Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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Clumsy and foolish. 

Those were the two words Yoichi used to curse himself. When his father said that he received an invitation to attend an exclusive exhibition from his colleague, he should have immediately asked who the invitation was from. Yes, he should have done that. However, he, who had agreed from the start because his father had emphasized that he had to attend the event, seemed to have been made to just follow along without having to care about where and who the invitation came from. At that time, he thought, what was the point of asking who the invitation was from, because whoever the invitation was sent from, it would not change the fact that his name had been confirmed by his father through RSVP.

La Détonation Atelier

Yes, the invitation was sent by the painting gallery owned by the Pervy Uncle who had whispered inappropriate words to him the other day and even casually kissed his cheek.

So, when he found out where the invitation came from, he felt like drowning himself in the depths of the ocean right then and there. He also felt like making a thousand and one excuses not to attend the event. But unfortunately he was not that stubborn to disobey his parents' request. Moreover, the reason for his absence on Friday night would definitely affect his promise with his friends on Saturday.

Sick? Oh, that wouldn't fool his parents. Because how could he just say he was sick on Friday night, but the next day he suddenly became fine and could play outside with his friends. His parents would definitely tell him to cancel his plans with his friends if he said he was sick.

Got a sudden assignment? That's also impossible. Because his parents knew that he didn't have class on Friday, so how could they believe the lie about a sudden assignment from the lecturer.

Claiming he forgot about an upcoming deadline? His parents would find that suspicious. They knew him too well—he wasn't the type to forget assignments, especially when he always set reminders for submission dates. Worse yet, they'd probably immediately schedule a psychologist appointment, convinced he was showing signs of depression from academic pressure.

Group work? That was also a ridiculous excuse. Since he had been informed about the invitation a week before the event, of course his parents thought he would immediately reschedule all his daily agendas and free up his time on Friday night.

Well, the point is he couldn't find a reasonable excuse not to attend the exclusive exhibition owned by the Pervy Uncle on Friday night.

Even though he was very sure that on Saturday—when he and his friends attended the exhibition—he would not meet the gallery owner because the gallery would definitely be very crowded. But now, on Friday night when the exclusive exhibition was held and only attended by invited guests, there was a big possibility that he would meet that Pervy Uncle. Ugh, just thinking about it gave him the creeps.

But, once again, he couldn't do anything to not attend the event. So this is how it ended, he was now sitting—very uncomfortably—in the back seat of his father's car on their way to the gallery owned by someone who’d practically harassed him. During the entire ride, he prayed relentlessly for divine protection, clinging to the desperate hope that when he arrived at the place, he wouldn't meet the Pervy Uncle.

And mercifully, for the first few minutes at least, his prayers were answered.

Everything went well at first. Yoichi, along with his father and mother, was promptly greeted by staff at the registration desk. After their names were verified, they were ushered into the gallery, sipping welcome drinks as melancholic yet subtly tense instrumental music played in the background. Since the main event hadn’t begun yet, they decided to explore the exhibition space. Looking at the results of each stroke of paint that was etched on canvases of various sizes that had been neatly arranged on the gallery walls.

Once again, his prayers and hopes to not meet the Pervy Uncle were only granted for the first few minutes. Because when the emcee started to speak and make small talk to open this exclusive exhibition, then invited the owner of the event to give a welcoming speech, then at that moment Yoichi's prayers and hopes were no longer granted.

There, in the middle of the semi-open hall that could be said to be the main room of the gallery, stood the event owner. The man still looked as terrifying—and charming—as he had on their first meeting. The fitted black turtleneck he was wearing clearly highlighted the silhouette of his muscular body. The loose-fitting high-waisted pants he was wearing also provided an interesting contrast between his upper and lower body. The black blazer that hung casually on his shoulders also further emphasized the eccentric aura of Shidou Ryusei.

The man's gaze seemed to carefully sweep the crowd of his guests. Then, his gaze stopped right at the point where Yoichi was standing. Both Ryusei and Yoichi met each other's gaze for a few moments before the man turned his gaze back to his guests with a wide smile appearing on his lips. Yoichi also turned his gaze when he saw the host's smile that looked scary. It felt like he had just seen a predator that looked happy when it found its prey.

Oh, or maybe it's true.

“Good evening, colleagues, fellow artists, art lovers, and friends.” Ryusei began to speak, greeting and welcoming his guests.

“Thank you all for coming to Shidou Ryusei’s painting exhibition which finally has a title after several times I held exhibitions without any meaningful title.” he paused for a moment, took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before he continued his welcoming speech.

"This exhibition can no longer be called just ‘art.’ It is about a feeling—deeply unsettling yet intoxicating. About someone who, with only a handful of spoken phrases, managed to unravel my mind.

My muse, my curse, my obsession.

It may sound excessive, but it is the truth. These paintings were born from emotions too vast to contain, yet too irrational to voice aloud. I did not paint only with my hands, but with the restlessness of an inescapable curse, and dreams woven from a single, breathtaking glance. One color. And a smile that I still clearly remember until now.

Every stroke, every splash of color on these canvases is a confession. Though I did not know his name until days ago, let me believe he, too, remembers our first meeting. And so, since that day, I’ve never seen blue the same way again.

This time, I want you all to witness how love can be painted in hues beyond just red.

So… welcome to where I’ve poured the colors of a person who became my muse, my curse, and my obsession.

Please, enjoy the chaos.”

As the greeting sentences were said and finished, Ryusei returned his gaze to Yoichi. A wide smile was once again etched on his face. Not a scary smile like a predator who found its prey, but a wide smile that somehow felt warm and like it showed affection.

Yoichi, who felt that he was given a smile, could feel the heat on his face and a strange tickle on his chest. He quickly lowered his head, as if trying to hide himself from the gaze and smile of the Pervy Uncle. Or even trying to hide his face which now felt like it was burning and had turned as red as a tomato.

Luckily, the sound of applause that echoed shortly after Ryusei finished his speech was able to dispel the strange atmosphere that Yoichi felt. He immediately joined in giving a soft applause, following the other guests while keeping his head lowered.

“Eeww, you damn Pervy Uncle!” he muttered softly amidst the loud applause.

Meanwhile, Ryusei, who saw his crush bowing his tiny head, smiled even wider. Ah, his little boy looked just as cute as when they first met. He couldn't wait to greet his Yoichi. Therefore, he gave his thanks and a slight bow to his guests before he handed the microphone back to the emcee and walked leisurely towards the crowd, greeting his guests one by one.

“Mama, let’s go around again. We haven’t seen all the paintings yet.” that's just an excuse. Because honestly, Yoichi didn’t want to stay standing there and meet that Pervy Uncle again.

Yes, he wanted to run away.

And luckily for him, his mother immediately agreed to his request. “I’ll go around with Yocchan first. Later, when you’re done meeting and talking to Mr. Shidou, just follow along.” his mother said goodbye to his father, who immediately nodded in agreement.

Getting approval from his father, Yoichi immediately pulled his mother's hand to get away from the area. Basically, he wanted to distance himself from that Pervy Uncle. This was for his safety, okay.

After feeling that he had gone far enough, Yoichi immediately stopped walking. then pretended to be busy looking at each painting on the wall. His blue eyes carefully read the little notes beside every painting that contained the title and a short quote about what each painting meant.

At first, he had only intended to pretend to look, but a moment later he found himself absorbed in the activity of staring intently and admiringly at each painting displayed in the gallery. Ah, his artistic soul was beginning to resurface. He didn't even realize that his mother had taken photos of him from various angles several times. He was also unaware when his father came to join them, accompanied by the person he had been avoiding. 

Not until his father spoke up. “Yoichi, dear. Come here, let me introduce you to one of my colleagues.”

Yoichi, who was still focused on his activity of admiring the paintings, quickly turned his head. His eyes, which were already wide, now widened even more when he saw who was standing on his father's left side. He felt like running away again, but he was so aware that he would not be able to run away this time. So, he hesitantly approached, then stood beside his mother who was standing on his father's right side.

“Come here, honey. Let me introduce you to Mr. Shidou Ryusei. Papa often buys paintings from him to display in every room in our hotel.” the father reached out, grabbing his son’s hand to bring him closer and positioning him to stand right in front of Ryusei.

As a good son, Yoichi certainly didn't want to embarrass his father. So, he reluctantly held out his right hand. “Hello, Mr. Shidou Ryusei. I am Isagi Yoichi, the only son of Mr. Isagi Issei.” he said softly, tilting his head slightly to look up at the Pervy Uncle who stood so tall and large before him.

“Nice to meet you again, Yoichi.” 

Ryusei was clearly delighted. After all, this meeting he had planned from the start had finally come to fruition. So overjoyed was he that he gripped Yoichi’s hand a little too tightly, as if unwilling to release the small hand from his grasp. But he realized he had to let go of the handshake. Yoichi’s parents were still there, after all.

“Meet again?” the question came out of Yoichi’s mother’s mouth. Yoichi’s father also gave Ryusei a curious look.

“Oh, we met a few months ago. There was a little problem with parking, my car was stuck, and I asked Yoichi to move your car,” Ryusei replied casually, ignoring the warning glare from his cutie boy who had returned to his mother's side. "But since Yoichi couldn't drive yet, I was the one who moved your car at that time. Sorry if I was too forward.”

He was so polite explaining it to Yoichi’s parents, completely different from how he spoke to Yoichi during their first meeting.

What two-faced Pervy Uncle, Yoichi sneered in his heart.

“It’s okay, I should be the one apologizing for causing you trouble.” the father’s apology was only met with a slow nod from Ryusei. Yoichi’s father, who understood that this matter was over, also nodded back.

Silence enveloped them for a few moments. Only the faint voices of the other guests who were still in the gallery could be heard.

“And, Yoichi. Didn’t you say that you wanted to take painting and driving classes with me?” but Ryusei suddenly spoke up, bringing up their conversation a few months ago.

Ugh, this man was just as annoying as their previous meeting. Yoichi cursed inwardly. Why did this Pervy Uncle bring up this topic? Tsk, he was already happy because he thought his father seemed to have forgotten about his request to ask this man about the painting class, but instead, this Pervy Uncle had brought up the subject first.

He glared sharply at Ryusei who was currently showing his mocking smile. Seeing that the Pervy Uncle wasn't going to be affected, he quickly turned his gaze towards his father. However, just as he was about to speak, his father interrupted him first.

“Driving class?” a confused expression was written on his father’s face. “But what’s more important right now is the painting class, I almost forgot about this. When I conveyed your invitation to Yoichi yesterday, he said he wanted me to ask you if you were opening a painting class.” as if forgetting his confusion, Yoichi’s father continued by bringing up the topic that Yoichi deeply regretted having brought up.

“When I finished moving your car, I gave him my business card. Then when he found out that I was a painter, Yoichi immediately said that he wanted to learn to paint and also learn to drive because he seemed to like the way I drove a car.” Ryusei threw a flirtatious glance at Yoichi.

The cute little boy looked shocked. His eyes widened cutely and his cheeks flushed red.

Ah, he wanted to kiss those soft cheeks again.

Meanwhile, Yoichi himself had to lower his head again to hide his face that was starting to feel warm again. What a damn Pervy Uncle, he cursed inwardly. He muttered curse after curse in his mind after seeing how the man behaved and how easily he spoke such untruths in front of his father.

Ugh, he felt like interrupting the Pervy Uncle right away, but of course he couldn't do it. His parents were still here, he didn't want to embarrass them with his rude behavior. Moreover, he had never told them about the incident where that man had spoken lewdly and kissed his cheek without permission, so no matter how angry Yoichi was at that moment, he could only hold himself back.

“Why didn't you ever tell me about this, dear?” his father's question made Yoichi immediately raise his head again. 

However, once again, before he could speak, someone interrupted him. This time, it was Ryusei who interrupted him. “Maybe Yoichi forgot about his request because we only met for a short while back then. And even though he has my business card, he probably feels too shy to contact me first. Isn’t that right, Yoichi?”

What a damn Pervy Uncle. Faced with such a demand, Yoichi had no choice but to agree. So he could only nod slowly and force a smile at his father. 

“Please forgive our son's rudeness,” Yoichi's mother spoke up. The kind-hearted woman looked at her son in disbelief, not expecting him to be so bold as to ask someone he had just met for a favor. “But even so, since Yoichi asked you first about the painting class and driving lessons, even before we, as his parents, asked, would you agree? Please forgive us for being so bold. And if you don’t agree, we can understand because you must be very busy. Once again, please forgive our son’s rudeness.” she continued, bowing her head slightly. 

Seeing his mother apologize for thinking he was rude to a man who was even more rude than him made Yoichi want to scream. He was a polite boy, so polite. The Pervy Uncle had offered it to him first, so of course he gladly accepted it. But why did he now look like the one who was shamelessly asking for it? 

His eyes narrowed sharply. His small lips pouted because he couldn't accept being labeled as a rude child. All of this was because of that Pervy Uncle. Damn that man in front of him.

“It's no big deal. I'd actually be happy if Yoichi is serious about learning to paint and drive with me. We can discuss the schedule later.” Of course, Ryusei wouldn't let this golden opportunity slip away. 

“Eh, really? You agree? Then what about the cost? Should we discuss it now or another time?” Yoichi’s father asked without hesitation. This was all for his son, so he would do anything for Yoichi’s happiness. 

“Just buying one painting is more than enough.” Ryusei replied casually.

Actually, he wasn’t thinking about the cost; what mattered most was being able to connect with Yoichi. However, since he couldn’t say that, he offered one of his paintings instead. 

“In that case, let Yoichi choose,” the father’s statement made Yoichi jump in surprise again and open his mouth wide. “You said you wanted one painting to hang in your room, right, dear?” Again and again, today Yoichi could only nod his head. 

However, even though Yoichi nodded his head, he wouldn't completely obey his father's request for now. He was already fed up and tired of being here any longer. He wanted to go home immediately, away from the Pervy Uncle who had been staring at him with hungry eyes.

"Um, can I choose the painting tomorrow? Tomorrow I'll be here again with my friends. Plus, tomorrow I can discuss the painting class schedule and driving lessons with Uncle Ryusei.” He paused for a moment, then feigned a slight grimace. “My head is spinning, probably from being tired. So can I choose the painting tomorrow?” he asked in a soft voice, hoping his parents would believe his lie and they could go home immediately. 

It worked. His act succeeded in making his parents look at him with worried expressions. And it wasn't just his parents who were worried; Ryusei looked just as concerned as they were. 

“Yes, tomorrow. It’s better for Yoichi to go home and rest for tonight,” Ryusei, who had been deceived by Yoichi’s trick, quickly said. “And thank you for coming to my painting exhibition tonight, Mr. Isagi and family.” he continued, bowing his head slightly as a sign of respect.

“My family and I will take our leave first. Tonight’s exhibition was truly impressive; your paintings are as beautiful as ever. And we apologize for not being able to enjoy your work longer.” The father extended his hand to Ryusei, who accepted it politely. 

The mother and Yoichi himself also extended their hands, bidding farewell to the host. 

“See you tomorrow, Yoichi.” Ryusei said as Yoichi finished shaking his hand. 

Yoichi only gave a slight nod. Then he followed his parents as they walked calmly toward the exit. 

Ah, finally he could distance himself from that Pervy Uncle for tonight.

But then Yoichi stopped in his footsteps. He let himself be left behind by his parents, who were almost at the exit. He turned around. His eyes widened sharply—though they actually looked adorable—at Ryusei. He stuck out his lips, intending to mock the Pervy Uncle, who was now surrounded by people who seemed to be his friends, as he could see his friend’s older brother with his long lower eyelashes among them. 

Meanwhile, the man being mocked could only raise one eyebrow in confusion. And once he realized that the little cutie was mocking him for having been tricked by his scheme and letting him go so easily, he could only let out a laugh that echoed through the vast art gallery. Even when Yoichi took steps to catch up with his parents, Ryusei was still laughing, though not as loudly as before. 

“I really want to kiss him.”

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-tbc.

Chapter Text

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Usually on Saturdays, Yoichi would enthusiastically go through his day. But today was an exception, because for whatever reason he wanted to skip this Saturday and go straight to Sunday. He didn't want to join his friends to go to the gallery of  the Pervy Uncle, he didn't want to meet that man again. Really, really, really didn't want to meet Shidou Ryusei again. However, he realized that he himself was the one who promised to meet that Pervy Uncle.

So here he is now, idly queuing with his friends to register to enter La Détonation Atelier. His hands covered by an oversized gray hoodie tightly hugged a jar of cookies made by his mother that he had to give to the Pervy Uncle.

“Who are those cookies for? You said the cookies were for others to leave in the car.” Reo, who had finished writing his own name and Yoichi’s name in the registration book, could no longer hold back his curiosity. His right hand held out a pen to Yoichi, while his left hand took over the jar of cookies from his childhood friend’s hand.

"For my papa and mama colleagues." A very short and slightly unclear answer came out of Yoichi's mouth. However, Reo didn't bother, he just nodded his head in response. After that, Reo immediately returned the jar of cookies to Yoichi's hand when he saw that his childhood friend had finished signing.

Once all members of their group had finished registering, they casually entered the gallery. The place looked so crowded, several people were seen passing by to see the paintings on display. Some were staring at each painting with such focus, some were just looking around while occasionally taking photos, and there were still many other things that the visitors did.

Yoichi's gaze wandered, staring intently at several spots in the gallery where on the walls were displayed other paintings that were different from the paintings he saw last night. It seemed that the paintings that were replaced were the ones that had been bought by the guests of the Pervy Uncle last night. 

Oh, today he also had to choose the paintings that would be displayed in his room.

“There are a lot of blue paintings,” Meguru looked around enthusiastically, his mouth slightly open in admiration of the paintings neatly arranged on the wall. “I thought the posters were the only ones in blue, but it turns out there are a lot of blue paintings too.”

“This painter seems to be truly in love. Last year, when I came here with my dad, this gallery was filled with bright colors and clashes, but now most of the paintings are pastel blue.” Reo, who was also looking around the gallery carefully, chimed in.

Yoichi's other friends also answered each other, discussing the paintings displayed in the gallery, except for Seishiro, Rin, and himself who just looked around without saying a word.

“Who do you think made an eccentric painter like Shidou Ryusei become like this?” a rhetorical question escaped Yo’s lips.

However, before any of them had time to respond to Yo's question that didn't even need to be answered, a voice was heard behind them.

“My little sprout~”

And when they turned around, they could see the famous painter and owner of the painting gallery they were visiting walking towards them. That certainly confused them all—except Yoichi—because who else would the man call by that name, especially since the man was seen approaching their group. 

“Want to choose a painting now?” the man asked in a tone of voice that sounded so happy as soon as he arrived right in front of Yoichi. Making his friends even more confused seeing that. Even other visitors who were quite close to them, also showed expressions of confusion and curiosity about who the painter was talking to and why the man who was known for his rude and dirty mouth was now speaking so softly.

“Yes, now. Because later I want to play with my friends.” Although a little reluctant, Yoichi nodded in agreement. After all, the sooner he dealt with the perverted uncle, the sooner he could get away from this man. “Cookies for Uncle. Mama said it’s a thank you for teaching me how to paint and drive.” Both of his hands offered the jar he had been holding tightly all along.

Ryusei, who received a gift from Yoichi's mother, was of course very happy to receive the jar of cookies. Oh, his future mother-in-law was so kind. He couldn't wait to marry his cute little boy.

“You guys just go around for now, Uncle Ryusei and I have some business to do. I’ll catch up later.” Yoichi asked his friends who still had confused and curious expressions.

Without waiting for his friends' approval, he immediately stepped foot with Ryusei, leaving his friends in a confused silence. Exploring the gallery for the second time to choose which painting he would display in his room.

“They know each other?” Ranze, who came to his senses first from his confusion, broke the silence between them.

Hyoma also expressed his curiosity, "Since when did they know each other?"

Meguru, with his eyes still staring straight at where Yoichi and Ryusei backs disappeared, also asked his question, "How come they know each other?"

If Ranze, Hyoma, and Meguru openly showed their curiosity, then Reo, Rin, Seishiro, and Yo could only wonder in their heads. And maybe not only they were wondering in their minds, but also other visitors who saw the incident also wondered about what they had just seen.

Meanwhile, the one who became the subject of many people's confusion and curiosity, now appeared to be leisurely walking side by side around the gallery. The smaller one carefully looked at each of the paintings that he had seen last night for the second time. Then, the bigger one leisurely ate one by one the cookies in the jar in his arms, while watching his little boy who looked so focused on watching each of his works.

“How is it? Have you found the right one?” Ryusei asked Yoichi. His large body moved closer to Yoichi’s small body. His right hand that wasn’t holding the cookie jar, he moved to embrace one of Yoichi’s hands into his grip.

Yoichi was surprised at first when his hand was suddenly grabbed, so of course he immediately tried to release the grip of the Pervy Uncle's hand. However, unfortunately the big man's grip was too strong, so his efforts to free his hand from the big hand's grip ended in vain. So, never mind. After all, it was just a hand grip. The important thing was that the man didn't talk dirty or suddenly kiss him like before.

“So, have you found a painting you like?” Ryusei asked once more.

“Not yet. I haven’t found the right one yet.” Yoichi replied as he walked back to look at the other paintings. Ryusei followed, still holding his little man’s hand tightly.

The two of them walked around the gallery in silence. Yoichi was so focused on choosing the paintings, while Ryusei just silently followed Yoichi wherever he went. Ryusei certainly knew that it took a lot of time to enjoy an art, let alone choose which art suited his taste. So, he let Yoichi focus on his assessment.

Knowingly or unknowingly, they were now the center of attention of every visitor in the gallery. They all wondered about who the boy was who was being held by the hand of the painter and the owner of this place. Various speculations began to emerge among them.

Was the boy the muse who inspired the painter?

Is the boy the painter's lover?

Is that boy someone who managed to change Shidou Ryusei?

And there are many more questions in the heads of everyone who sees the interaction between the two.

“Want to come to my atelier? There are still some paintings that I haven’t displayed. Who knows, maybe you’ll like one of them.” Seeing Yoichi who was still confused and hadn’t found a suitable painting to display in his room, Ryusei took the initiative to offer some of his paintings that he had intentionally not exhibited.

"Is that possible?" Yoichi asked to be sure. Because what he knows is that an artist's atelier is very personal.

“If I offer, then it’s okay, pretty.” Without saying anything else, he immediately pulled Yoichi to follow him to his atelier which was located at the back of the gallery.

Yoichi just gave in to being pulled like that. He just silently walked following where the big man took him. Once he arrived at a door that looked so striking because it was full of brush strokes and paint splashes, Ryusei immediately opened the door after releasing his hand from Yoichi's and led Yoichi to go inside.

Inside the room that the owner called an atelier, Yoichi could see canvases of various sizes, some leaning on a painting easels that also came in various sizes, while others leaned haphazardly against the wall. The wooden floor was covered in dried paint stains, footprints and shoe prints, and sketch papers. On the left side, there was a large table with paint bottles, various types and sizes of paint brushes, color palettes with dried paint on them, pencils, sketchbooks, glasses of murky water used to soak newly used brushes, and several other items that Yoichi himself did not know what they were called. The air in the room felt humid with a distinct smell of paint, linseed oil, old wood, and something else Yoichi couldn’t quite identify. 

Then his gaze was directed to several paintings leaning on the right side of the room. He could see that several of the paintings all contained elements of blue. Everything looked beautiful. And his eyes were now focused on a painting that seemed to depict a night sky studded with stars with a full moon whose light reflected beautifully on the surface of the sea. The brush strokes of paint in the painting looked so beautiful and dynamic but still presented a firm texture, as if the sky and the sea in it were being touched by his fingers.

“Do you like that one?” Ryusei's voice behind him broke Yoichi's concentration as he admired the painting. “I like that one the most too.” After placing his cookie jar on the table, his hand immediately reached for the painting and held it closer to Yoichi. 

“So you're not selling it, then?” Yoichi frowned slightly, thinking that Ryusei wouldn't sell such a beautiful painting because he seemed to like it so much. His eyes, which had been staring in awe at the painting, now looked gloomy.

“Yes, I won't sell this painting,” Ryusei's words made Yoichi look even more gloomy. “Because I want to give it to someone special.”

Yoichi was completely heartbroken now. He loved the painting so much, but unfortunately, it couldn't be his. 

“Write down your home address.” Ryusei asked after putting the painting back. His hand now held a small notebook that he had taken from the table. 

“What for?” Yoichi asked as he wrote his home address in the notebook. 

“To send the painting to your house, of course. What else?”

“Huh?” 

“Hm?”

“Uncle said that you wanted to give the painting to someone special. Why is it suddenly being sent to my hou—” Yoichi didn’t finish his sentence once he realized what the perverted uncle meant. 

Ryusei chuckled softly, seeing Yoichi’s adorable expression. His small mouth was agape, his round eyes widened, and his cheeks and ears were bright red.

“Do you want me to deliver it and arrange it in your room, my little sprout?” Ryusei teased his shy little boy.

“Uncle, shut up!” snapped Yoichi in a slightly loud voice.

The one who was given a jolt instead of obeying the order and closing his mouth, he laughed even louder. Yoichi, who was already very annoyed because he was teased by the Pervy Uncle, without thinking twice immediately directed both of his hands to cover the man's mouth.

“Shut up! Uncle, shut up! No more laughing!”

Now Ryusei obeyed, he nodded slowly following his little boy's orders. Yoichi, who was satisfied with the Pervy Uncle's obedience, also nodded and then moved his hand away from Ryusei's mouth.

“It’s up to you now. Whether Uncle delivers the painting or someone else, the important thing is that the painting arrives at my house,” Yoichi took a deep breath. “Thank you very much, Uncle. Later, you can tell papa how much the painting costs.” He continued while turning his gaze to look at the painting again.

Ryusei only hummed softly in response. His eyes softly stared at Yoichi who currently looked so beautiful—standing still, staring in awe at the painting he had made as his longing for the little boy soared.

A comfortable silence enveloped the room. They were both focused on admiring the object that looked so beautiful in their respective eyes.

“Oh, what about my painting and driving schedule?” Yoichi was the one to break the silence. His gaze was no longer on the painting, but had shifted completely to look at Ryusei.

“It’s up to you to learn whenever you want. Just chat or call me if you want to learn, I will always make time for you.” Ryusei answered lightly. As if he was an unemployed man without a job who only eats and sleeps all day long.

Yoichi certainly did not accept that answer. This Pervy Uncle would be his tutor, he could not just determine his painting and driving study schedule. They needed to discuss this, okay. He did not want any problems to arise because of this later on.

“I’m a painter, pretty. My work is flexible, so you don’t have to worry about my time.” Ryusei assured, his gaze firm but still soft.

Like it or not, Yoichi agreed. He let out a resigned sigh accompanied by a nod. After all, this man was the one who offered it in the first place. So if later the Pervy Uncle gets angry because he disturbed his time, Yoichi will get angry back at this man.

“Come on, I’ll take you out. Your friends must be waiting for you.” Ryusei took Yoichi’s hand again—which for some reason this time was immediately accepted by its owner without resistance.

Ryusei led Yoichi out of the atelier. They walked quietly, walking through the wide gallery to look for Yoichi's friends. They completely ignored the stares from the visitors that were directed at them.

When they finally find Yoichi's friends, Ryusei reluctantly unties their linked hands.

“Still want to go around or do you want to go play now?” Ryusei asked curiously about his little man’s agenda.

“I just want to play right away, so I can go home this afternoon. Uncle said you would come home this afternoon.”

The answer made his friends put on a face full of confusion and curiosity again. Not to forget, the visitors around them were just as confused and curious.

“Let me know when you get home, my little sprout.” Ryusei gave Yoichi a gentle pat on the top of his head. “Please take care of Yoichi. And for Sae’s younger brother, don’t mess with Yoichi.” He gave his rival a sharp glare before he finally walked away—back to the atelier—leaving Yoichi and his friends behind.

Yoichi also walked in the opposite direction, heading towards the exit casually. He didn't need to look back to know that his friends were following him. And when they reached the parking lot, he turned his body towards his friends. He let out a long sigh.

“Don’t ask anything.” The thin, forced smile made his friends immediately abandon their intention to interrogate Yoichi.

When he received a nod from his friends, his smile immediately disappeared and was replaced with a blank expression. His hand immediately reached for the car door handle. Reo, who understood the code from his childhood friend, immediately pressed the button on his car key remote to open his locked car door.

Yoichi immediately threw his body into the front passenger seat. He didn't care if that seat was usually occupied by Seishiro, just let the giant sloth sit in the back seat.

Yoichi wants to rest his body comfortably, okay. He wants to restore his mood, because he can't play with his friends with his mood in such a mess. He also knows that he can’t keep making his friends understand every change in his mood. So let him take a moment to recover, so that after this he can play with his friends as usual and recover himself so that later this afternoon he’ll be ready to face that Pervy Uncle again.

.

.

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-fin.