Karamatsu felt so faded. Dulled out. Unreal. After months of every day bringing a different relationship with his brothers, he didn't care anymore.
Of course, he still made an effort to make everyone happy. Little kisses here and there, once he worked out who he was dating, kind words and thoughtful gestures, he was so worn out.
He almost didn't care what was real.
Today was a bit different. It was a continuation of his relationship with Ichimatsu, one of the most prominent of the storylines, as he'd come to refer to them in his head. Apparently they'd been dating for 5 months now.
Ichimatsu approached him timidly, the empty house allowing him to slip his hand into Karamatsu's. Silently, he held up his other hand, displaying coupons for... a love hotel.
Ah.
So it had come to this.
This was his fear. He didn't want to. He really didn't. Yes, he was a virgin, and desperate, but he still wasn't attracted to his brother in that way, didn't love his brother in that way.
He put on a smile, hoping he wouldn't have to speak. Ichimatsu's bashful smile became a grin, that usual glint in his eye returning. Karamatsu still couldn't figure out what that glint meant, but it was unsettling.
Swallowing his apprehension, his fear, he finally nodded.