Haru pushed open the café door, the little bell jingling like it always did on quiet Saturday mornings. He needed a strong black coffee before heading to the office for a quick weekend catch-up on reports. The place was half-empty—soft jazz playing, the smell of fresh grounds thick in the air. He ordered at the counter, rubbing the back of his neck where tension lingered from a long week.
As he turned with his cup, he nearly bumped into someone stepping away from the sugar station.
Ryan.
The guy froze mid-stir, dark hair neat, casual jacket over a tee, that confident smirk flickering before turning sharp. His eyes flicked over Haru—recognition instant.
"Well. Haru, right?" Ryan's voice was smooth, but edged. "Chris's... boyfriend."
Haru kept his expression neutral, reserved posture kicking in. "Yes. Ryan."
They stood awkward a beat, café chatter background noise. Ryan recovered first, gesturing to an empty table by the window. "Got a minute? Coffee's better sitting."
Haru hesitated—curiosity and protectiveness warring—but nodded. No scene in public. They sat opposite, steam rising from cups.
Ryan stirred his latte slow. "Small world. Didn't expect to run into you."
Haru sipped black coffee, dark brown eyes steady. "Same. You live around here?"
Ryan shrugged. "Close enough. Campus nearby." Pause, then direct. "Look, no bullshit. I know Chris told you about the... invites. The party thing."
Haru set his cup down careful. "He did."
Ryan leaned forward, voice low. "I'm not a creep. Just—Chris is great. Smart, hot, fun on the court. Thought he deserved more than playing full-time dad at nineteen. You get that, right? College is supposed to be freedom."
Haru's jaw tightened, but voice stayed even. "He's happy. That's what matters."
Ryan's smirk twisted bitter. "Happy now. But long-term? You're older, got a kid, office grind. He's young—prime years. What happens when he wakes up, realizes he missed out?"
Haru leaned in, eyes hard. "He didn't miss out. He chose us. And we chose him. Back off with the jealousy crap. You're crossing lines."
Ryan's eyes flashed—hit nail on head. "Jealous? Maybe. He's wasting potential on you. Stable's boring. He could have—"
Haru cut cold. "He has everything he wants. Including telling you no. Repeatedly. Respect that, or stay away."
Tension thick—café chatter faded. Ryan sat back, hands up mock-surrender. "Fine. Message received. But if he ever—"
"He won't." Haru stood, coffee half-done. "Have a good day, Ryan."
He walked out, heart thumping but steady. Texted Chris: Ran into Ryan at café. Confronted. Handled.
Chris: What?? You okay? I need the details!
Haru: Home soon. Tell you then.
Home: Ichigo tackled legs. "Papa! Play!"
Haru scooped him, tension easing. Chris in kitchen, hazel eyes worried but relieved at Haru's calm.
Spilled over dinner—Ichigo chattering Mia tales, adults exchanging looks.
Bedtime hugs, kid out.
Living room dim, wine poured. Chris curled Haru's side. "Ryan's jealousy ugly. Thanks for shutting it."
Haru arm tight. "No one messes with us."
Possessive warmth sparked—Chris tilting up, lips hungry. Haru kissed back fierce, hands waist, pulling lap. 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, washing rival away. 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 us," Chris panted; "Forever," 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. Gone.
Morning routine: pancakes, giggles, drop-offs. Ryan blocked everywhere, advisor note filed.
Coincidence confrontation closed—rival tension snuffed, love stronger.