Work Text:
“I can’t believe I’m paying for your lunch.”
Okuto glared at Kana as she handed the waiter her debit card.
“I told you I didn’t have any money,” he hissed, his cheeks hot from the very loud comment his sister made. “You insisted on going out for lunch.”
“Did I?” She hummed and tapped her chin.
“You did!!”
Ever since Okuto moved out to begin his university life, his sister had tried to find ways to spend time together. She would deny it, but Okuto knew her well enough. After all, they were only three years apart, so it was easy to catch onto her little mannerisms. She would constantly send him memes or videos, calling him to purposely piss him off, or in rare moments when she wasn’t swapped with her own university work, visit him out in the city.
But being the younger sister came with the obligation to humiliate him in public. Specifically, when she invited him out to eat and made it very obvious she was the youngest and paid for their meal because he was currently unemployed and broke.
“I should have learned my lesson by now,” he mumbled.
“Mom and dad are worried.” She swirled her drink with the straw. “They keep debating whether to send you money or not.”
He sighed. It was difficult to find a job when he was a full-time student and in a laboratory. Sure, he could sacrifice the most obvious one, but he liked his mentor, and he knew all the information he was learning was invaluable.
Which led him to his biggest dilemma: unemployment.
Suddenly, she took out her phone and showed him a screenshot. “My friend’s sister goes to your university and posted this on her Insta yesterday.”
“An art class?” He took her phone to read it.
“Yup! Apparently, they’re looking for a model to do poses for three hours two times a week, and they’re paying.”
He eyed her. “Why are you telling me this?”
She snatched her phone. “Because, idiot, I want you to stop worrying about money.”
He smiled. “I knew you cared.”
She rolled her eyes, but it was obvious she was trying to bite back a smile.
✐ᝰ
He followed the directions on the flyer and eventually found the art building. It was hidden in the back of the university, and it looked a little run down, but the courtyard was lively. He slowly made his way to the second floor before tentatively knocking on the door of what looked like an empty classroom.
“Hello?”
“Oh, hi!”
When he finally stepped in, a young woman around his age was sitting in one of the chairs. Actually, now that he looked at it, there were several chairs circling around a platform. It wasn’t difficult to guess where the model was going to be standing.
Hopefully, it’d be him. Money was money and at this point, he was desperate.
“You’re here for…?” she asked, putting down her sketchbook and pencil.
“Uh, right.” He showed her the flyer on his phone. “I wanted to ask about the modeling position.”
“Ah!” She jumped to her feet. “Thank goodness someone’s interested! The course requires a model, and the class would be canceled if we don’t fill the role.” She grabbed one of the extra chairs and placed it in the middle of the platform. “Ah, I’m so sorry! I’m Hifumi Kawamura. I’m the professor.” She bowed.
“Okuto Nakamura.” He returned the gesture and gripped the strap of his bag. Was there an interview??
“You’re the only one who’s responded to my flyer, but I still want to make sure you fit the requirement.” She sat back down and opened her book to a blank page. “Do you know what the position is about?”
He winced. “No…”
She smiled. “It’s alright! This is a Figure Drawing course, and the model will be doing various poses for three hours. There will be breaks in between, but the poses range from easy to difficult. There will be cases where I’ll be asking you to be partially nude.”
He choked, and his face erupted in a dark flush.
Kawamura nearly matched it. “I-I know it sounds crude, but I'd rather be direct than you finding out mid-lecture.”
He wondered if Kana knew, and he suddenly had to stop himself from calling her then and there to yell at her because she would do something like this.
“How nude?” he squeaked.
“Oh, um, well…” She fiddled with her pencil. “There will be times you’ll only wear shorts, or you’ll be shirtless.”
He wanted to cry.
“How much…will I be paid?” He cringed. This was the worst part!!! He was either going to walk out, knowing he was Kawamura’s last saving grace, or forced to push aside his discomfort at showing some skin for money.
“5,686 yen per hour.”
Suddenly, being partially nude didn’t sound so bad.
Internally, he jumped and screamed in joy, already thinking about all the things he could finally buy and pay off. Externally, he slowly nodded and asked, “And if I want the position?”
“There’s no interview process, but I would like to see a demonstration.” She pointed to the front of the classroom where a door was. “It’s our changing room. There’s several clothes all labeled in different bins. Can you change to Bin B, please?”
He shakily exhaled. He needed a job, and it was rather convenient that the gig was on campus. He wouldn’t have to worry about travel expenses.
“O-Okay.”
✐ᝰ
The shirt was a short-sleeve and very form fitting, showing the shape of his chest and abs. The shorts stopped around his upper thighs. He tried his best not to come out with his arms wrapped around himself. When he re-entered the classroom, the main door was closed, and it was only Kawamura with her sketchbook and pencil at the ready. He must have made some kind of noise because she quickly turned to him.
Her eyes widened, and her face bloomed into a dark red.
“Oh dear…” she whispered before clearing her throat. “If you can sit…?” She gestured to the chair in the middle of the platform.
He nodded and slowly made his way over. It was a stool, so it was uncomfortable to find a position.
“I can assure you it won’t always be a stool,” she giggled. She must have seen some of the faces he was making.
“No-No worries!” At the end, he rigidly sat. “What…do I do?”
She hummed and squinted. “Try relaxing a little bit.”
He took in a deep breath and slowly released the tension in his body. “Like this?”
“Yes! Now, you need to hold that exact same position for thirty minutes. Are you ready?”
He really had no choice. The pay was so worth it. “Yeah.”
✐ᝰ
Thirty minutes turned into an hour in which Kawamura made him do several poses. By the end of the session, she had a sketchbook full of him in different positions and angles, and his body was sore. She bowed multiple times in apology, stating she lost track of time because of the surge of inspiration, but she reassured him that he undoubtedly, a hundred percent, got the job.
He was no longer unemployed!!!
He was on a high of happiness for a full day until Kawamura sent him a text with his schedule. He was going to have to do poses in front of several people, and whether he was fully clothed or not, he would have no choice if he wanted to keep his job. He was barely able to keep it together in front of Kawamura. How was he going to do it in front of a whole class???
Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to come to terms with what he signed up for because his first shift was a few days after. He got to the class an hour before, and when he saw Kawamura setting everything up, his stomach twisted with nerves.
It was really happening!!
“Nakamura! I wasn’t expecting you to be here so early.” She smiled. “How are you feeling?”
Like he was about to throw up.
“I’m okay,” he mumbled. “I saw I’m going to be doing a mix of short and medium poses?”
“Oh, yes!” Kawamura gestured for him to follow her to the changing room. “You can leave your belongings here.” Once he put his stuff down, she said, “Short and medium poses are meant to be an introductory practice for the students. Today is the first day so giving them a bit of a glimpse of what’s to be expected is the perfect way to help them decide whether the class is right for them or not.”
She went back to the classroom, and he trailed close behind. “It’s also meant to be an introductory practice for you.” She placed the stool in the middle of the platform. “Short poses are meant to be quick. Think of…sketches! The students are expected to get the shape of the body and action instead of the details. I might ask you to do jumping jacks or talk with hand gestures.”
He was already sweating.
“Medium poses are a little more difficult,” she continued. “We’re only going to do one for today, and it’ll be an hour of holding one pose.”
He almost massaged his shoulders. Kawamura had asked him to do a pose holding his hands above his head for about thirty minutes. It was as intense and grueling as his workout sessions.
“Don’t worry!” She must have seen his haunted look. “It’ll be a sitting pose, and you’ll be holding a book like you’re reading.”
It didn’t sound so bad.
Until the door opened, and the first student walked in.
“Good luck,” whispered Kawamura before she went to greet the new person.
As more people entered, the more Okuto felt like he was close to passing out. He was a wallflower by nature!! Extremely shy!! He was not a social person. Why was he doing this again?? The pay, he had to remind himself, the pay was good.
His gaze focused on the door, trying to gauge if more people were going to enter, when a young man walked in. He had curly chestnut hair and sunkissed skin. His eyes were wide and curious. A smile was already on his face, and Okuto—
He was in love.
His face exploded in a blush so hot, he worried steam was going to come out of his ears.
The man with the chestnut hair chose to sit right in front of the platform, and Okuto didn’t know whether he was going to be able to focus when he had to do the poses. He was so cute!!
“I think that’s everybody…” Kawamura stood in front of the classroom, and Okuto tried to hide in the back, but she gestured for him to stand next to her. “Good afternoon! I’m Hifumi Kawamura, and as you may all know, this is a Figure Drawing course. It means we’re going to have a live model for all of our sessions.” She took a step back and all eyes were on him.
He swallowed, and his gaze gravitated to the man with chestnut hair.
He was staring at him!!!
“M-My name is Okuto Nakamura,” he whispered. He quickly bowed. “Nice to meet you!”
“Before we begin with our first drawing session,” said Kawamura, “we’re going to do a little bit of an icebreaker.”
Okuto cringed. What was the point of icebreakers anyway?? It wasn’t like they were going to remember anything about each other!!!
“Let’s go around and say your name, your major, and why you chose to take the course.”
Okuto tuned out everyone until it was the man with the chestnut hair’s turn.
“Hi!” Even his voice was as beautiful as his looks!!! “My name is Aiki Hirose. Nice to meet you all.” He smiled and, wow, he was so full of life. “I’m majoring in education, but I figured why not learn how to draw people, something super easy, right?” A few people chuckled, and Okuto knew he was the type of person people were naturally drawn to. “Anyways, super excited for the semester.”
“Thank you, Hirose.” Kawamura turned to him. “And finally, our model!”
“Uh…” He cleared his throat. “My name is Okuto Nakamura, er—you already knew that…” He wanted to dig a hole and die.
Before he could continue, someone giggled. It was quiet, and it cut off just as quickly, but Okuto was able to pinpoint the source.
It was Hirose who was biting his lip, but there was an undeniable grin on his face.
“I’m majoring in marine biology,” he said, voice faint as he couldn’t stop staring at Hirose’s grinning face.
“Thank you, Nakamura! Who’s ready to start sketching?”
They were going to draw already???
Several people took out varying sizes of books ranging from pocket sized to nearly covering their whole lap. Chairs were scraped against the floor, the students probably trying to get the best angle to see him, and finally Kawamura gestured to the stool.
He almost tripped while getting to it, but before he could sit down, she said, “We’re going to start off easy. Nakamura, may you do different hand gestures?”
Suddenly, he forgot what hand gestures were supposed to look like!!!
His gaze flickered around the classroom, and he began to feel faint when he noticed everyone was staring at him. Maybe he could still back out?? No, he couldn’t. It was too late for him!!! Damn it!!!
His gaze locked with Hirose’s, who was looking at him with stars in his eyes, and Okuto’s eyes widened.
Immediately sobering up, Okuto started to move his hands around, gesturing this way and that, and even when the sound of pencil scraping against paper began to irritate him, the occasional cough reminded him of where he was, or the millisecond awkwardness he would feel when he didn’t know what gesture to do next, Okuto stayed if it meant Hirose would keep staring at him with awe-filled eyes every time he looked up to sketch him.
And the money, of course, but mostly Hirose.
✐ᝰ
Okuto stretched his arms the moment Kawamura called for the end of class. Several students were doing much the same as him, but he was sure none would wake up tomorrow as sore and tired. He slowly walked to the changing room to grab his bag, and right as he stepped out, Kawamura was already bowing.
“Eh, um!! Wh-What?!” He blushed, waving his hands in panic.
“Thank you, Nakamura. Without you, my class would have been pulled out of the roster.” She stood up and handed him a form. “Please go to the department’s office so they could set you up with a direct deposit.”
“Oh, um…thanks,” he mumbled, grabbing the form and bowing.
She waved goodbye and as he made his way down the hall, he glanced this way and that hoping to catch a glimpse of the one who unknowingly stole his heart.
“Nakamura, right?”
He yelped, his soul nearly leaving his body, before turning around to see none other than a smiling Hirose.
“You were really cool!!” He closed his eyes and frowned. “I would never be able to stay as still as you.” He opened his eyes and smiled. “I can’t stay still for a long time.”
“Oh.” Okuto wanted to pull his hair out. Oh?!?!?! Oh!!!!! Come on, say something else!!! “Thanks…?”
He wanted to fall on his knees and cry.
“No problem!!!” Hirose went to stand next to him. “Where you heading to? Maybe we’re walking in the same direction!”
“The, uh, science building.”
Hirose grinned. “Awesome! I’m walking the same way.”
Without saying anything else, Hirose and Okuto fell into step. Okuto gripped the strap of his bag. Was this really happening??? Did he pass out at some point during class?? Was he dreaming??? If so, he didn’t want to wake up.
“You weren’t kidding about being a marine bio major.”
Okuto snapped to attention. Hirose was looking at him with the same awe shining in his eyes. Was he really impressed by it??? He nearly puffed out his chest in pride.
Feeling a surge of confidence, Okuto spoke with a high pitch of excitement. “I’ve always loved octopi since I was a kid!! I want to study them in their natural habitat.”
“So cool!!!” Hirose stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Being a teacher was never a career goal of mine, not until high school.” He kicked a pebble. “My homeroom teacher was my inspiration. He was awesome.” He blushed, and his eyes were glued to the ground.
Okuto, who has experience being gay for 22 years, knew the look fairly well.
Was Hirose gay???
Okuto decided not to mention the obvious shyness Hirose was experiencing. Maybe another time he would try to figure out a way to get an answer. For now, he realized what an opportunity it was to have the attention of the most beautiful man on the planet. He wasn’t about to waste it!! “More realistic than what inspired me. It was a cartoon of a talking octopus.”
Hirose snorted and bumped his shoulder with his. “Really??? Did you think octopuses talked??”
“Octopi,” he automatically corrected, and he nearly stumbled. Oh no!!! Why did he do that?!?! Now, Hirose was going to find him annoying, and weird, and—
“Oops!” Hirose giggled, his cheeks turning a light pink. “My bad! Octopi.” He hummed. “I didn’t think octopuses had an official government name.”
Okuto, caught off guard at the ease in which Hirose not only accepted his correction, but didn’t call him out for being weird, couldn’t help but chuckle. “Government name, huh?”
“Let me see…is there a government name for teacher?” Hirose tapped his chin, and Okuto actually laughed.
Hirose was…so easy to talk to.
Okuto really was in love.
✐ᝰ
It’s been a few weeks since Okuto became a life model. While the hours were very little, the pay was enough to keep his head well above water. He was starting to get the hang of moving around for nearly two hours and staying still for one. It was a workout in itself, so he had to cut back his daily exercises. He didn’t want to be too sore because he would feel tired, and if he was tired, he wouldn’t be able to enjoy discreetly casting glances at Hirose throughout the class period.
Hirose was always watching him, which—it was obvious as to why considering Okuto was the one person the students came to observe and draw, but something in his gaze always left a fluttering sensation in his stomach. It was as if Hirose rarely looked down at his sketch pad and simply…stared.
What made things even better was they began to walk together after class. At the beginning, it was always Hirose initiating the conversation, and at some point, Okuto began to follow his lead. He wasn’t used to talking to others. He was horribly shy and awkward when it came to social interactions, but Hirose had a knack to make him feel included and seen. He had a way of navigating conversations that was easy for Okuto to contribute his own opinion or two which always evolved into a full blown hours long conversation.
Eventually, it was Hirose who asked for his number, and Okuto had screamed into his pillow that same night, chatting Icchan’s non-existent ears off about the pretty man who had willingly given his number.
“Today we’re switching it up a bit!”
Okuto blinked, breaking away from his thoughts. That’s right. According to the schedule, Kawamura was going to introduce long poses which was fine and dandy if it wasn’t for the fact he was going to have to wear nothing but shorts for today’s class.
He had been dreading the day ever since Kawamura explained what he was going to do, but…
Suck it up, Okuto!!! Money was money, and Hirose…would he enjoy it???
He could see it now…
“Nakamura, I didn’t know you were hiding so much underneath your clothes.” Hirose blushed, twiddling his thumbs. He glanced at him before looking away. “You think you can…carry my things for me? It can get a bit heavy.”
Okuto grinned and not only grabbed Hirose’s bag, but he hoisted the man in his arms as well.
“I don’t want you getting tired,” he purred and easily pulled Hirose closer.
He heard him gasp before arms encircled around his neck. “Na-Nakamura…you’re so strong.”
He huffed. “Of course. As long as I’m by your side, you don’t have to worry about walking ever again. I’ll carry you wherever you want to go.”
“Oh.” Hirose hid his face against his neck. “I’m in your care…Okuto.”
He giggled. Yes!!! It will happen!!!!
“Our model will be doing a long pose.” She nodded at him, and he took it as a cue to go change.
As he folded his clothes in the changing room and grabbed the shorts in Bin A, he began to tremble. He wasn’t one to show off his body. Not even in the gym!! He always wore sweat pants and a sweater. Now, however, he was about to show off more than he ever had.
There was a knock on the door and a soft, “Nakamura? Are you ready?”
He shakily exhaled. “Ye-Yeah.”
He finally stepped out and several gasps echoed in the room. He kept his head ducked and had to force his arms to stay by his side.
He stepped on the platform with Kawamura, and it was only then did he notice there was no stool.
“Ah, today, you’re going to be sitting on the floor,” she explained, her glasses foggy, and her cheeks a dark red. “I’ll instruct you on what pose to do.”
Okay, maybe she was going to ask him to keep his head down. Which was good, right??? He couldn’t even imagine looking Hirose in the eye. His heart would surely crawl out of his throat if he did!!!
“Okay, um, so sit right here. Yes, perfect. Now turn this way.” He did so, all the while keeping his head down. “Stop there—good! Alright, uh, so you’re going to have to pull your knee close to your chest—stop and keep it there. Awesome. Now, place your elbow on your knee and, ah, Nakamura, can you pick up your head?”
His eyes widened. He could do this!!!
He looked up and—
He was sitting right in front of Hirose whose eyes were wide, lips parted, and sunkissed skin was tinted a dark red.
He froze and nearly missed what Kawamura said next.
“Place your elbow on your knee…Nakamura?”
“Ye-Yes?!” he squeaked, face hot, and palms clammy.
She glanced between him and Hirose then slowly smiled.
“I asked if you can place your elbow on your knee, so your palm can cup your chin?”
He nodded quickly and did just that, tilting his face down.
“Ah, no, Nakamura.” She pointed at Hirose. “Please look in that direction.”
He swallowed and shifted, so he was staring directly at Hirose.
“Perfect! Now lean forward just a bit and—stop!! Next, stretch out your other leg and place your other hand on your lap—perfect, don’t move!!!” She addressed the class. “I want you all to focus on his body. The muscles flexing under his skin, the tension between his shoulder blades, the curves of his fingers, every single little detail.”
He got redder and redder. He could feel the blush spreading down his chest and to the back of his neck. He could glance to the left, right, up, or down, but treacherously his mind and heart commanded him to stare right into doe brown eyes.
“You may begin now.”
The sound of pencil against paper filled the space, but Okuto noticed Hirose had yet to move. He was hardly even blinking!! Suddenly, his pencil fell from his hand.
The sound snapped Hirose into action.
“Sorry, sorry!” he mumbled when a few of his classmates glanced at him.
From so up close, Okuto could see a very obvious blush, and as time went on, he couldn’t help but notice another thing.
Hirose hardly even sketched.
He looked right at him the whole time.
✐ᝰ
For three hours, Okuto kept the same position with two twenty minute breaks in between. By the end of the class, he had to slowly unwind, letting go of the tension in his body as he slowly exhaled. Forgetting where he was and only focused on easing the soreness, he stretched until he felt his body completely droop.
He nearly flinched once he noticed everyone staring at him.
He squeaked and hurriedly made his way to the changing room to switch clothes. Ah, finally!!! A loose fitting shirt with jeans, and a jacket on top. Perfect. He lingered longer than usual in the changing room, waiting until he knew for certain everyone had left. He peeked his head out the door and saw Kawamura arranging the seats and…
Hirose?!
He was rocking on his heels, looking at the paintings and drawings on the walls, and Okuto swallowed. He was probably waiting for them to walk together. He slowly inhaled then exhaled and finally stepped out of the room.
Kawamura perked up once she spotted him.
“You did a great job today!”
Hirose snapped his head in his direction, and a flush returned to his face. He quickly went back to looking at the art hung on the wall with his hands in his pockets.
“How’re you feeling?” asked Kawamura, grabbing her bag and supplies.
“I’m okay,” he whispered, feeling shy all of a sudden. “It’s, um, definitely a workout.”
She hummed. “Yes, it certainly is.” She glanced over at Hirose who firmly kept his back to them. “I’ll head out. There’s no class after this one so take your time.” As she passed Hirose, she gave him a quick goodbye in which he returned in stutters.
When it was finally them, the quiet between them was driving Okuto insane. What was going on?!?!
He swallowed. “Hir—”
“Did you,” Hirose glanced at him, “enjoy it?”
Okuto’s eyebrows furrowed. “Um, no. I-I’m not used to, uh, showing…” He didn’t want to acknowledge what he had to do. How embarrassing!!! Instead, he blushed.
Hirose sighed, and Okuto almost asked him if he did something wrong when a smile slowly spread across his face.
Hirose laughed, breathless, and rubbed the back of his head. “Really? Ahh, I was so worried for a sec!!” He walked over and slapped his shoulder. “I’m happy to hear it!!!”
Okuto tried to follow what Hirose was saying, but he was lost. “What do you mean?”
Hirose laughed again, averting his gaze completely. “I thought you were enjoying the attention.” He mumbled, “I’m glad you didn’t.”
“Why?” he blurted out. He was staring directly at Hirose, willing him to finally look at him because if he looked so flustered, so shy, then it must mean—
He shrugged and took a few steps ahead. “No reason!! Ready to walk??” He grinned, his blush still very much present, and it was obvious he didn’t want to revisit the topic.
“…yeah.”
As they walked together, Okuto knew he wasn’t about to forget what happened.
Maybe…he had a chance?
✐ᝰ
“He definitely likes you.” Kana obnoxiously slurped her drink.
He cringed at the sound and gritted his teeth, glaring daggers as she grinned. His sister surprised him during the weekend with a visit, and though he did appreciate the random visits, sometimes he would forget how annoying she could be.
“Seriously though.” She crossed her arms on the table. “Walk me through what happened.”
“Again?” he whined but immediately began retelling the story when her eyes flashed with annoyance. “We were walking to the science building, and we talked until thirty minutes before my class started, like we usually do.”
“Wait. What time’s the art class?”
“12.”
“And it ends at three, right?” He nodded. “Oookay, so, three hours between the time it ends and the time your evening class starts, which is at six, right?”
“Yeah…”
“It’s a lot of time to chit-chat.” She hummed. “What time’s his class?”
“It’s a night class.”
She guffawed. “Are you serious, you idiot?!”
“Keep your voice down!” he hissed, glancing around the restaurant. Thankfully, only a few turned around to look at them.
“So this Hirose dude spends nearly the whole day with you when he could literally be doing anything else.” She leaned back in her seat. “Tell me about yesterday.”
“You were the one who got distracted,” he mumbled, and she kicked him on the shin. He choked on his spit and rubbed the spot, glaring at her. He knew, though, she wasn’t going to let the topic go, so he said, “We were talking when he sat next to me.”
“Which didn’t happen before?”
“Yeah, it didn’t. We always sat across from each other, but this time, he was pressed up against me.” He blushed. He wanted to hide somewhere, but he knew he had no one else to tell this to. Maybe Icchan, but his beloved octopus could only offer so much wisdom. His sister, on the other hand, had first hand experience on how to handle his overthinking.
“He has to be gay.” She nodded with a pleased smile on her face. “Absolutely. He stinks of homosexual.”
He groaned and rubbed his face. “I think he is too, but I don’t know how to confirm it!”
“Ask him, duh.” She shrugged one of her shoulders and took another sip of her drink.
“It’s not that easy,” he whispered, pushing around his now cold food with his fork. “I can’t just go up to him and say, ‘Hey, Hirose! Are you gay?’”
“Oooooor,” she grinned and leaned in, “what if you test him?”
She had a glint in her eyes that had him leaning back. “Uh…”
She rolled her eyes and finally gave him some space. “You’ve been half naked for most of the class sessions, right?”
How did she know that?!?!
Before he could even stutter an answer, she continued, “Has he ever…hmm…acted jealous?”
“No—” He stopped.
Ever since the first time he posed with just shorts, there’s been several other occasions when he would wear tight fitting clothes, or he was shirtless, or he had to flex. And, weirdly enough, every single time they hung out after, Hirose was always so close to him—more than usual. One time, Hirose was so close to looping their arms together. And other times, their hands would even brush!!!
“I…”
Kana twirled her drink. “Do something that would definitely get him to act out.”
“I can’t do that.” He shook his head. “I don’t want him to get upset.”
“But what if it’s enough to push him to make a move first because, let’s face it,” she slurped her drink, “you’re never going to do it.”
He had to close his eyes to reign in his anger because she was right.
He didn’t agree with her plan, but he didn’t disagree either. For the rest of their lunch, they talked about other things, and by the end of the day, he was laying on his bed and staring at his ceiling, replaying what his sister told him.
“Just go for it, Nakamura,” he said out loud.
“You can do it.”
✐ᝰ
“Today’s the midterm and, as you all may know by now, we don’t do exams here.” The majority of the students laughed at Kawamura’s little quip, and she continued, “Instead, you’re going to be doing two long poses. Each will be an hour and a half long. Both poses will be chosen by our model, Nakamura.” She turned to him with a smile. “Want to head to the changing room to get ready?”
He nodded and diligently went to change. He had an idea on how to execute his plan. If it went well, then…
He would finally have his answer.
The outfit was a black sleeveless turtle neck, snug enough to show off his muscles, and tight black pants. He wasn’t as shy as before, so it was easier to ignore the obvious ogling from several of the students, but he could never ignore the stare Hirose always gave him. It never failed to make him feel weak in the knees, and his stomach tightened with both heat and nerves.
“Let me know when you’re ready,” said Kawamura as Okuto stood in the middle of the platform.
The last few times he had done poses, Kawamura tended to be the one directing him on what to do and where to look, and oftentimes he had the fortune of staring directly at Hirose or his general direction.
Now, however, he faced the other side of the room, the complete opposite of where Hirose was. He shakily exhaled and spread his legs, put both of his hands behind his head, and puffed out his chest. He tilted his head up and said, “Okay, I’m good.”
“Alright. Timer is on, so begin!”
The familiar sound of pencil scribbling over paper filled his ears, and though he usually focused on it as a way to help him zone out, there was an undeniable piercing and searing gaze right behind him. He knew who it was, and—could it mean that Hirose was…upset he wasn’t looking at him?
An hour and a half ticked by slowly, and by the time Kawamura called for a break, Okuto nearly collapsed on the floor. He only had time to drink a bit of water and stretch before she called for the next pose.
This time, he went on his knees and put both of his hands behind him, so he could hang his head back, his gaze set on the ceiling. He spread his knees wider and made sure to relax his back, so it wasn’t too arched. Instead of facing the complete opposite of Hirose, he intentionally put himself right in front of him, though he was still avoiding his gaze.
The hour and a half went by far quicker than the first, and it might have something to do with Okuto being acutely aware of the heated look he was receiving from the man sitting right in front of him.
“Time! Please turn your sketches to me otherwise you’ll be receiving a zero for the midterm.”
As everyone packed their belongings, Okuto slowly stood up, stretching until the tension left his body, but he still purposely avoided looking at Hirose. Now that everything was over, embarrassment and nerves hit him tenfold. How could he face him?!?!
He hurriedly made his way to the changing room and once he was in his regular clothes, the classroom was empty except for Kawamura.
His shoulders drooped. Ah, so he messed up, didn’t he?
“Good job, Nakamura.” Kawamura was carefully placing the papers in her bag. “You chose some…interesting poses.”
His face went hot, and he ducked his head. “Yeah…sorry.”
“Oh, no, no!! I’m not complaining. I actually enjoyed it.” She squeaked and shook her head. “Please don’t misunderstand! Clearly my opinion comes from an artistic standpoint!!! I was able to do a few sketches, so thank you.” She bowed, and he returned it.
After waving goodbye, he dragged his feet to the door. Kana was wrong. Hirose probably didn’t like him. He must have made him uncomfortable or something, right? Maybe he—
Someone gripped his arm and dragged him down the hall and into the boys restroom.
The door slammed shut, and Okuto was about ready to scream for help when he noticed it was Hirose.
“Oh, Hirose.” Okuto smiled. He didn’t leave!! Maybe things could be fixed after all!!! “Do you want to walk—”
“Okuto Nakamura.” His mouth snapped shut. Hirose’s eyes were narrowed, lips pressed firmly together, and his cheeks were flushed. “Do you think this is a game?”
Okuto blinked. “What…?”
Hirose marched up to him, but he was far shorter than him, so he was only able to reach his chest. He had to look up to maintain eye contact. “What you did during class. Was it a game to you??”
Not really, he wanted to say. More like a test. Instead, he said, “I-I was only doing poses.” It was an obvious lame excuse. He internally winced.
“You did it on purpose, didn’t you?!” Hirose groaned and covered his face with his hands. Suddenly, he jabbed a finger against his chest and glared. “Why? To get a reaction out of me?”
No, was what he wanted to say.
“Yes,” he ended up saying.
His eyes widened, and he slapped a hand over his mouth.
Hirose’s eyes widened too, then he clenched his jaw. “Why?” he nearly hissed.
“Why are you upset?” blurted Okuto. ‘Please tell me it’s what I think it is,’ he thought.
“I’ll tell you.” He stepped closer, nearly going toe-to-toe with him. “Because you were being a—” He worked his mouth around what he was trying to say. “A te—” He kept his glare up for a few more seconds before turning away with a pout. “A tease,” he grumbled and crossed his arms over his chest.
Somewhere in Okuto’s mind, he popped a bottle of champagne and began to praise all the gods in the universe.
Externally, the corners of his mouth quirked up. “Really?”
Hirose glanced at him then scowled once he saw his half-smile. “Yeah, really,” he mocked. “How could you do all of that with everyone watching you?!”
“It’s part of my job requirement.”
“Sure, it’s your job, but—!!” He groaned and covered his face once more. “Why do you have to be so hot and show it off?!”
“Do you…” Okuto paused and licked his lips, nervous but determined, and said, “Do you not want anyone else to see me?”
“No.”
It was sharp, immediate, and resolute.
There was no denying it now.
In a bold move, Okuto took a step closer to Hirose and whispered, “I don’t want anyone else seeing me either…”
Hirose looked at him for a long time, and Okuto tried to pour every ounce of his feelings to show on his face. He hoped he saw how much he had yearned for him in the past few months. How much he enjoyed their hour-long conversations, the videos Hirose would send him in the middle of the night about octopi. Every single time Okuto was with him, he felt a part of his soul heal from a vicious past that mocked him for who he was.
He had somehow finally found someone who chose to stay and get to know him. Hirose enjoyed his company as much as Okuto’s enjoyed his, and there were no words that could come close to expressing how he felt except for—
“I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you walk through the door,” he confessed, and his eyes widened. He slapped a hand over his mouth, and he stumbled back, his face hot. Oh nononono!!! Was that too soon?!?!?! Surely, it was, right?!
There was a snort then a laugh. Okuto didn’t know what it meant, but the answer was soon given to him by arms wrapping around his waist. Hirose’s head nestled against his chest and blissfully sighed.
“Good,” was all he said. “I love you too.”
Okuto froze. This was good, right???? He stiffly hugged him back before melting into the touch. He was nearly enveloping him, and Hirose giggled.
All of a sudden, Hirose pulled away and gripped him by the shoulders. “Seriously, though, don’t ever pose like that again.”
Okuto was still blushing, but the grin forming on his face was impossible to stop. “I need to get paid.”
“So? I’m sure Ms. Kawamura can understand.”
Okuto made a face. “Why are you calling her miss? She’s our age.”
“Unlike you, I have manners.” Hirose turned his nose up, but he cracked soon after, laughing.
Okuto laughed too, his body light, and his heart full.
Hirose lunged into his arms, and he caught him. He always will, if Hirose lets him.
“I’ve been wanting to do this for such a long time,” said Hirose, a confession pressed against his skin.
“Me too,” he whispered, breathing in his scent. He smelled like laundry detergent and melon.
Hirose grabbed his hand and tugged him out to the hallway.
“By the way, this,” he raised their interlocked hands, “means we’re boyfriends now.” Okuto gaped, but before he could say anything, Hirose continued, “It also means you can’t do any of those poses anymore.”
Oh, he wasn’t kidding.
“I think…I can talk to Kawamura and figure something out.” He bowed his head, a smile on his face, and his cheeks flushed. Was this really happening???? “We’re really boyfriends?”
“Of course!” He pressed against his side and whispered, “Okuto?”
“Hm?” He gazed at him and saw Hirose flashing him a cheeky smile.
“Can you show me those poses again but, um…” He averted his gaze and mumbled, “…in my apartment?”
Sirens blared in his mind, and he was screaming while running in circles. This was happening!!! Okay, okay, don’t freak out, Okuto!!! Just say yes with a really cool smirk.
“Ngnh, ye…ah?” he squeaked and choked.
Hirose grinned and began to pick up his pace. “Let’s go! The sooner, the better!!”
Okuto could skip today’s workout entirely.
✐ᝰ
“What the fuck do you want, idiot?”
Okuto sighed. He glanced at Hirose’s bedroom and saw Kana’s loud voice didn’t wake him.
“You were right,” he whispered.
The line went quiet, and he pulled his phone away to see if she hung up.
She cackled, “Of course I was!!! Oh, big brother, you owe me lunch big time!!!”
He wanted to say that the last time she came to visit, he paid, but he figured this time around he wouldn’t argue with her.
“Fine,” he said, but he smiled and hung up.
He carefully made his way back to Hirose and pulled him into his arms.
He would pay for all of her lunches in the foreseeable future, but she didn’t need to know that.