The mild but pungent flavor of the smooth vodka gently scratched his throat, warming his stomach in a way that only alcohol could. It was yet another shot of the evening but Sanzu seemed to be more lucid than ever, too busy devoting his attention to a particular person, to become a slave to alcohol in such a short time.
It had been a while since he had promised Ran to visit his speakeasy, the latter had always tried to drag him to that place just to empty his wallet and get him drunk as he hadn't in a long time. "To remember the good old days," he said. But alas, they were both too busy, too tired, too occupied. The opportunity presented itself to him only that afternoon, when he was told that the next morning, he would have no work to do. Which meant that he was free to take on any substance that exists in his body, and what better way to leave the pains of hell that his job had in store for him than by letting himself go to a place where he knew he was safe?
Only he was unaware that the club owner's brother was going to be there too. And above all, he didn't know that he would perform with a song, with such nonchalance in front of an audience. It was a new side of him that he wasn't aware of. One of the many sides he hadn't been allowed to learn to love.
"He's good, isn't he?" Mitsuya asked from the other side of the counter. He leaned towards him, handing out more shots that Sanzu welcomed with pleasure. The pink-haired boy nodded, not taking his eyes off the figure on the podium.
"Definitely better than Ran." And his answer sprang up a laugh from the lavender. Only then did he turn to him, one eyebrow raised questioningly. "I thought you were here in his stead, not to work for him."
"I was bored sitting and staring at people like an idiot, I needed to do something and I thought I'd help out. I didn't think you would come today."
"And I thought your boyfriend would keep me company."
"He had work to do, unfortunately. I too would have preferred to have him here with me." Mitsuya said, giving him a wink. They had only been together for a few months but Ran seemed to trust him more than any ordinary person would. Theirs was a relationship that Sanzu had always seen in a positive way, something so beautiful and rare, unique and difficult to create. Not so much for the difference in character and personality, but for the little things that the two boys exchanged every day. Stolen glances, caresses, kisses, words and tones full of concern and affection. Something that in one way or another managed to arouse some envy on the part of Sanzu.
"You're so lousy, lovely-dovey, you get me diabetes."
Mitsuya shook his head with a half-smile on his face, before pouring himself a glass of whiskey and taking a sip. "Maybe it's the right night to get a move on and get Rindou to bed. You're gaping at each other since you arrived, get yourself a room for god's sake."
"We are not – nevermind." Sanzu said, trying not to turn his gaze to the person in question. The last thing he wanted was to receive sentimental advice from Mitsuya.
"Lies don't work with me, Haruchiyo. Let your beast come out of its cage tonight."
And Sanzu nearly choked on the vodka. "Did you just refer to my cock as a beast?" The only response he received was a quick grin, before seeing the boy serve the other customers.
At that moment he focused totally on Rindou, letting his eyes run over his entire figure. His attention had been stolen from him at the exact moment he walked into the speakeasy: too stunned to believe his eyes and ears, Rindou's voice was so hoarse and deep and melodious, nothing compared to all the voices that he had listened to until now. He had never heard him sing like that – in fact, he had never heard him try his hand at music. And the words he was uttering with so much skill stuck into his skin like sharp daggers, ready to wound every inch of his body and soul.
