Taichi told himself he was only looking. Just keeping an eye on things. But every second Yu laughed, every time that male employee leaned in to hand him another outfit, the pressure in his chest coiled tighter.
Yu disappeared into the dressing room with the man carrying clothes. Taichi shifted from foot to foot, glaring at the racks as if they'd offended him. The employee's name tag was hidden behind the bundle in his arms, and in Taichi's mind, that absent detail was enough to let his worst suspicions bloom unchecked.
'He's going in there with him?'
It was ridiculous. Illogical. Yu wasn't like that. But logic didn't stand a chance against the fire of jealousy twisting through his gut.
The male employee slipped quietly out through the opposite exit, unseen by Taichi, and the corridor grew still again until Taichi stepped in. Taichi's gaze fell on a door with Yu's jacket draped neatly over the handle. His pulse spiked.
Before he could stop himself, he strode forward and yanked the door open.
Inside—
Yu stood before the mirror, pale skin luminous under the overhead lights, his shirt folded neatly to the side. His delicate hands were just unclasping the hooks of a soft bra, shoulders bare, long hair spilling like a curtain down his back and stopping just below his bottom.
For one stunned heartbeat, their eyes locked.
Then—
"Eek!"
Yu squeaked, clutching the bra instinctively to his chest. His cheeks went crimson as he spun toward the mirror, wide-eyed.
Taichi's entire body flared hot. Mortification and desire warred violently in his veins. He slammed the door shut with a bang so loud heads turned from the sales floor.
"Shit—!"
He cursed under his breath, stumbling out of the dressing room corridor as fast as his legs could carry him. He didn't stop until he'd pushed out of the store entirely, the rush of mall air cold on his burning face.
Outside, heart pounding, Taichi braced himself against the wall, trying to catch his breath. His mind replayed the image again and again—Yu's wide eyes, the curve of his bare shoulders, the flush of his skin.
And behind him, Yu was still in that dressing room, equally stunned, clutching fabric to his chest and wondering.
'What on earth had just happened.'
[It appears Taichi followed you here. Perhaps he wanted to ravish you in the dressing room? You probably scared him off with your cry.]
From the next stall over, a door banged open.
"Yu! What's wrong!?"
Sakura Sato cried, eyes wide as she poked her head out of her changing room.
Yu clutched his shirt tight against his chest, cheeks still burning.
"Ah, um—it's nothing. I just… thought I saw a pervert. But it was only my eyes playing tricks on me."
His voice wobbled, but he forced a small laugh.
Sakura's brows furrowed, clearly not convinced, but she didn't press. Yu's heart pounded as he tried to calm down, grateful she hadn't seen the truth. He knew full well it had been Taichi who barged in now—but the last thing he wanted was for his boyfriend to get in trouble.
---
Meanwhile, outside the store, Taichi leaned against the wall, face flushed hot as if he'd just run a marathon. He dragged a hand down his face, cursing under his breath.
"Taichi?"
He stiffened. Fumiko Fujimori stood there, holding a drink from the food court, blinking up at him in confusion. Then her lips curled into a knowing smile.
"You look like you're about to pass out. Don't tell me—you're missing your girlfriend, aren't you?"
Taichi opened his mouth, ready to snap a denial, but Fumiko was already grabbing his wrist.
"Come on, don't sulk out here. Yu's inside trying in clothes with Sakura. I'll bring you over."
"Wait—I don't—"
But resistance was futile. She tugged him along with a strength born of pure determination, Taichi stumbling beside her, muttering curses under his breath. His chest tightened with every step closer to the shop, where Yu was still inside—flustered, half-dressed, and very likely ready to kill him if their eyes met again.
---
The door to the changing room swished open, and Yu stepped out with hesitant steps, his pale fingers clutching the hem of his skirt as though bracing himself.
He wore a soft cream-colored blouse, the neckline ruffled with lace, tucked neatly into a high-waisted pastel pink skirt that swayed just above his knees. A delicate cardigan, the color of spring lavender, hung lightly off his shoulders, and his long white hair fell like a silken curtain down his back, tied with a matching ribbon. On his feet, dainty ankle boots clicked softly against the tiled floor, completing the ensemble.
"Well? What do you think?"
He asked, his ruby-red eyes darting nervously between Fumiko and Sakura.
But before the girls could gush, Yu's gaze snagged on someone else standing just a few feet away.
Taichi.
He stood frozen, his green eyes wide, as though struck dumb by lightning. The embarrassing moment of catching Yu undressing, forgotten. For a moment, he could only stare.
Yu's cheeks burned hotter and hotter under that piercing look, his throat tightening. He squirmed, shifting his weight from one boot to the other, as if trying to shrink under the sheer weight of Taichi's gaze.
The girls, of course, noticed immediately.
"Oh my god!"
Sakura whispered, her hands clapping to her cheeks.
"Look at them. Look at them!"
"They're sparkling!"
Fumiko agreed with mock despair.
"It's unfair, really. Too cute."
Then, as if rehearsed, both girls cupped their hands around their mouths and chorused:
"JUST GET MARRIED ALREADY!"
Yu nearly jumped out of his boots, face going crimson, while Taichi finally snapped back to reality with a harsh cough and looked away, ears burning red. The air between them shimmered with something fragile and electric, the kind of atmosphere that made everyone else in the store feel like they were intruding on something sacred.
The Love-o-meter ticked up:
69 - 71
---
The rest of the outing blurred for Yu, his cheeks still hot from the way Taichi had looked at him in that outfit. Even when the girls teased and tugged him along through other shops, his mind lingered on the fleeting, unspoken moment between them. And Taichi, though he tried to act casual, kept stealing glances whenever Yu wasn't looking, his jaw tight, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.
By the time they returned home, the air between them was thick with everything unsaid.
Yu dropped his shopping bags by the desk, his heart hammering.
"Taichi…"
He started, voice soft but insistent.
Taichi froze halfway out of his hoodie, eyes flickering nervously.
"W-what is it, love?"
"You were there. At the shop. In the dressing room."
Yu stepped closer, searching his face.
"Why didn't you say anything? Why did you—"
Before Yu could finish, Taichi crossed the space in two long strides and captured his lips.
The kiss was deep and hungry, all of Taichi's pent-up jealousy and Yu's flustered affection colliding at once. Yu gasped against his mouth, hands clutching at his broad shoulders, before melting completely into the embrace. His body pressed closer, desperate to reassure and to be reassured.
They stumbled together, still locked in the kiss, until the backs of Taichi's knees hit the bed. He let himself fall, pulling Yu down with him. Yu landed astride his hips, straddling him with flushed cheeks and trembling thighs.
For a moment, the world stilled—just the sound of their ragged breaths, the heat of their bodies, and the unspoken words carried between kisses. Taichi's hands hovered at Yu's waist, steadying him, grounding him, while Yu leaned in again, whispering against his lips.
"Taichi…"
And then they kissed again, deeper, more certain, their bodies finding their rhythm together.
Yu's weight pressed down over Taichi's lap, his thighs trembling as he straddled him. Their kisses deepened, messy and needy, until Yu finally broke the rhythm, his face flushed crimson. With a shaky breath, he tugged at the hem of his shirt and lifted it just enough to bare his pale chest.
"Yu…"
Taichi's voice was hoarse, almost reverent. His hands rose instinctively, cupping those soft peaks, his thumbs brushing against them. Yu shivered at the touch, gasping as Taichi leaned forward to kiss and suck gently, teasing the sensitive tips.
A strangled moan slipped from Yu's lips. He tilted his head back, hair spilling over his shoulders, his breath ragged as he whispered between gasps.
"Ever since… you started doing this… they've gotten too sensitive… it's embarrassing…"
Taichi paused just long enough to murmur against his skin.
"Embarrassing?"
His tongue flicked over one bud, making Yu arch.
"E-everyone can see when they… perk up through my clothes…"
Yu admitted, voice trembling.
"So I started having to… wear a bra… or—or band-aids… to hide it…"
The confession shot straight through Taichi, his self-control fraying.
"Yu…"
His voice cracked with raw hunger. He kissed harder, licking, sucking, tasting—drunk on the sweetness of Yu's shivers.
Yu whimpered, his fingers tangling in Taichi's hair as the wet heat of his mouth worked over his sensitive peaks. The faint musk of arousal between them grew thick, Taichi's body burning as his hips jerked instinctively beneath Yu.
Yu gasped, wide-eyed, as he caught the scent too—the proof of Taichi's restraint on the edge of breaking. His own body betrayed him, trembling—hungry—and wanting more. Taichi's hand trailed down, slow and deliberate, until his fingertips brushed the edge of Yu's skirt—
Brrring!
The sharp alarm shattered the haze.
Both froze.
The blaring sound filled the room, absurd against the fragile, trembling intimacy they'd been wrapped in. Yu blinked down at Taichi, lips swollen from their kiss, chest heaving. Taichi stared back, face crimson, his hand still hovering at the hem of Yu's skirt.
"…Tch! Damn alarm."
Taichi muttered, voice rough, eyes burning with frustration and longing.
Yu's lips curved into a faint, shy smile despite his own shaking.
"Come on… We promised to study today. Let's start… before we…"
His words trailed off, but the heat in his gaze told another story.
Taichi leaned up, pressing one last, lingering kiss against Yu's lips—tender, grounding—before reaching over to silence the alarm with a heavy sigh.
Yu gave Taichi's lips one last peck back before slipping off his lap. His fingers were clumsy as he straightened his bra and tugged his shirt back into place, face crimson. But before he could step away, strong arms slid around his waist from behind, pulling him flush against Taichi's chest.
"Yu…"
Taichi's voice was low, husky with want.
"Can't we just… keep going?"
Yu froze for a second, then turned his head just enough to catch the stubborn heat in his boyfriend's eyes. His own blush deepened.
"…You'll get ten more minutes…"
He whispered.
"If you do well on your practice test at the end."
Taichi blinked, stunned.
"…You're bargaining? With that?"
"Study first…"
Yu insisted, slipping from his arms with a teasing little grin.
"Then you get your reward."
DK01's voice entered Yu's mind.
[My, my! How much you've grown! Choosing books instead of feeding! Of course, if you were a regular Incubus, I'm sure you would have pounced the moment you had the chance. Ah well, this is what the limiter is for. Clear minds, clear goals.]
'Shush!'
They moved to the table. Books spread open, notes stacked neatly, pencils poised. The atmosphere should have been ordinary—just another study session. But Taichi's heart pounded harder than it ever had in a fight or exam. Every scratch of his pencil across the paper was a countdown, every problem solved one step closer to Yu's "reward."
Yu sat opposite him, his expression cool and studious, but the pink in his cheeks betrayed him. Occasionally, he'd sneak a glance up, watching Taichi's brow furrow in concentration, and his lips would curl into a tiny, private smile.
Thirty minutes passed. The last answer was written. Taichi leaned back, exhaling, trying not to look like he was on the edge of panic.
Yu pulled the sheet toward himself, red pen in hand. Each tick of approval, each small note he made, had Taichi's chest tightening. He'd aced exams before, but nothing had ever made his palms sweat like waiting for Yu's verdict now.
When Yu finally looked up, cheeks warm and eyes glimmering, Taichi realized his pulse was louder than the clock on the wall.
Yu tapped the last answer with his pen, red circling it neatly. His lips curved into a mischievous little smile.
"Well, Mr. Arifukua…"
He said, voice sing-song as if he were a teacher reading out loud.
"Out of a possible hundred points… you scored—"
He held the page dramatically, letting Taichi squirm.
"—a perfect one-hundred!"
Taichi blinked, stunned for only a heartbeat before breaking into a grin.
"I… I did?"
"You did!"
Yu laughed, clapping his hands before scribbling a giant 100 across the top in bold red.
"Perfect marks. I think I should frame this."
[Host, did you two just get amnesia and forget Taichi Arifukua has a photographic memory? Of course he would get a perfect score.]
'...Maybe~'
[...I see, so this is just foreplay. By all means, continue. I will be on standby mode.]
Taichi's chest swelled—not just from pride, but from the warmth in Yu's glowing smile. But then Yu slid out of his chair, brushing his skirt down smoothly.
"Which means…"
He hummed, sauntering toward the kitchenette.
"Time to celebrate with your favorite meal. Don't you think, Taichi?"
Taichi narrowed his eyes.
"…Wait."
Yu froze mid-step.
"You're not sneaking away, are you?"
Taichi rose, already smirking, and before Yu could dart, strong arms wrapped around his waist, hauling him back toward the bed. Yu gasped, giggling brightly.
"You promised me ten minutes…"
Taichi murmured against his ear, voice low and husky.
"And I plan to collect."
He pressed Yu down into the mattress with a kiss, deep and hungry, stealing the words from Yu's mouth with a wet, devouring slide of tongues. Yu melted almost instantly, fingers curling into the fabric of Taichi's shirt with a desperate clutch, a soft whimper vibrating against Taichi's lips.
"Mmmph…"
Yu gasped between kisses, their lips moving in a rhythm that had heat rising between them, breathless gasps spilling out with every slick separation.
But as Taichi's hand slid lower, Yu caught his wrist, his voice trembling but firm.
"Not too far. Not yet."
His cheeks were scarlet, eyes glimmering with both nervousness and need.
"…But I'll give you something."
He shifted, kneeling on the bed, turning so his soft thighs pressed tightly together, pale and supple, the faint rustle of fabric echoing as he squeezed them shut. He glanced over his shoulder shyly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You can… use these. For now. Just… be gentle, okay?"
The sight nearly unraveled Taichi—Yu offering himself so vulnerably, so lovingly. He swallowed hard with a thick gulp, heat coursing through him, his body thrumming with restrained desire.
"Fuck, Yu… you're killing me here."
Taichi groaned, voice rough and low.
Slowly, reverently, he moved closer, his hands trembling as they steadied against Yu's hips with a firm grip.
The air between them thickened, charged with suspense and tenderness all at once. Yu's thighs squeezed tighter with a subtle squish of skin on skin, and Taichi exhaled a ragged breath, already dizzy from the closeness, his arousal throbbing hotly.
Yu's cheeks were already flushed, his eyes darting away, as though even the walls might laugh at his embarrassment. Taichi couldn't help but chuckle softly at the sight, a warm rumble from his chest. He had never been this patient with anyone before; with Yu, though, waiting felt natural. Endearing, even.
"You're too cute like this."
Taichi murmured, voice warm with fond amusement.
"Look at you, all shy and squeezed tight for me… God, I could eat you up."
He eased closer, his hand brushing over Yu's thigh with a teasing stroke, and he watched as Yu's lashes trembled, a tiny whimper escaping.
When he finally pressed himself against Yu, sliding between his thighs with a slick schlick of heated skin, both of them drew in a sharp breathy gasp.
"Oh… Taichi…"
Yu moaned softly, his voice breaking on the name.
The slow friction was unlike anything Taichi had ever experienced. The heat, the closeness—it sent sparks along his nerves with every slap of rhythmic thrusts, but even more intoxicating was the way Yu trembled, caught between hesitation and want, his body arching with needy shivers.
"Feels so good… your thighs are fucking perfect."
Taichi growled, hips rolling steadily.
"Squeeze tighter for me, baby—yeah, just like that."
Yu complied with a flustered moan.
"Mmmph!"
His thighs clamping down harder, eliciting a deep groan from Taichi.
Taichi started in a steady rhythm, letting the motion grow familiar, savoring the subtle shivers that ran through Yu's body with wet squelch sounds from the building slickness. But soon, desire twisted into something sharper—he wanted to see Yu's face. That look of shy surrender was too precious to waste.
"Turn over."
Taichi commanded breathlessly, voice edged with urgency.
"I need to see you—fuck, I need your eyes on me."
With a gentle but insistent grip, Taichi shifted Yu, turning him over so he could face him fully with a soft thud onto the mattress. He caught hold of Yu's legs, holding them up over his shoulder, firmly together, as the rhythm built faster—
thwap-thwap-thwap
—the sensation intensifying, skin slapping hotly.
Yu let out a soft sound—half protest, half plea—that only urged Taichi on.
"Ah! T-Taichi… it's too much… don't stop…"
"Never!"
Taichi panted, leaning down to capture Yu's lips, swallowing every fragile noise with a kiss that was deep and unyielding. Their mouths moved together, clumsy at first with frantic moans, then hungrier—his tongue coaxing with bold licks, Yu's lips parting with hesitation that quickly gave way to passion, tongues tangling in a messy, breathless, consuming dance.
"Taste so sweet… give me more, Yu—moan for me."
Yu's cries muffled into the kiss—
"Nhh, ahh, Tai–chi."
—His hands fisting the sheets.
The rush became too much, friction burning deliciously with every frantic grind.
"Yu… I'm close… fuck, you feel amazing…"
With a final shuddering thrust, Taichi broke the kiss with a guttural roar, his forehead pressed to Yu's as he released, warmth spilling hotly and staining Yu's outfit in thick, pulsing ropes.
"Coming… all for you…!"
For a moment, only their ragged breaths filled the space, bodies trembling in the afterglow.
Yu blinked, then huffed softly, feigning irritation even as his lips curved into the faintest smile.
"You ruined my new outfit…"
Taichi, still dazed and grinning, collapsed beside him. His laughter was low and genuine, a sound that seemed to wrap around Yu more tightly than any blanket.
"I'll buy you another, love."
He promised, voice rough but affectionate.
Yu turned to him, exasperation melting into quiet fondness. They lay together, limbs tangled, Taichi's arm instinctively clutching Yu as though he couldn't bear to let go.
Taichi's breathing finally slowed, the frantic drum of his pulse easing into something softer. He eased back onto his heels, eyes tracing the mess he'd made:
Yu's skirt twisted and soaked, blouse rucked up and clinging, thighs streaked with drying cum and faint red marks from his grip and hips thrusts. Yu lay limp, chest rising and falling in shallow, dazed breaths, one arm flung over his eyes when he noticed Taichi staring too intensely.
Taichi's voice dropped to a low, reverent murmur.
"Stay right there, baby. Let me take care of you."
He slipped off the bed with careful movements, padding to the adjoining bathroom. Water ran and he returned with a warm, damp cloth and a dry towel folded over his arm. Kneeling again, he started at Yu's thighs—those perfect, plush thighs that had just unraveled him moments ago.
"Cold?"
He asked softly, pressing the cloth to the inside of one trembling leg.
Yu peeked from beneath his forearm, cheeks still flushed.
"A little… but it's okay."
Taichi hummed, working in slow, gentle circles. He wiped away the sticky trails with deliberate care, thumbs kneading lightly at the faint bruises blooming along the soft skin. Every pass of the cloth drew a tiny shiver from Yu, but Taichi's touch stayed steady, worshipful.
"These marks…"
He said, leaning down to brush his lips over a faint hand-print just above Yu's knee.
"Sorry-not-sorry. They look good on you."
Yu huffed a shy laugh, toes curling.
"You're impossible."
"Only for you."
Taichi switched to the dry towel, patting the skin until it glowed pink and clean. He lingered, palms gliding up and down the length of each thigh, massaging warmth back into the muscles.
"Still sore?"
"A little…"
Yu admitted, voice small.
"But… good sore."
Taichi's smile was soft, almost shy itself. He folded the towels aside, then eased Yu's skirt down—not to cover the stains, just to smooth the fabric into some semblance of order. The blouse followed, tugged gently back into place even though it clung damply.
"C'mere."
He murmured, sliding an arm under Yu's shoulders. Yu went willingly, curling into Taichi's chest as Taichi maneuvered them both under the covers. The sheets were cool against overheated skin; Yu sighed, burrowing closer.
Taichi reached for the nightstand lamp, clicking it off. Moonlight spilled through the curtains, silvering the room. He settled on his back, guiding Yu to pillow his head on Taichi's shoulder, one leg draped possessively over Yu's thigh—a mirror of their earlier position, but tender now.
Yu's fingers traced idle circles through the sparse hair on Taichi's chest.
"You really like my thighs that much?"
He whispered, half-teasing, half-wondering.
Taichi pressed a kiss to Yu's hair.
"Love every part of you. But those?"
He squeezed the leg hooked under his own, thumb stroking the curve.
"They're my favorite pillow, my favorite vice, my favorite everything."
Yu hid his smile against Taichi's collarbone.
"Corny."
"Only when I'm spent and stupid over you."
Taichi's voice was already thickening with sleep. He tugged the blanket higher, tucking it around Yu's shoulders.
"Sleep, baby. I've got you."
Yu's answer was a soft, contented hum. Their breathing synced—slow, steady, entwined. Outside, the night settled quiet; inside, the faint scent of arousal and warm skin lingered like a promise.
Just before drifting off, Taichi brushed one last kiss to Yu's temple.
"Tomorrow…"
He mumbled.
"Gonna kiss every bruise better. Then maybe make a few more."
Yu's sleepy laugh vibrated against his chest.
"Deal."
The Love-o-meter ticked up:
71 - 72
Exhaustion finally stole over Taichi, his breaths evening out against Yu's neck.
Yu looked down at him, eyes soft. He brushed a stray lock of hair from Taichi's damp forehead, his own heart caught somewhere between disbelief and devotion. Holding him closely, Yu pressed a tender kiss to his temple, silently vowing to guard this moment—this fragile, precious intimacy—for as long as it would last.
---
Yu woke first. The soft glow of morning slipped through the curtains, gilding the small apartment in pale light. For a moment, he just lay there, listening to the steady rhythm of Taichi's breathing. His chest rose and fell with such ease, his arm still looped tightly around Yu's waist as though even in sleep he refused to let go.
Yu's cheeks warmed as last night's memories flickered back. The laughter. The embarrassment. The mess. His lips curved shyly, but his heart swelled. Taichi had ruined his outfit, yes—but he had also given Yu something far more precious:
Proof that he could be loved wholly, even in his most vulnerable, flustered states.
Yu carefully shifted, brushing his fingers through Taichi's dark hair.
"Dummy…"
He whispered softly, his voice a blend of affection and disbelief.
"How did I end up loving you this much?"
Taichi stirred at the sound, blinking awake. When his green eyes focused on Yu, they softened instantly, as if the morning light itself had bent just to make Yu glow brighter.
"Morning, love."
He murmured, voice rough, still heavy with sleep.
"Good morning."
Yu replied, flustered under the weight of his gaze.
"Still mad about the outfit?"
Taichi teased, lips quirking.
Yu puffed his cheeks in faux annoyance before burying his face against Taichi's chest.
"…Maybe."
Taichi chuckled, the sound rumbling beneath Yu's ear.
"Guess I'll just have to spoil you more to make up for it."
He tilted Yu's chin up and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, so light it was almost reverent compared to the intensity of last night.
---
The days that followed slipped into a quieter routine. Classes at the university kept them both busy, but evenings always brought them back together. Cooking meals side by side, sharing notes sprawled across their small table, collapsing into the couch after long days.
Taichi found himself cherishing the simplicity. He had thought college would feel overwhelming—but with Yu waiting for him at home, even the chaos seemed manageable.
Yu, meanwhile, had taken to his beautician courses with newfound confidence. He'd even begun practicing on Taichi, much to Taichi's grumbling protest.
"I don't need eyeliner, Yu!"
He'd argue, but when Yu pouted, Taichi inevitably caved—and secretly marveled at how skillful Yu had become.
In these soft, ordinary moments, their bond deepened in ways neither of them had anticipated.