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When Kazuma woke up that morning, Barok was still asleep by his side.
The sight was far from new, and yet, it brought a smile to his face. They had been together for over three years, but it still didn’t feel real sometimes. Kazuma had spent so much of his life believing that his only reason to live was to avenge his father and clear his name… What came after didn’t matter, even if it was the end.
Now, it was strange to even think about it. How much anger and bitterness he had carried for such a long time, giving his own life no value beyond fulfilling his mission. He hadn’t realized how deep he had been in that dark sea until he was finally at peace again. Death no longer felt like a fitting conclusion to his pursuit—life did.
A life he wanted to spend beside that man.
Kazuma laughed at his own corniness, despite knowing it was true. He would do anything for Barok, anything for him to be safe and happy. Anything, really…
He gently caressed Barok’s hair, then played with a curl around his finger. His past self, who had little time and interest in the matters of the heart, wouldn’t recognize himself as he was right then. But it didn’t matter: he wasn’t proud of the person he had once been, for many different reasons. That was his second chance—to live a better life, be a better person, become someone his parents would be proud of. And, of course, to be happy. And he owed much of it to Barok.
Kazuma sighed: he didn’t want to leave the bed yet.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, a small sound left Barok’s lips, and he moved slightly as if about to wake up. Unwilling to fight that urge to stay in bed, Kazuma closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep.
He could feel Barok’s gaze on him for a moment; then, he lightly caressed Kazuma’s cheek, moving closer to him, kissing his forehead. He hugged Kazuma’s waist, holding him close as he exhaled.
Apparently, Kazuma wasn’t the only one who wasn’t ready to leave the comfort of that embrace yet…
The thought made him smile as he buried his face in Barok’s chest, enjoying that early morning for just a little longer.
When Barok woke up that morning, Kazuma was still asleep by his side.
He would probably never get used to the feeling of awakening beside the one he loved. Years would pass, and he would still smile like an enamored fool at that sight.
Barok knew he should be used to it by then: they had shared countless kisses and touches before, and at some point, that kind of intimacy became part of Barok’s daily life. Yet, sometimes, he realized how blessed he was to have that person by his side. Someone who had learned to love him despite his flaws, who helped him become a better man. Someone who eased his anxious mind whenever the guilt and regrets became too much to bear. Someone who showed him that, contrary to what he had believed for so long, life was worth living—and it could be good.
He hadn’t thought that, even in a hundred years, he would find someone who had that effect on him. Yet, there Kazuma was, against fate and all probabilities, always by his side and holding him close, as if Barok was something precious to him.
Barok loved him so dearly that he could barely keep those feelings inside his chest. He traced Kazuma’s face with his fingers, then leaned in his direction, pressing his lips against Kazuma’s forehead, staying like that for a moment, closing his arms around his waist. The touch made Kazuma move closer to his chest, and Barok could barely contain the urge to hold him tightly.
Barok sighed: he could easily fall asleep again like that. As he relaxed into that close embrace, though, a small, pleased sound left Kazuma’s lips.
“Are you awake?” asked Barok.
“Yes,” said Kazuma in a sleepy voice. “Barely.”
Barok smiled at the response, then reached for Kazuma’s hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss it. “Good morning, love.”
But that wasn’t enough—far from it. So, he kissed Kazuma’s wrist, then the inside of his arm. He moved closer, kissing his cheek and neck, receiving some amused sounds in response.
“You seem to be more affectionate than usual today, my lord,” said Kazuma.
“Is that so?” asked Barok, his lips still on Kazuma’s shoulder.
“That’s rare.”
Barok moved away, to look at his face. “Should I stop?”
“No, I’m fine with it.”
As if to confirm his words, Kazuma held his chin, kissing his lips, and then his face. Barok allowed him to return the affection as much as he wanted, while caressing his back, holding him close to his chest.
They should be leaving for work soon, but Barok chose not to remind Kazuma of the time yet—they were both serious and dedicated when it came to their profession, but… a few more minutes in bed wouldn’t hurt.