Chapter Text
Title: “Guarding his heart”
Tags: Bodyguard x Actor, Slow Burn, Protective Hitoshi, Sassy Neito, Celebrity Life, Mutual Understanding, adult au
In the bustling heart of the city, where the lights never dim and the streets never rest, Neito Monoma shone like a beacon. With his dazzling smile and mesmerizing periwinkle-blue eyes, he was the epitome of a silver screen heartthrob. But with fame came danger, and that's where Hitoshi Shinsou came in. As an experienced bodyguard with a keen intellect and commanding presence, Hitoshi was tasked with protecting Neito during the filming of his latest movie. Despite their initial clash of personalities and conflicting objectives, there was an unspoken connection between them.
"You don't have to babysit me, Shinsou," Neito scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain as they stood outside the bustling set.
Hitoshi arched an eyebrow, unruffled. "I'm not here because I think you're incapable of protecting yourself. It's my duty to ensure your safety, no matter what."
Neito snorted, adjusting his sunglasses. "Protected from what? Overzealous fans or envious co-stars?"
"From anything that might pose a threat," Hitoshi responded calmly, scanning the area with practiced vigilance.
Their interactions were often filled with sharp remarks and hidden challenges, each vying for dominance in their own way. But beneath the facade, there was an unspoken curiosity—a mutual respect that neither wanted to admit.
During breaks in filming, they found themselves engaged in unexpected conversations. Neito would inquire about Hitoshi's past, his training, while Hitoshi would deflect with dry wit or straightforward answers.
"You know," Neito pondered one afternoon, leaning against a trailer, "you're not as dull as you appear."
Hitoshi raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "And you're not as unbearable as you pretend to be."
Their banter evolved into something deeper as they spent more time together. Hitoshi learned about Neito's love for acting, his insecurities hidden beneath a confident exterior. Neito discovered Hitoshi's hidden talents—a talent for cooking and a surprising interest in classical literature.
One evening, after a particularly grueling day on set, they found themselves sharing a quiet moment under the night sky. The chaos of the city felt far away as they sat on a rooftop, enjoying coffee.
"You know, Shinsou," Neito began, his voice softer than usual, "I never expected this job to be anything more than a bother. But you... you're different."
Hitoshi looked at him steadily, a rare vulnerability flickering in his purple eyes. "Different how?"
Neito hesitated, then met his gaze head-on. "You challenge me. You make me question things I thought I knew about myself."
A silence settled between them, filled with unspoken words and unexplored possibilities. In that moment, the boundary between professional obligation and personal connection blurred, and they both realized they were on the brink of something neither had foreseen.