Chris jogged across the campus quad, backpack bouncing, breath puffing white in the cold December air. Finals week loomed, but today was light—just one review session before holiday break. He spotted Ryan near the library steps, tall frame leaning against the railing, dark hair slicked back, that usual confident smirk in place.
"Hey, Iesuke," Ryan called, waving him over. "Got a sec?"
Chris slowed, polite but guarded. Ryan's friendly chats had ramped up lately—always casual, but the undercurrent felt sharper, like he was sizing Chris up. "Sure. What's up?"
Ryan fell into step beside him, hands in pockets. "Heard you're heading home for break. Family stuff with the boyfriend and his kid?"
Chris nodded, hazel eyes wary. "Yeah. Cabin trip was great—taking it easy now."
Ryan's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Must be nice. Older guy, stable job, ready-made family. You hit the jackpot early."
Chris stopped walking, turning to face him. The compliment landed weird—backhanded. "Haru's amazing. We're happy."
Ryan shrugged, but his tone edged. "Sure, sure thing. Just saying—you're nineteen, prime college years. Parties, hookups, freedom. Instead you're playing house, babysitting, tied down. Don't you ever wonder what you're missing?"
Chris's jaw tightened. "Not really. I chose this. Haru's not 'tying me down'—he's my partner."
Ryan's eyes flicked over him, lingering a beat too long. "Partner, huh...weird? Cute. But come on—he's what, twenty-five? Office drone, single dad baggage. You're hot, smart, talented. You could have anyone. Guys line up for you."
Chris stepped back. "I'm taken. Happily. Back off with the digs, Ryan."
Ryan raised hands mock-innocent. "No dig. Just jealous, maybe. Wish I had someone looking at me like you look at him." His voice dropped, flirty edge sharp. "Or like I look at you."
Chris's stomach twisted. There it was—out loud. "Ryan, stop. I'm not interested. We're classmates, that's it."
Ryan's smirk faltered, jealousy flashing clear. "Fine. Your loss. But if daddy drama ever bores you..." He walked off, shoulders tense.
Chris exhaled shaky, texting Haru: Ryan just admitted jealous. Flirted hard. Uncomfy.
Haru: On my way. Pickup early?
Chris: Please.
Haru arrived fast, car pulling up curbside. Chris slid in, tension easing at Haru's dark brown eyes—protective, steady.
"Tell me," Haru said, hand on Chris's thigh as he drove.
Chris recounted—Ryan's digs at Haru, the options talk, the direct flirt. "Felt like jealousy over us, not just grades."
Haru's grip tightened on wheel. "He's crossing lines. You okay?"
Chris nodded, leaning into him at red light. "Yeah. Just pissed. You're everything I want—no 'missing out.'"
Haru pulled over quick, kissing deep—reassurance fierce. "Good. 'Cause you're stuck with me."
Home: Ichigo tackled Chris. "Play dinos?"
Chris scooped him, spinning. "After snack, little man."
Haru cooked—simple stir-fry, family chatter light. Bedtime hugs, kid out.
Living room dim, wine poured. Chris curled Haru's side. "Ryan's jealousy stupid. Makes me want you more."
Haru arm tight. "Show me."
Kiss ignited—Chris straddling lap, lips hungry. Haru kissed back fierce, hands waist, pulling flush. Tongues urgent, breaths ragged.
Shirts shed quick—Chris's tee yanked, Haru's button-up tossed. Skin met hot, slim pressing medium. Haru's mouth neck—sucking marks claiming, soothing rival sting. Chris arched, gasp breathy, grinding hard.
Pants undone impatient, pushed away. Bare, sweat-slick. Bodies aligned—Haru's hand wrapping firm, stroking rhythm rolls. Chris bucked wild, moans soft, legs tight.
Haru's free hand pinned wrist gentle, deepening friction. Pleasure coiled intense—eyes locked, hazel possessive fire, brown burning love. Whispers: "Only you," Chris panted; "Mine," Haru growled low.
Climax crashed shared—Chris tensing beautiful, release spilling hot muffled cry. Haru followed, shuddering deep.
Tangled after, breaths evening. Chris smiled lazy. "Rival who?"
Haru chuckled, kissing temple. "Exactly."
Morning routine: pancakes, giggles, drop-offs. Campus day—Ryan in lecture, avoiding eye contact.
Chris firm if approached: "We're done talking personal."
Ryan backed off—for now. Jealousy simmered, but Haru/Chris stronger.
Rival tension spiked—green-eyed glances no match for real love.