23 SEVENTH STEP

Apart from being in bed, Hiro is really stiff when he's dating. He's the type of person who is confused about starting romantic things, but strangely always tries to be like a teenager again. Fushimi who was irritated once even laughed out loud when he saw her bringing a bouquet of flowers to the restaurant and almost tripped over nervously giving the ring.

childish. Tiny. Cute.

He's like a polar bear. Perhaps his outward appearance might frighten outsiders, but inside, hidden the value of a very good man.

"Don't tell Fuyu that it's from me," said Hiro, sincerity in his eyes. At that time he was delivering a new laptop and cell phone as a birthday present for Fuyu through Fushimi. "Please, I'll talk to him in person sometime. I'm afraid he'll reject it if he finds out about us."

"Hm, thanks, Hiro."

Hiro just smiled faintly and kissed his lips briefly before returning home. The man looked happy as he stepped out of Fushimi's office until the car keys in his hands kept jingling. Even now, if you remember all the memories of the past. Fushimi still found it hard to believe that all of this was really happening.

***

One week later…

Fuyu waits for Aki at the door of their boarding house. She is wearing a winter scarf as Japan is entering April. The trees on the road even let out wet cherry buds. Some are white. Some are pink. There is also a slightly brown color. He closed his eyes to take in the scent of the dew and the morning breeze. When she opened her eyes again, there was Aki in front of her who put a knitted beany on her head.

Her lover pointed to the lips. He wanted a kiss, but Fuyu kicked his leg instead. He protested, Fuyu even cursed him crazy because it was outside the boarding house. Shit! Someone's passing by, idiot! Don't go outside… Someone will see!

When Fuyu said that, the owner of the boarding house—I don't know where she came from— suddenly ran into her. The fat man with the mustache was surprised. And Aki was immediately glared at because he said he had not yet paid the monthly commission.