A/N: Hello again! :D Chapter 10 already! I can't believe I've come this far. A huge thank you to everyone who reads this story, and of course a special thank you to everyone who's commented/favorited/followed. You have no idea how happy you make me! :D

My apologies for that really mean cliffhanger from last time. This chapter immediately continues with the Hiro/Nowaki part. :) Also, I'm sorry for not replying to your reviews yet - I will definitely get to that soon.

As you've probably noticed, I tend to be quite insecure about my writing, and lately I feel like it's harder to get into the story. Probably because I'm lazy and tired on one side and a little stressed about my final exams on the other...(weird combination, I know) Anyway, I really hope this chapter lives up to your expectations. I hope you'll enjoy, and please let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: I don't own Junjou Romantica.

"I offered to have sex with him."

Nowaki's thumb stopped moving.

"I…I told him he could pretend I was Takahiro…so I gave him a blindfold and…"

Tears started clouding Hiroki's vision, but he ignored them. He had to go through with this.

"My plan failed, of course."

He let out a shaky laugh.

"For a moment, I thought he was saying my name…but of course it wasn't. It was Takahiro's. I suppose my love for him ended there. That day, I had my heart broken."

He fell silent, hesitated, then added: "When I first met you, I was crying about him…You probably already know that, though. I was really annoyed when you were so persistent about having me as your tutor, but I guess…"

Hiroki stopped when a thought suddenly occurred to him.

I guess…He distracted me. Without realizing it, he gave me something else to focus on. He helped me get over my heartbreak…and even offered to love me, even though he thought I was still in love with Akihiko at that time.

Hiroki was snapped out of his thoughts when he felt Nowaki's hand, which was still on top of his own, start to tremble a little.

Nowaki…

Hiroki really didn't dare to look at him right now. He realized he'd been all high and mighty about it, telling his lover that he deserved to know the truth, but just the thought of upsetting Nowaki…of Nowaki being angry, hurt, leaving him…He couldn't take it. Of course, he hadn't really done anything wrong. At that time, he hadn't even known about Nowaki's existence, so it wasn't like he hadn't had any right to do what he did. But still…

The silence stretched out between them and it made him feel anxious. Nowaki normally was the kind of person who would share his feelings with almost anyone, so if he was hiding them now…

Hiroki didn't want to think about what that could mean.

Oi, baka Nowaki! Say something!

His mental outburst didn't help, of course. The room was just as quiet as before, the ticking of the clock the only sound that could be heard. Hiroki let out a sigh. He had to do something. After all, this was his responsibility.

Hesitantly, slowly, he turned his head.

Nowaki's face wore an expression that he was unfamiliar with. Head turned down a little, his bangs covering part of his face, his mouth a firm line, and his eyes not meeting Hiroki's.

Nowaki almost never looked away.

"N-nowaki? Are you…okay?"

His lover kept silent. He looked so…defeated.

And then it finally hit Hiroki.

Nowaki had always been jealous of Akihiko, from the very first time he'd heard of him. No matter how many times Hiroki had told him he was over his childhood friend, he couldn't seem to let go of the feeling. So now that he knew that Akihiko and Hiroki had actually done it, that idiot was probably thinking all kinds of crazy thoughts again.

And the fact that I cried last Saturday probably didn't really help to convince him that I don't have any feelings for Akihiko anymore. Damn it. I'm the real baka here, aren't I?!

After a short hesitation, Hiroki reached out and cupped his lover's face.

"Nowaki…please look at me."

Under normal circumstances, he'd never say something like that. Even now, he wasn't sure where the words were coming from. All Hiroki knew was that he couldn't stand to see his lover like this.

"I-"

Nowaki lifted his head a little.

"I'm sorry, Hiro-san."

He was sorry? What for? Wasn't Hiroki supposed to be the one saying that?

"Ah-no, you shouldn't – I mean…"

Nowaki smiled a little, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

It was then that Hiroki noticed the tears.

They had been together for a long time, but the more he thought about it, the harder it was to remember an occasion where Nowaki had cried. Which was strange, since his lover was definitely a very sensitive person. It was probably because he was always so happy, and could easily turn a negative situation around.

It's my fault. I'm the one who's always hurting him, and now I've even made him cry.

He knew he wasn't the easiest person to go along with, and countless times he'd found himself wondering why Nowaki put up with him. His lover, of course, had answered that he 'just really loved Hiro-san', but it still made Hiroki feel guilty when he thought about all those times where he'd cursed at Nowaki or had been impatient with him.

And this time is the worst of all. I've made him doubt my love for him.

Nowaki was silent again and Hiroki made up his mind. He was the one who had caused this problem, so he would solve it. He closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath and then lifted Nowaki's head a bit more so that he could look him in the face.

The sight of those beautiful blue orbs looking so sad and hurt made his heart ache. He wanted nothing more than to take that pain away and just have his happy Nowaki back.

So he started talking.

"I know it was the wrong thing to do – heck, you think I don't regret it?! It was stupid and naive and it hurt me more than I could have ever imagined. But…I guess it was a good thing I did it. Because…"

He looked away. God, was he really going to say this?

A warm hand took his chin and turned his head. Suddenly, he found himself staring into Nowaki's eyes again, which were still shining with tears, but also with curiosity, which gave them back some of their usual liveliness.

His lover said nothing, just stared back, and Hiroki suddenly found it very hard to speak. He knew he had to, though. So he swallowed his pride and finished his sentence.

"Because if I hadn't, I might not have met you."

Upon hearing these words, Nowaki looked like a kid on Christmas morning. His eyes started to shine, all tears forgotten, and his face broke into a huge smile.

Then, before he could process what was going on, Hiroki was pulled into what had to be one of the most enthusiastic hugs he'd ever gotten.

Burning bright red, he tried to escape from Nowaki's grip, but of course the other man was stronger.

"Hiro-san! Thank you so much! You just made me very happy!"

This, of course, only made Hiroki's face heat up more.

"B-baka! No need to be all enthusiastic about it! I was just trying to cheer you up a bit because you looked so sa-"

Ah crap.

Nowaki chuckled and pulled him even closer.

"Thank you, Hiro-san," he whispered in his ear, with made a shiver run down Hiroki's spine.

Damn that husky voice.

He was happy, though, to have the usual Nowaki back.

"Hiro-san…"

Nowaki's lips met his, and soon he found himself getting swept away, everything fading away until there was only Nowaki: his lips, his tongue, his eyes, his hands gently stroking Hiroki's body, his strong, warm voice whispering sweet nothings in his ears, because that was what Nowaki liked to do, his hair, his smell…

When they broke apart to catch their breaths, Hiroki suddenly remembered something. He wondered if he should bring it up now. After all, they had just sort of made up, and he didn't want to see Nowaki wearing that expression again. But if he didn't ask now, he probably wouldn't have the guts to bring it up again later. And he had the feeling it might be important.

"Say, Nowaki…What was that about, just now? You apologizing, I mean."

He noticed his lover looking away a bit.

"It's nothing, Hiro-san."

"My ass it's nothing! You wouldn't look like that if it were nothing! Now tell me the truth or I'll make you!"

Nowaki grinned and raised an eyebrow at him.

Face flushing once again, Hiroki spluttered: "I'm being serious here, you know!"

This only made Nowaki laugh more.

"Yes, I know, Hiro-san."

"Then…tell me." He hesitated, then added: "…please?"

Nowaki looked surprised for a moment, then slowly exhaled and nodded.

"I- I was jealous. Of Usami-san. I've always been, but I try not to be, since you've told me you're over him. However-" Nowaki looked away again, "when I saw you crying last Saturday…and when you just told me…It made me wonder if you're really over him…and if you could ever be truly happy with me."

Hiroki could only stare at him, dumbfounded.

Yep. He's definitely thinking crazy things.

He tried to restrain himself, but it failed, of course. His hand found the file with tests that was still lying nearby and before he knew it, he'd jumped up and hit Nowaki on the head.

"You baka! How could you even think that after all this time?! Listen up, because I'm only going to say this once!"

Nowaki, rubbing the sore spot on his head, looked up at him, wide-eyed.

"I'll tell you something I've only ever told Akihiko-"

He noticed Nowaki's expression turn sad again, and he felt like hitting him once more.

Always jumping to the wrong conclusions, that idiot!

"Last Saturday, I told him that what he'd said about Takahashi – Misaki, that is – also counted for me: I love you, Nowaki. And I'll never love anyone else again."

Nowaki's eyes looked like they would pop out of his head any moment now.

"Hiro-san…"

Hiroki held out a hand.

"Stop! I'm not finished yet!"

He took a deep breath and forced himself to continue.

"I'm sorry, Nowaki. I've hurt you, and not just today, but on countless other occasions as well. I know I'm difficult to handle, and that I don't show my feelings often enough, but I don't want you to ever, ever think that I would be better off without you. I'm nothing without you, okay?!"

Through his tears, he could see Nowaki smiling brighter than ever. And even though it was super embarrassing, and he hated the fact that he was crying like a baby again, his lover's happiness filled his heart with warmth and he found himself wishing he could stay like this forever, just looking at Nowaki's happy face.

"Hiro-san!"

Long arms were wrapped around him, and he let out a long, trembling sigh when he felt Nowaki close to him.

"I love you so much, Hiro-san."

He wanted to say something he would normally say, like 'I know that already, baka!'. But he'd already spouted so much embarrassing crap, one more thing wouldn't hurt.

And it would make Nowaki happy, no doubt about it.

He turned his head, so that he was looking away from his lover, and mumbled:

"I love you too, Nowaki."

Tuesday

"Ah! That lecture sure was hard, wasn't it?"

Todou yawned and stretched his arms behind his head. Misaki couldn't help but admire how cool he looked when he did that. With his height and scrawny appearance, he could never pull that off.

"Yes, it sure was! Luckily, we don't have much homework due tomorrow."

Todou nodded.

"Yes, that's lucky indeed. Say, Takahashi, do you have something to do right now? We could drop by the bookstore, there's a new magazine I'd like to buy."

Misaki awkwardly scratched the back of his head. How was he going to explain to Todou that he'd already made an appointment with Takatsuki-kun? As far as Todou was concerned, he was Misaki's only friend. Which had been true until last Saturday…but that wasn't something he could just tell him about.

"Oi! Takahashi! Over here!"

They both turned around at the sound. A few meters away, by the entrance gate to the University, Takatsuki-kun was waving at him. He was getting quite a few looks from girls walking by, and Misaki couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

Why is it that everyone is way cooler than me?

Todou frowned a little and turned to Misaki.

"You know him, Takahashi-kun?"

Trying very hard not to look nervous, Misaki replied: "Ah-yes! We met recently and...well, we decided to meet up today…So, I'm really sorry, but I can't come to the bookstore with you today, Todou-kun. I hope you don't mind."

Todou smiled at him.

"Of course not. You're allowed to have other friends as well. It's just…" he shot another look at Takatsuki, who was now coming their way, "I was a bit surprised, is all. He doesn't seem to be your type."

"Ha ha, well, that's what I thought at first, but when people have something in common, they can become friends too, right?"

Todou gave him a surprised look.

"Something in common? What do you mean?"

Crap. What am I going to tell him now?!

"Takahashi! I was starting to think you'd forgotten our appointment."

'Perfect timing, Takatsuki-kun' Misaki thought, relieved. Then he realized what the guy had been saying.

"N-no, of course not! I'm really sorry, the professor in the last lecture just kept talking, so…"

"It's fine, no need to worry about it."

Takatsuki flashed him a smile, which surprised Misaki. Sure, he'd discovered that Takatsuki-kun had a friendlier side last Saturday, when they had been cooking together, but he still wasn't completely sure if the other saw him as a friend or just as a cooking instructor. Still, the boy looked happy to see him.

"Ah-Takahashi-kun?"

Misaki was snapped out of his thoughts by Todou's voice.

"I'm sorry! Takatsuki-kun, this is Todou-kun, a really good friend of mine. Todou-kun, this is Takatsuki-kun."

"Nice to meet you, Takatsuki-kun. I hope you'll take good care of Misaki," Todou smiled.

"O-oi, Todou!"

"Nice to meet you too. I will, don't worry about it. I can imagine how Takahashi can be when he doesn't have someone around to look out for him," Takatsuki grinned back.

"T-Takatsuki-kun!"

Both Todou and Takatsuki took a look at Misaki's face and burst out laughing.

"I'm sorry, Takahashi-kun," Todou said while whipping the tears from his eyes. "You're just really fun to tease."

Somehow, I feel like the whole world is against me right now.

Still, Misaki was happy to see that his best friend and hopefully new friend were getting along so well, even if it was at his expense.

That was, until Takatsuki started talking again.

"Yeah, I'm sure Usami-sensei knows that as well."

Misaki froze.

Todou looked at Takatsuki, surprised.

"What do you mean?"

Don't say anything, please don't say anything…

Takatsuki grinned at Misaki.

"Well, yesterday I learned that when Misaki is cooking, Usami-san…"

"Ah- that! Yes, he likes to tease me because I always make such a mess of the kitchen when I cook, ha ha."

Both Todou and Takatsuki looked at him. Todou had a slightly skeptical expression on his face, while Takatsuki looked surprised at first…and then he looked like it suddenly dawned on him.

Misaki let out a sigh of relief. Good, at least Takatsuki seemed to get it now. The only problem left was Todou…

Damn, I really wish I wasn't such a bad liar.

"Well, he can say all he wants, you're still a really good cook. Did he tell you already he's going to give me cooking lessons?" Takatsuki turned to Todou, who was still looking at Misaki with a little frown on his face. Now, however, he turned his attention back to the younger guy.

"O, so that's what you're appointment is about?"

Takatsuki nodded.

"Yes, and I'm giving him English lessons in return."

Misaki could have hugged him then and there. At least one of them was a good liar, thankfully.

Todou's face suddenly lit up, as if an idea struck him.

"Ah! So you were the one who Takahashi was having lunch with last Saturday?"

Relieved that Todou seemed to buy the story, Misaki nodded.

"Yes! He, erm…"

"I wanted to see for myself if his cooking skills were good. And Takahashi asked me to show him mine as well."

Todou nodded in understanding and then looked at his watch.

"Well, it's getting late already, so I won't keep you here any longer. Takahashi-kun, is our appointment tomorrow still on?"

Misaki cringed a little. Right. Tomorrow. The appointment with Ijuuin-sensei.

Which he still had to tell Usagi-san about.

"Takahashi-kun?"

"Ah-yes! Sure! I'm looking forward to it, Todou-kun!"

Todou flashed him one of his bright smiles.

"Great, so am I. See you tomorrow then, Takahashi! Takatsuki-kun, until next time!"

With a little wave, he started walking toward the gate.

Takatsuki looked at him, then turned around to Misaki.

"Shall we go as well?"

Shinobu opened the door to Miyagi's and his apartment and motioned for Takahashi to step inside.

"Come in."

Takahashi smiled and nodded.

"Thank you. Pardon the intrusion."

For a moment, he worried what Takahashi would think of their apartment. It wasn't much, especially not in comparison to Usami-san's. Still, Shinobu was really fond of it. He shared it with Miyagi, after all.

"Nice apartment, Takatsuki-kun."

"Thanks. You don't find it small?"

Takahashi turned around, a surprised expression on his face.

"No! Well, it's not like Usag-Usami-san's, but before I started living with him, I'd never lived in a place as huge as his, so…"

Shinobu smiled. Straightforward and sincere as always. He found he was actually starting to like that side of Takahashi.

"Would you like something to drink? Tea, coffee, soda?"

"I'll have some tea, please."

When Shinobu came back from the kitchen with their drinks, he found Takahashi walking around the living room. The guy looked startled when he noticed Shinobu, and he had a guilty expression on his face.

"Ah-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be rude, I was just curious to see how an apartment like this would look like…I'm sorry."

Like this?

Shinobu thought for a moment and then it hit him.

Takahashi was talking about an apartment where two guys were living together, wasn't he?

"But…you're living with Usami-san as well, aren't you?"

Takahashi nodded, then bit his lip.

"Well, yes…but not many people know about our…about us."

Shinobu raised an eyebrow.

"And what makes you think people know about us?"

The other guy looked confused.

"But…you're living here together…"

"We've told my parents that it was easier this way. Miyagi already acted as my guardian, and we lived next to each other, so me moving to his place was cheaper and easier, since Miyagi would be able to keep an eye on me all the time." He paused, then added: "Or so we told them, anyway."

Takahashi's eyes widened a little.

"So…your parents…"

"Don't know."

Shinobu set down the tray with their tea and moved to stand next to Takahashi, who was staring at some pictures of Shinobu's family.

"I see…That must be hard."

"Well, I'm sure you know all about that. Your brother doesn't know either, does he?"

Takahashi's expression turned sad and Shinobu immediately regretted bringing it up.

"No, he…no. I plan to tell him, though, it's just…"

"…Hard."

The brown-haired boy looked up.

"Yes. Do you plan on telling them as well, Takatsuki-kun?"

Shinobu shook his head.

"Not a chance, Miyagi would kill me."

He sighed and motioned toward the table.

"Let's sit down, the tea will get cold."

Takahashi nodded and followed him. When they were seated, Shinobu continued: "Well, I guess he's right. I mean, we've got kind of an…erm…unusual relationship. And as much as I hate to admit it, that Usami-san of yours was sort of right: it wasn't exactly legal in the beginning."

Takahashi looked at him with wide eyes and his mouth slightly opened, which made Shinobu flush and avert his gaze.

"How…how old were you?"

He bit his lip and forced himself to look at Takahashi.

"Seventeen."

Takahashi sighed and then smiled at him.

"Well, that's not that bad. I was eighteen when I met Usagi-san, so…"

Shinobu felt his eyes widen a little.

"Really?"

We really are quite similar, aren't we?

Takahashi nodded, still smiling.

"Yes. We're quite alike after all, aren't we?"

Shinobu could only stare at him, which made Takahashi shift around uncomfortably.

"Erm, I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"

"No, please don't, it's just..." Shinobu grinned at him, "Just now, I was thinking the same."

Takahashi looked surprised for a moment, then gave him a huge smile back. It reminded Shinobu of the way he'd been smiling at his friend earlier, and he hoped it meant Takahashi and he could be friends as well.

Talking about that friend…

"So that friend of yours, Todou-kun…he doesn't know anything?"

Wrong question, again. Takahashi's eyes became duller and his smile faded.

"No, he doesn't…I feel like I should tell him as well…But I don't know what he'll think. He's my best friend, I don't want to lose him…or have him tell the whole school. I could never show my face again if that happened…"

Suddenly, Shinobu felt his anger flaring up. What was it with these people, really?! As is there was anything wrong with loving the person you were destined to love! Before he could stop himself, he said: "What?! You think it's such a wrong thing, being this way? If you really love Usami-san, how could you even think that? Argh, you're just like Miyagi! I can't stand it!"

Takahashi looked at him, wide-eyed.

"I-I'm sorry, I-"

After taking a few deep breaths, Shinobu shook his head.

"No, it's okay. I'm sorry. It's just…I know it's hard, but you shouldn't be ashamed of who you are or who you love."

Takahashi nodded, hesitantly.

"I know. But it's not only that, it's also Usagi-san…I don't want to be a burden to him. And if word of us got out…He's a famous novelist, it would be all over the papers. I can't ruin his life."

Shinobu gaped at him. This guy really was oblivious, wasn't he?

And really, incredible considerate of others.

"Are you kidding me? Have you even seen how Usami-san looks at you?"

When Takahashi gave him a questioning look, he added: "The only way you could ruin his live is by leaving him. That guy's totally crazy about you, and I'm sure he couldn't care less if the whole world knew about it."

If only Miyagi could be a bit more like that…

Takahashi's eyes widened and then he smiled at him, even brighter than before.

"Thank you, Takatsuki-kun." Then, as if he was reading his mind, he said: "You know, Miyagi-san…he looks at you like that, too. I'm sure he feels the same way about you, he's just…"

Takahashi hesitated.

"Go on," Shinobu said softly.

"He's like me, I suppose. I'm scared of other people's opinions, I guess, but I'm even more scared of hurting Usagi-san."

Shinobu stared at him.

I see…I've never thought of it that way…

Slowly, a smile started to appear on his face. Takahashi would definitely be a great friend.

"Thanks," he told him. The older boy smiled in return.

Then Shinobu decided it was time to address a lighter subject.

"Tell me, honestly."

At his words, Takahashi looked at him questionably.

"How much of a disaster am I in the kitchen?"

A grin broke out on Takahashi's face, and soon they were both laughing out loud. Shinobu looked at the other's face and wondered why he had ever thought he wouldn't like Takahashi.

Yes, we could definitely be great friends.

Meanwhile, in another apartment, Akihiko was hanging around in the living room, feeling bored.

I wish Misaki was here.

But no, Misaki was with Takatsuki. He sighed. Well, there were worse people his little lover could be hanging out with. Still, he couldn't help but worry a little.

He'd probably never stop worrying when it came to Misaki.

Just when he was about to go up to his room and try to write something (Aikawa would be so proud of him), his cell phone rang.

Without looking at the display, he picked it up.

"Everything okay, Misaki?"

The voice that answered, however, was not his lover's.

"Good afternoon, Usami-sensei."

He almost dropped the phone.

"Ijuuin-sensei."

Damn, why is that idiot calling me? Misaki's not with him, is he? No, he can't be…

"My, my, what a cold greeting, Usami-sensei. I was just calling you to keep you up to date about our precious Misaki's life."

Our Misaki?!

Akihiko gritted his teeth and tried to stay calm.

"What have you done this time?"

A chuckle followed his words.

"Oh, I haven't done anything…yet. I've just invited him to come over tomorrow."

What?

"Well, I suppose you already know about that, but I wanted to check it just in case. You don't mind, do you? He sounded so enthusiastic about coming, I wouldn't want anyone to spoil his fun."

The room was spinning before Akihiko's eyes. Misaki was going over to Ijuuin's? And he hadn't told him about it?

'Calm down', he told himself. 'No need to take rash conclusions'.

"I don't know what you're planning, Ijuuin, but let me tell you one thing: if you hurt Misaki, I won't forgive you. Ever."

Another chuckle.

"O, I wouldn't dare to hurt him. After all, I'm in love with Takahashi. Therefore, I wouldn't want to make him unhappy…by, let's say, forbidding him to go see a friend."

It took all he had not to burst into a fit of anger. This man…

"Well, that's all for now. Give my greetings to Takahashi. I'm looking forward to meeting you again sometime, Usami-sensei."

Before Akihiko had a chance to reply, Ijuuin had already hung up.

He scrolled through his contacts until he saw the name he was looking for.

Misaki.

He'd already brought his thumb to the screen when he started to hesitate. He couldn't call Misaki now, that would definitely piss him off. Plus he hadn't any proof that what Ijuuin had said was actually true. Maybe the guy was just trying to get under his skin, like he always did. Akihiko couldn't ruin Misaki's plans with Takatsuki because of some made-up story.

No, he'd wait until Misaki got home.

He took a look at the clock. Four thirty. Misaki had promised to be home at six, at last.

Akihiko dropped his phone on the table and let himself fall back on the couch. There was no way he could write something good right now.

He sighed and closed his eyes, then opened them to look at the time again.

Four thirty-three.

Please come home soon, Misaki.

A/N: That's it for now! Oh, I've got plans...*evil grin* I hope you enjoyed it, and please let me know what you think! Until next time! :D