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Takeru hummed a tune as he prepared a pot of rice porridge. It was his first attempt at cooking, and he couldn't guarantee its taste, but the aroma was promising. He hoped this simple meal would help lift Makoto's spirits. Lately, Makoto had been neglecting his meals, preferring to cling to Takeru during sleep, haunted by troubling dreams.
Determined to ease Makoto's burden, Takeru poured the porridge into a bowl and carried it to their bedroom, where Makoto lay gazing at the ceiling.
"Hey, Makoto-niichan. I brought something for you to eat," Takeru announced cheerfully, settling beside Makoto and presenting the bowl of porridge.
"I'm not sick, Takeru..." Makoto protested, shaking his head.
"I know, but you haven't been eating much lately. So, I thought I'd whip up something light," Takeru explained, offering him the spoon. "Come on, open up."
Despite his initial reluctance, Makoto relented, allowing Takeru to feed him a spoonful of porridge. Surprisingly, the taste was pleasant, stirring a faint memory of hunger within him. Takeru beamed with satisfaction, pleased to see Makoto eating.
"See? Not so bad, right?" Takeru grinned, once Makoto had finished the meal.
Makoto returned the smile, touched by Takeru's thoughtfulness.
"I promise I'll confront Alan for you," Takeru declared, his expression turning serious, catching Makoto off guard.
"Don't do that," Makoto interjected, attempting to calm Takeru down. "I don't think Alan had malicious intent..."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't believe he meant to harm me," Makoto explained. "I just have this feeling that his actions weren't driven by malice..."
"But he violated you! I can't forgive that!"
"I understand, but you mentioned that you thought he could become a friend, and I want to believe you. I want to believe he's capable of change."
Takeru felt torn. He had indeed hoped to reconcile with Alan, viewing him as a potential ally rather than an adversary. However, Makoto's forgiveness felt premature, considering the gravity of Alan's transgression. Unsure of what course of action to take, Takeru resolved to trust his instincts.
"I can't bear to see you suffer. I wish there was more I could do..." Takeru confessed, his voice laden with emotion.
"Someday, this will all be behind us. I promise," Makoto reassured him.
Moved by Makoto's unwavering faith, Takeru enveloped him in a tight embrace, reciprocating the gesture. Grateful for Takeru's unwavering support, Makoto held him close, cherishing their bond. In that moment, Makoto realized how deeply he cared for Takeru, and he leaned in, pressing his lips against Takeru's, sealing their love with a tender kiss.