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Through his sleepy haze, Akiyama lazily fumbled for his keys. It clinked against each other like a wind chime until he eventually fished out his apartment keys. The bag of beer cans rustled and clanged as he tried to turn the lock only to have it stuck. He pressed down on the handle and the door opened.
He swore he locked it.
All he wanted was food and the comfort of his sofa. Oh, how much softer it felt, the way he sinks into it and envelops him. No more using documents as blankets.
Upon opening the door, a delicious scent filled Akiyama’s lungs. It had been days since he had good food, images of a Korean barbecue came to mind. The dishes of meat layed out with salads and rice accompanying it and scent further amplifying that thought. I should take Hana out to Kanrai again , he mentally noted.
The living room was sparkly; the floors freshly mopped and squeaky clean, no clothes strewn on the sofa. He barely recognised his own apartment. Shutting the door behind him with his foot, he saw shopping bags by the door. It’s full of a variety of greens and fresh meat from the butchers - contradicting his usual bag of beer.
The hairs on his neck stood up. Could this be a burglary? Though it’d be a peculiar one.
“Mine?” Akiyama asked as he cautiously peeked around the kitchen door. His jaw dropped at the sight before him. Mine subtly swaying his hips as he hummed Machine Gun Kiss, his sleeves rolled up halfway whilst wearing a pink apron hemmed with frills and lace at the end. “Why are you wearing that?”
“Hm? Oh, welcome home. I found it in your closet because I forgot mine,” he nonchalantly replied. Akiyama looked at him skeptically, he’s a meticulous man and it’s rare for him to just ‘forget’ but he didn’t press further on the matter. Though the sight of this often stern-looking man in a frilly apron was forever seared in his memory.
Still trying to relearn the way of ordinary life, Mine would sometimes go to Akiyama’s apartment and help out. Tonight, he’s cooking karaage it seemed. The kitchen counter is covered with different utensils and bowls from Mine trying to batter up the chicken pieces. Akiyama admires how hard he tries despite it completely going against his previous living style and habits. Ever since they met, Akiyama slowly guided Mine through life again. Though he wasn’t there to help him physically recover, maybe he thought he could at least help him mentally.
Mine thinks Akiyama is a strange man. He still struggles to understand how he could just lend out money like that but as they say: ‘Old habits die hard’. It’ll take many years to unravel his old mindset but he trusts Akiyama to guide him through it.
They met in New Serena, he recalled. Daigo placed him under the care of Kiryu, hoping they’d reconcile. They did eventually. But one night when Kiryu took him to the bar he met a rather charming man. Akiyama that was. His sleazy facade wasn’t a good first impression of him (especially with the constant exchanges of Akiyama’s provocation and Mine’s snarky retorts) but after seeing himself hold his own weight in terms of drinks and in a fight - he knew he’s definitely reliable. The smirk he flashed him that night lingers in his mind, it was so full of emotion that Mine didn’t know how to react. He shied back to his drink, hoping his body wouldn’t betray him.
Feeling affectionate Akiyama strolled over and hugged Mine from behind - placing his ear against his back, listening to the quickening heartbeat.
“Thank you, Mine-kun,” Akiyama cooed, smiling softly as he tightened his hold a little. His smile is infectious, though Mine can’t see it, he can definitely feel it and smiles back.
“You can save the thanks for later. Help me set up the table first,” Mine said, tapping Akiyama’s hand lightly as he turned to grab a plate.
He fished out all his homemade karaage and placed a dip onto the plate before handing it off to Akiyama. Akiyama’s eyes glistened at the golden brown skin of it. It was going to be divine and he knows it.
After they’ve set the table and settled down, facing opposite each other, they begin eating. Akiyama wolfed down his food, ravenous from days and nights of Poppo’s bento boxes. He knows he shouldn’t leave paperwork last minute, but he does.
“This is. Really good,” he said between mouthfuls.
Mine furrowed his brows. “I know you're hungry and you like it a lot but please slow down.”
He wasn’t listening.
“Akiyama,” Mine said sternly. Again, he didn’t listen. Mine kicked Akiyama’s legs, causing him to yelp. He held out a piece of karaage in front of him, hoping he’d slow down and appreciate it more if he fed him instead.
Akiyama blushed at such a forward action seldom for Mine. This invitation could not be denied. He ate directly from Mine’s chopsticks and slowed down to chew the food properly. Taking in the crispiness of the skin, the juiciness of the chicken and the sweetness of the sauce. His heart warmed up at the thought of this specially home made meal, that this untouchable man is curating all this just for him.
His reaction was all Mine needed for validation. He leaned into his hand as he watched his blissed out boyfriend enjoying his food. It filled him with satisfaction and pride.
“You’re a peculiar man,” Mine said to himself fondly aloud. He looked down at his bowl of rice before making eye contact with the confused smirking loan shark.
“Who are you to say?” Akiyama chuckled.
“I still have difficulty understanding how you can just lend out money to nobodies. Wasn’t what you went through-“
“Hey, hey,” Akiyama cut him off before Mine was able to go on a tangent. He rubbed the back of his neck before settling his bowl and chopsticks on the table. “We’ve talked about this before, Yoshitaka.” The tinge of sadness in Akiyama’s eyes and voice made Mine’s heart twinge and drop. “You don’t have to understand everything in one day, but we’ll work through it together.”
Mine felt a lump forming in his throat, I’ve upset him again, idiot , he mentally kicked himself. Akiyama reached for Mine’s hand and held it in his hand. Softly, he caressed each of his fingers, grounding him and reassuring him wordlessly.
“I’m sorry.”
Akiyama stood up and walked around the table. Cupping Mine’s face, he gently kissed him on the lips.
“Baby steps. It’s hard to rewire yourself but you're trying your best, Yoshitaka. That’s admirable.”
Mine looked at him in the eyes, lost. He was lucky to bag himself a man like this. With interactions and support like these, he definitely thinks he can improve himself in due time.
“Right,” Akiyama cheerfully said, breaking the solemn mood. “Let’s continue dinner, shall we?” He rubbed and clasped his hands together, practically beaming at Mine. Who was he to deny him?