Polaroids on The Floor

Okayama

After several hours of driving and chatting, Fuuto and Kim finally arrived in the city of Okayama. They checked into their hotel, both feeling the weight of exhaustion from the long journey. When they entered their room, Kim stopped in his tracks, staring at the single bed in the middle of the room.

"Why is there only one bed?" Kim asked, his voice tinged with frustration. "Didn’t I specifically ask for separate beds?"

Fuuto glanced at the bed, feigning surprise. "I did book a room with two beds. I guess they messed up the reservation."

Kim sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "That’s fine. I’ll just sleep on the floor."

Fuuto shook his head, stepping closer. "No, we can share the bed. I don’t mind."

"You don’t mind?" Kim looked at Fuuto, searching his face for any sign of hesitation.

"No, I don’t. I’m perfectly okay with it," Fuuto replied, his voice soft but steady.

Kim hesitated, then finally nodded. "If you say so. I’m going to take a quick shower. I just need to sleep."

After Kim showered and returned to the room, they both sat on the bed, a heavy silence settling between them. Kim broke it first, his voice quiet.

"So, any ideas on how we can deal with your father?" Kim asked, his eyes searching Fuuto’s.

Fuuto let out a slow breath. "Honestly, the only thing I can think of is for you to quit your job."

Kim’s eyes widened slightly, and he shook his head. "I can’t just quit. This job is everything to me. There has to be another way."

Fuuto looked down, feeling helpless. "I wish I had a better answer for you."

Kim leaned back against the headboard, closing his eyes briefly. "Why does it have to be me? Out of all the people in the world, why did he choose me?"

Fuuto’s heart clenched at the pain in Kim’s voice. He reached out, placing a hand on Kim’s shoulder, his touch firm but gentle. "I don’t know why, but I promise we’ll figure something out. You’re not alone in this."

Kim opened his eyes, meeting Fuuto’s gaze. There was a sincerity in Fuuto’s words that comforted him, even though the situation felt overwhelming.

"I hope you’re right," Kim murmured, the exhaustion finally catching up with him. "I’m so tired… I just need to sleep."

"Me too," Fuuto agreed, though his mind was far from restful.

They settled into the bed, but while Kim drifted off quickly, Fuuto found himself wide awake. He turned on his side, watching Kim’s peaceful face in the dim light of the room. There was something about Kim’s resilience, his quiet strength, that had captivated Fuuto from the very beginning.

Unable to resist, Fuuto gently touched Kim’s cheek, his fingers brushing against his skin. "I like you," he whispered, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Just then, Kim’s alarm blared, shattering the stillness. Fuuto quickly rolled onto his back, pretending to be startled awake.

"Sorry, did that wake you?" Kim asked groggily, reaching to silence the alarm.

"You think?" Fuuto replied, trying to sound annoyed but failing to mask the affection in his voice. "Why did you even set an alarm?"

Kim rubbed his eyes and yawned. "I have to start working soon."

Fuuto sighed, sitting up. "I’m coming with you. But first, let’s get some breakfast."

Kim nodded, still half-asleep. "Okay."