224 || Kurokawa Izana

- 13 -

"Well you see, cuz, the funny thing is... I don't." He let out an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his head.

Your brows furrowed as you looked at him in confusion. "So what's with that laugh?"

"i have... a-uh, a boyfriend..." His voice grew softer as he finished his sentence, avoiding eye contact.

He jolted when you smacked his shoulder. "Hajime! I knew you had it in you!" You grinned, messing up his hair as he yelped in surprise. "I always knew you were a little fruity on the inside."

"W-What the...?!" He uttered, confused and stunned. "You're not against it?"

"Of course not! Why would I be, knucklehead!" You pushed his shoulder playfully as you smiled at him. "As long as you're happy, that's all that matters to me."

Hajime was stumped.

Unbeknownst to you, his family had disowned him not long ago when he first came out to them, he was obviously afraid to lose the one family member that he loved and actually genuinely cared about him. You were special to him, like the sister he never had.

He stared at you, speechless, and your eyes widened when you noticed his eyes beginning to water.

"Hey, hey, what's wrong?" You asked, resting your hand against his cheek. "Why are you crying all of a sudden, cuz?"

"Ah," he snapped out of it, wiping his tears. "It's nothing, just... thank you, Y/N."

Your brows furrowed slightly as you gave him an unsure smile. "For what?"

"For being you," he replied, playfully flicking your forehead as you jumped.

"Hajime!" You laughed. "You're so cheesy."

He all but offered you the most genuine smile you've ever seen on his face. "I know."

The sound of footsteps padding toward the living room grabbed your attention as Izana emerged from the hallway, looking as confused as ever. "Who's this?"

Hajime turned to you, eyes wide as he put two and two together. "This... he's... you..." he looked between the two of you back and forth before a grin made its way to his face as he wrapped his arm around your neck and tugged you toward him, nudging his knuckles into your hair.

"Ah! That hurts you son of a bitch!" You growled, laughing as you tried to escape his grip. "Yes, yes! He's my boyfriend you intolerant shit! Now let me go!"

"Well, introduce us you rat." Hajime ordered, letting you go.

You fixed your hair and gestured Izana to come over to the two of you and he followed obediently. When he neared, you grabbed his arm and pulled him down so that he was sitting in front of you as you wrapped your arms around his waist.

"Hajime, this is Izana," you smiled, resting your chin on his shoulder. "Izana, this is my best cousin, Hajime."

"It's nice to meet you," Izana muttered politely, a little shy at your bold affections in front of your cousin.

"Likewise." Hajime smiled.

It wasn't hard for him to tell how happy Izana made you just by looking at the way you acted with him around. You turned your attention back to Hajime, a thought crossing your mind as you asked. "When can I meet your boyfriend?"

"Soon," he replied. "He works at a motor shop downtown, I'll take you there if you want."

You nodded, tightening your grip around Izana's waist. "Alright, by the way, how did you even get into my apartment?"

"Oh..."

* * *

"Another boring day at work, eh Y/N?" Kakucho uttered boredly as the two of you lazed behind the counter waiting for the next customer to drop by.

"It's a pretty low day huh, Kucho," you replied, noting the lack of customers in the store.

It was a weekday after all, and you usually got less customers, but you were thankful. It gave you a bit of room to breathe while settling back into work after the long break taking care of Izana back at home.

Hajime was nice enough to keep him company while you were busy. It's a wonder how he makes so much money with all his free time.

Then again, you weren't complaining, because he's the only reason you were able to come back to work. Kakucho was still worried about you, but he decided to let you be. You both were adults and he knew you were capable of taking yourself, he didn't need to meddle.

"So, you got a girlfriend?" You asked.

"Psh, me? Girlfriend? Please, I have commitment issues."

"Didn't you go on a date the other day? You passed joining Izana and I's movie night for it." You pointed out, resting your chin on the palm of your hand as you leaned over the counter.

"Who said it was a she?"

"So it was a he?"

"I never said that." He mumbled.

"You're not denying it either," you smiled. "Who is he?"

"This guy I met at the bar," he gave in, deciding to admit the truth rather than push to hide it any longer.

"You sure he's a good guy?"

Kakucho shrugged, "Dunno, but he treats me nice and he's got cash- AH! I'M JOKING!" He yelped as you smacked his shoulder, laughing.

"Gold digger."

"Am not," he smiled, running a hand through his hair. "But for real though, I really like this one Y/N. So much that it's scaring me a little bit."

"Don't run from it Kucho, alright?"

"I got it," he waved you off.

You crossed your arms. "I'm serious."

"So am I," he countered.

You dropped your arms back to your sides. "What's his name anyway."

"Haitani... Haitani Ran."

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