Archive of Our Own

“Thanks for helping me with the guitar,” Seiya managed, his voice a little steadier than he had expected. He wasn’t embarrassed by his earlier antics anymore — not when they brought out that warmth in Masakado’s expression. He swallowed and look around, unable to fight against that habit of avoiding Masakado’s eyes. “And for talking things out.” His eyes flickered back to Masakado’s face, catching that gentle smile again. It was enough to make Seiya’s breath hitch. “And…”

His voice softened, nearly faltering, as though they no longer needed words between them.

“See you tomorrow, Yoshinori.”

The name felt strange on his tongue — too intimate, too close — but the warmth in Masakado’s eyes melted his nerves. He bit the inside of his cheek and, for a moment, Seiya wondered if he’d crossed a line, his heart skipping with doubt. He wondered for a split second if he’d gone too far. Was it too much, too soon? But when Masakado didn’t flinch, when the smile only deepened, Seiya’s chest tightened with a strange, exhilarating rush. His lips curled into a shy smile.

Before he could say anything more, Seiya raised his hand in a small, almost hesitant wave. His throat tightened, making it impossible to trust his voice. So instead of speaking, he mouthed the words, “Good night.” He didn’t dare say it out loud, afraid his voice would betray the storm of emotions he was so desperately holding back.

Masakado’s gaze softened even more, as if he understood. That smile never left his lips.

As Seiya slipped out of the room, a mix of exhilaration and contentment washed over him. He couldn’t stop himself from glancing back one last time, his heart pounding wildly at the thought of what tomorrow would bring. They had faced their misunderstandings, their distance, and now there was so much more to explore together.

Masakado stood in the doorway as Seiya walked away, a soft smile still playing on his lips, and Seiya let the door close quietly, his heart still racing.

It was well past 2 a.m., and the hotel halls were silent except for the soft padding of Seiya’s feet as he made his way back to his room. The weight of everything that had happened — everything they’d said, everything they hadn’t — was pressing in on him.

He needed time to think.

Talking to Richa earlier had been a huge mistake. He’d casually mentioned wanting to talk to Masakado later, but the moment the words left his mouth, nerves had hit him like a wave. Maybe that was why he hadn’t responded to Richa’s calls that night — he just couldn’t handle the teasing or the probing questions. Not after everything.

Reaching his room, Seiya slipped inside and collapsed onto the bed, still fully clothed. His mind was spinning, racing through every moment of the night.

He had actually confessed to Masakado.

He couldn’t believe he’d done it. He’d actually said the words, let the truth slip out between them like it was the most natural thing in the world. The relief was dizzying — almost terrifying — and then the kiss. His breath caught just thinking about it, that split of a second when everything changed.

Still, a small, satisfied smile tugged at his lips as he stared up at the ceiling. He couldn’t get the image of Masakado’s face out of his head, the way his eyes softened when Seiya said his name. And the kiss... His fingers brushed his lips, the memory still too fresh, too wild to fully understand.

How did they even get here?

That didn’t matter after a night that felt like a promise. Tomorrow... tomorrow would be different. And he wasn’t sure if that thought made him more excited or more terrified.

His phone buzzed softly on the nightstand. A message from Richa, probably. Seiya ignored it for now, too caught up in the swirl of emotions. He needed time. Time to figure out how to face Masakado, how to face himself.

He pulled the covers over his head, his smile lingering as he finally drifted off to sleep.

But the morning came far too quickly for Seiya. He was jolted awake to the sound of annoying knocks on his door, and he groaned, burying his face in the pillow. The remnants of last night’s excitement were still fresh in his mind, but the reality of another busy day was quickly catching up to him.

He wanted to keep sleeping — scratch that! He needed to sleep! After all, he had only returned to his room at 2 a.m., and hadn’t actually closed his eyes until hours later. But the knocking just wouldn’t stop.

“I’m so gonna kill—” Yoshinori, his mind supplied, unhelpfully. But the heat crawling up his neck didn’t let him say the name out loud. Not even in his thoughts could he say it without getting flustered.

It wasn’t as if anyone could hear him, but still.

His chest tightened at the thought. How was he supposed to face Masakado — Yoshinori — this early in the morning, after everything that happened? Seiya could already feel heat creeping up his neck as he imagined what he might say, how awkward things could get after their late-night confession.

He groaned, hoping whoever it was at the door would just…

“Go away…” Seiya mumbled under his breath, pulling the blanket over his head. He needed more time to prepare himself mentally for whatever Masakado — Yoshinori — wanted to say.

But the knocking persisted, getting louder with every ticking second. Reluctantly, he rolled out of bed and dragged himself to the door, heart still pounding in his chest and the events of the previous evening still swirling in his mind. Each step toward the door brought flashes of their kiss, his confession, the way Masakado had looked at him. He and Masakado... Last night had been surreal, the way everything had unfolded… but what if things were back to being awkward now? What if Masakado regretted everything?

Just as his hand hovered over the doorknob, preparing for the worst, he froze. He didn’t know if he was ready to face it all so early in the morning.

“Seiya! I know you’re in there!” came Richa’s unmistakable voice from the other side. His tone was light, but Seiya could sense the mischief underneath. There was no way Richa would let him pretend to be asleep any longer, especially after what had happened last night.

Seiya let out a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding, placing his hand on his chest as if trying to will it back to normal heartbeats while relief washed over him.

It was such a relief it wasn’t Masakado after all — Yoshinori, his brain insisted again. But his relaxation was short-lived, realizing he’d now have to deal with Richa instead. Richa, who no doubt had a sixth sense about the whole thing.

Opening the door, Seiya found Richa leaning against the frame, arms crossed, a smirk that said he knew exactly what he was doing. “Morning, Sei-chan,” he teased, pushing his way into the room without waiting for an invitation.

“Aren’t you too energetic for this time of morning?” Seiya countered without missing a beat.

Richa was unfazed by it. He waltzed in like he owned the place. “That’s what happens when you go to bed early. Unlike some people who sneak around late at night.”

Seiya’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want, Richa?”

Richa’s smirk widened as he casually threw himself on the bed, stretching out. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe you can explain why you ghosted me last night?”

Seiya crossed his arms defensively. “I was tired.”

“Uh-huh,” Richa replied, dripping with sarcasm. “Funny how you were too tired to reply to my calls, but not too tired to visit Masakado’s room.”

Seiya’s cheeks flared with heat, and he turned away. “It’s… not what you think,” Seiya muttered, his voice trailing off.

“So, how’d it go? Rough night?” Richa wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

It was just his way of being playful. Seiya knew it. He really knew it! And yet, he couldn’t help being bothered by it. He groaned, finally closing the door behind him. “You’re just being impossible.”

“Oh, don’t play dumb with me. I know you went to Masakado’s room last night and something happened,” Richa said. “You didn’t answer my call, so something was definitely up.”

Seiya tried to dodge the subject, finally grabbing his phone from the nightstand to check the time. His thumb hesitated as his eyes caught something on the screen. A notification from LINE, at 2:17 a.m. “Like I said, I was tired. Didn’t think I needed to answe—”

Seiya’s heart skipped. His finger tapped on the text. It wasn’t from Richa after all. It was from Masakado.

« Good night, Seiya. I hope you have sweet dreams tonight… Maybe of me? *kissy face* »

Seiya froze, his heart sinking. He had seen the notification last night — he knew he had. But he’d assumed it was from Richa, calling to nag him or gossip as usual. He hadn’t even bothered to open it, too tired and flustered from everything that had happened in Masakado’s room to deal with Richa’s antics.

His chest tightened as frustration bubbled up inside him. What if he’d just checked? What if he’d read Masakado’s text last night instead of brushing it off? Would they have texted until the early hours, sharing even more of themselves? Would it have calmed the storm in his chest instead of letting him wake up so damn nervous about seeing him today?

“Seiya?” Richa propped himself up on his elbows, squinting at Seiya’s face. “What are you doing?”

“N-nothing!” Seiya stammered, locking the screen and stuffing the phone into his pocket as though it burned. His face burned too, a mix of embarrassment and regret swirling inside him. Sweet dreams? Of him? He felt like his whole body might combust on the spot. Even after everything last night, Masakado still threw him off balance in new ways — and Seiya had only himself to blame for missing it.

Richa wasn’t buying it, though. “Right,” he drawled, sitting up fully now. “You’re a terrible liar, Suezawa! Come on, spill the beans already. You confessed, didn’t you?”

Seiya blinked, caught off guard by how quickly Richa had zeroed in on the truth. He stared at Richa, wondering how on Earth he possibly knew that. “How did you—?”

Richa laughed, folding his arms behind his head. “You’re seriously asking me that? After all these years?” Richa narrowed his gaze. “Suezawa, you’re about as subtle as a hurricane. And Masakado? He’s even worse.”

Seiya sighed, rubbing his temple. There was no use hiding it. Richa was right — he did confess, and Masakado had been so shocked that he almost had to spell it out for him to understand. He sat down on the bed next to Richa, shaking his head. “Yeah. I did.”

“I knew it!” Richa sat up, looking more pleased with himself than ever. “I knew something was up the moment you had me out of his room last night, and then fter all, ayou didn’t answer me. Took you long enough, though! So, are you two officially a thing now?”

Seiya rubbed the back of his neck, slouching a little. “I… guess so? We talked, and kissed, and… It’s still kind of… weird, though?”

“Weird? How?”

Seiya shook his head, unsure how to explain. It wasn’t like things with Masakado felt wrong — it was more like everything had happened so fast that he wasn’t sure how to act now. “I don’t know. It’s just… a lot to take in.”

Richa leaned forward, grinning ear to ear. “Well, you better figure it out quick because breakfast is going to be awkward as hell if you two even consider acting like nothing happened.”

Seiya groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Ugh, don’t remind me. I don’t know how I’m supposed to act around him now!”

“Why don’t you just hold hands?”

Seiya threw him a side-eye. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Of course I am!! I called it from the start!”

Seiya felt a weight lift, despite Richa’s teasing. It was nice, having someone to talk to about it, someone who wouldn’t judge or make things weird. Richa had known about his feelings for Masakado long before even Seiya could admit them to himself, and now that everything was out in the open, it was... freeing.

“Anyway,” Richa said, straightening his shirt. “Let’s get some breakfast.”

Seiya groaned again, and Richa read right into it.

“Don’t worry, Suezawa, I’ll help you two without the others finding out — because, you know, I’m such a supportive friend.” Richa gave him a playful wink.

Seiya narrowed his eyes. But then he gave up and sighed, a smile tugging at his lips despite the stress he was feeling. “You just want to mess with us.”

“Obviously.” Richa hopped up from the bed, grabbing Seiya’s arm and pulling him to his feet. “Come on, let’s go. The others are already down there.”

As Seiya and Richa headed to the dining hall, Seiya couldn’t shake the feelings of excitement and nervousness. He was officially dating Masakado. He was, right? They both had feelings for each other and they’d even kissed last night. Or had it been just a dream? The memory felt so surreal that Seiya half-wondered if it had been some vivid figment of his imagination.

The hotel restaurant buzzed with the sounds of breakfast; waitstaff rushed about, delivering plates of steaming food to tables full of chattering guests. When they arrived, KojiKen, Taisei, Sano, and Masakado were seated close together at a table near the window, just eating and chatting their hearts away. Seiya immediately noticed that Masakado seemed engrossed in his food, paying almost no attention to his surroundings. And yet… something was different. Normally, Masakado would spot Seiya as soon as he entered a room and be the first to greet Seiya with that bright smile of his. But today, he seemed... off. Seiya’s heart sank a little.

“I’ll order our breakfast. You save our seats,” Richa murmured, nudging Seiya toward the group’s table.

Seiya walked over slowly, feeling the weight of the previous night’s revelations. He stood by the table awkwardly, stealing glances at Masakado, who remained seemingly oblivious. Both played it cool, pretending to be casual, but the tension hung in the air like an unspoken secret.

“Morning, Kojima, Sano, Taisei…” Seiya greeted each of them, hoping his voice sounded steady enough to mask the excitement bubbling inside. “Morning, Masakado.”

“Morning, Seiya-kun,” Seiya heard Masakado’s reply on top of all the other grumbles of ‘good morning’, his tone equally calm. However, it felt unusually cold.

Seiya flinched at the honorific, the distance it implied stinging more than he expected — or wanted to admit. Masakado’s tone was calm, neutral — like nothing had happened between them. It was so unlike the warmth he’d shown last night.

He lowered himself into the only available seat far from Masakado, the unspoken tension thick enough to cut. Before he could dwell on it, though, Richa appeared out of nowhere, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Oh, looks like we’re kinda crowded here. How about we... rearrange things a little?”

Without waiting for a response, he shuffled the chairs, earning a loud yell of “Hey!” from Masakado as Richa moved his things to the adjacent table, ensuring Seiya ended up seated across from Masakado. “There we go. Much better, isn’t it?” he simply said with a smirk.

“For whom?”

“What’s going on here, Richa-kun?”

“Just making space. We’re all sitting together! But come on, we’re the older group—” Richa announced, glancing pointedly at Masakado. “Unless some of us think they’re part of the younger crowd.”

“Say what?” Masakado shot back, raising a brow.

“Come on, Masakado, you’re definitely in the elder category with us! Suezawa, what do you think?”

Masakado gave a half-smile but didn’t take the bait. Seiya couldn’t help but feel off balance. He knew Richa was just messing with them, but it didn’t make things feel any less awkward.

“Are you really trying to make me feel old right now?” Masakado quipped, shooting a look at Richa.

Richa just grinned. “If the shoe fits.”

The playful back-and-forth went on for a bit, but Seiya could hardly focus. He glanced at Masakado, noticing the way his lips curled into a small smirk. The tension between them had eased slightly, but not enough to make Seiya feel comfortable.

Richa, sensing the right moment, leaned in closer, his voice dripping with playful teasing. “Alright, lovebirds. I’ll leave you two to your ‘conversation.’ You’re clearly in need of some alone time.”

With a final wink, Richa stood up, heading towards the other table, leaving Seiya and Masakado alone.

Seiya sat up straight, feeling completely out of place. He glanced at Masakado, who seemed suddenly fixated on his plate again. The silence stretched, and Seiya wasn’t sure what to say. The awkwardness was palpable, and it didn’t help that they could clearly hear Kojima and Taisei talking loudly, oblivious to the tension.

Eventually, Masakado leaned in slightly, his voice low so only Seiya could hear. “You’re being pretty quiet today.”

Seiya swallowed hard. “Just... tired,” he muttered. It was so hard to know what to say at a moment like that. He wasn’t used to this new dynamic between them, and part of him was terrified of messing things up.

Masakado smiled softly, his tone matching Seiya’s. “Yeah… me too.”

Seiya glanced at him, searching for something in Masakado’s expression, but there was no hint of what the other man was feeling. Were they on the same page? Or was this just a fleeting moment that wouldn’t amount to anything more?

Their breakfast arrived, but it did little to break the tension. Seiya kept picking at his food, unable to silence the doubts racing in his mind. Was he reading too much into things? Was Masakado regretting their kiss, or was this just another weird moment between them?

But before he could gather the courage to voice any of these questions, Masakado leaned in and broke the silence, his voice just above a whisper.

“You’re not calling me Yoshinori today, Seiya?” He murmured with a hint of amusement, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Seiya froze at the sound of his given name. He wasn’t expecting it. Masakado’s teasing grin only made it harder to keep his composure. “What?”

“I kind of got used to you calling me like that when we’re alone,” Masakado said, a teasing glint in his eyes. “I miss it already.”

“It’s not like I call you that all the time,” Seiya muttered, though his heart skipped a beat.

He wanted to hear it again. ‘Seiya’.

Masakado glanced at him, a teasing smile hinted at the corner of his lips. “That might be true, but you’ve been pretty formal with me today. And… I miss my cute, little Sei-chan from last night. It suits you better, you know?”

He dared pouting as if wanting to make his point across with that, not realizing the effects it was causing in Seiya. His face flushed.

“W-What? Don’t call me that in front of everyone,” he hissed, glancing around to make sure the others hadn’t overheard.

Masakado chuckled softly, leaning in a little closer. “Why not? It’s cute. Besides, aren’t we—?”

“Shut up,” Seiya muttered, feeling his cheeks warm. He was just getting used to Masakado’s teasing, but now that they were... whatever they were, it felt different. More personal. And for someone like Seiya, who wasn’t great at handling his emotions, it was just too embarrassing.

“I’m just saying,” Masakado said, his lips curving into a teasing smile. “I kind of liked it. You calling me by my given name.”

Seiya felt his cheeks heat. “That was... different. Don’t make it weird.”

Seiya stole a glance at him, and for the first time that morning, Masakado’s usual warmth was back in all its glory. It still threw Seiya a bit off-balance, though. This whole thing was new, and he wasn’t sure how to act. Were they supposed to be more... couple-like? Or was it better to keep things quiet for now?

Masakado chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “I’m not. I just thought... maybe last night meant something.”

“It did!” Seiya blurted, his voice louder than intended. He glanced around, lowering his voice. “It did, okay? But I don’t think we need to... make it obvious.”

His voice came out rougher than he intended, more like an order than a suggestion, and he cursed himself immediately.

Masakado paused, his smile faltering as he processed Seiya’s words. His response was quieter than usual. “Right... don’t worry. I’m not planning on telling the world.” He stabbed at his food a little harder than necessary, but then something in his expression shifted.

He hesitated, as if debating whether to say more, before finally letting out a sigh.

Seiya wanted to say something to soften his words, scared the other had completely misunderstood him. But Masakado just went on.

“But, uh... just so you know...” he began carefully, his voice low, just as if walking on eggshells. “KojiKen and Taisei already know. About my feelings, I mean. They’ve known for a while, actually.”

Seiya’s chopsticks froze mid-air, his eyes widening.

“What?” His voice came out in a hiss. “They know?”

Masakado gave a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Mm,” he nodded, glancing toward Kojima and Taisei, who were sitting nearby. As if on cue, they looked over, clearly curious. “They’re keeping a close eye on us. Probably wondering what’s going on, and how come I can talk so naturally to you this morning.”

Seiya’s gaze involuntarily followed Masakado’s, and he caught Taisei grinning while Kojima gave them a knowing look. Seiya groaned, feeling like an idiot. “Of course they know... great. Just what we need.”

Masakado chuckled quietly, almost nervously. “I wouldn’t worry too much. They’re just being their nosy selves.”

Seiya leaned back in his chair, trying to process the information. Masakado then cleared his throat again.

“Actually, um...” he hesitated, glancing down at his plate before looking back up at Seiya, a small, nervous smile playing on his lips. “There’s... one more thing. A few more people might know.”

Seiya narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “What do you mean, a few more?”

“Well... Daigo and Hassun know, too,” Masakado admitted, cringing slightly as he spoke. “They’ve known since day one... about my feelings for you, I mean, and the confession... and everything.”

Seiya’s mouth dropped open, and for a second, he was too stunned to respond. “What?” He leaned in closer, his voice dropping into a furious whisper. “You’re telling me your friends from Naniwa Danshi know everything?”

Masakado looked like he wanted to sink into his chair, but he nodded, bracing himself for Seiya’s reaction. “Yeah, I kind of... needed someone to talk to when I realized my feelings for you, and after you rejected me. They’ve been there for me.”

Seiya’s mind was spinning, touched by Masakado's need to confide in his friends all along. Still, he couldn’t help the anger bubbling up inside him. Daigo and Ohashi? He’d always seen them as Masakado’s goofy friends, but now knowing they had been in on this from the start made him feel exposed. Vulnerable.

He hated the feeling.

Seiya leaned back, processing the information. Then, as he thought more, a realization dawned on him. If Masakado had confided in Daigo and Ohashi… then maybe—

“Wait,” Seiya muttered, narrowing his eyes. “If Ohashi knows... then Jo probably knows, too. Right?” His mind raced, connecting the dots. Jo was one of his closest friend and Ohashi’s boyfriend. There was no way Jo hadn’t pieced everything together, especially after that night... the night that changed everything for him.

Seiya’s expression darkened as he remembered. “Shit,” he whispered to himself. Jo had known. Jo had known all along.

Masakado frowned, confusion crossing his face. “What do you mean Jo-kun knows?”

Seiya sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “I never told you this, but Jo... he was the one who contacted me that night in Tokyo… When you got drunk with Daigo and Ohashi.” He paused, glancing at Masakado’s surprised face. “You were wasted, remember?”

Masakado’s eyes widened slightly as the memory seemed to come back to him. “Wait... you’re talking about that night...?”

“Yeah,” Seiya nodded. “I was in Tokyo for work, and Jo called me using your phone because you were too drunk to even text. He thought it’d be funny to prank me, pretending to be you, but... the way he wrote got me worried, so I went to find you. That’s when I realized how bad it truly was.” Seiya’s voice softened, recalling how sick with worry he’d felt that night, sitting by Masakado’s side, making sure he was okay. That was the night he’d finally admitted to himself how much he cared.

Masakado blinked, looking both stunned and guilty. “I... I didn’t know.”

“Of course you didn’t,” Seiya muttered. “You passed out before I could even talk to you. I left you a note at the hotel, hoping we could clear things up the next day, but… well, now I know you never got it.”

“I... I’m sorry, Seiya.” Masakado’s face turned red as he mumbled, “still… thanks. For showing up that night, I mean.”

“It’s not your fault,” Seiya said quietly, then leaned in, his voice almost a whisper. “But yeah... Jo knows. He figured it out that night. And Richa obviously knows, too. So… I guess we’re even.” He gave a half-hearted smile.

Masakado’s lips twitched as the guilt eased slightly. At least they were both in the same boat. “Looks like we owe Jo-kun more than we thought, huh?”

Seiya nodded, feeling the tension between them ease. It was strange how things had played out — how their feelings had developed and how even someone like Jo had unknowingly played a role in bringing them closer together.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Seiya muttered, the weight between them lifting slightly now that everything was out in the open. It wasn’t perfect, and they still had a lot to figure out, but at least they were on the same page. Even if it meant half of Kansai already knew about their feelings.

“Maybe we should thank him properly,” Masakado mused, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Though I’m not sure he’ll ever let us live it down.”

Seiya groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Please don’t encourage him. He’ll never stop teasing us if he finds out the complete story.”

Masakado chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Fair enough. We’ll keep that part to ourselves.”

Before they could dwell on it any further, Richa returned with his usual grin, sliding back into his seat and eyeing the two of them with obvious curiosity. “So, how are the lovebirds doing? Enjoying your breakfast? Everything sorted out?” he teased in a low voice, but loud enough for them both to hear it perfectly, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

Masakado snorted, clearly amused, while Seiya buried his face in his hands. “Please, don’t start.”

“Start? Oh, no, I’m just getting warmed up,” Richa said, winking at Masakado.

Seiya groaned again. “Please... just leave us alone.”

Masakado chuckled, nudging Seiya’s leg under the table. “Don’t worry, Sei-chan. I think we’ve got this.”

For the first time that morning, Seiya felt everything would work out with Masakado, a small smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Masakado. Maybe things wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Don’t worry, I’ll give you two some privacy. For now,” Richa conceded.

He stood up, carrying his plate and glass, but stopped in his track before he was too far from the other two.

“Oh, and by the way, don’t forget — try to behave in front of the senpais later. We don’t want any, uh, pettiness like yesterday.”

He winked at both of them, clearly enjoying himself far too much. Masakado shifted in his seat, his face heating slightly as he realized what Richa was hinting at. But before Seiya could ask any further questions or react, Masakado stuffed the food in his mouth, loudly commenting on how good it was and changing topics completely.

Richa kept his word, though; he took his food to the table next to them and kept on chatting with KojiKen and Masaya for the rest of the breakfast. He would occasionally throw Seiya and Masakado teasing glances, though.

Before Seiya could even bring back Richa’s comment, their manager appeared at the doorway, clipboard in hand.

“All right, time to head to the concert hall. Let’s get moving!”

As Richa walked off to join the others, he shot them one last knowing glance. “I’ll catch you two later. Have fun.”

Seiya felt Masakado shift beside him as he leaned in closer. “Looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us,” Masakado muttered, a playful edge to his voice.

Seiya shot him a sideways glance, feeling the familiar heat rise to his face. “Stop smirking like that. It’s annoying and creepy.”

Masakado chuckled. “Is it? But Sei-chan, you’re adorable when you’re flustered.”

Seiya glared at him, the use of his nickname making his heart race. “Stop calling me that,” he grumbled, though his voice lacked any real bite.

As they walked to the van that would take them to the rehearsal, Masakado stayed by his side, a small smile playing on his lips. “So, Sei-chan,” he teased, “what’s the plan for later?”

Seiya glared at him again, but there was no malice in it. “I told you, stop calling me that.”

Masakado chuckled, clearly enjoying how easily he could fluster Seiya. “I’ll stop... for now, Seiya.”

They stood together, ready to face the day. As they followed the others out of the restaurant, Seiya couldn’t shake the feeling that despite the teasing, the awkwardness, and the confusion, this new chapter between them was only just beginning.

Once they arrived at the venue, the air around them shifted slightly. It was their senpai’s concert, after all. They couldn’t just keep messing around. So, every got to their position, getting ready for the working day ahead.

Seiya had barely tuned his guitar when he felt someone tug at his sleeve. He glanced up to see Masakado, his usual calm intensity mixed with something unreadable. Seiya’s stomach twisted.

“What’s up?” Seiya asked, but Masakado didn’t answer right away. Instead, he shot a quick look toward where Kami-chan and some of the West members were standing.

“We need to go,” Masakado muttered, already pulling Seiya in that direction.

Seiya blinked, confused, but let himself be dragged along. Masakado’s grip on his wrist was firm but not rough, and that somehow made him even more nervous. Masakado didn’t say another word as they weaved through the rehearsal space, and Seiya could feel the tension between them like a cloud he couldn’t shake. The memory of yesterday’s awkward practice — the way Masakado had tried to talk to him and he’d shut him down, and all of it in front of their senpai — lingered in the back of his mind.

“Are we… what are we doing?” Seiya asked again, his voice a little quieter as they neared the West group. He recognized Ryusei-kun’s quiet silhouette first and then Kotaki, who was leaning against the wall with his usual sharp grin.

Masakado finally spoke. “We’re apologizing to Kamiyama-kun,” he said, his tone serious. Before Seiya could fully process that, Masakado reached Kami-chan, who was scrolling through his phone.

“Kamiyama-kun,” Masakado called, catching his attention. Kami-chan looked up, expression calm, though there was always something deeply focused about him. Seiya admired that — how Kami-chan could be so still and yet command such a presence.

“We wanted to apologize for yesterday,” Masakado continued, and before Seiya could react, Masakado bowed, his hand on the back of Seiya’s head tugging him down together with him.

Seiya’s face flushed. His mind raced. Why is he so dramatic? But he couldn’t back out now, so he mumbled his apology too, feeling like an idiot bowing in front of their senpai. “Uh, yeah… sorry about that…”

There was a brief pause. Kami-chan seemed to study them for a moment, and Seiya felt his gaze like a weight. But when Kami-chan finally spoke, his voice was softer than expected.

“It’s alright,” Kami-chan said, his tone level but sincere. “The rehearsal wasn’t easy for anyone, but nothing felt out of place. I’m just glad you two worked things out.” His words carried a weight that was hard to decipher, but Seiya could feel the kindness in them.

Kotaki, who had been silently watching, suddenly broke into a grin. “Look at this heartfelt moment! You’re making me tear up.” He wiped at his eyes dramatically, though the teasing gleam never left his gaze.

Seiya shot him a wary look, already feeling a wave of heat rising in his face. “Shut up, Kotaki.”

“Oh, don’t mind me,” Kotaki said, still smirking. “I just think it’s cute. Apologizing together, bowing in sync… there’s definitely something going on here, right Ryusei?”

Ryusei, standing beside him, seemed oblivious to the implication, merely blinking as if trying to catch up with the conversation. “Hm? What, Nozomu? What’s going on?”

“You know, these two.” Kotaki wiggled his eyebrows meaningfully, nudging Ryusei in the side.

Seiya’s chest tightened. His hands fumbled slightly as he straightened up. Crap. Kotaki definitely knows something.

Masakado, though, just chuckled. “Kotaki-kun, can’t you ever stay serious?”

“Well, I think I’ve been serious enough,” Kotaki replied, his voice light but observant as he flicked his gaze between Seiya and Masakado. “You two are acting more... synchronized than usual.”

Seiya’s heart pounded. He could feel Kotaki’s eyes on him, like he was trying to peel back layers that Seiya didn’t even want to admit to himself. He shot a glance at Masakado, who was keeping his cool remarkably well, but there was something behind his usual confident grin. Something almost... shy.

Kami-chan, unaware of the teasing undertone, nodded thoughtfully. “Whatever tension was there yesterday, it’s gone now. That’s what matters. You both know what’s important.” He paused, his intense gaze meeting Seiya’s briefly, as if he was trying to convey something deeper. “Keep working hard.”

Seiya swallowed, nodding quickly. “Yeah, we will.”

“Good.” Kami-chan gave them both a rare smile, his seriousness tempered with a quiet warmth. “And don’t forget, we’re all here to support each other. You guys have potential — just keep that in mind.”

Seiya nodded again, but he felt like there was a gap between what Kami-chan said and what he actually meant. Sometimes, Kami-chan’s seriousness was hard to understand, like his blazing passion was something that only his own heart could follow. He glanced at Kotaki, who had an amused smirk on his face, probably reading the situation better than anyone else.

Before Seiya could overthink the moment, Kotaki piped up again. “Kami-chan means, ‘Good job not messing up in front of the cameras.’ Right, Kami-chan?”

Kami-chan gave Kotaki a small sigh, but nodded. “Something like that, Non-chan.”

Ryusei, still standing a bit awkwardly, gave a small smile. “Just do your best,” he added quietly, his voice much softer than Kotaki’s, but genuine. “It’s all that matters.”

Seiya managed a nod, relieved that the conversation was winding down, but his mind was still whirling. As they turned to leave, Masakado fell in step beside him, leaning in close.

“So…” Seiya started, keeping his voice low. “I still don’t get what that was all about yesterday. Why were you acting so... weird?”

Masakado hesitated for a beat, his usual confidence faltering just enough for Seiya to notice. His gaze flickered to the ground, then back up. “I was… jealous.”

Seiya blinked. “Jealous?” he repeated, his voice dropping even more, eyes wide. He glanced around, making sure none of the others could hear them. “Of what?”

Masakado rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little embarrassed. “Of the senpais... all of them. The way they were doting on you, hugging you, making you laugh. I just... don’t know. I wanted to be the one doing all that.”

Seiya’s heart did a weird flip in his chest. He felt the heat rise in his face again, but this time it wasn’t from embarrassment — it was something else entirely. He turned his head away, biting his lip to hide the smile tugging at his mouth. “Idiot,” he muttered, though the word came out softer than intended. “It’s not like that…”

“Yeah, well,” Masakado shrugged, glancing at him with a sheepish grin. “I still felt it.”

Seiya didn’t respond immediately, his mind swirling with all the things he wanted to say but couldn’t in front of everyone. His heart pounded as he struggled to find the right words, but they wouldn’t come. Instead, he just nudged Masakado lightly with his shoulder.

“You’re impossible,” Seiya finally said, his voice laced with affection, though he still tried to play it off. He could feel the weight of Masakado’s smile next to him, and despite everything, he didn’t want the moment to end.

Seiya had always been good at focusing during rehearsal, but that day something was different. Every time he tried to zero in on the choreography or his lines, he would catch Masakado’s eyes. It was like Masakado was playing a game on his own; one where every smile, every touch, and every glance were part of a private conversation they shared amidst the surrounding chaos.

It started small.

During their first break, Seiya was at the vending machine, debating between iced tea and water, when he felt a nudge at his side. “You’re thinking too hard, Seiya,” Masakado said with a grin, appearing suddenly beside him, his shoulder lightly bumping against Seiya’s in a casual but deliberate way.

Seiya rolled his eyes, pretending to ignore him. “Some of us need hydration to survive rehearsals, you know.”

“Oh, you’re plenty hydrated,” Masakado teased, leaning in close. His voice dropped low, just for Seiya’s ears. “You’ve been downing water like you’re about to run a marathon.”

Seiya tried not to smile, but he could feel the corners of his mouth twitching. It was impossible not to react to Masakado when he was this close. He quickly grabbed the iced tea and stepped away. “Maybe it’s you making me nervous,” he muttered under his breath, though he didn’t intend for Masakado to hear.

But Masakado heard.

“Good,” he said with a wink, his voice light, teasing. “I like when I get under your skin.”

But as rehearsal unfolded in full swing and the rhythm of their movements felt automatic, Seiya’s mind went further and further from focused. Masakado made sure he would still feel the remnants of last night with every glance he threw at Seiya’s way, every accidental brush of their arms. Seiya was hyperaware of him — his presence both grounding and distracting at once.

They had been careful all day. With KojiKen and Taisei around, Seiya avoided any obvious interaction, not wanting them to pick up on anything. Richa had been an entirely distinct problem altogether. One teasing comment from him could unravel everything. So Seiya kept his distance, stealing only brief, careful glances at Masakado when no one was looking.

But Masakado wasn’t making it easy. His subtle touches had grown more deliberate as the day progressed — small nudges, fleeting contact, and whispered words that sent shivers down Seiya’s spine. Each time their eyes met, it was as if they were reliving the night before, the confessions, the kisses. It was driving Seiya mad.

As they broke from choreography practice, the group scattered for a quick breather. Seiya lingered at the edge of the room, taking a sip of water, when he felt Masakado’s presence beside him — closer than usual, far too close to keep things casual.

“You’re avoiding me,” Masakado whispered, his voice low, so no one else could hear. “Again.”

Seiya tensed, quickly glancing around to make sure no one was paying attention to them. “I’m not,” he replied quietly, his heart pounding.

Masakado’s eyes softened, and Seiya saw that familiar vulnerability beneath the surface. “Seiya,” he murmured, his voice a little more serious, “you’ve been avoiding me all day. It’s like last night didn’t happen.”

Seiya’s breath caught.

He had been careful not to let his feelings show, but Masakado had noticed everything. His stomach twisted at the thought of Masakado feeling brushed aside. After all, they had silently promised not to make the same mistakes they had in the past.

“I didn’t mean to,” Seiya said softly, his gaze finally meeting Masakado’s. There was a weight behind his words, something deeper than just their usual teasing. “I just... don’t want the others to notice.”

Masakado took a step closer, his expression more serious now. “Last night meant everything to me,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And now it feels like you’re pushing me away. Again.”

Seiya’s chest tightened. Masakado wasn’t trying to be smug or playful now — he was being honest, raw. His emotions were laid bare, and that realization made Seiya’s heart ache a bit. He hadn’t meant to make Masakado feel like this. Not again.

“No,” Seiya said, his voice trembling slightly. “I’m not... It’s not… I’m not pushing you away. Really. I just—” He hesitated, glancing around the room again, but no one was paying attention to them. “I didn’t want them to find out...”

Masakado’s hand reached out, whisking Seiya’s arm, and that small touch sent a rush of warmth through him. “I get it,” Masakado whispered, his eyes never leaving Seiya’s. “But... can we just forget about them for a second?”

Seiya swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. He knew exactly what Masakado was asking — what he wanted — and it wasn’t something casual. It was a plea for reassurance, for something real between them. For a moment, Seiya hesitated, glancing around again, but the urgency in Masakado’s eyes made it impossible to look away.

“I...” Seiya started, but before he could finish, Masakado’s hand slid up to cup the back of his neck, pulling him closer, his touch gentle yet desperate.

“Just kiss me, Seiya,” Masakado whispered, his breath warm against Seiya’s lips. “Please.”

There was no hesitation after that. Seiya closed the gap between them, their lips meeting in a soft, slow kiss — one filled with the weight of everything unsaid between them. It wasn’t like the playful kisses from the night before. This kiss held so much more. It was an unspoken promise, a reassurance that everything between them was real.

The room faded around them, and for an instant, it was just the two of them. Seiya could feel Masakado trembling slightly, like he was just as nervous, just as affected. When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested against each other, breath mingling, hearts pounding.

“Seiya,” Masakado breathed, his eyes half-lidded, still lingering close.

Seiya didn’t know what to say. His emotions were a whirlwind, but the kiss had grounded him in a way he hadn’t expected. “I... I’m not pushing you away,” he breathed. “I could never push you away, Yoshinori.”

Masakado smiled softly, a hint of relief in his expression. “Good,” he whispered, his thumb brushing against Seiya’s cheek before he stepped back. “Because I don’t plan going anywhere… But I might get insecure from time to time…”

Seiya’s heart swelled, and for the very first time that day, the tension between them felt bearable, like the air had cleared, even if just for a moment.

At one point, during another brief break from dancing, Masakado brushed his hand against Seiya’s lower back as he walked by, sending a small jolt of electricity through him. Seiya stiffened, hoping no one had noticed the casual touch that was anything but casual. He shot Masakado a warning look, but all he got in return was that infuriating grin.

Seiya had been careful, though. Really careful. Somebody had to, between him and Masakado. And since Masakado didn’t seem to care much, the whole responsibility fell on him. Every time Kojima or Taisei were nearby, Seiya acted as casual as possible — after all, KojiKen had a sharp eye for noticing things, and Taisei wasn’t one to miss a shift in their mood. And with Richa... well, Richa could be relentless with his teasing. Seiya had done everything he could to avoid giving him any ammunition.

Later in the day, as they were getting ready for the actual performance, Seiya was fumbling with the buttons on his shirt. His fingers felt clumsy, probably from the exhaustion of the day or — if he were being honest with himself — from the tension building between him and Masakado.

He wasn’t the only one who noticed.

“Need some help there?” a familiar voice murmured in his ear. Masakado’s voice, low and teasing.

Seiya startled, his heart leaping to his throat. He hadn’t even heard Masakado approach, but now he was standing right behind him, his breath warm against Seiya’s neck. Seiya shook his head, trying to focus on the buttons. “No, I’m fine. I got it.”

“You sure?” Masakado leaned even closer, and for a moment, his hand hovered near Seiya’s, as if he was about to help him. But then he pulled back, his voice dripping with playful amusement. “You’re looking a little flustered.”

Seiya could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. He forced a laugh, trying to play it off. “I’m not flustered. You’re just distracting.”

Masakado didn’t seem to care about being caught in his game. Instead, he took a step back, but not before letting his gaze sweep over Seiya’s half-dressed form. “You look good in that,” he said, a small smirk curling at the edge of his lips. His eyes lingered on Seiya for just a second too long. “Really good.”

Seiya swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. He didn’t know what to say, so he just turned back to the mirror, trying to fix his shirt. His fingers fumbled even more now.

“Stop it,” Seiya murmured, his face flushed red. He turned his back even more so. The last thing he needed was to be flustered in front of everyone, especially with KojiKen and Taisei still nearby. He couldn’t let anyone pick up on the shift between them — not yet.

Masakado stepped closer, his breath hot on Seiya’s ear as he whispered, “Why? I love seeing you like this.”

Seiya tensed, half from the excitement coursing through him, half from trying to suppress a grin. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, feeling the heat crawl up his neck.

Masakado chuckled, clearly amused by the effect he was having. “Come on, we’ve got to get going,” he said, his voice softening a little. He stepped away, but not before giving Seiya a light, almost playful pat on the shoulder, his fingers brushing Seiya’s neck for the briefest moment.

The touch sent another jolt of energy through Seiya, and he had to bite his lip to stop himself from reacting. What is he doing to me? He thought, his mind racing.

But just as he turned to respond, a figure stepped into view — Sano Masaya. Seiya’s heart skipped a beat. The youngest member of their group, always the quiet observer, had been standing just close enough. Seiya could tell by the look on his face that Sano had seen more than enough to piece things together.

Seiya had been really careful throughout the day. He really had. He was on the lookout for Kojima, Taisei, and even Richa.

But Sano? In the chaos of keeping up appearances, he hadn’t even thought about Sano Masaya.

The youngest blinked once, his eyes flicking between Seiya and Masakado. His lips parted slightly, and then, with a small, knowing smile, he turned and walked away without a word.

Seiya’s heart pounded in his chest. How could he have forgotten about Sano? Of all people, the one he least expected to catch on was the one who had.

Seiya’s heart was still racing from Sano’s discovery.

Even as he tried to focus on the concert, his thoughts kept circling back to the moment Sano had walked in on him and Masakado. He glanced nervously around the backstage area.

The stagehands rushed around, preparing for the next song, and the energy backstage was high. But amid the flurry of activity, Seiya felt the weight of Masakado’s eyes on him again. Every time he looked up, there it was — that teasing smile, the gleam in Masakado’s eyes that sent a shiver down his spine.

As they finally changed into their first outfits, Seiya caught Masakado leaning casually against the wall again, his gaze fixed on him with a quiet intensity that made Seiya’s skin prickle. He could feel the heat rising to his face again.

“Stop staring,” Seiya hissed, trying to pull his shirt over his head quickly. “You already got us caught by Sano.”

“Can’t help it,” Masakado murmured with a grin. “You’re distracting.”

Seiya’s heart thudded in his chest. The others were nearby, but somehow, they weren’t picking up on any of this — at least not yet. He had to keep his cool. “You’re gonna make us get caught,” Seiya mumbled, his voice low. “Again.”

“Maybe that wouldn’t be so bad,” Masakado said with a smirk, stepping closer again, and earned a glare from Seiya. “But don’t worry. I’ll keep it subtle.”

When they finally hit the stage, Seiya’s mind should’ve been solely on the performance. The audience roared with excitement as the lights dimmed and the music played at full volume. But even as they went through the familiar motions, Seiya could feel Masakado’s presence like a magnet, constantly pulling his attention away from everything else.

The moment Seiya played the first notes on his guitar, he could feel the weight of the night before hanging in the air, wrapped tightly around this song — ANS.

It wasn’t just a song anymore; it had become their song.

As he strummed the familiar chords, his mind slipped back to the night before in Masakado’s room. Seiya had knocked on the door, guitar in hand, pretending to have an excuse to be there at such a late hour. “I, uh... messed up some parts during the concert earlier,” he had blurted out, his eyes darting to the guitar in his hands. “Thought I should, you know, fix them before tomorrow.”

He winced now as he remembered how awkward that had sounded. It was a lie, of course, and Masakado had seen right through him. As soon as Seiya had played the song, Masakado had caught him, but said nothing, just watching with that confused gleam in his eye.

Now, as they played the same song with their senpais, Seiya’s heart raced. It was hard to shake the memory of Masakado sitting beside him, their fingers brushing on the strings, the intimate silence between them. Playing ANS again felt different — like it was no longer just a performance. It was as if, once again, they were alone, creating a melody only for each other.

But the stage was far from private. Their senpais, Westo-nii-san, sang with their usual energy, commanding the attention of the entire room. Every time Seiya was getting lost in thoughts of Masakado, a member from West would unintentionally step between them, moving with the song and pulling Seiya back to the present.

Seiya couldn’t help but feel the pressure, though — playing with his senpais was always a bit nerve-wracking. And yet, even with the weight of the performance on his shoulders, his mind kept wandering to Masakado’s hands on the strings the night before, the way their rhythms had synced in more ways than one.

Out of the corner of his eye, Seiya caught Masakado’s gaze. His heart skipped a beat.

There it was again — that knowing smirk, the one that made Seiya’s stomach flutter. Masakado knew exactly where Seiya’s mind was. Even as they played on stage, surrounded by the lights and the crowd, it still felt like it was just the two of them, creating their own private harmony.

As the performance ended, the rush of adrenaline still coursed through Seiya’s veins. But there was something else humming beneath it — a lingering tension that had built all day, from the rehearsal to that song onstage. Every stolen glance, every subtle touch, it had all been leading to this moment.

As they stepped backstage, Seiya barely had a moment to catch his breath before Masakado was by his side again. This time, there was no pretense, no careful glances around. They were alone in the dimly lit hallway, the muffled sounds of the crew moving around in the distance.

“You should be grateful,” Masakado’s voice came low and breathless as he cornered Seiya against the wall, his hand resting on Seiya’s chest. “I barely held it together on stage. Do you know how hard it was not to kiss you in front of everyone?”

Seiya’s heart raced. He could still feel the heat of the performance clinging to his skin, but this moment — this tension — was something entirely different. “You’re one to talk,” Seiya replied, his voice unsteady. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you the whole time.”

Masakado’s eyes darkened, and in a heartbeat, he closed the distance between them, capturing Seiya’s lips in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was urgent, filled with the desire and restraint they’d both been carrying for hours. Seiya melted into it, his hands gripping Masakado’s shirt as he kissed him back with equal fervor.

This kiss wasn’t like the one during rehearsal — it wasn’t soft or hesitant. It was everything they’d been holding back, all the feelings they couldn’t express under the scrutiny of their friends or the stage. It was raw and real, filled with the unspoken connection they had shared during the song, when it felt like the music had been just for them.

But it was quick — too quick for Seiya to process anything other than the warmth of Masakado’s lips and the rush of excitement that coursed through him. It left him breathless, staring at Masakado in shock.

“You... You can’t just—”

“I already did,” Masakado cut in with a grin, stepping back. “Come on, we’ve still got work to do.”

Seiya stood frozen for a second, heat rising to his cheeks. Masakado’s lips curved into a grin. But this time, it was softer — less teasing and more genuine. He pressed a quick, lingering kiss to Seiya’s forehead before pulling back, his hands slipping away slowly.

“Let’s get out of here before we get caught,” Masakado murmured, but there was no urgency in his voice. It was clear neither of them wanted to leave just yet.

Seiya nodded, his mind still spinning from the kiss, and together they quietly slipped away as they were called back to change for the next song, the energy of the concert still thrumming in the background.

After that, every time their choreography brought them near each other, Masakado would lean in a little too close, or brush his hand against Seiya’s. It was subtle enough that no one else would notice, but to Seiya, it felt like electricity. His breath hitched every time it happened, his heart pounding in sync with the beat of the music.

They were halfway through their set when Masakado caught Seiya’s gaze during a quick pause between verses. The way he looked at him — so full of warmth and confidence — made Seiya’s knees go weak. He nearly missed his next step, but recovered quickly, forcing himself to focus on the crowd in front of them.

But Masakado wasn’t letting up. As they finished one song and moved backstage to change for the last, Seiya felt a hand on his arm. He turned to find Masakado standing right behind him, eyes gleaming with mischief.

“You’re doing great out there,” Masakado said, his voice low enough that only Seiya could hear.

Seiya swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. “Thanks... but stop messing with me.”

“Can’t promise that,” Masakado whispered, his lips dangerously close to Seiya’s ear. “You’re too fun to tease.”

Seiya’s heart raced as they were called back on stage, the rush of adrenaline mixing with the growing tension between them. The rest of the performance was a blur of lights, music, and the undeniable pull between them. Every glance, every touch, felt charged with unspoken words, and by the time the concert was over, Seiya was left breathless — not just from the performance, but from the intensity of being so close to Masakado.

The concert had ended, the audience’s cheers slowly fading into the night. As the crew was clearing out, the groups had congratulated one another, showered and changed. The exhaustion was palpable, but for Seiya, the night wasn’t over yet.

The weight of the day’s tension still hung thick in the air. It had been an intense day — performing under the bright lights, and all the stolen moments between him and Masakado.

As if on cue, Seiya felt Masakado’s gaze on him as they all headed back to the hotel. But neither of them had said much since the kiss backstage. Seiya’s thoughts were racing, his body still vibrating with leftover adrenaline from the performance, and maybe from the way Masakado had kissed him so fiercely earlier backstage that had almost pushed them over the edge.

As they entered the hotel, Richa threw a knowing glance in Seiya’s direction, raising an eyebrow in silent inquiry. Seiya quickly looked away, pretending not to notice, but his heart hammered in his chest. He had forgotten about Masaya earlier, and he could only hope the younger boy hadn’t picked up on anything more during the concert.

Seiya barely registered the chatter of his bandmates around him. He caught snippets — Richa joking about the crowd, Kojima and Taisei commenting on their set — but his focus was elsewhere. His mind was a whirlwind, replaying the way Masakado had kissed him backstage, so full of need that it had left Seiya breathless. It had taken everything in him not to drag Masakado into a corner right then and there.

Now, as they walked into the hotel lobby, Seiya glanced over at Masakado, his heart pounding. Masakado didn’t say a word, but his eyes told Seiya everything — he was just as wound up, just as desperate for the next moment alone. The others wouldn’t notice, of course, but Seiya could feel it in the air between them, like an unspoken agreement. They wouldn’t sleep until this was finished.

“Oi, Suezawa, you’re spacing out,” Richa’s voice jolted him back to reality. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Seiya lied, shooting him a forced grin. “Just tired.” He wasn’t lying exactly, but the exhaustion wasn’t the only thing weighing on him.

Richa gave him a look that suggested he wasn’t convinced, but thankfully, he didn’t press. Instead, he turned to KojiKen and Taisei, giving Seiya the space to fall back a little. That was all the opportunity he needed.

As they stepped into the elevator, Masakado caught Seiya’s gaze, his eyes dark with intent. The moment the doors slid shut, and the others became too engrossed in their own conversation, Masakado leaned in just enough to whisper, “Come to my room after. We need to talk.”

It wasn’t a question. Seiya’s pulse quickened as he nodded. The low rasp of Masakado’s voice sent a shiver down his spine, igniting something deep inside him that lingered with him long after the elevator opened again.

The anticipation was unbearable.

Seiya didn’t waste time once he returned to his room. Stripping out of his clothes, he stepped into a shower so quick it barely counted, and threw on something comfortable but presentable. His mind raced as much as his pulse, playing back every teasing touch and fleeting kiss Masakado had stolen throughout the day. Every movement felt like a countdown to what was about to happen next, and he could feel the anticipation humming under his skin.

The energy from the concert had long faded, replaced by a heavy, sweet quiet as Seiya stood in front of Masakado’s hotel room door.

He knocked softly, and the door opened almost instantly, like Masakado had been waiting just on the other side.

Masakado leaned against the frame, his damp hair curling slightly at the ends. His t-shirt clung to him in all the right ways, and those jeans… Of course, he’d worn the same jeans Seiya had been sneakily admiring all day. His eyes softened the moment they landed on Seiya, as if he had been waiting for him, just as anxious, just as restless.

“You came,” Masakado murmured, his voice quiet, almost hesitant, as if he still couldn’t believe they were here, together, after everything.

“Of course I did,” Seiya replied, his voice just as soft. His heart thudded in his chest, and for a moment, they simply stood there, staring at each other, the air between them heavy with unspoken words.

It was strange — they’d shared so many moments for the last months, over the past few days, the previous hours, each more intense than the last. And yet, standing here now, everything felt different. It was real. They were together, though neither of them had said it outright. They didn’t need to.

“You came fast,” Masakado teased, and he suddenly wore the same lopsided grin he had been displaying the whole day. It was infuriating.

He stepped aside, motioning for Seiya to enter.

“You didn’t leave me much choice,” Seiya shot back, his voice steady despite his nerves. “You’ve been messing with my head all day — touching me, stealing kisses, and then just… walking away? Seriously, what kind of game are you playing?”

Masakado shut the door with a soft click and turned to face Seiya, reaching for him, fingers grabbing him by the wrist with a deliberate gentleness. His grin faded, replaced by an intensity that made Seiya’s breath hitch.

“Game?” Masakado’s voice dropped. “You think this is a game?”

Seiya blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift. “I mean… it felt like one,” his voice trailed off.

Masakado took a step closer, then another, until he was just inches away.

“Seiya,” he breathed, his hands finding Seiya’s arms. “I wasn’t trying to mess with you. I couldn’t help it. You’ve been in my head for months — hell, maybe years. Just by being you...”

Seiya’s heart thudded painfully in his chest. He opened his mouth to reply, but no words came out.

“I wasn’t playing any games. It’s just… I couldn’t hold back anymore. I can't, not when you’re finally within my reach…” His fingers wandered up and down Seiya’s arms, sending shivers down his spine. “Not when you’re no longer a dream…”

Masakado’s hand trailed along Seiya’s arm, up to his shoulder, around his neck, and found a resting place on his cheek. He caressed it gently, his fingers tracing the line of Seiya’s jaw. His touch was soft, almost reverent, as if he were handling something precious. It was too much for Seiya, who had to close his eyes, a small sigh escaping his lips. He leaned into Masakado’s touch, savoring the warmth and intimacy of the moment.

“And today,” Masakado continued, his voice thick with emotion, “seeing you, touching you — it wasn’t enough. It’s never enough.”

For a moment, Seiya opened his eyes and just stared at the man in front of him. All he could do was stare for the longest moment. Then he reached up, his hands trembling slightly, and cupped Masakado’s face. “You idiot,” he murmured, a shaky smile breaking through. “You should’ve just said something instead of driving me crazy.”

Masakado’s lips quirked into a small smile, but it quickly faded as he leaned in. “I’m saying it now,” he whispered, and before Seiya could respond, Masakado’s hand slid up to Seiya’s mouth, his thumb brushing lightly against his lips. “You smell so good,” he whispered, leaning in just enough for his breath to tickle Seiya’s ear. “You always smell good, with all that perfume you wear, but tonight…” He trailed off, his voice dipping lower. “Tonight it’s you. Just you. And it’s driving me crazy.”

Seiya’s breath hitched, his skin prickling with heat. Masakado’s words sank deep, lighting a fire inside him that had been smoldering all day.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, with a slowness that felt deliberate, Masakado searched for the other’s face and pressed his lips to Seiya’s. It was soft, unhurried, like they had all the time in the world. Seiya felt his whole body melt into the kiss, savoring the warmth of Masakado’s lips against his, the way their breaths mingled in the quiet space between them.

It wasn’t rushed, wasn’t frantic, like their kiss backstage. This kiss was different — slow, deliberate, filled with a quiet uncertainty. Seiya’s hands slid up to Masakado’s chest, his fingers curling into the soft fabric of his shirt as he kissed him back, their lips moving together like they’d done this a thousand times before.

When they finally pulled apart, Masakado rested his forehead against Seiya’s, his breath coming in soft, shallow gasps. “I wanted to kiss you all day,” he whispered, his voice a little hoarse.

Seiya smiled, his heart swelling with a mix of affection and something deeper — something that felt like contentment, like this was exactly where he was supposed to be. “You did kiss me all day,” he teased, his fingers still brushing against Masakado’s shoulders.

Masakado chuckled softly, but the sound was warm, full of relief. “Yeah,” he admitted, his voice softer now. “Still, not enough,” Masakado said, shaking his head. “I don’t think it’ll ever be enough.”

Seiya’s chest tightened at those words, something tender blooming in his heart. “Me neither,” he whispered back.

They just stood there, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the weight of the day finally lifting. They had been running on adrenaline all day, but now, in the quiet of the hotel room, everything settled into place.

“You drive me crazy,” Masakado breathed against Seiya’s lips, his voice rough and full of want. “I can’t think straight when I’m around you.”

Seiya laughed softly, his cheeks flushing. “You’re impossible.”

Masakado grinned. “And you’re not? Do you know how hard it’s been? Watching you, wanting you, and not being able to—”

“Stop,” Seiya cut him off, his smile turning coy. “I get it. Now shut up and kiss me again.”

“I thought we were going to talk…”

“Masakado…” there was a warning in Seiya’s voice.

Masakado didn’t need to be told twice.

He grinned into the kiss, but it quickly faded as his hands slid under Seiya’s shirt, his touch sending shivers down Seiya’s spine. Seiya’s head fell back, his eyes fluttering shut as Masakado’s lips trailed down his neck, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses along his skin.

“I’ve wanted you like this for so long,” Masakado murmured against his throat, his voice thick with emotion. “You can’t imagine.”

“I think I can,” Seiya whispered back, his hands tangling in Masakado’s hair.

Masakado pulled back just enough to look at him, his dark eyes searching for Seiya’s face. “Are you sure?”

Seiya’s heart stuttered. He nodded, his voice steady despite the storm raging inside him. “I’m sure.”

With that, the last of the hesitation melted away. Seiya pulled Masakado closer, capturing his lips in another kiss. It wasn’t slow this time. It wasn’t careful — No. The kiss was full of the want that had been building between them, a need that couldn’t be held back any longer.

Masakado’s hands gripped Seiya’s waist, pulling him closer until their bodies were pressed flush against each other. Seiya moaned softly into the kiss, his hands sliding down to Masakado’s hips, feeling the rough fabric of his beloved denim jeans under his fingertips. Then, Masakado’s hands started roaming Seiya’s body as if he couldn’t get enough, tearing lovely gasps from Seiya’s mouth as his heart pounded in his chest. The heat between them grew, igniting something deep inside him.

His breath hitched, his fingers tangling in Masakado’s hair as he pulled him closer. “I think I do,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of their ragged breaths.

Masakado backed Seiya against the wall, his hands pressing into the door on either side of him. His lips crashed against Seiya’s once again, the kiss desperate, almost punishing in its intensity. It wasn’t careful or slow like before — it was a storm of emotions, a culmination of all the tension, longing, and unsaid words between them. Seiya melted into it, his hands sliding up Masakado’s chest to clutch at his shirt, holding on like it was the only thing anchoring him.

The world around them faded, leaving only the press of their bodies, the intoxicating scent of Masakado’s skin — a mix of his cologne and something inherently him. Seiya’s hands slid up his back, his fingers curling into the fabric of Masakado’s shirt as if anchoring himself. His heartbeat roared in his ears, drowning out everything except the sensation of Masakado’s fingers skimming his sides, leaving trails of fire in their wake, and the sheer certainty of being wanted. Seiya’s heart pounded in his chest, his thoughts scattering as Masakado deepened the kiss, their breaths mingling in the quiet intimacy of the room.

Seiya felt himself slipping further into the pull of Masakado’s embrace. Every nerve in his body seemed to spark to life, each touch amplifying the heat coursing through him. Masakado’s lips were firm and commanding yet achingly tender, coaxing shivers from Seiya as their breaths tangled. He could barely breathe, his chest heaving as he gasped against Masakado’s lips. The warmth of Masakado’s body, the weight of his hands — it was all-consuming. Still, somewhere beneath the haze of desire, a faint tether of reason tugged at him, whispering to slow down.

Masakado pulled back slightly, his forehead pressing against Seiya’s, his breath hot and uneven. “Seiya,” he rasped, his voice thick with longing.

Seiya let out a shaky sigh, tangling his fingers in Masakado’s hair, his body arching into every touch.

The kiss was everything and nothing Seiya had expected. The soft insistence of Masakado’s lips, his quiet devotion in the way he kissed Seiya like he was afraid he might disappear, the way his hands seemed to know exactly where to hold him — it was a storm, and Seiya was more than willing to let himself be carried away. Each brush of Masakado’s fingers against his skin sent a fresh wave of heat coursing through him, leaving him weightless and grounded all at once.

His senses were alive, every inch of him hyperaware of the press of Masakado’s chest, the warmth of his breath, the slight tremor in his hands as he pulled Seiya closer. It was overwhelming in the best way.

But then, amidst the haze of desire, something flickered in the back of Seiya’s mind. A faint whisper of doubt, a reminder that they were rushing into uncharted waters.

“Yoshi...” Seiya began, his voice catching as he struggled to ground himself. He pressed his forehead further against Masakado’s, their breaths mingling as he tried to find the words. “Yoshinori,” he managed at last, though his voice cracked under the weight of his emotions as Masakado’s lips trace back their by-now familiar path down his jaw and neck.

Masakado froze suddenly, his lips hovering over Seiya’s pulse. His breathing was ragged, his body tense as if he were holding himself back. Masakado’s grip tightening briefly before he slowly pulled back just enough to meet Seiya’s dark eyes. The longing in his gaze was unmistakable, but there was something else there now — hesitation, tinged with a self-awareness that made Seiya’s heart ache. He gulped. “We need to stop.”

Seiya blinked, his mind struggling to catch up. “What? Why?”

Masakado let out a sigh, his thumb brushing gently against Seiya’s cheek.

“I want this. I want you. But…” He swallowed hard, the words clearly struggling go leave past his lips. Masakado stepped back slightly, his hands falling from Seiya’s cheek but lingering on his waist just long enough to remind him of their warmth. “Because if we keep going, I won’t be able to stop,” he admitted, his voice low but steady.

“I don’t want you to stop.”

“Seiya, I don’t want this — us — to be a mistake... I want to do this right.”

Seiya stared at him, his chest rising and falling with each shallow breath. His lips were swollen, his skin still tingling from Masakado’s touch, and yet… something about Masakado’s words made his heart ache painfully. “You think this could ever be a mistake?” he asked softly, his voice laced with disbelief.

Masakado’s lips quirked into a small, almost sheepish smile. “No. But I don’t want us to rush. I’ve waited so long for this, Seiya. For you. And now that I have you, I want to make it last.”

“We can make it last,” Seiya said in a very seductive voice. He wasn’t proud of this, but he knew he could push the right buttons and make Masakado give in. His body was burning with desire and Masakado's was too, judging by his dark eyes and ragged intakes of air. Why should they deny themselves this? After all this time? He closed the distance again, wrapped his arms around Masakado’s shoulders and whispered, “Yoshinori.”

Hearing his name like that made Masakado’s resolve waver. His eyes searched for Seiya’s face, taking in his flushed cheeks, swollen lips, and the slight tremor in his hands. Guilt crept in, mingling with his want.

But Masakado closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a shaky breath before speaking. “We really can’t, Seiya,” he said softly, regret lacing his tone. “Not tonight.”

“Yoshinori…” Seiya began again, his voice trembling as desire was consuming him.

“We… really can’t, Seiya… We don’t even have… anything.” His cheeks burned as the words left him. “I didn’t plan for this.”

The words sliced through the fog in Seiya’s mind. Slowly, his senses settled, the intensity ebbing into a soft ache. His fingers, now gripping Masakado’s shirt, relaxed their hold, and the air between them shifted.

Masakado blinked, his chest rising and falling as he took in Seiya’s frozen form. Then he let out a soft, breathless laugh that dissolved the tension between them. “I didn’t think this far ahead.”

“Neither did I,” Seiya admitted, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

The realization settled between them, awkward but not unwelcome, and Masakado finally stepped back, his hands finding Seiya’s shoulders in a grounding touch.

“Maybe,” he said, his voice gentler now, “we should just stop before we do something we’re not ready for.” Seiya nodded, a small, shaky smile tugging at his lips.

“Yeah… stopping sounds good now.”

However, frustration bubbled in his chest — not at Masakado, but at himself. At how much he wanted to keep going, even though he knew deep down that stopping was the right thing to do.

Seiya let out a breathless laugh, his head falling back against the wall. “God, you’re such a buzzkill,” he muttered, though the affection in his tone softened the words.

Masakado smiled faintly, his own laugh escaping despite the tension in his shoulders. “I’m trying to be the responsible one for once,” he said, his voice tinged with self-deprecation.

Seiya reached up, tracing his fingers lightly along Masakado’s jaw. “Yeah, well, thanks for the reminder,” he added quietly.

Masakado leaned into the touch, closing his eyes for a quick moment. “I hate that I’m right,” he murmured, his smile turning rueful.

“Me too,” Seiya quipped, though his tone was light. They stood there for a moment longer, their foreheads pressed together as the intensity of the moment ebbed into something softer.

“I hate myself for saying it,” Masakado admitted, his lips curling into a wry smile. “But... I think this is a sign we’re not ready. Not yet. At least, not for this step.”

Seiya stared at him, his chest tightening. For a moment, disappointment flared, but it quickly gave way to something softer. Understanding.

“You’re probably right,” Seiya murmured, his voice steadier now. The haze in his eyes cleared, replaced by warmth. “Again…But I’m going to hold this against you forever.”

Masakado chuckled, the sound lightening the heaviness in the room. “I deserve that.”

Seiya’s chest tightened at the honesty in Masakado’s words. Slowly, he reached out, his fingers brushing against Masakado’s. “You’re more than impossible, you know that?” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Masakado chuckled, the sound soft and warm, easing the tension that had built between them. “Yeah, well, you bring out the worst in me.”

“Worst?” Seiya raised an eyebrow, his smile growing. “I think you mean the best.”

They stood there, their hands touching, letting the moment settle between them.

“I should go, then,” Seiya said finally, though the words tasted bitter.

“Stay,” Masakado blurted out, his voice firm. When Seiya raised an eyebrow, Masakado quickly added, “Not for... that. I just don’t want to be alone tonight... We’ll sleep. Clothes on. Hands to ourselves.”

Seiya smirked, crossing his arms. “You? Hands to yourself? That’s hard to believe after today.”

“I promise,” Masakado said solemnly, holding up a hand like he was making a vow.

Seiya snorted, the sound breaking through the tension. “Fine,” he muttered with an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes but failing to suppress a smile. “I'll stay. But… You’re sleeping on the couch.”

Masakado’s jaw dropped. “The couch? Seriously? Have you seen it? It’s tiny!” He gestured toward his tall frame. “I’ll barely fit on that thing. I’d fold in half!”

“Not my problem,” Seiya shot back, but the teasing lilt in his voice gave him away.

His amused laughter soon filled the room.

“You’re lucky I like you,” Seiya said with a mock sigh, though his lips quirked into a smile. “But if you snore, I’m throwing you out.”

“Out of my very own room?” One look at Seiya, and Masakado knew he wasn’t really joking.

They made their way to the bed, and Seiya couldn’t help but watch as Masakado slid under the covers with an exaggerated display of innocence.

“See?” Masakado said, patting the space beside him. “Perfect gentleman.”

Seiya shook his head but climbed in, lying stiffly on his side. “You’re on thin ice, Yoshinori.”

Masakado chuckled as they lay side by side on the bed, the space between them quickly dissolving as Masakado scooted closer until his arm draped over Seiya’s waist. “Relax. I told you I’ll behave.”

Seiya let out a low groan.

“You’re like a furnace,” he muttered, half annoyed, half teasing.

Masakado smirked, wrapping an arm tighter around Seiya’s waist and pulling him snugly against him. “And yet, you’re not moving away.”

Seiya didn’t respond, but his silence spoke volumes. Instead, he let himself relax into Masakado’s warmth, his back fitting perfectly against Masakado’s chest.

“You sweat so much during concerts,” Seiya murmured, his tone playful. “It’s like sleeping next to a human radiator.”

Masakado chuckled, the sound low and rumbling. “You’re welcome for the free heating, then.”

Seiya rolled his eyes but allowed himself a small smile as Masakado nuzzled into his hair. Despite his teasing, he couldn’t deny how safe and complete he felt in Masakado’s arms.

As the room was filled with the soft sound of their breathing, sleep came to claim them. The heat between them had finally settled, replaced by a quiet contentment.

Seiya sighed, closing his eyes as a wave of happiness washed over him. In this moment, everything felt right. There was no need for words, no need for labels. They both knew what this was, what they were to each other.

And it was more than enough.

Even though sleep was catching up with Seiya’s body, he refused to fall asleep. The day just couldn’t end yet — it shouldn’t.

The intensity from earlier had faded into something softer, something that felt grounding and comforting. Their earlier urgency had melted away, leaving a warmth between them that Seiya hadn’t expected. This wasn’t just lust; it was more.

Seiya turned his head slightly, meeting Masakado’s gaze. He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Masakado’s lips, the tenderness of it making his heart swell. “I’m glad it was you,” Seiya breathed out, his voice barely audible, as if sharing a secret.

Masakado raised a questioning brow, failing to understand.

“The person I fell for,” Seiya fought against himself to put it out there. It was no time to be shy and hide his feelings. “It’s always been you. And I’m glad for it.”

Masakado’s eyes softened, his hand coming up to cup Seiya’s face. “It’ll always be us,” he whispered, his thumb brushing over Seiya’s cheek in a slow, comforting rhythm. “You and me.”

Seiya smiled, a genuine, contented smile that made his chest feel light, the tension of the day dissolving completely. He nestled back into Masakado’s arms, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of his skin, and the safety of the space they’d carved out together.

For the first time in a long while, Seiya felt at peace.

They lay there in silence, their breathing syncing up, neither in a hurry to move or talk. The weight of their connection filled the room, not with words but with a quiet understanding, a mutual feeling that didn’t need to be spoken aloud. Seiya closed his eyes, letting that feeling wash over him, knowing that tonight was just the beginning of something real, something that was theirs.

Seiya’s last coherent thought was how perfectly they fit together — as if they’d been made for this.”