junkyu watches as akio leans back into the couch, taking the sight in and he thinks about how it'd be. how it would look with him sitting on a couch in their shared place, even while it'll technically be junkyu's place legally â it would be just as much akio's place too. it was a thought that at one point, he never thought he'd experience. something that was entirely out of reach, but now, it was their reality.
he smiles softly as akio glances at him after saying it fits him, small quiet chuckle falling from him after. part of him wants to say 'i want to stay anywhere as long as it's with you', but junkyu knows it would be a risky thing to say right there and then, especially after his previous words. so instead, he sends akio a knowing look, one to say that as long as they're together, junkyu would be content.
with a small shrug, junkyu smiles sheepishly. "it's not like there's anyone too close to us right now, we're okay." he says, casting a sly glance around in search of people but making it look like he was checking out the furniture around them. "see? we're okay." he wants to say he doesn't care, though he knows that's a whole can of worms that neither of them can open anytime soon. but with that, there was something special about being private like they were too, like no one was in their little bubble except from them.
he laughs freely as akio perks up, shaking his head with amusement but a hint of fondness shows through his eyes too. seeing him so excited at the mere mention of a temperature mattress, his heart swelling with emotions when akio mentions how it'd be good for his leg â he wonders what he'd done in his past life to deserve him by his side like this. like he'd scored the best gem in the whole world. "something tells me you'll be over every chance you get," junkyu teases playfully, the smile never falling off his face. "so i guess that's the mattress idea sorted?"
as akio pushes himself up, junkyu slowly pushes himself up too, following him over toward where the show mattresses were located. yet when he casts that look back at him, the older can't help but shake his head in amusement as he catches up to him. "you are such a tease, you know that?"
akio slows just enough for junkyu to catch up, the corners of his mouth tugged into that cheeky smile he always does when heâs trying not to look too pleased with himself but canât help it. âa tease? me?â he repeats, glancing sideways at junkyu as they walk together. âvery bold statement, coming from you.â
thereâs a lightness to his tone, but something soft hidden underneath as well. especially after that look junkyu gave him earlier. the kind that says things neither of them can say out loud in public. he chooses not to poke at it too much, otherwise keeping his hands to himself will start being too difficult.
once they reach the mattress section, akio presses a hand down on one to test it, then another, suddenly taking his role very seriously. âiâm just being practical,â he says casually, sitting on the edge of one he thinks felt comfortable. âif iâm going to be visiting, i need to make sure i get quality sleep.âÂ
he gives junkyu a knowing look, sitting more properly on the bed and testing it with a small bounce. âof course it will strictly be used for sleeping, but you never knowâŚâ he lies down on his back next, closing his eyes. âthis oneâs actually really good.â he opens one eye, patting the space beside him. âcome here, try this one. itâs not to influence your decision or anything but if you end up with a mattress like this, iâm never leaving.â
thereâs a grin now, more obvious, and his voice dips slightly lower as he adds, ânot that youâd mind, right?â



















