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Follo had a pressing problem.
The problem was 163 cm tall and currently looking for him all over the building.
It was cute in the beginning. Shy and hesitant about physical intimacy, yea, that was cute. He had expected to take the lead and teach the shorter boy how things were done in a relationship, uh, not that his was an expert or anything. What Follo didn't expect was how quickly Rudo would blossom as a student. Equipped with a creative imagination, he became a monster.
After learning the taste of it, the boy took it upon himself to be the proactive one when it came to initiating kisses. Anything else got a hard pass, but the smoochies were in high demand. His enthusiasm knew no boundaries. It was difficult for Follo to resist the charm of his lover. And why would he? It was rather endearing to see that sour face act so coy.
Real cute, until a pretty waitress happened to flirt with him ONCE and Rudo went on a possessive streak.
It was as if a switch had flipped. For days and more or less nights, he was constantly shadowed. It didn’t matter where they were or who was around them. With shame for public display of affection out the window, the mayhem begun.
While the endgame of dating was to spend as much time together as possible, taking his breath away had to be within the limits of decency, RIGHT?! Follo wasn't sure if he could sustain Rudo's affectionate frenzy.
Of course, there were times when they couldn’t be glued to each other. Once Rudo completed his daily training, he would start searching the places he knew he would be at, so, Follo unintentionally started this cat-and-mouse game of going into hiding for as long as he could.
Today he wound up taking refuge in the Cleaner’s common room. Inside, a familiar crew had already gathered. The usual group of men playing friendly poker, another kind of training they said. The shuffling of cards and their hushed noises almost sent him to dream land. Sleep was not an option though, he had to remain vigilant.
The moment he heard thunderous footsteps approaching, he knew his extra quiet time was going to end. That unmistakable rhythm. The sound was way too loud, the breathing way too heavy. The monster was on his trail. This might be bad.
Instead of staying put, pretending nothing was amiss, Follo chose the complicated route. He scanned the room with a calculating glance and plotted a bold escape. A daring move.
“If he asks, you haven’t seen me!”
Two seconds later, the door was forcefully opened.
“HAS ANYONE SEEN HIM?” The monster roared; voice angrier than usual.
“AAAAANNH? OH?! HHHA HA HA!! Funny story! Come here, take a seat.”
“I don’t have all day, hurry up and spill!” He approached the men at the table.
“So, listen,” Enjin began, casually dragging on his cigarette, “he was here a moment ago. Then all of a sudden, he freaked out?? The look on his face was hilarious by the way, ha ha!” The blond answered the question idly, clearly enjoying messing with Rudo. “Aaanyway, he hid behind the door you just opened, and skillfully slid past you as you walked in.”
Rudo's eyes widened, they were bigger than the game cards. “WHAT?! ENJIN YOU–”
“If you hurry, you might catch him, pff HA HA HA.”
The boy bolted from his chair. There was no time to waste.
And that’s how Follo found himself in the current predicament. Racing down the hallway, heart pounding, his boyfriend chasing him with an angry look on his face. His tall legs were fast, but Rudo was faster.
“OUGH, GIMMIE A BREAK!!” Follo shouted, exasperated.
“STOP RUNNING! WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?!” Rudo’s voice echoed through the corridor.
From you, obviously!
In Follo's frantic rush out of the building, they crossed paths with Amo and Fu. Oh no.
“FU! GRAB HIM!!” Rudo commanded.
“As you order!” Fu replied, instantly pivoting from the spot. In one swift motion, he jumped Follo, looming over him in a firm blockade.
“Gaaah!”
“G-gently, Fu, don’t squash him.”
Pinned by Fu's frame, Follo struggled feebly. His eyes landed on a passing by Zanka.
“Zanka! Hnnnf… help!” he pleaded; his voice strained.
With disheveled hair, flushed cheeks and drenched in sweat, he was trapped by Fu’s steady grip. The latter appeared to be utterly satisfied with his position, while an agitated Rudo closed in, wearing an expression on his face Zanka did not want to deal with.
“Nnnnope! ‘Am not gettin’ involved in your lovers’ quarrel. See ya!”
He executed a 180-degree turn, leaving Follo to his fate.
“What might you be doing?”
“Ah, Amo! Can you use that smell of yours that makes people listen to you and make Follo listen to me?”
With a kind smile on her lips, she shook her head. “It’s not nice to force people do something they don’t want to, Rudo. Amo has to refuse. Fu, leave those two alone and let’s continue Amo’s training.”
“Yes ma’am!”
Seizing the moment, Rudo grabbed his hand, dragging Follo back to his room. Once inside, he locked the door behind them—something he rarely did—and tucked the key away into his trouser pocket. Follo hardly had a chance to process the move before Rudo pinned him against the wall, leaving no room for another escape.
“Explain yourself!” Rudo demanded, his voice a mix of frustration and concern.
“H-how about a shower f-first?” he stammered, attempting to deflect the conversation.
“FOLLO!”
“Ugh…”
“I am not attempting anything like that! Not like this, not until you tell me what’s wrong. You know I wouldn’t.”
“Right, uh, sorry…”
“Seriously, it’s like you’re avoiding me lately or something. Wait… Is that what you’ve doing?” Rudo's entire demeanor deflated. Follo felt his heart tighten at the sight. He could almost sense the turbulent thoughts racing through his mind. His reluctance was manifesting in a high-stakes standoff, all because he couldn’t man up and say what was bothering him.
He took a deep breath, having figured it out since it started.
“It’s not that I don’t want to be close to you.” He was searching for the right words. “It’s just… this level of affection can be overwhelming at times. I can’t really process it…” He paused, contemplating how to better convey it. It was now or never. “Sometimes I feel like our desires are out of sync. I’m afraid I can’t keep up with what you want, and… that I won’t be able to give you what you want in the long run.”
A flicker of understanding crossed Rudo’s features.
“Sorry, I should’ve told you sooner. It’s not easy to pick the right timing.”
“No!! I’m sorry too,” Rudo replied earnestly, “I acted childish and have really been doing things without asking if you’re comfortable. I promise to try and find more common ground from now on. Please don’t run away from me next time.”
It was his turn to show commitment. He took Rudo’s gloved hands in his own, leaning in gently. He pressed a soft kiss on his lips, savoring the warmth that spread through him.
Follo pulled back slightly and rested his forehead against Rudo's. A quiet affirmation of their resolve.
“Pretty sure I already promised that.”
Rudo wrapped his arms around Follo, pulling him tightly into an embrace. “And I’ll make you promise it again.”
“You still stink after your training though, go shower.”
“How about a quick one, before–”
“Go shower already!” Follo insisted, a playful smirk breaking through.
Even if that door wasn’t locked, I wouldn’t leave you.
You know I wouldn’t.