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"Can I call you sometimes?"
"Sure. Just have the guts to do so," Kim smiled, as if issuing a challenge. "If you don't call, I will."
Kenta didn't doubt for a second that he would.
***
When Pete first brought Kenta to Kim’s apartment, he expected some hostility. After all, Kenta wasn't nice to prisoners, and Kim had a hard time when he wasn't in Tony's good graces. But Kim turned out to be a reasonable guy. He grumbled a little on the first evening, but soon after Pete left, he showed Kenta around the house, gave him towels, bedding, and even some clothes. Then, he sternly asked Kenta what else he needed and if he could manage on his own. Kenta, who had been independent since childhood, didn't know how to react.
Then Kim handed him a mug of tea and demanded answers. "Tell me what you can. I was hoping to have nothing more to do with this mess, but it seems that won't be so easy. Why was Pete the one bringing you here?"
Kenta decided not to beat around the bush. "We've been friends since childhood. But he's an alpha, and I'm ordinary."
"Why would Tony keep an ordinary person as his chief assistant for years?” Kim asked shrewdly.
Later, Kenta was often surprised by Kim's ability to notice small yet vital details like this one. At that moment, however, the topic was too complicated to discuss, especially with someone he didn't know well. So, he shrugged as if he didn't know what to say. He didn't mention that Pete had learned what was going on in Tony's lab from him, which allowed him to take timely action. But it seemed that Kim had figured it out on his own.
"Why don't you live with him, since you're friends?" He continued.
Kenta tried to answer honestly but briefly. "Because we're trying to keep our relationship under wraps. If I'm too visible, our connection with Pete will be obvious. People who want to take Tony's place will lie low, sensing that Pete is now the main contender with me backing him. We need them to reveal themselves.”
Kenta remained silent on the situation with Tony because it was still too uncertain.
"As if you're so inconspicuous here," Kim snorted. "They'll find you anywhere."
"They can try. But they won't necessarily look for me. After all, I'm just a dumb henchman that Tony raised out of kindness. I don't know anything about his business. I beat up whoever I'm told to beat up, and that's it. You're forced to take me in." As he spoke, Kenta put on his usual persona to emphasize the point.
Kim was so outraged that he was speechless for a moment. "So, you can't expose Pete, but you can expose me?!"
Kenta reassured him. "You're greatly overestimating how many people might want to find me. Besides, I’ll find them first anyway. I just need time to catch the fastest ones, and Pete needs to spot the most brazen ones. It's much more convenient for you to play the victim in this situation, though. It's also good that you're leaving soon. It’s safer.”
“What about Alan's guys?”
“They'll look out for each other.”
Kim, who had befriended the X-Hunter guys, had only heard that the others are in danger, and had become wary. This was not the effect Kenta had expected. Beside obvious, Pete had sent him to Kim because someone might decide that Kim and Tony were doing business together. After all, Kim was a well-known racer, and who knows how Tony could use that in his experiments with superpowers? However, Pete's arguments were so unconvincing that Kenta preferred not to think about them. If he had to watch over Kim until he left, then so be it.
“Do you always do what Pete says?” Kim frowned, unaware that he had touched a sore spot. But fell silent when he saw the look on Kenta's face.
***
Kim turned out to be a wonderfully normal roommate. Accustomed to extraordinary people, at first Kenta was surprised by Kim’s calm rationality. Their shared ability to make do with little helped them survive comfortably together. After discovering Kenta's talent for making coffee, Kim happily left that task to him in exchange for installing some sports equipment Kenta needed in the apartment.
Kenta chose a punching bag. Kim didn't even bat an eyelid.
Kim also proved to be intelligent, honest, straightforward, and warm-hearted when circumstances allowed. While Kenta would remain prudently silent, Kim spoke his mind. Whereas Kenta would have preferred to wait, Kim rushed into the fray, driven by his feelings. This was especially true when his sense of justice was wronged — then reason and meticulousness gave way to impulsiveness. Perhaps that is why he chose to be a racer.
Even more astonishing was that for some inexplicable reason Kim cared about Kenta’s well-being. Somehow, he viewed all this turmoil through the prism of genuine concern for Kenta. This became obvious when Pete sent information about suspicious activity in the labs.
"Don't go alone! I'll go with you!" Was Kim's immediate response.
Kenta didn't even know what to say at first. He tried to reason. "If we go together, it'll be twice as dangerous."
Kim wasn’t convinced. “Look at it this way: as long as I'm with you, you'll always know where I am and what's going on. I won't get in your way. But maybe I can help."
Kenta wanted to ask what he had done to deserve such concern. Kim explained himself, as if sensing his hesitation.
"When I was at secondary school, my class went on a hike. A couple of my classmates fell behind, and I was among the first to reach the destination. And then had to wait for the others anyway. Once back home when the excitement had faded, I imagined how the stragglers felt watching the others walk away. Did they feel abandoned? Left out? Probably not, since the teacher walked with them. But I felt uncomfortable. Since then, my relationship with those guys has been somewhat strained. It was as if I had neglected them, and they remembered it. Although, I'm sure it wasn't that bad. Maybe they didn't even notice. But I remember that feeling. "
"The situation is completely different now. It's really dangerous," Kenta insisted.
"I know you have the most experience with such matters," Kim agreed. "You can take care of yourself better than the rest of us can. But I still won't let you go alone. I can’t."
Kenta had to accept it. The only other option was to lock Kim up at home.
To Pete's puzzled look — when they had rather unceremoniously appeared together — Kim explained nonchalantly, "You got me into this. Don't expect me to stay on the sidelines now."
Although Kim was reliable, his tenacity was becoming the reason why Kenta was trying to sort everything out as quickly as possible, so that Kim and others would not be in danger. He was also sincere and good-natured, not afraid to show it. Living with him under the same roof, Kenta felt calmer than ever before. He didn't want to admit that he would be sorry when it ended. Nothing lasts forever.
Given their different areas of expertise, Kenta thought it was funny when Kim decided that he needed to be fed, kept entertained, or protected from danger. Kim himself didn't need protection. Well, except perhaps from his own hotheadedness. He could easily solve his own problems and some of others if he wasn't stopped in time.
Though when Kim drove into a bunch of bandits to save Kenta, it was quite spectacular.
It was that day Kim suggested to go to the amusement park they were just passing by on their way back to the apartment. "I've been here for six months, just looking at it, but never had time to go. Have you been there?"
"Yes, with the kids."
Frustrated that the investigation had led them nowhere, Kenta agreed. It was nice to give in to Kim's friendly enthusiasm. Besides, if they were being followed, it was easy to get lost in the park. So, they went.
Near the court with the small electric cars Kenta shared what he remembered about the place. "Charlie loved this thing. The only way to get him to leave was to bribe him."
"With what?"
"Watching TV at night. I can't count how many times I chased him out of the living room. When Babe started racing, Charlie insisted on watching his races on the big screen to 'feel the moment.' Then he would plead, 'Just ten more minutes!'"
Kenta would usually allow ten minutes. In return, Charlie would tell him where the other night owls were likely to be found and that Jeff—whom Kenta often could not find in his room—was sleeping in Charlie’s closet again.
"In the closet?" Kenta was truly surprised the first time Charlie told him that.
Why was Jeff sleeping in Charlie's closet? Why not in the cupboard under the stairs — "just like Harry Potter!" — where he usually hid from his nightmares and where Kenta could always find him and make sure that he was okay?
"He's not afraid there. Don't send him away; let him sleep.” Charlie explained, already lost in the speed and noise.
Indeed, with his small arms wrapped around the pillow, Jeff fit in Charlie's closet just fine. Charlie had provided a mattress for him, and it seemed that nightmares did not haunt the boy there.
After Kenta put all the children to bed and returned to his own room, he wondered why he almost never was frightened or excited, like they were. He still knew right from wrong, but everything seemed to pass through his mind before he could process his feelings. Perhaps that's why he seemed so cold and unfeeling to others. It was easier to be that way when Tony was around.
"It seems like you got along well with the other kids," Kim commented.
Kenta realized he had been lost in thoughts for a while.
"We lived together," he explained. "I looked after many of them as they grew up. I always knew how to handle the loudest ones. If I couldn't, then Tony did. He treats gifted people well because they are too valuable to misuse.”
Kenta tried to avoid ruining relationships when possible. Over the years, he had built a decent network of contacts.
Kim didn't ask Kenta about his approach to dealing with superpowers. He was probably adding up details in his head again. Instead, he asked, "Did you help Jeff and Charlie escape?"
Kenta shook his head. "There was no need. They were let go."
Kim blinked in confusion.
Kenta explained. "Jeff's ability isn't rare. It's inaccurate and unpredictable. Ordinary logic is more reliable. They let him 'escape'. Charlie is more complicated. He hid his abilities for a long time, and probably did the right thing. Tony simply let Charlie escape to see how he would use his abilities."
"And Babe?"
"When Babe grew up, he and Tony argued all the time. Tony had a supply of Babe's blood anyway, so his departure was only a matter of time. His ability is only valuable if it can be reproduced and multiplied. Forcing Babe to do what he doesn't want to do... You know him, so there's no need to explain."
"Were there people you helped escape?" Kim asked bluntly.
"The less you know, the better you sleep."
"Would you tell Pete?"
"Only if absolutely necessary."
Kim was satisfied with that answer. Almost.
"What did you like when you were a child?" he asked, seizing the opportunity.
"Are you trying to give me what I was deprived of as a child?"
"I want to know which ride to hold your hand on so you won't be afraid," Kim grinned.
Kenta shrugged mentally. "I used to run away to the river all the time. I love water.”
"Let's go to the beach!" Kim said excitedly.
"I knew it," Kenta rubbed his eyes. "Okay, I'm going home before you come up with any more brilliant ideas."
"What about the beach?"
"Maybe someday."
***
Growing up in a boarding school for children with superpowers was difficult. For a long time, Kenta couldn't grasp the idea that he was ordinary - because everyone around him was extraordinary. Tony's attitude helped him see things clearly. Kenta really looked up to him like a father. But then he realized that he meant nothing to Tony. This painful but important realization helped Kenta start thinking about building his life without hoping to earn Tony's love.
He had to try hard. Some might have considered Kenta a miserable, downtrodden creature, but that meant being totally weak and spineless. People like that simply didn't survive near Tony. Kenta wasn't spineless. He was only ordinary compared to those whom Tony paid close attention to. This allowed Kenta to learn from everything he saw. He learned and got results. He was often underestimated, which he preferred to being taken seriously. Kenta knew and could do a lot, but years of living under Tony's authoritative rule have taken their toll.
The most important realization Kenta had about himself was that he needed something to focus on. A task. A goal. A direction. He has to apply what he learned and what he made of himself. Otherwise, he would drift through life without purpose or meaning. Pete's suggestion to gather information about Tony's dealings came at just the right time. Kenta was struggling to find a task that would distract him from deeper matters, and Pete's suggestion helped. It also helped them grow closer. Then Pete left, and the task changed into something more complicated. The difficulties did not scare Kenta. However, pretending to be Tony's dependent pet was annoying.
Out of curiosity, he pulled this trick on Pete, too, and Pete fell for it, believing Kenta's façade. Kenta did not expect this.
***
When Tony himself, resurrected, claimed his place, Pete's plan went to hell. Wanting to hide Kenta from competitors next to Kim, they unwittingly set him up. Kim had become so involved in Kenta's affairs that it was impossible to hide him from danger. There was only one way out: to end it all as soon as possible. This time, Kenta was not going to listen to Pete's far-reaching plans. It was safer to rely on himself.
Kim, correctly guessing his train of thought, remarked bitterly, "You are too loyal to people who don't deserve your loyalty! Think about my feelings for once, not just Pete's!"
His kiss drove the point home far more effectively than words ever could.
It was also sobering, because Kenta thought of himself as expendable – again. But Kim's open, unapologetic concern helped him avoid slipping into self-objectification. Without meaning to, Kenta began to notice Kim's reactions and adjust to them. It was as if a new dimension had opened up in his carefully constructed life, which Kenta didn't yet know how to feel about. Perhaps things didn't work out with Pete because they were both too rational and knew each other too well. There was no intrigue or mystery in their relationship.
Despite his reasonable attitude and intelligence, Kim was a man of strong feelings.
Kenta didn't understand feelings. It was only when he looked at the guys he grew up with—Babe, Charlie, Jeff, and the rest—that he noticed he seemed to push feelings aside. He didn't remember when it started. Tony did not encourage any feelings except loyalty. He could only be gentle with his wards, not with Kenta. Apparently, feelings had to take a backseat so as not to hurt Kenta so much.
Kim's presence and sincere care made him accept this fact and think about how to deal with it.
Meanwhile, the heroic team of amateurs could not just sit by and do nothing. Seeing Alan in the laboratory— why he thought negotiating with the maniac to be the best way to protect his loved ones? — Kenta realized he would have to take matters into his own hands quickly. So far, he had been held back by the fact that Tony no longer revealed anything important in his presence. The situation was further complicated by Dean, who was in a coma. Kenta hinted to Winner that delivering Dean as an apology gift to Alan's team would work in his favor, but little coward needed more time to absorb the idea. With Alan's arrival at the den, it became clear that the others too would not wait long before coming to look for trouble. Last time, Kenta had barely made it to Tony before they were all caught. Okay, Charlie and Babe were known for liking to add spice to their lives, but Kenta didn't expect such stupidity from Alan.
His unexpected upgrade to alpha went almost unnoticed amid all those thoughts and was mostly annoying - like a forgotten wish.
***
Of course, things got jumbled up. Kim was, of course, in the thick of it.
Kenta tried to get Kim away from danger, but Kim insisted on saving him. Kenta shielded him from bullets - Kim put a bulletproof vest on him. Kenta asked him not to interfere, but Kim insisted that he would not abandon him.
Kenta acutely felt his fear when Kim realised that Kenta would take a bullet for him without hesitation. He was struck by the pain in Kim's gaze when he realised why Kenta wasn't dying. ‘What have they done to you?!’ that look screamed. This discovery seemed to hurt Kim more than it hurt Kenta himself. He pulled Kenta close, as if to shield him from the pain that had already been inflicted.
Kenta was amazed by the sincere, desperate tenderness of Kim's lips. It was hard to pull away. ‘What are you doing to me?’ Kenta asked silently, falling into an intoxicating, tender whirlpool of Kim’s kiss. Then all thoughts disappeared, leaving only a warm, soft feeling that settled in his chest like a tiny bird.
It amazed him that Kim was willing to feel everything for him that he himself couldn't. To care for him in a way he couldn't. This realization enveloped Kenta in a warm, gentle cloud. Next to Kim, Kenta felt truly invulnerable. Protected. The little warm bird in his chest seemed to chirp contentedly, as bold as the person who made it appear.
***
When they returned from Tony's, Kenta finally allowed himself to feel exhaustion that had penetrated his bones. But as soon as he left the shower Kim, unable to calm down, pulled up his t-shirt and touched the spot where the bullet had hit.
Kenta let him.
Of course, there was no trace of the wound left.
Kim then touched Kenta's head behind the ear and found the scar. He sighed resignedly, leaned his forehead against Kenta's shoulder, as if he failed Kenta somehow.
Kenta squeezed his hand. "I'll get it removed tomorrow. You can come with me to make sure.”
"You bet I will," Kim replied without moving. And then tried to lighten the mood. "I was so worried, I almost got into a fight with Pete when you stopped sending information. Interrupted him and Chris again. Because if don't have a love life, and neither does Babe, let them suffer too. For the company."
Kenta wasn't bothered by how quickly his friend had forgotten him. His unrequited love had faded from memory. A warm wave of gratitude for Kim's concern washed over him. He also felt childish glee at the fact that he and Kim had always ruined Pete's intimate moments.
“I wanted to figure out how to get Dean out of there. Then Alan showed up to play the hero. Then all of you showed up.”
“Did we ruin your carefully crafted plans?”
“Kind of.”
“But now, is Tony definitely dead?”
"Definitely."
He and Pete burned Tony's body in the crematorium.
"Let's rest," Kenta said after a moment, trying to distract Kim. “I’m not exactly invincible.”
Kim resolutely led him to his bedroom. “Sleep here.”
"Why do you worry about me?" Kent couldn't help asking.
"I just do."
Kenta sighed and squeezed Kim's hand encouragingly. It was nice to know that Kim was motivated by concern for Kenta's well-being rather than an abstract sense of justice. Rarely had anyone been so openly on his side.
Kenta fell asleep instantly on Kim's large bed and slept like a log.
The next morning, he looked at sleepy, tousled Kim and was almost overwhelmed by the desire to kiss him. He leaned in - but was stopped.
"I'm leaving in a week," Kim explained. "I can't break a contract I barely agreed to. And it wouldn't be fair to start something now." In his eyes, Kenta saw regret and something deep, kind, and sincere. It was something he wanted to dive into headfirst and never come back from. If Kim had been in a relationship before, Kenta would like to know who could willingly give up someone like him. He would also like to know what to avoid doing so that Kim wouldn't want to let him go.
He never returned to the guest bedroom.
***
The tension was gone; there was no need to run and hide. They could finally do what they wanted. They could get used to each other, learn each other's little habits. Kenta was grateful that Kim didn't rush or pressure him or expect confessions and devotion.
They will make time for that later.
It was hard to watch Kim pack his things.
Kenta made a mental promise, ‘I won't give up on you. No matter what.’ However, until the consequences of Tony's actions were fully resolved, it was better for Kim to stay away. To truly get his life back. Even if everything seemed fine.
“Don’t take unnecessary risks. I worry.“ Kim didn't actually say this, but Kenta could tell from the way he looked at him. Kenta didn't want to add to his concerns. They both knew that what Kenta was about to do was not as dangerous as what they had already gone through. However, leaving things as they were was not an option. This was another reason why Kenta was grateful for Kim leaving. He had to clean up after Tony because Pete's abilities were limited. Only Kenta knew some details he had learned while pretending to be a victim in Tony's lair.
Seeing how excited Kim was when he got out of the car after the race, Kenta understood why he wanted to continue racing while he still could, and why he felt confined being on the same team with Babe. Due to Tony's scheming, Kim found himself caught up in a mess he wanted to sort out to restore justice. Kenta still couldn't understand why Kim bothered with him at all, let alone why he cared about him more than anyone else. Kenta could offer Kim money, sex, and connections, but Kim already had all of that. Not to mention, he would not accept such patronage. He was proud of what he had achieved on his own.
By leaving, Kim also gave Kenta time and a choice. For which Kenta was grateful.
Kenta was accustomed to being treated like a stray dog in a shelter, that’s why he found Kim's sincere sympathy unusual at first. Many knew him only as Tony's sidekick, a notion that Kenta hadn’t dissuaded. Kim, with his ability to judge by facts, was an exception. He broadened Kenta's understanding of the world and of himself. Kenta did not want their relationship to end quickly or become a random, fleeting fling.
It seemed that Kim didn't want that either. They were both in no hurry. They felt that something deep and reliable was emerging—something that shouldn't be rushed. Before Kim left, the only change in their domestic life was an occasional lazy kiss. A tender touch. They slept in the same bed. Otherwise, their lives remained the same as before all the drama.
Kenta knew it was easier for him to follow someone, to have a purpose for using his skills. That's why he couldn't leave Tony and Pete behind for a long time — they gave him a sense of purpose and an opportunity. Yes, they used him, but he didn't know how to live any other way.
Kim believed in him. Relying on that belief turned out to be easier. Kim gave this opportunity to Kenta generously and from the heart, as if to say, ‘You don't have to, but you can. You can do anything you want.’ From that first fateful evening, it was as if Kim had reserved a place in his life, waiting patiently for Kenta to settle in.
At first, Kenta felt confused around Kim. He couldn't understand how Kim could be so kind to someone who had only recently entered his life. However, after observing how Kim behaved with his friends, Kenta realised that Kim strictly rationed his kindness. Most people had to settle for politeness and friendliness. With Kenta, however, Kim became soft, relaxed, and good-natured to the point of absurdity. He was sweet and responsive to every touch and kiss, accepting each as a gift and giving them back just as generously.
Kenta remembered how difficult it was to concentrate on the task at hand while languishing in Tony's lair and trying to remember as many details as possible while thinking that Kim wouldn't be able to sit still and would try to rescue him - and get hurt. From the beginning, Kim hadn't held Pete in high regard, so it was unlikely he'd listen to him now.
That's why not caring about anyone was a pretty good way to survive, Kenta reminded himself.
But that option was no longer available to him.
***
It was hard to watch Kim leave.
After watching his plane take off, Kenta went back to their apartment. At first, he was overcome with melancholy. He paced around the apartment restlessly, unsure what to do.
As if sensing his uneasy mood, Jeff sent a message. "Come over if you get bored," and added a picture of Alan, who had apparently found something that needed repairing. He was probably also worried that one of his "fledglings" had flown away. If Kim knew, he would have rolled eyes and said that he was an adult and quite capable of taking care of himself, and that maybe Alan should worry about his own affairs. But that's Alan for you - you can't pay him enough to stop worrying about someone else. It's good that Jeff is there now.
Another message arrived. This time from Kim. "Arrived safely. Waffles says hi," along with a photo of a happy golden retriever - his family dog. He was going to live in his parents' house while they were away.
As Kenta pondered this, his melancholy quietly evaporated. He suddenly realised that he is no longer alone. But he still missed Kim.
The next morning, as he breathed in the familiar scent of Kim’s pillow, Kenta decided to wait a couple of days before changing the bedding.
Something like a small, warm bird stirred in his chest.
***
A couple days later, he found out that Kim had taken a few of his t-shirts but left behind his own, soft ones, which he usually wore at home while lounging on the sofa in front of the TV on his "lazy" days. This was clearly done on purpose, and Kenta was grateful.
The things Kim left behind, his phone calls, the memories, his new and old duties— that all came together to form a new structure in Kenta’s life. There was room for thoughts about the fun they had in the amusement park, about Kim falling asleep in front of the TV while watching a horror movie, Kim squinting happily at the smell of Kenta's coffee in the morning, and Kim softly smiling while trying to feed Kenta something unusual. Even the smell of cigarettes reminded Kenta of the moment he went out for a smoke after being "rescued" and saw that his pack was half empty.
"I missed you." Kim shrugged guiltily.
"You don't smoke!" Kenta was astonished. Kim was particular about his health.
"I didn't. I just lit them and..."
And worried.
Kenta carefully savored all the little things that now colored his life. He wove them into a strong, invisible thread that connected him to Kim. He remembered how soft Kim's lips were. How he sighed before kissing. He remembered how Kim's fingers ruffled his hair at the back of his head. He remembered how Kim pressed his whole body against his, asking for more. It was so cozy to lie with him on the sofa and listen to his breathing. He marveled at how excited Kim was every time Kenta called to share news. He appreciated the fire and challenge in Kim's eyes every time they said goodbye.
It seemed that ‘Don't start anything you can't continue or finish well’ was Kim's unspoken motto, and he lived by it consistently. Once he chose a goal, he confidently pursued it until achieving. Kenta didn't yet know how to feel about Kim considering him part of his goal. He was still getting used to how he felt when Kim looked at him boldly and tenderly. Kenta knew what desire and lust look like. Now, he had to get used to love.
It turned out to be easier than he had feared. Kim sent him regular updates about his life, including photos of interesting dishes, places, and trophies. Kenta liked everything and sent photos of shady courtyards, laboratories, and Alan's garage.
“Did you go visit Alan? Say hi to the guys!" Kim replied to the first of the garage pics.
“Alan and Jeff went to the beach for a couple of days. Asked me to look after everything here," Kenta explained. He had plenty of experience looking after garages and tracks. Thinking for a moment, he decided to ask Kim a question that had been nagging him. “Why did they ask me? Is that a test?"
“It’s trust. You're reliable," Kim replied immediately. "If anyone gives you a dirty look, tell them you have a big, scary boyfriend!"
At first, Kenta didn't understand who might give him a dirty look or why. Since this exchange happened while he was at the garage, he looked around. The mechanics he didn't know gave him a wide berth. North, noticing his gaze, hurriedly dove under the car open hood. There was no need to tell North anything, he knew perfectly well that...
Ah… Kenta realized what Kim meant.
"Ok," he replied.
"A big, stern, and strong boyfriend!" Kim insisted.
Kenta sent him a picture of a goofy golden retriever.
Kim sent a sticker with a sparkly pink heart.
That's how Kenta got a boyfriend.
***
Life in a relationship was no different from the life without one, except for the sense of stability that had emerged. Kenta still wore Kim's t-shirts at home. When he came home late, he would find takeaways that he hadn't ordered left on the doorstep. These were very much appreciated when he and Willy returned from dangerous missions.
Kenta ran into Willy by chance while tracking down the last of Tony's henchmen. Apparently, a boy had a score to settle with them, too. Since then, Kenta had tried to coordinate with Willy so that he could at least keep an eye on him. It turned out that Willy had an indomitable thirst for adventure and, surprisingly, real artistic talent. Kenta diligently sent Kim photos of the numerous sketches Willy left behind after his rare visits. Recently, he also kept some sketchbooks on the living room table. And once, he sent a photo of Willy asleep on the couch.
“Do we need to search webtoon sites for familiar stories?” Kim joked after seeing the sketches.
“Beware of what you can find,” Kenta warned.
Willy felt perfectly at home with him, but Kenta wasn’t sure how long that would last. The kid seemed to like the idea of connection, but Kenta had a feeling that he wasn't sure how to fit into it.
This became clear one day at the garage, where Kenta had stopped to have his car serviced. There, he found Babe arguing fiercely with Willy. The boy insisted that the motorcycle he had brought in for tuning was still rideable, but Babe thought otherwise. Most importantly, Babe took it upon himself to make the decision.
“You can’t ride that junk anymore if you value your life!”
"My life is not your concern! Just fix it!"
"There's nothing to fix! It's already scrap metal! Don't even think about riding it!"
“Problems?” Kenta asked Charlie, who was watching them thoughtfully. Charlie was always private, so it was hard to know what he was thinking.
Charlie shook his head, not taking eyes off the arguing pair. “Just a minor family disagreement.”
At first, Kenta didn't understand what he meant, but when he followed Charlie’s gaze, he realized that Babe and Willy were indeed very similar. Not just in appearance, either - judging by how they tried to outargue each other.
Annoyed, Willy huffed and drove away, ignoring Babe’s orders. Babe watched him go, looking both frustrated and helpless.
It seems Charlie was right. Kenta was once again struck by the thought of the whimsical heart, that chooses people whose fate suddenly becomes important to us.
"Babe was the same. Before he met Alan." Charlie grinned. "Well, shit. I didn't expect an addition to the family so soon."
Kenta wasn't sure if Willy was ready to join the family. He was too neglected. Too wild. But Charlie must have seen something in him, as he often did. It was easy to imagine Charlie cooking dinner for three people, just in case Willy suddenly decided he missed human company. He and Babe would buy Willie a condo next to their house. Willie would continue to pretend to be independent. He would stay with Kenta or Jeff for days on end and complain that he couldn't stay home "for reasons beyond my control." Meaning, when Charlie and Babe were enjoying each other’s company too loudly.
Or maybe none of that would happen.
Kenta almost understood what it means to be an uncle, but then he pulled himself together and stopped imagining what hadn't happened yet. However, he sent Kim a photo of Babe and Willy arguing. Kim would surely want to know about this Santa Barbara drama.
***
"I'll be in town at the end of the month," Kim wrote. "Alan invited me to watch the race. Do you want to go somewhere?”
“Should I pick you up at the airport?”
“Alan will pick me up. I'm staying with him and Jeff.”
This required immediate clarification. Kenta called Kim and asked him point-blank, “Why are you staying with Alan?”
“Because he invited me.” Kim seemed a little taken aback by such directness.
“You have your own place here. Why do you need to stay with someone else?" Kenta couldn't understand.
Kim paused and explained gently. "This is your place, Kenta. Remember?"
Kenta looked around. Everything in the apartment reminded him of Kim: Kim’s mug in the kitchen, his slippers in the closet, his bath accessories in the cabinet, and his clothes in the wardrobe.
Instead of answering, Kenta got up and shown Kim all this.
Kim smiled. “I get it. See you at the airport?"
"Of course."
When they met up, it turned out that Kim had sprained his wrist and had to sit out his own race. Noticing Kenta’s suspicious look, Kim reassured him. “Don’t worry. It's just an accident. No need to kill anyone."
“If anything, tell them you have a boyfriend. A big, strong one.” Kenta was serious, even though he knew Kim could stand up for himself.
“What if they’re not afraid of hamsters?” Kim teased.
Kenta puffed up.
Kim laughed. "Deal. I'll threaten everyone with a cute teddy bear. A big, strong one."
***
His presence in the apartment felt familiar, as if he had never left.
***
A few weeks after going back, Kim wrote that he’ll have a few days off and was planning to go to the beach. Kenta, already missing him, wrote without thinking, "Can I come?"
Kim sent a link to the flight schedule. "Which flight?"
Kim met him at the airport. He looked tired and had lost weight. Kenta suddenly understood why Kim always wants to feed him. At that moment, he wanted to feed Kim too. And kiss him.
He might have said it out loud.
"Wait until we get home," Kim smiled.
The next morning, as he hugged sleepy, pliant Kim, Kenta felt happier than he had in many months - maybe even happier than ever. His body sang, satiated with lovemaking. Since his arrival hey drifted around the house between the sofa, the kitchen, and the bed, making love almost lazily because they finally could.
Tony was a strict but fair owner who clearly defined the roles of his employees. He never interfered in the sex lives of his wards. Kenta had various lovers, some skilled, some not; some beautiful, some not. Kim was different in that he sincerely enjoyed their intimacy and was fully aware of who Kenta was. "I see you. I want you to feel good. I want us to enjoy being together." That’s what Kenta heard in Kim's each caress.
It would be too trite to say that he was starving for love. Kenta hadn't considered himself to be particularly deprived of it. Love just wasn't a priority. But what was developing between him and Kim was better than he had expected, and he wanted to preserve it. Kim's affectionate and determined gaze suggested that he felt the same way. It was inspiring. Kenta was constantly amazed by Kim's courage and devotion. Kim made his intentions clear and was prepared to defend what he considered to be his own.
Kenta wasn't accustomed to being valued, devoted to, or defended, but he was learning. He felt completely and utterly loved. It was exhilarating. It made him want to live, to catch Kim's affectionate glances, to make him feel good, loved, cherished too. He wanted Kim to be able to express his gentle and good-natured care, and guard it jealously from others. He wanted to trust Kim's meticulous attention to detail and rely on his careful consideration.
He hoped to keep this relationship going as long as possible.
"Where's Waffles?" The subject of his thoughts stretched and yawned.
That wasn't what Kenta had expected to hear after a night of lovemaking. Surprised, he pointed to the floor where the dog was lying in wait for his master to wake up.
“Why isn’t he on the bed?” Kim mumbled.
The question didn't clarify anything for Kenta.
"I didn't allow it," he admitted. "The place is taken."
"You didn't allow it?" Apparently, that was unusual. Kim looked at the dog to make sure. Waffles looked at the bed mournfully, but didn't dare climb on it.
"I said 'no'."
"He never listens," Kim explained, surprised. "He always climbs into bed with me, and I wake up because it’s hot. But he listens to you?"
Judging by the look on his face, it seemed that Waffles needed time to comprehend this too. Suddenly, Kenta was overwhelmed by the desire to kiss sleepy, disheveled Kim.
"Go to the living room," he ordered Waffles. The dog obediently scurried off.
Kim didn't have time to be surprised before Kenta dropped him back on the bed and kissed thoroughly.
***
Once Babe and Charlie had set a wedding date, Kenta sent Kim a photo of the invitation. The reply came immediately, "I'll be there."
On that day, inspired by the sight of someone else's happiness at the reception, they decided not to miss out on their own. Their small talk turned serious afterwards.
"How are you?" Kim asked, stroking Kenta’s shoulder. Kenta loved the way his scent mixed with the fragrance of the fresh bedding.
Kenta looked at him, trying to convey his total contentment.
Kim smiled. "Is something missing?" He already knew how Kenta's mind worked.
Kenta decided to be honest. "I still think about a purpose around which I can build my life." He didn't know how to explain it better.
But Kim understood. “Well, we’re both guys, for one. Somewhere, it’s still a problem. We live in different countries, and for the foreseeable future, we can only meet like this from time to time. Once the initial excitement wears off, we'll probably get bored and want something more. If one of us were a girl, we could have a child to spice up our lives. But I'm not thrilled by the idea of becoming a father. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you're done with children, too."
He waited for Kenta to nod, then continued. "While I'm racing, you'll worry that I'm messing around with hot girls. By the way, don't worry." He kissed Kenta on the shoulder as a sign of devotion. "I'll worry about you getting yourself into trouble on this side of the world, where I can’t save you."
Kenta gave him a reproachful look.
Kim grinned. "Okay, you're being a very capable hero and for the right reasons only. But I'll still worry. What if your enemies find you? What if they find you and I'm not here?"
Once more, Kenta tried to express his doubts about Kim's ability to help him deal with any enemies. In fact, it was exactly the opposite. "It’s over already."
But Kim remained unconvinced. "I always miss you. Maybe in a couple of years I'll come back there and open a garage next to Alan's. Oh, have you thought about studying something, by the way?"
Seeing Kenta’s shifty look, he grinned. "I see. I hope it’s not too time-consuming."
"Just med." Kenta reluctantly confessed.
"Just med." Kim laughed. "And which diploma will this be?"
"Third." Kenta wasn’t shy. Kim will find out sooner or later anyway.
Kim shook his head. "You're good at keeping yourself occupied. But the point is, if you need challenges to keep yourself from getting too relaxed, here they are. Is that engaging enough? Can you imagine living like that?"
"It is." Kenta kissed him. "I can."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Do you want to?"
"Let's try it."
That's how Kenta got a life.
- the end -