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antimiya88 )
Part 3
Masaki was about to leave his apartment when his eyes fell on the small note he had left on the small table by the entrance. He had found it last night half placed under his door.
Tomorrow evening at 10pm I organize a small
party for my friend’s birthday in my apartment!
If free, I’d be happy to see you there, too!
Your neighbor,
Matsumoto Jun
Masaki still remembered how his heart rate had accelerated the moment he picked the note up. After those hours they had passed together when the other had offered to help despite having woken up rather violently, Masaki hadn’t heard of his neighbor. He had even started going to the gym in hope of seeing him, after he had heard that friend of his, Nino, talking about it but no luck. He had started thinking that the other may even avoid him and that he was the reason for it but from the small note he was looking at, it seemed that wasn’t the case.
A faint smile appeared on his face as he opened the door. He had decided to go to buy a good bottle of sake as a present. He had put on a pair of black sweatpants matched with a black comfy jacket and a pair of running shoes. He was too tired to even consider putting on something better.
He had just pressed the elevator button when he heard the door on his left opening. It’s him…
They looked at each other both freezing at each other’s presence. Seconds later there was a small beep sound heard. The elevator doors had closed and when Masaki checked he realized someone else had already taken it.
“It seems you lost it…” suddenly the other said in a low voice.
Masaki gulped when he realized how close this voice sounded to him. His neighbor was standing right next to him, their arms almost touching. He could smell a faint touch of a cologne? After shave balsam? Whatever it was, it smelled good. Or it seemed so because it was Matsumoto Jun the one wearing it.
“It’s ok…” he managed to mumble, “I’m not in a hurry.”
“Jogging?”
Masaki blinked, confused for several seconds. He then took a closer look at the other, realizing that he also was dressed in sport clothes. “You?”
“I decided to run a bit around the neighborhood.”
“Me too!” Masaki hurried to reply not even knowing for sure why he had said that.
“You like jogging?” the other asked rather surprised.
“It… helps clearing up your mind… doesn’t it?”
“Yes… it does…” To Masaki’s surprise his neighbor had sounded as hesitant as he had been. Could it be that the other was also nervous?
He gulped again. He usually wasn’t the brave kind of guy but he did have an invitation in his hands, didn’t he? “Would you… like to go together this evening?” he asked as he pressed the elevator button once again. “Since we met?”
“Sure… Why not?”
Masaki limited himself to only a shy smile. His heart was thumping inside… Finally, he’d pass some time with his neighbor. He felt lucky. Half an hour later though his feelings had turned into mixed. He could have never guessed when the other had talked of jogging that he meant running until you’re out of breath. Masaki was panting, breathing heavily and sweating like crazy. He tried his best to keep up with the other but when he felt a sharp pain at the right side of his lower belly, he inevitably had to stop.
He leaned against the wall, pressing his hand on the point of pain. It was a few meters away that the other realized Masaki wasn’t following.
“Sorry… I… didn’t…” Masaki whispered with difficulty just to be cut off by Jun.
“Don’t apologize! Please! I’ll go and get you some water!”
Before Masaki could even speak, he saw him heading to the small konbini that was at the corner. Five minutes later, he was coming back holding a small bottle of water.
“I’m used to running fast… Didn’t realize I was putting so much pressure on you…”
“No… It wasn’t that fast…” Masaki said once he had drunk some of the water. “It’s just that… I usually… advance progressively…”
“I’m sor-”
“Please, don’t apologize! It was me who miscalculated my power! I’m already feeling better now! Don’t worry!” Masaki replied with a smile before handing the bottle to Jun. “Here. Drink that. I’m ok!”
The other seemed to hesitate for a second before he took it and drank the rest of the water.
They started walking back to the apartment. Masaki didn’t know what to say… Why did he always have to be this awkward when he was with someone he liked?! The silence was becoming unbearable and that was making him even more nervous.
It was only once they reached their floor that he found the courage to thank Jun for the invitation to the party. To his surprise, the other seemed confused.
“In…vitation?” Jun asked with a light frown appearing on his forehead.
Hearing that, it was Masaki’s turn to frown. “Didn’t you leave a small note under my door two days ago inviting me to the party you’re organizing for your friend’s birthday?”
“Ah! That invitation? Yes! Yes! I… just… wanted to be discreet…”
Masaki smiled relaxing a bit. “I will be there, Jun,” he said with a smile, hoping the other would notice how much he appreciated this gesture of his and how much he wanted to be at that party. “Have a nice rest of the evening!”
“You, too…” were the only words whispered by the other before entering in his apartment.
Masaki leaned against his door as he closed it behind him. He took in a deep breath before exhaling. The other had blushed a bit when he had admitted he had left the note… or was it just his imagination?
He bit his lower lip nervously. Well… the only sure thing was that the atmosphere always seemed kind of heavy when they were together.
“I guess tomorrow, it’s my chance to see if I’m imagining things or I really have a chance with him…” he whispered to himself and headed to the shower.
He had to sleep early and make sure he looked great. The next day was the day.
***
It was the day of the party and Masaki was standing for two hours in front of his mirror putting on different clothes but nothing could satisfy him.
“I need to look… cool…” he mumbled to himself sounding disappointed. “He always looks cool. I need to attract his attention.”
He picked up another shirt but nothing looked good enough in his eyes. He kept on for another hour but was still at zero point. He sighed throwing the clothes back in the closet in a messy pile. After lots of thinking he decided to go for shopping.
“I need to buy that bottle of sake anyway…” he whispered as he closed his apartment door, mostly to convince himself.
An hour later, he had arrived at the mall, checking out the different storefronts. “These look nice…” he mumbled seeing one of the mannequins at the fourth one. He entered inside ready to ask for a saleswoman’s help when with the corner of his eye noticed a familiar figure a few meters away. He gasped. It was him. Again. Why did he have to fall onto him all the time? He gulped. His neighbor was in front of the mirror while trying some new clothes. Masaki felt his throat getting dry. The dark greyish pair of jeans accentuated Jun’s legs beautifully while the red knit-jacket he was wearing on top along with the black shirt was making his skin whiter, creating a good balance with his black hair.
“This red burgundy jacket is as if made for you, sir,” were the saleswoman’s comments to Jun and Masaki couldn’t agree any less… because it really was.
“Everything looks as if made for him…” Masaki mumbled still mesmerized by the view. At some point, though, he realized that he had been standing in the middle of a shop staring like a creep. He didn’t want to be caught. Immediately turned around and left ignoring the “how can I help you” question that the young woman kept repeating. He bought an espresso to clear up his mind and focus on buying the clothes he had come at that mall for.
He entered another shop dedicated to men’s fashion and hurried to the first saleswoman he saw.
“How can I help you, sir?” she asked politely.
Masaki took a breath. “I need something… simple and… kind of sexy?” Maybe it was a bit straightforward but he had no more time to lose.
“Follow me. We’ll create the best look for you.”
He knew these clothes would cost quite a lot but tonight he was playing all for all. The clothes had just to follow the same path.
After several matches, he came out of the dressing room wearing an as-skinny-as-needed pair of black dress trousers. It was similar yet unlike every pair of trousers he had to go to work. It looks as if it’s custom… ized…? He wondered if he could use this word, but definitely, these trousers had a certain class. On top he was wearing a black shirt that felt as if it embraced his upper body like a second skin. It was soft and comfy, not that he could expect something less from a shirt that cost almost 20.000 yen. When he went to stand in front of the mirror, he realized that he looked… good.
“I knew the total black look would be the best. It accentuates the best way your slim figure and gives the impression of being even taller. If you want to make it a bit more stylish you can add this vest,” the saleswoman said as she gave him a black vest with a satin feel at the back. “It upgrades it giving off a note of sophistication,” she continued as she helped him to put it on. “I’m sure she’ll be left astonished!”
Masaki looked at his idol in the mirror and had to agree. He did look better like that. Nothing too much but definitely different from all the suits he used to wear at work or his comfy pullovers and sporting clothes he used to wear in his everyday life. These clothes accentuated his tall and skinny figure. The only thing he hoped was that this look worked for men the same way the saleswoman hinted for women… a specific man in particular.
“Could… uhm… could you tell me the total amount for this look?”
“Of course. It’s…” she had taken the calculator in hand pressing the numbers fast. “65.000 yen. The vest is on special sale of 10%.”
Masaki gulped. Indeed, these clothes were expensive… maybe too expensive for his wallet. He looked at himself once again. They were expensive but they made him look good… really good. He had to admit that.
“Ok… I… will buy them.”
“You did a great investment, today. I can assure you. You’ll be able to mix and match them however you want for other… special occasions!”
Masaki gave a little smile. I hope so…
---
Masaki sighed as he threw a quick glance at the bag he was carrying. Was it a wise choice to spend such a large amount of his monthly salary? Maybe not but when it came to love matters how could someone make wise choices?
He had never felt like this before. There was something about Matsumoto Jun’s aura that was attracting him… He wanted to try… In the past he hadn’t tried like this… But this was Tokyo, a new start for him. He was very nervous and still couldn’t come to do anything forward but at least, he’d make sure the other would receive the message. Masaki was determined to throw the ball into his court and let his neighbor play the way he wanted.
All this time, the other man was sending him confused messages. Sometimes, he’d get the feeling he was really interested and others, he’d be cold… almost typical. Masaki usually could read people, yet this Matsumoto Jun was a unique case; hot and cold in the same time and that frustrated him.
With these thoughts wandering in his mind, he reached home. He placed the bottle of sake carefully on the table close to the door and lined up his new clothes on his sofa to look at them one last time. He had to play it all… High risk… but it was worth it. At least, he’d know whether he had a chance or not.
***
It was 22:05 when he rang the bell. His heart was already beating unbearably fast. What would the other think of him when he met him? Would he notice? Would he like him in his new clothes? Would he say… something? Anything? At least, throw him a meaningful gaze? Tens of questions had filled up his mind only to be crushed down when he realized that it wasn’t Matsumoto Jun but his friend Nino the one who opened the door. He cleared his throat feeling uncomfortable when he realized the way the smaller man was checking him out from head to toe again and again with a playful smirk right before he let out a teasing whistle. Masaki’s mind may play with him but he was almost sure the other knew how much effort he had put into this look and the reason behind it. He tried to smile but was sure it came out weirdly, the least.
“Well, well, well… Look who’s here!”
Masaki knew the words were spoken in a bit too loud voice than necessary, most probably to gain Jun’s attention. The thought alone made his cheeks grow redder than necessary. He was still standing outside, as Nino’s body was blocking him from entering, leaning against the doorframe, his hands folded in front of his chest. The small figured man made no effort to move aside… as if he wanted Masaki to stay at his spot…
Masaki gulped when he saw Jun entering in the living room with a tray full of small bites of food in his hand. He couldn’t tell what it was but little did it matter. His eyes were locked on Jun who was dressed in those damn clothes he had seen him earlier that day wearing in the shop. From this close, he looked even sexier. He felt his mouth drying up… again. It seemed to be happening quite often when he met the other man, destabilizing him. To his pleasant surprise though the other seemed to have frozen in a similar way. Masaki noticed how Jun’s mouth was left half open as he roamed his eyes all over him. He could tell and that made his heart jump funnily in his chest. Maybe all that money he had spent was worth it after all.
After several seconds, that seemed like an eternity to Masaki, the other left the tray on the table that was a few centimeters away and walked towards him. “Welcome.”
Masaki managed to smile. His cheeks felt as if set on fire and they probably looked like it but tried to ignore it. He’d only make things worse. “Thank you for inviting me.” He was hoping the other would say something… anything… but no word came out of his mouth… a nerve-breaking silence filling up the air. Masaki could almost hear his heart that was thumping in his chest ready to jump out.
“It’s about time that Satoshi will arrive… This is supposed to be a surprise party, shouldn’t we close the door?”
Masaki frowned for a second before he realized it was the other friend of Jun who had spoken.
“Ah! Yes. You’re right, Sho,” Jun replied throwing a quick glance to his friend over his shoulder before he made a small nod at Masaki “Come.”
Masaki did, as asked, with a little frown. Why would the other not look him in the eye while saying the last word?
“We also need to turn the lights off!” Jun commented as he hurried to move away from Masaki’s side… At least, that’s what Masaki felt… He lowered his head and sighed disappointed. If the other didn’t want to spend a single second close to him then why had he called him to this party? It didn’t make any sense…
“Many things are not what they seem to be…” Suddenly someone whispered close to his ear. Masaki frowned. Nino… “And a small piece of advice… Stop overthinking… Sometimes it’s simpler than you may fear…” He was staring at Jun as Nino told him the last phrases. He was moving around the room purposelessly, rearranging the pillows of his sofa again and again. seemed rather… nervous… He turned to his left just to see the small figured man smiling at him with his signature, from what it seemed, smirk right before a quick wink.
Maybe he’s right… Maybe I’m overthinking…
Ten minutes later, the door bell rang. Ohno Satoshi had arrived. The minute the surprise was over, Nino had thrown his arms around his boyfriend’s waist, not losing a minute to pull the latter close to him and lead him to a passionate kiss. Masaki cleared his throat suddenly feeling awkward. He heard sighs realizing it was Sho and Jun. They didn’t seem surprised from the couple’s… effusive… behavior.
Masaki tried not to pay attention but a part of him felt jealous of them. They seemed genuinely in love and not afraid to show it. That alone was impressive and in its own way admirable.
“Happy birthday, my teddy bear! I love you!” Nino whispered on Satoshi’s lips in the most serious and sweetest tone Masaki had ever heard him speak. He could tell Nino truly meant these words. His lips curved in a shy smile just to be faded away, followed by sigh… Deep inside, he wanted to hear these words, too… and by a specific someone… He turned around to find this someone, surprised to find him staring at him with an unreadable gaze. Their eyes remained locked only for a couple of seconds. As soon as Jun realized Masaki had caught him stare, he turned it towards the couple.
“Anyone interested in having a drink?”
“Yes!” Both Nino and Satoshi exclaimed happily, joining Jun to the table that had turned into a mini bar, their hands intertwined.
Maybe I’m overthinking… Masaki reminded himself and tried to remain optimistic but the more time passed by the more disappointed he felt. He also took a glace of wine and followed the rest of the men to the sofa. He sat at the corner, not feeling comfortable to go and sit next to Jun. The latter if he wanted, he could have come himself but he had chosen to sit next to Satoshi. Sho had made an effort and made some chit-chat with him but soon the conversation had more and more inside jokes… Masaki could tell it wasn’t done on purpose. Sho was not speaking much; it seemed alcohol was making him feel sleepy. Ohno Satoshi on the other hand kept talking about a certain fish he had caught the last time he went fishing and Nino never lost a chance to tease him, rolled up as he was on him, his thumb caressing his boyfriend’s palm. Jun seemed pretty interested in his friend’s story… and the hours went on.
Masaki felt out of place. The other would avoid him. He would be the furthest possible away from him. He would not talk to him. He wouldn’t even throw a single glance at him. Masaki’s grip on the glass he was holding tightened. Was there a reason for him to be there? He had thought there was… The previous day he had thought so… a few moments earlier when he saw the way Jun was staring at him had also thought so… but now, he didn’t. He went to the table to fill up his glass for the fourth time. He wasn’t a heavy drinker but this time, he needed it.
After what it seemed an eternity, the time for the cake came. Once it was over and everyone wished Ohno Satoshi happy birthday, he would finally be free to leave. He was standing a little behind the group of four, watching them as they sang ‘Happy birthday to you’. Yes… It was obvious that he had no place in that apartment. He wasn’t overthinking all this time… For the past few weeks, his imagination was playing tricks on him.
Sometimes we think something happens because we want it this much… Hope dies last… Well, now, I can tell…
He felt hot tears threatening to fill up his eyes but blinked them away. He had no right to ruin the party… not because he had thought he had a chance. It was him the one imagining things, and he was alone the one at fault. He looked at the glass of wine in his hand and drank it in one go.
As Jun went back to the kitchen to cut it into slices, he left his empty glass on the table and went to Ohno. It was his chance to escape from there without coming across the man who had been torturing his mind all this time.
He tried his best to smile. “Happy Birthday, Ohno-san. I wish you the best. I… I’ll be going, now,” and with that turned around to leave. He had made a couple of steps towards the door when he felt a grip around his left wrist. Frowning he turned his head over his shoulder to see no one else but Matsumoto Jun.
“You didn’t have any cake…”
Masaki let out a muffled laugh… or was it a short sob? “I don’t like cake… It’s ok…” Masaki whispered, trying desperately to keep his voice steady… the steadiest he could at his state.
“Ok… don’t have cake… but… why are you leaving? I mean-”
Was the other kidding him? Or was he enjoying this? There was no way he hadn’t realized how he felt… “The real question must be why I should stay!” The words came out louder than he expected and certainly accusing. He felt anger crawling inside him and the alcohol that was running through his veins wasn’t helping much. He kept staring deeply into Jun’s eyes without noticing how the entire room had frozen. Masaki was breathing fast and heavily. “I don’t know anymore… You invited me to come to this party. I mention it… you’ve forgotten…” The tears were coming back with more force than before, making it more difficult for Masaki to hold them back. “You… confuse me… You and your hot and cold treatment. You always make me believe… things… and then… somehow you take them away… Are you enjoying this so much? Do you like seeing me like this?”
“No… I…”
“You’ve been driving me crazy, you-”
“You, too…” the other cut him off.
The two words reached Masaki’s ears like a whisper, making him frown even more. “Wh… what?”
Behind him, somewhere, a door opening and closing can be heard, but he doesn’t pay attention. He couldn’t when he could feel Jun’s hot breath landing so close to his lips. When had the other come to stand this close to him?
“You’re driving me crazy, too…” the words were spoken again… this time in a lower voice, more certain and in the same time heavier…, taking Masaki’s breath away. He was left astonished.
Masaki’s breath turned heavier. Could it be that he’s fantasizing things again? “But you avoid me…” he whispered as his eyes fell on the plump lips he craved to feel against his.
“It’s you the one who’s been making me behave like that… and I hate it. I hate myself for it but being close to you… it… makes me unable to control myself…” Masaki was too mesmerized to notice how Jun’s eyes had become hazed, focused as they were on his parted lips. “It’s your fault… It’s you…”
The last words came out in a trembling whisper right before in a fast, determined move he was grabbed by his waist, pulled up to the other with force, their bodies attached to one another before he felt something hot and wet against his lips, claiming them hungrily. He could only moan… Was Matsumoto Jun kissing him for real?
TO BE CONTINUED…
A.N. Sooo minna here’s chapter 3! ^_^ I don’t know how many of you are still following this story but our Masaki had it enough. He tried to overcome his shyness so many times yet Jun only sent him confused messages. He spoke up, thanks to the alcohol, and Jun couldn’t control himself anymore… *whispers* How could he? ;)
I know there’s a cliff at the end but couldn’t help it! xP You’ll find out more in the next part! ;D
p.s. I don’t know for sure if I’ll be able to post next week. It will depend on where I’ll be and whether I’ll have my PC or not! ><
I really hope you enjoyed it and as always, your comments, even the shortest ones, are <333!!!
See you soon,
Andy ^_^
accomplished