Author's Note: Thank you for all the kind reviews. I think it is one of my main motivation of early updates! Thank you for those users who made my story their favorites even though they do not review the story xD At least I know that they like it enough to make it as a favorite :) I will try to update once a day if you guys kindly review and tell me what you think about the chapter. It is always nice to get a good feedback as motivation to write.

And to those users who questioned, this scenario takes place during Nowaki's departure to America in volume 2 of the manga. It became an entirely different plot after the incident though. And I would probably ended the story as HirokiXNowaki and AkihikoXMisaki (just like the original manga) unless you guys wanted it to end differently, and I'll give it some time to think about it.

Please enjoy the story! It is rather short, but that is because of the jet-lag. I just landed from a 10 hours flight a few hours ago.


Chapter 3: Lies and Affection

'What have I done?'

"Now we're even." Akihiko heard Hiroki muttered tiredly. He looked up and saw the brunette staring at him intensely.

"You used me as a substitute once, and I'm just returning the favour. I am this kind of person, Akihiko...and you're free to leave now that you understand." Hiroki continued while closing his eyes, preparing for Akihiko's outrage.

"You're such a silly boy. I know you well enough to understand your big ego. I'm not leaving. You obviously need my company," Akihiko muttered as he ruffled the brunette's hair.

He knew that Hiroki's pride was the reason why he was pushing him away. He did not want to be seen at a vulnerable state. Hiroki blushed furiously and hid his face underneath the pillow.

"...Thank you, Akihiko. But you should return to your lover now. I'm okay." He mumbled, trying to sound calm.

He did not want Akihiko to think that he was weak. Hiroki categorized himself as a strong person. He was not the type of person who would break down so easily. He could cover up his feelings in a snap most of the time. It was unbelievable that Nowaki's departure could have this kind of effect on him...making him feel so vulnerable.

"I'm staying for the night. I'll talk to Misaki tomorrow. Go to bed. I'll still be here." Akihiko pushed the pillow away from Hiroki's face, exposing his tear-stained face.

"I love him. I love him more than I love myself," Hiroki said in a monotone voice.

Perhaps he was too drunk to be engaged in a conversation, perhaps he was too tired to keep his rationality, but his feelings were numb. He wished he had never met Nowaki before. But then, he would never understand what true love means.

'What about me?' Akihiko almost asked. He stopped himself in time as he did not want to confuse his already troubled friend even further.

He warned himself to stay away from his thoughts of ravishing Hiroki. He could not betray Misaki like this. In fact, he was almost certain that his feelings for Hiroki are nothing more than lust and friendship. He had suppressed his lust for Hiroki by writing "naughty" novels based on his character all of these years. It was simply irresistible to see the real body displayed in front of him just like that. Hiroki was indeed more important to him than his other friends. He felt the guilt rushing into him as he tried to compare his feelings between Misaki and Hiroki.

"I love you too, Akihiko. But I know that you will never see me in that way...that is why my romantic feelings for you died that day. I still love you, perhaps like a brother...or as a lifetime friendship companion," Hiroki smiled tiredly, as if reading Akihiko's thoughts.

"You know me better than anybody else, you know," Hiroki continued, and smirked, "And I know that you are passionately in love with that little boy. Paedophile."

"Misaki is in university! You're teaching his class," Akihiko complained, lying down beside his friend.

They held hands silently underneath the blanket. A small smile formed on Hiroki's lips as he cuddled closer to Akihiko. This felt so familiar. It was the sort of comfort he used to get from Akihiko when they were still in elementary school.

Akihiko was smiling to himself as well. Although he felt sorry for Hiroki that his lover left him, he could not help but wished that perhaps this was for the best. Without Hiroki's possessive lover around, they could spend their days like this. Just like this. Holding hands and falling asleep together.

He hugged Hiroki onto his chest and smiled.


"Usagi-san! You didn't come home yesterday. What happened? I was so worried!" Misaki bounced across the living room when Akihiko entered the house.

He left his sleeping friend an hour ago after placing Suzuki-san on the bed as his replacement, and writing a short note on the nightstand. He smiled softly at Misaki, pushing his guilt aside.

"Oh? You were worried about me?" Akihiko smirked as the young boy turned crimson.

"No, I wasn't!" Misaki snapped half-heartedly. He then turned his attention to Akihiko's pants, and saw the stain near his zippers.

Misaki stopped dead.

"Usagi-san, did you... did you..?" Misaki stumbled on the question while he quickly glanced away from the rather obvious stain.

"What?" Akihiko questioned, genuinely confused by his lover.

Misaki quietly point on the stain, his face looking down. He wanted to ask Akihiko who he was with last night, but then, it would come out as though he was blaming his lover of cheating when he had not even heard Akihiko's side of the story.

"Oh, that... I was thinking of you while masturbating last night." Akihiko laughed.

He wished Misaki would believe his explanations.

No.

His lies.


How do you like this chapter? Let me know! :)