Right now you make me happy

A melodious bell announced a customer's arrival as she stepped into the rock-inspired salon. She was a tall woman with long black hair that cascaded down her back in glossy waves. Her maroon-brown eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glanced around and observed the unconventional decorations around her.

"Welcome, come on in!" the salon owner greeted her with a polite bow.

The hairdresser marveled at how beautiful the person was as she moved gracefully through the room. Her coat was draped elegantly over her shoulders and her dark red lips parted in a small, inviting smile.

"Can you spare a few minutes for a quick trim?" she asked in a sultry tone.

"Y-Yes! Please, take a seat!"

The salon owner wasn't usually that tense around clients, but something about the new one caused her to feel uneasy - she couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something in the lady's demeanor made her feel like she was being sized up.

The black-haired hairstylist quickly put a cape around the woman's neck and shoulders, fastening it securely to ensure all of her hair was safely tucked away.

"So, just a trim?"

"Yes, thank you."

She took her tools and started to snip away at the woman's locks, taking a few extra moments to make certain each strand was cut perfectly. As she worked, she noticed the woman watching her intently, a slight smile on her lips.

"You have a fascinating salon."

"Thank you. It was funded by a friend of mine," she explained while combing her hair, noticing how stunning it was in color and undertone.

"Is this your natural hair? It's in excellent condition," she stated right after.

"Thank you very much. It means a lot coming from a professional like you."

The hairdresser smiled modestly and blushed at the compliment. She was immensely proud of her skills, but didn't expect such a positive response from her customers, especially from someone so attractive and poised as the lady before her.

The two of them were close to each other as she moved over to see her front hair - she could smell the woman's sweet perfume wafting in the air, almost hypnotizing her and making her feel seduced.

"My, my, how flawless your face is," she mused seductively, her voice low and her gaze intense as she continued with a hint of a smile.

"You have the most perfect bone structure - simply breathtaking."

The salon owner cleared her throat, trying to break the strange trance she was in.

"We are done," she said, flushing as she put down her instruments and removed the garment protecting her luxurious clothing.

"Thank you for coming. I hope you are happy with the results," she continued and did a small bow.

The client stood up, towering over the other woman with her height, and flicked her hair to the side.

"Thank you for your excellent work," she replied in a melodic voice and took out her business card. She offered it to the hairdresser with a gracious smile.

"It's been a pleasure meeting you. Please, accept my number if you ever need someone to have a coffee with."

(Elsewhere at the same time)

The sun was up, streaming through the window and painting the lavish bedroom with its orange glow.

The slender figure opened his eyes slowly as he felt a gentle, circular motion tracing his back. Natsuo realized that his roommate and he were curled up together in the middle of the bed, embracing and nestling under the same blanket.

An old instinct urged him to move away, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He forced himself to remain in the same position, savoring the man's closeness and the warmth emanating from him.

Natsuo gulped and timidly answered the hug with one of his own. Jiro tightened his hold and breathed in the scent of his friend's teal hair.

"I am so thankful that you are here with me," the taller man whispered in a groggy voice.

Natsuo had accompanied Jiro to the hospital the day before and waited for him as he underwent surgery to patch his severed finger with a skin graft. Now his left hand was bandaged and wrapped in gauze, a reminder of the risks of being a yakuza.

"Is your finger hurting?"

"I can't feel any pain as long as you are here," the tattooed man answered gently.

Jiro kept rubbing his back in slow spirals, causing the thin body to heat up from the bottom up. The tenderness and closeness of the gesture were overwhelming, but still, Natsuo nuzzled his head closer to the man's bare chest.

"Tell me," the man said in a low voice.

"What are your dreams? What do you want to do in life?"

Natsuo hesitated, taken aback by the deep questions.

"I-I don't know," he muttered after a moment of silence. Lately, he hadn't given much thought to his dreams, because he had been busy surviving and making it through another day - all while trying to remain sane.

The man chuckled sweetly and patted his head in a comforting manner.

"I want to get to know you more deeply. Tell me your wishes so I can help fulfill them."

The blue eyes glanced at the pale brown ones, searching for an answer. Jiro's gaze was warm and encouraging, indicating that he would appreciate any response, no matter how small and insignificant.

"All I want is to be free," Natsuo confessed shyly. He had always assumed it meant being able to make his own decisions and live life on his own terms - but lately, he had realized there was more to it - like being confident in who he is without fear of ridicule or judgment.

Jiro smiled and gently brushed a lock of teal hair from his counterpart's face.

"I understand that. That is a good dream to have," he admitted softly before continuing.

"But do you have anything you want to experience? What makes you happy, other than cherries?" the yakuza asked, smirking playfully and revealing dimples on his face.

Natsuo lowered his eyes, blushing deeper as he thought about what he wanted to say.

"Right now... you make me happy," he said quietly, his voice hardly noticeable.

Jiro grinned and scooped the slender figure up in his arms as he rolled onto his back, cradling his roommate in his strong arms protectively.

"Let's make sure you stay happy then."

Natsuo's cheek rested against his chest and he heard the other's heart beating steadily and rhythmically, similar to his own. He closed his eyes and took pleasure in being held in someone's arms who cared for him - he couldn't imagine a place he would rather be in that moment.