Beautiful boy

~4~

It had been a few weeks, Toshio woke up later than usual, the morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. Stretching lazily, he folded his bed sheets with practiced ease before heading out of his room. As he stepped outside, he spotted Kiyoshi training in the courtyard. A smile tugged at Toshio's lips as he settled on the floor, watching his focused movements.

"What's the time?" Toshio asked, curious about how much of the day had passed.

"8:47," Kiyoshi replied, not missing a beat in his training.

Toshio nodded, his gaze lingering on Kiyoshi's toned physique. He could watch him train for hours, admiring the dedication and skill that defined him, 

As Toshio observed Kiyoshi training in the courtyard, he couldn't help but admire the way his muscles flexed with each movement. Kiyoshi's chest glistened with a sheen of sweat, highlighting the definition of his pectoral muscles as they rippled under his skin. His abs were toned and well-defined, showcasing the hours of dedication he put into his physical training. With each swing of his practice sword, Kiyoshi's biceps bulged, evidence of the strength and power he possessed. Toshio watched mesmerized, noting the fluidity and precision in Kiyoshi's motions. Despite the intensity of his training, Kiyoshi maintained a focused expression, his determination evident in every calculated strike and defensive maneuver.

The morning sunlight played across Kiyoshi's muscular frame, accentuating the contours of his arms and torso. Toshio couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and admiration for his commitment to honing his skills as a samurai. After a while, Toshio got up and fetched a cloth, offering it to Kiyoshi to wipe off his sweat. Kiyoshi accepted the cloth with a nod of thanks and used it to dry himself before dropping it on the ground.

"I'm heading to my room," Kiyoshi announced, walking away without another word. Toshio sighed softly, picking up the towel and folding it neatly before placing it back where it belonged. He then made his way to the dining table, where breakfast awaited. The food was cold, indicating that Toshio had indeed overslept. Despite the lack of warmth in the meal, he ate in silence, lost in his thoughts. As he finished his breakfast, Toshio took it upon himself to clean the dishes, his hands moving mechanically as his mind wandered to deeper matters.

Drying his hands after finishing the dishes, Toshio decided it was time to confront Kiyoshi. With each step towards Kiyoshi's room, his resolve strengthened. He knocked on the door, waiting for a response that never came. Without hesitation, he turned the knob and pushed the door open. Inside, Kiyoshi was seated on his bed, focused on cleaning his katana. The blade gleamed under the soft light filtering through the window. Toshio took a deep breath, steadying himself before speaking.

"Suwa-san," he began, his voice steady yet tinged with uncertainty. Kiyoshi glanced up, his expression guarded but curious. "Speak, Toshio." 

/Toshio took a deep breath, the scent of incense wafting through the room. "I've noticed a growing distance between us, and I wish to understand its origins."Kiyoshi's grip on the katana tightened imperceptibly, a silent indication of his inner turmoil. "There are matters you are better off not involved in, Toshio. It is for your safety." 

Toshio's brows furrowed, his resolve unyielding. "I appreciate your concern, but I am not one to shy away from challenges. I believe I can contribute meaningfully, even in the face of adversity." Kiyoshi's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze assessing. "You are too trusting, Toshio. This world can be unforgiving, especially to those who wear their hearts on their sleeves." 

Toshio met Kiyoshi's gaze squarely. "I understand the risks, Suwa-san. But I refuse to be confined by fear. I wish to stand beside you, facing whatever challenges come our way." There was a tense silence as Kiyoshi contemplated Toshio's words, his expression inscrutable. Finally, he set aside the katana and motioned for Toshio to sit on the cushion opposite him. Toshio's heart sank at Kiyoshi's words, the distance between them widening with each passing moment.