Archive of Our Own

Kazuma read a book on his phone as he waited in that restaurant, trying not to look as frustrated as he felt.

A friend from college, after learning about his sexuality, had insisted on introducing him to his “gay friend”. After refusing many times without success, Kazuma finally agreed on that date. The other guy, however, was already twenty minutes late and hadn’t sent him a single message.

He stopped reading, his annoyance keeping him from absorbing anything from those lines. He sighed, and the sound was accompanied by another one, close to him. Kazuma looked over his shoulder, and the man sitting behind him did the same. They exchanged awkward nods, then faced their own tables again.

That guy sounded impatient… Was he waiting for someone, as well? If so, that seemed to be an unlucky day. Another five minutes later, his phone buzzed, and he finally got news on his date for that night.

Something came up, can’t make it.

Kazuma had to hold back a curse. Couldn’t he have warned him sooner? Preferably before he arrived at that place, and waited like an idiot for half an hour? And now, he had to choose between eating alone or leaving without ordering anything…

That was one of the reasons why he had close to no interest in dating complete strangers… Actually, dating in general wasn’t a priority to him, with his studies and all that. And, if he wanted to go out with someone, he could always ask Ryuu, or…

“Yes?”

The voice coming from behind him called his attention. He looked back, seeing that man from before talking on his phone.

“I… I see. No, it is fine. Thank you for letting me know.”

Kazuma observed him as he placed the phone back in his pocket, seeming less than pleased with the situation. It didn’t take much to understand what had just happened.

“Your partner isn’t coming?”

Kazuma asked that question without thinking much. The man looked at him, seeming a little surprised.

“No.” He paused, seeming hesitant to continue. “I would not call her my partner, though. This would be our first meeting.”

The coincidence almost made Kazuma laugh. “Same here… Not a good sign, is it?”

The man smiled slightly. “I suppose not.”

Now that he paid more attention, that man was pretty handsome… Before he could lose his courage, Kazuma gestured toward his table.

“So…” he said. “Do you want to make this less embarrassing for us?”

The suggestion seemed to amuse the man. He considered it for only a moment. “If you don’t mind it.”

He moved to Kazuma’s table, sitting across from him.

“Your name?” asked Kazuma.

“Barok.”

“I’m Kazuma. If you don’t mind me asking, do you know the person you should be meeting for long?”

“We never talked properly. This entire thing was arranged by my family.”

An arranged relationship? That sounded very… old-fashioned, to say the least. But, judging by his clothes and manners, Barok seemed to be from a rich family.

“And are you fine with it?” asked Kazuma.

“There was no harm in giving it a try.” Barok took a sip of water, unable to hide some satisfaction in his voice when he spoke. “But now I have a proper reason to refuse a second date.”

“That sounds fair.”

“And you?”

“A friend of a friend. Never talked much with him either.”

“Oh, a man?”

Kazuma tensed up a little. He had stopped trying to hide his sexuality a few years ago, but sometimes he still got some bad reactions for it.

“Does it bother you?” he asked.

“No.” Barok shook his head, an amused smile on his lips. “In fact, I have a preference for men as well.”

Hearing that made Kazuma’s heart jump, but he managed to keep a cool expression. “That’s a nice coincidence… Now you’re on a date with one.”

A silly thing to say, but it made Barok laugh.

“Quite lucky, indeed.” He observed Kazuma for a moment. “Would you mind telling me more about yourself?”

“Let me see…” Kazuma thought for a moment. “I’m in my last year of college.”

“What are you studying?”

“Law.”

“Law?” Barok raised his brow, surprised. “I have a degree in law. Just recently became a proper prosecutor.”

“I’m hoping to become a defense attorney.” Kazuma grinned. “Maybe we will see each other on opposite sides of a courtroom, someday.”

“Sounds like an interesting possibility.” He paused. “Other than studying, do you have any other interests?”

As they talked, that initial stiffness in the conversation faded. Turns out, they had quite a few things in common other than their career of choice: music, movies, an unexpected interest in crafts… The more they talked, the more they seemed to find new subjects to keep the conversation flowing. It kept going for a long while, only slowing down when their food arrived. It was easy to talk to Barok. Even when they disagreed about something, it didn’t make the conversation feel awkward—which, unfortunately, was a rare thing.

It was fun… Incredibly fun.

As the evening came to an end, and they were forced to end that pleasant conversation, Kazuma took an unused paper napkin, quickly writing his number on it before offering it to Barok.

“Here… In case your next date doesn’t go well again.”

Barok checked the napkin, smiling as he looked at Kazuma. “And what if you are my first choice?”

Kazuma made an effort not to smile too widely. “I don’t see a problem with that.”

They left the restaurant. As they were about to part ways, Kazuma hesitated for just a second, then leaned forward, giving him one single, light kiss on the lips.

“I’ll see you later, then,” he said.

Barok smiled in response. “Have a good night.”

“You too.”

Kazuma returned home with a slight spring to his feet. He met Ryunosuke in the living room, who looked at him with an amused smile.

“It seems like the date went well,” he said.

Kazuma shook his head. “The guy didn’t even show up.”

“Oh…”

“But…” He smiled. “A really cute guy was alone too, and agreed to have dinner with me.”

Ryunosuke widened his eyes. “How lucky.”

“Yes. We might even go on a second date.”

“He didn’t give up after the first one? What a warrior…”

Kazuma gave him a light punch on the shoulder. “You shut up, you little shit.”

Ryunosuke laughed. “How is that guy, by the way?”

“I told you, he’s really cute.”

Kazuma spent some time describing that night to Ryunosuke, who listened attentively, only interrupting a few times to pester him, as usual.

When Kazuma left his morning class, he noticed a message on his phone. It was from his father, who said there was someone he wanted Kazuma to meet.

Kazuma went to the cafeteria, as instructed. Genshin was there, talking with his teacher, Klint van Zieks. Kazuma already knew that the two were old friends, so the sight wasn’t surprising.

“Professor van Zieks,” he said, “good afternoon.”

“Here you are, son,” said Genshin. “I hope we didn’t interrupt your plans.”

“No, I still have some time before my next class.” Kazuma looked around. “You said there was someone you wanted me to meet…”

“Yes.” Genshin nodded. “He is Klint’s little brother, who has recently graduated from law school. He is around your age.”

“He is already on his way here,” said Klint. “Like you, he was always at the top of his class, so I think you have much to learn from each other.”

“I see.”

“Ah, there he is.” Klint waved at someone behind Kazuma. “Here, Barok!”

The name made Kazuma hold his breath for a moment. He looked back, seeing the same man from the previous evening approach them. Barok’s eyes widened as soon as he saw Kazuma.

Unaware of the situation, Genshin placed a hand on Barok’s shoulder, looking at Kazuma. “Kazuma, this is Barok. Klint’s little brother, and my intern.”

“And this is Kazuma,” said Klint, gesturing in his direction. “The law student I told you about, and Genshin’s son.”

“You…” murmured Barok.

Despite the surprise, Kazuma managed to smile. “Hello.”

Klint looked from one of them to the other. “Do you already know each other?”

“Ah, yes,” said Barok. “We are acquaintances.”

Klint smiled. “Oh, what a surprise! It really is a small world.”

“It truly is,” Barok agreed in a low voice.

Scarily so, Kazuma thought.

“I had no idea you two were related,” Kazuma admitted. “Then again, I didn’t know your surname.”

Actually, he should have imagined. Finding one very British man that size was already impressive… How about two of them?

“I apologize,” said Barok. “But I had no idea you were Genshin’s son, either.”

“It is quite the coincidence,” said Genshin.

“But this makes things much simpler.” Klint looked at Kazuma. “Not to embarrass my little brother in front of a friend, but Barok is my pride and joy. Once I mentioned you to him, he agreed to help you with your studies if you ever need it.” He glanced at Barok. “Right, Barok?”

“Ah, yes.” Barok smiled. “I would be happy to help.”

“Thank you,” said Kazuma. “I don’t know how I could repay you for that, though.”

Klint dismissed his words with a wave of his hand. “Don’t worry about it. Besides, I’m sure you two have much to learn from each other’s experiences, being a prosecutor and a future attorney.”

“Not that different from us,” said Genshin.

“Exactly. Genshin and I have learned much from each other as well.”

The two older men reminisced for a few minutes, while Kazuma and Barok made a conscious effort not to meet each other’s gaze. Finally, a few minutes later, they stood up.

“We should be leaving now,” said Genshin. “I’m sorry for taking so much of your time.”

Klint waved at them. “Enjoy the rest of your break.”

They walked away, leaving Kazuma and Barok alone, still avoiding each other’s gaze. Unable to handle the uncomfortable silence any longer, Kazuma finally spoke.

“We met again sooner than I thought.”

Barok raised his head, showing a slight smile. “Indeed.” His smile soon faltered. “About what happened yesterday…”

“Don’t worry. It stays between us.”

Barok exhaled, relieved. “I appreciate it.”

Kazuma hesitated for just a moment, then gestured toward the counter. “Would you like to have a coffee?”

The invitation earned him a more sincere smile. “Of course.”

They ordered their beverages, then returned to the table. A heavy silence grew between them, to the point of being uncomfortable.

“It wasn’t this awkward last time, was it?” said Kazuma in a low voice.

“I apologize.”

“It’s fine, don’t think too much about it.” Kazuma hesitated briefly. “So… Your brother doesn’t know about you?”

“No. I haven’t yet found the courage to tell him.”

“I see.”

“What about your father?”

“I told him and my mother when I was still in high school,” told Kazuma. “They took it really well… After that, I decided I wouldn’t hide it anymore.”

“Were you not scared?”

“Well, yes… But the people I’m closest to accepted me, anyway. If someone has a problem with it, I just assume they don’t care enough about my happiness and don’t deserve my time.”

Barok showed a slight smile. “I wish I had that courage.”

“I wouldn’t call it courage. But hiding it wasn’t doing me any good, so…” He shrugged lightly. “Well, anyway… I did what was best for myself, that’s all.”

“I understand. I come from a conservative family, so I cannot tell if they would be as accepting, but I hope that at least my brother and sister-in-law will be fine with this.”

“Professor van Zieks seems to be an understanding man. And he clearly loves you very much.”

“That is true.”

Kazuma observed him for a while, then leaned slightly in Barok’s direction. “I know it can be difficult, so… If you ever want to talk to someone about this, you can talk to me.”

Barok shook his head. “I wouldn’t want to bother you with my problems.”

“If it was a bother, I wouldn’t have offered.”

That response made Barok slightly widen his eyes. After a moment of consideration, he smiled. “Thank you.”

They finished their beverages, then Kazuma stood up. “I should be going now. My next class starts soon.”

Before he could leave, however, Barok spoke again.

“Kazuma…” He hesitated for a second. “Is it fine if I text you later?”

“Do you still have my number?”

“Of course.”

The answer made him smile. “I’ll look forward to it, then.”

They met again at noon the next day. Despite that brief awkwardness from their second conversation, they slowly relaxed again into that natural flow from two days before.

Soon, those brief meetings between Kazuma’s classes and Barok’s lunch break became an almost daily habit; and, if Kazuma learned anything from it, it was that he really enjoyed Barok’s company—not only as an occasional date, but as a friend.

That evening, after they were done with their obligations, they went together to the movie theater. Taking his seat beside Barok, Kazuma tried his best not to think of the proximity, or the times their hands met when they reached for the popcorn at the same time. For years, Kazuma thought that kind of tension was something from romantic comedies and shoujo manga, and yet, there he was… With his heart beating so loudly he started to wonder if others could hear it too.

After finishing their popcorn, and with nothing else to keep him distracted—he had long given up on paying attention to the movie—Kazuma started to feel restless. He glanced at Barok through the corner of his eye, then his gaze fell to Barok’s hand on the armrest between them. Kazuma gathered his courage, then placed his hand over Barok’s. To his surprise, Barok turned his hand up, intertwining their fingers.

Kazuma was taken by a mix of relief and euphoria. Unable to hold himself back any longer, he leaned in Barok’s direction.

“Barok…” he whispered. “What would you think if I kissed you again?”

Barok opened his mouth, but the answer itself came after a few seconds of tension.

“I would be happy, for sure.”

So, without further hesitation, Kazuma leaned in his direction. Barok did the same, both closing their eyes as their lips met—for the first, but not last time that evening.

They left the movie theater an hour later, hand in hand.

“That was a good movie,” said Kazuma.

“Indeed.”

They smiled at each other, aware that neither of them would be able to describe an entire scene of that movie if asked to.

“So, Barok…” said Kazuma after a while. “Am I right to believe you want to… give this a chance?”

“Being with you?” A slight flush covered Barok’s face. “Yes… I want to give it a chance.”

“I see.” Kazuma smiled, feeling warm inside. “I’m glad.”

Barok observed him for a moment, then stopped walking, which made Kazuma look at him.

“Could I have another kiss?” asked Barok in a low voice.

The request caught Kazuma by surprise. “Right now?”

“Is that a problem?”

As a response, Kazuma cupped his face, covering Barok’s lips with his once again.

After that, their short breaks during the day were accompanied by longer meetings during the evening, when Kazuma was done with his part-time job.

They never talked properly about it, but at some point, “giving it a chance” became something more serious. Kazuma wasn’t sure if he should think of Barok as his boyfriend or not, but he chose to give it a little more time before he touched that subject.

Meanwhile, their evening dates continued. What started as something more planned, closely following the image of a proper date, slowly evolved into something more casual, closer to their personal interests. They still went out for dinner, or to watch a movie sometimes, but also went for a run in the park, visited a museum, or spent a long time shopping for books.

That afternoon, Kazuma had taken Barok with him to see an exhibition focused on the Sengoku period of Japan—a particular interest of his. He had more fun than he expected explaining things to Barok, who listened attentively. Kazuma loved that about him: he always seemed interested in what Kazuma had to say, even when other people considered it a silly thing.

They left the exhibition at the end of the afternoon, and were surprised by gray skies. A few drops had already started to fall, and neither of them had an umbrella with them. They looked at each other, and Kazuma shrugged.

“It’s just a drizzle…” he said. “We should make it to the car before it gets worse.”

“I agree.”

They rushed toward the parking lot. Not even ten steps later, however, thunder rumbled above them, and that light drizzle turned into a sudden storm.

“Ah, shit…” said Kazuma. “Run!”

Barok immediately agreed. They grabbed each other’s hand, then dashed toward the parking lot as fast as they could. Unfortunately, by the time they reached Barok’s car, the rain had already drenched them completely. They got inside, catching their breaths.

“We made it, somehow,” said Barok.

Kazuma nodded, hugging his own arms. “It’s so cold…”

Barok searched his glove compartment, taking a small hand towel from it, using it to dry Kazuma’s face.

“I hope you won’t get a cold from this…” he said. “Make sure to take a hot shower when you get home.”

“You too.” Kazuma offered him a playful smile. “My breaks would be boring without you around.”

Barok returned the smile. He started the engine to turn on the AC, and the car became a little warmer. Before they left the parking lot, however, as if to mock them, that sudden tempest calmed down, back to an inoffensive drizzle. Kazuma stared at the sky in disbelief.

“Are you kidding me?”

“This must be punishment for my sins…” said Barok, almost at the same time.

Kazuma looked at him: it was rare to see someone usually so calm and pleasant sound that annoyed. It was so unexpected that he couldn’t help but laugh.

That reaction seemed to break Barok’s annoyance a little, making him look at Kazuma, confused. “What is it?”

“Nothing, just… this was kind of fun.”

Barok furrowed his brow. “You have a strange sense of fun.”

“That’s why I like you.”

“How flattering.”

Kazuma grinned in response. Barok shook his head with a small laugh, then brought a hand to his face, cupping it before leaning forward. They kissed, and the kiss tasted like rain.

It was so silly, but being there, drenched, with Barok by his side, trying not to laugh at their own bad luck… That was when he realized he was in love with that man.

When they met for lunch that day, Kazuma had to make an effort to keep a calm face as he asked that simple question—which still made him incredibly anxious.

“We’re having stew tonight at home,” he said. “Do you want to join us?”

Barok seemed slightly surprised at the invitation. “Are you sure?”

“Of course. Dad already knows you, and I want you to meet my mom and brother.”

“I didn’t know you have a brother.”

Kazuma was so used to referring to Ryunosuke as his brother that he often did it without thinking. “Well… We’re not actually related by blood, but we grew up together. And his parents are always traveling, so he spends more time at my home than his.”

Barok seemed hesitant for a moment. “Do your parents know about us?”

“I haven’t told them yet, so don’t worry. To them, we are just close friends.”

“I see.”

Kazuma briefly averted his gaze. That was why he had been so nervous: he didn’t want Barok to think he was pressuring him.

“If this makes you feel uncomfortable…” he said.

Barok shook his head. “No, of course not. Even if they knew, that would be fine by me.”

Those words surprised him. “Would it?”

Barok reached for his hand, covering it with his. “Kazuma, I am serious about this… About us. I am gathering my courage to talk to my brother, but… I am still a little scared.”

Kazuma smiled, placing his hand over Barok’s, caressing it with his thumb. “Don’t force yourself.”

“I am not. I want to do this.”

“Alright, then.”

They met later that day, and Barok drove them to Kazuma’s place. There, he was welcomed by Genshin, and Kazuma introduced him to Ryunosuke and his mother. Barok seemed a little nervous at first, but as Kazuma and Genshin helped him join the conversation with a few questions, he slowly relaxed, seeming to enjoy it.

“Sweetheart…” Kazuma’s mother called him a few minutes later. “Could you help me set the table?”

“Sure.”

Ryunosuke stood up. “I’ll help him.”

They went together to the kitchen, where Ryunosuke grabbed Kazuma’s arm, staring at his face.

“Kazuma…” he said. “You told me that your boyfriend is the cutest man you’ve ever met.”

“Isn’t he?”

“He’s almost two meters tall!”

Kazuma shrugged. “Two meters of pure cuteness.”

Ryunosuke groaned in annoyance. “You should have warned me! I was so shocked I couldn’t even greet him properly.”

“You’re exaggerating…”

“I was trembling!”

“Seriously?”

“Ah, shut up…” He gave Kazuma a light punch on the shoulder. “He seems like a good guy, though.”

“He is.” Kazuma grinned. “Just don’t get jealous.”

“No way… I’m sure he doesn’t know as much about you as I do. If he did, he wouldn’t agree to date—”

Kazuma pinched his cheeks with both hands. “Haven’t you talked enough, already?”

Ryunosuke whimpered. “Sorry…”

He wasn’t, and they both knew he would do it again. Kazuma sighed, letting go of him.

“Anyway,” Ryunosuke said, already fully recovered. “Let’s get that table set… I’m starving.”

“When are you not?”

“Shut up…”

Kazuma held back a smile. They always seemed to become twelve-year-old brats whenever they were together, and that would probably never change.

They took those plates, glasses, and silverware, setting the table to receive the food. It was delicious, of course, and his mother beamed when Barok accepted a second serving.

Overall, it was a pleasant evening. Barok left with the promise to return more often, and he and Kazuma sneaked a brief kiss before he got into his car.

Kazuma came back inside, and was about to join his mother and Ryunosuke in cleaning when his father approached him.

“Kazuma… May I talk to you?”

“Sure.”

They went to Kazuma’s bedroom, and that secrecy from the others worried Kazuma a little. They sat side by side on his bed, and soon Genshin looked at his face.

“There is something I wanted to ask you.”

Kazuma’s stomach twisted. “What is it?”

“What is your relationship with Barok?”

It was as he feared. And he thought they had done a good job acting like close friends… His nervousness must have been clear, since soon Genshin placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t feel like you need to lie to me,” he said.

Kazuma nodded. Barok had said he was fine with his family knowing, and he didn’t want to lie to his father, so…

“We are… going out, I guess.”

A slight, amused smile took Genshin’s lips. “You guess?”

“We haven’t made it official yet.”

“I see.” Genshin thought for a moment. “He is a good man. Just don’t get distracted from your studies.”

Kazuma sighed. “Dad…”

Genshin laughed at his reaction. “I hope you make each other happy.”

His words made Kazuma smile. “Me too.”

“Have you told your mother?”

“Not yet,” he admitted. “But I will.”

“She liked him. But you should still prepare yourself for a few questions.”

Kazuma let out a small, resigned groan. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”

“This is just how parents are.”

Genshin patted his back. Somehow, talking to him about it made Kazuma feel better: he was fine with keeping that relationship a secret, but part of him had wanted to at least tell his loved ones about something so important to him.

When he told Barok about his conversation with his father, he didn’t seem too surprised. Instead, he seemed anxious about something else.

“Are you alright?” asked Kazuma.

“Yes. But I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

Barok took a deep breath. “Yesterday, after leaving your house, I finally found my courage. I talked to Klint.” He paused briefly. “I told him the truth.”

That took Kazuma by surprise. “And what did he say?”

“He was surprised, but… He understood.”

“That’s great!”

Barok nodded with a smile. “Irene too. When I told them about you, she asked me to invite you for dinner.”

“Sure.” Kazuma let out a small, nervous laugh. “I just hope Professor van Zieks doesn’t hate me now…”

“I didn’t expect you to worry about this.”

“Of course I do…” said Kazuma. “It’s your family.”

Barok reached toward him with a fond expression, lightly caressing his cheek. Lately, he had been less shy about showing that kind of affection in public, which made Kazuma happy.

That evening, he accompanied Barok to his place: a fairly big house, that, if not for the colorful toys and handmade crafts everywhere, would look like something from a Regency novel. Honestly, it made him a little nervous… He had never been good with things like proper etiquette, after all.

But the van Zieks were quite welcoming, doing their best to make him feel at home. Irene seemed to like him instantly, and their little daughter, Iris, soon lost her initial shyness, and started showing him her favorite drawings and toys. Klint was the only one who, despite his politeness, seemed slightly unsure about his presence at their table. Well… He did seem like an over-protective brother. That thought didn’t help ease Kazuma’s anxiety.

“Are you feeling well, Barok?” asked Irene a few minutes later. “You look a little pale.”

“I am fine…” said Barok. “I just did not have much sleep last night.”

Kazuma looked at him, suddenly forgetting to feel nervous. “You didn’t spend the night awake again, did you? You promised me you wouldn’t do this anymore.”

Barok averted his gaze. “I lost track of time.”

His answer made Kazuma sigh. “You need to take better care of your health.”

Klint looked at him, and suddenly his reservations seemed to fade.

“That’s exactly what I’m always telling him!” he said, gesturing at Barok. “But if I am not careful, he will forget to eat, and even to sleep.”

“I know what you mean…” said Kazuma. “I’m always worried that he might not be taking proper care of himself.”

“Me too.” Klint sighed. “The last time he got sick, it was out of exhaustion. Can you believe it?”

“Unfortunately, I can…”

They both stared at Barok, who seemed to become smaller.

“My apologies…” he said.

Irene laughed at that exchange. “Oh, my… It looks like you have two babysitters now.”

“I do…”

“If you took better care of yourself, we wouldn’t be so harsh,” said Kazuma.

“Precisely.” Klint nodded, then offered Kazuma a smile. “But I am glad to know I have someone to keep an eye on him.”

After that, Klint’s disposition toward Kazuma became much warmer than ever before.

Barok insisted on giving Kazuma a lift home after they were done with dinner. Then, a few minutes later, Kazuma received a call from him.

“How were things after I left?” he asked.

He could hear the amusement in Barok’s answer. “It seems like you have earned your place in the van Zieks family.”

“Really?”

“Irene had nothing but positive things to say. Klint too… He would not stop talking about how similar you two are in how much you care about my well-being.” He laughed briefly. “And then he told us all of how much of a brilliant student with a bright future you are, and that you will take good care of me.”

Kazuma let out a small groan. “That’s a little embarrassing.”

“I know… Would you believe me if I told you he asked about our plans for the future? Even Irene asked him to slow down a little.”

Hearing that made him laugh. “Somehow, I’m not that surprised. But I’m glad they liked me.”

“The most vocal one was Iris, though,” said Barok. “She kept asking me when you are going to visit again.”

“She did?”

“At least ten times after you left.”

Hearing that warmed Kazuma’s chest. “I can’t wait to see her again, either. She’s such a sweet girl.”

Barok agreed, then stayed silent for a moment, as if thinking about something. Kazuma simply waited until he spoke again.

“Kazuma… I may not be thinking as far ahead as my brother, but… I really am serious about us.”

Those words made him smile. “Me too.”

“So,” Barok continued, “to me, you are part of my family as well. You are welcome in my home anytime, and if you need something… You can tell me.”

“You know it’s the same for you, right?”

“I do.”

That conversation made Kazuma feel as if any small doubts he still had about their relationship had finally dissolved away.

“I love you, Barok.”

“I love you too.” He could hear the smile in Barok’s words. “More than I thought I could ever love someone.”

Kazuma laughed to himself, happy. “I wish you were here so I could hug you…”

“You can hug me as much as you wish tomorrow.”

“You better prepare yourself, then.”

“I cannot wait.”

They said their goodbyes, but even after hanging up, his mind was still full of that man. He lay on his bed, smiling at his ceiling: why did he feel like a lovestruck teenager? He had never acted like that when he was younger… But, to be fair, he never thought he could love someone that much.

A minute later, Ryunosuke walked into the bedroom and, after taking a look at Kazuma’s face, opened an amused grin.

“Were you talking to Barok?” he asked.

“Yes.” Kazuma sighed, rolling on his stomach, burying his face in his pillow. “And now I’m feeling lonely again…”

Ryunosuke giggled. Then, without a warning, he threw himself over Kazuma’s back. “Are you saying my company is worth nothing?”

“Less than nothing…” Kazuma grunted. “It’s a burden on my shoulders.”

“A burden you say?” Ryunosuke made himself heavier on purpose. “A burden…”

“Ryuu…”

“I’ll tell Barok how mean you are to me when he’s not around.”

“I’ll deny all accusations… Get off me!”

Kazuma rolled his body to the side, and Ryunosuke jumped up with an amused laugh. He sat beside Kazuma on the bed, looking at him.

“You’re happy, aren’t you?” he asked.

Kazuma smiled. “Of course.”

“Then, I’m happy too.” Ryunosuke returned the smile. “All of us are.”

Kazuma didn’t say it out loud, but those words meant the world to him.