I don't remember where I was headed with this story when I first created it; I suppose that's a consequence of abandoning it for five years. I think I may have an idea of where I want to take this, but for now, I'm just playing it by ear. What I do know for sure, is that there is a lot of awkwardness to come. So be prepared, my lovely readers, because I am not going to leave any remorse for our two love-stricken teenagers.


Minako's smile was wide as she ushered the two of them in. Takumi returned the look while Misaki tried to stay calm.

This was not how the plan was supposed to play out. Takumi and his minimalism were causing Misaki a lot of trouble—he had no medicine or any self-care products to help aid his recovery. She opted to just drop by her house to collect the necessary materials, but her mother had been too generous when offering to open up her home to the troublesome boy.

Misaki wasted no time in readying the couch for Takumi, pulling the cushions off and making room for his tall stature.

"Misaki, there's no need," Minako was smiling too much for Misaki's taste. "I have everything set up in your room already."

Misaki's eyes went wide as she realized what her mother was saying.

"Mom!" Misaki ran over to her mother, screaming under her breath. "He can't stay in my bed!"

"I don't see anything wrong with that?"

Misaki threw up her hands. Her mother was sometimes just as insufferable as her boyfriend.

"He's a boy!" Misaki reasoned while still trying to keep her voice down.

"Yes, but he's your boyfriend. I'm sure this isn't the first time you've shared a bed with him." Minako did not seem to understand why they were being so quiet about it.

Misaki felt her cheeks burn as she stole a quick glance at Takumi; He was inspecting a family portrait, but Misaki knew he was listening in to every word.

"I have not!" It was true. When it came to sleeping over at one another's house, Misaki would not allow it. If only her mother could share the same thoughts.

Their conversation was interrupted with a cough. Swallowing down her embarrassment, Misaki grabbed the sick boy's hand and made her ways up the creaky stairs. She cautiously entered her room, hoping there was not anything embarrassing laying about.

The coast was clear. She opened the door wider for Takumi. He walked in slowly, analyzing the room like a detective.

"What's that?" She followed his eyes to a certain object peeking from behind her pillow.

"Gah!" She had forgotten about putting it back in its usual hiding spot. Concealing the object in her hands, Misaki started her denials.

Takumi looked upon her in interest, curious as to what she was being so secretive about. Whatever it was, she was distressed to have him see it so he decided not to probe her any further.

"Your room is really cute, Misa. Almost as cute as you," he changed the subject with a wink. He helped himself onto her bed, not wasting any time sniffing her pillow.

"Stop being weird," she said. While he was not looking, she quickly stuffed the components of her hand into her draw. She made a mental note to return it to her usual hiding spot when the coast was clear.

"Misa-chan," he whined. "Help me with the blanket."

Her forehead throbbed as she stared at her boyfriend. He was laying atop the blanket. She went up to the bed and waited for him to move so she could pull the blanket. He made no intention to move.

"Move," she ordered.

"But I'm sick." He pouted.

Misaki did not want to make a scene, especially not with her mother downstairs. She grabbed a frayed corner and pulled it with all her strength. Once she had managed to free the fabric, she covered the heavy body. She secured the blanket at his neck, pushing a bit harder than need be.

He gave her a toothy smile as a thank you, and Misaki looked away before he could see her blush. His smile was cute.

She made her way to her closet to pull out her pyjamas. She tried to find the most appealing pair she had.

She could feel Takumi's eyes on her as she made her way to the bathroom and felt them return on her way out.

She had decided to wear a matching silk pyjama set. Takumi held his hand out for her to come. She followed his instructions and awkwardly stood as he laid his hand on her hip.

"You feel amazing," he suggestively said. Misaki wasted no time in pushing his hands away from her. They were only words, but they were Takumi's words. Words that had been formed by his mind; words that had come out of his lips.

They were more than words. As much as Misaki tried to convince herself that he was only teasing, her body took it much more seriously. The need for a distraction was necessary. Sick or not, Takumi's suggestive nature was here to stay.

She quietly made her way downstairs, ignoring Takumi's whines. Her family should be a good diversion from her boyfriend.

Misaki was relieved to see Suzuna back from school. The feeling soon disappeared once she noticed the sparkle in her little sister's eyes. Misaki swallowed thickly.

"I heard your boyfriend is spending the night," she said matter-of-factly. Misaki knew this conversation would lead her nowhere good.

Before Misaki could divert the topic, Suzuna pulled out a small box from her bag.

"This is for you and Takumi." With that, Suzuna went her own way.

The box was wrapped in gold paper and dressed in a black bow. Misaki assumed it was one of Suzuna's raffle winnings. The box was shaken a few times before the curious girl gave up. She picked at the tape and ripped the wrapping off.

A blue logo spelling out "Durex" stared right at her. Misaki immediately dropped the offending item. She then scrambled to hide the wretched gift in her pocket. Misaki's chest heaved as she whipped her head around the room, hoping Takumi had not gotten out of bed.

She eyed the garbage bin. As soon as she wanted this out of her sight, it would be wasteful to throw it away. After all, there would come a time when this might come in handy…

Misaki blushed at the thought. She knew it was going to happen one day, but surely not soon. As an alternate method of reasoning, Misaki checked the expiration date. Misaki scoffed and decided against keeping them. There was no way she would be ready in three years.

...

Misaki was glad to see Takumi asleep. Looking at him reminded her of Suzuna's present. She's imagined them countless of times, but she could not really see her and Takumi doing anything anytime soon. He was always teasing, but his words were only half-hearted. They were always kissing, but their bodies would move with hesitation.

She's already accepted her own uncertainty in the matter, but she was surprised to feel Takumi's. It was as if he was less ready than her. The only difference was that he was better at hiding it.

The creaking of the bed brought her back to reality. Takumi scrunched his eyes before opening them. He gave a noisy yawn then followed it with a smile.

His forehead was still hot. She grabbed the bottle her mother had set up and filled the little cup. When she moved the cup towards him, he shook his head.

Misaki took a deep breath. "Takumi, you have to drink this."

Again, his head moved from side to side. "You're the only drug I want."

"Well, this is the only drug you'll get," Misaki snapped back. She put the medicine to his lips, but they were sealed shut.

He was being fussy and he knew it. Misaki analyzed her options. She could reprimand him, but that would only motivate him to continue. There was only one other option; she had to make a compromise.

"If you drink this, I'll give you a massage," she resolved.

His eyes twinkled mischievously. "What type of massage?"

"Head" was her short answer. There was silence as the twinkle in his eyes increased.

When he opened his lips to torment her further, Misaki took the opportunity to drain the medicine down his throat.

"Okay, done!" he said enthusiastically. "I'm ready for my massage."

Before she could start, Takumi made her sit behind him so he could nestle his head in between her crossed legs.

Her fingers slowly started to comb through his soft locks, gently releasing any knots. When she scraped her nails against his scalp, Takumi released a deep moan. She momentarily stopped her actions as she replayed the sound in her head.

She started her actions again, hoping to elicit the same response. He did not disappoint. The thrill Misaki felt was unmatched.

Her hands had a mind of their own. They moved down to trail his jaw. They moved lower and felt the bobbing of his Adam's apple.

Takumi cautiously opened his eyes, not wanting to break the spell she seemed to be under. His eyes shut again when he felt her lithe finger dip below his collar.

She ran her palms across his chest, curious to feel him. The consequences of her actions were of no worry to her at this moment.

When she touched the bead on his chest, a shock ran through both of them. He breathed out her name.

The gliding of skin on skin and hushed whispers were all the walls heard until a riveting thump broke their engrossment. Her hands fled the confinements of his shirt.

"Dinner's ready," Suzuna said. Takumi and Misaki held their breaths as Suzuna's footsteps faded into the distance.

Their past actions caught up to the present, and they were quick to disassemble themselves. She could hear Takumi's heavy breathing behind her. A feeling deep in her gut made her want to forget about rationality, consequences and reputation.

Three years was way too long.


Seems like Misaki is a bit more ready than she thought. Takumi has yet to share his feelings over the situation, but I'll make sure he doesn't make us wait too long.

Aside from that, I'm excited about this change in scenery. We've all read of Misaki taking care of Takumi in the confinements of his own apartment, but its due time to spice things up with a little less privacy.

XXVIII VII MMXX