” Doppo apologized while bowing his head.
Hifumi hummed in delight and motioned for Doppo to lift his head. “There there Doppoyn. Let’s make today a stressless day hmm? How about we move over to the couch and watch a movie? I know one of my coworkers said a good one just came out on Netflix.”
The two got up and made their way over to the couch and snuggled up together with their ice creams in hand. The whole situation reminded Doppo why and how much he loved his childhood friend turned lover. Work might be hell, but at least he knew that once he got home into Hifumi’s arms, he would be in paradise.