ʜᴇᴀᴠᴇɴ - ᴊᴜᴊᴜᴛꜱᴜ ᴋᴀɪꜱᴇɴ

Chapter 8

Restlessness gnawed at Akira's insides as he paced back and forth outside the boys' showers. The sound of running water echoed from within, a constant reminder of the passing moments. Suguru was taking far longer than usual, and a sense of worry had taken root in Akira's mind.

Each step he took felt like an eternity, his thoughts spiraling with a mix of concern and impatience. He knew Suguru was being a bit off, but this was different. A sense of unease settled in his chest, causing his heart to beat a little faster.

Akira glanced at his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, a frown forming on his lips. They were supposed to meet up with Satoru, and Suguru was never one to be late. The minutes dragged on, stretching his nerves thin.

He stopped his pacing and pressed his ear against the shower room door, straining to catch any hint of movement or sound. All he heard was the steady flow of water, and his worry deepened. What if something had happened? What if something was wrong with Suguru?

Unable to contain his anxiety any longer, Akira rapped his knuckles against the door, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "Suguru, are you alright in there? You're running late."

The continued silence stretched on, causing Akira's mind to become a battleground of possibilities as he carefully considered each option. His thoughts raced like sprinters, attempting to discern the optimal path forward amidst the uncertainty. 

After a contemplative exhale that carried the weight of his concern, Akira resolved to take matters into his own hands.

In a deliberate sequence of movements, he began the process of disrobing. His fingers worked with a sense of purpose, unbuttoning his shirt and slipping it off his shoulders. 

The fabric rustled softly as it fell, revealing his slight toned physique underneath. Next came his watch, a symbolic accessory that found its place in the woven basket adjacent to the one belonging to Suguru, as if time itself were taking a pause.

His gaze lingered on the watch for a fleeting moment, a mix of determination and apprehension evident in his eyes. 

With a steadying inhalation that seemed to draw strength from deep within, he embarked on the next phase of his plan. Crossing the threshold into the steam-filled room, the temperature change was immediate, wrapping around him like a warm embrace.

The mist swirled lazily in the air, casting an almost surreal ambiance as he navigated through the ethereal tendrils. The soft hiss of steam played a melody against the backdrop of his thoughts, harmonizing with his heartbeat, which had gained a rhythm of anticipation. Each step was a deliberate movement, a testament to his resolve as he ventured deeper into the heart of the steam.

The humidity coated his skin, leaving a faint sheen that glimmered as he moved further into the space. The scent of soap and warmth enveloped him, a sensory experience that added to the weight of the situation. As he progressed, the sound of running water gradually became clearer, a constant companion that guided him forward.

With every advancing step, Akira's pulse seemed to sync with the rhythm of the room – a rhythm that mirrored his sense of urgency and curiosity. 

Amidst the dense steam, Akira's gaze honed in on Suguru's form, his well-defined muscles glistening under the cascade of the showerhead. A mixture of relief and unease washed over Akira as he closed the distance, his steps slightly hurried and his expression a blend of emotions.

As he drew nearer, Akira's flustered state was palpable, an indication of the inner turmoil he had been wrestling with. With a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, he approached Suguru, his heart pounding as he navigated the misty environment.