The Only Exception

Chapter Four

Shohei can't really concentrate. He probably combed his hair a few more times than what's acceptable and kept looking at his reflection in the mirror. He is wearing, what he thinks is decent enough—grey turtleneck under a black lapel wool trench coat, black jeans that emphasized his long legs, and casual black leather boots.

Eiji and his juniors actually complimented him when they saw him before they left. Telling him good luck on his date even if this is not a date. He is just meeting a friend for the first time.

It's already past eleven and based on their last conversation, Junya's plane landed half an hour ago so he'd be arriving anytime soon. Since their reservation at the restaurant they previously chose had to be canceled, they agreed to just look for any place that is open 24/7, this is quite easy anyway, considering Tokyo doesn't technically sleep.

To better pass the time than fiddling with his fingers, Shohei begins looking for places to eat on his phone when he hears a motorcycle engine running and coming to a stop right outside the studio. He wonders if there is a late-night delivery Eiji hasn't told him about.

He hears the doorbell and almost jumps from his seat. It can't be Junya. The guy never mentioned a motorcycle or...

But when he opens the door, it reveals the man who has constantly occupied his waking days and thoughts for almost a month now. He doesn't look that different from when Shohei last saw him (in a selfie prior to his flight, with Junya saying 'prepare to see my handsome face').

A simple black undershirt with a black bomber jacket, ripped blue jeans, his dark hair a bit messy from wearing the helmet he is now carrying. Shohei feels extremely overdressed even if he's sure any article of clothing on Junya is double the price of his entire look.

It doesn't matter... because Junya is looking at him with the same intensity he has from those selfies he sent... okay, maybe not really. This is definitely ten times better because this is live. Junya is not looking at the lens of the camera but at him.

He can actually melt under that piercing gaze.

Then he smiles, "Kita-san." And Shohei feels the urge to close his eyes from the brightness of that single smile. In a split second, he looks like his age—boyish charm from that playful, toothy grin. He has that kind of smile that makes you think of a little puppy, cute and adorable, and makes you want to say awww...

It makes him feel warm inside. At least until a cold winter breeze blows in and he sees Junya visibly shiver. "Come in quick." He says opening the door leading the younger man inside the studio.

Junya combs his hair back with his fingers, the action sends butterflies to the other's stomach, before he places his helmet on one of the tidier tables free of clutter.

"Why are you not wearing any thicker coat? It's cold outside." Shohei asks, not looking at him. Without even asking, he moves to prepare some tea for the guy, thankful that there is something to do to distract him. Or else, he'd be standing there, staring stupidly at this irritatingly good-looking man.

"I wanted to get here faster so I didn't have time to change," Junya says. Shohei can feel the guy looking at him, watching his every move. He feels a bit self-conscious, but what can he really do? He makes a resolution to not be intimidated by the man (and his good looks) and decides to just get over his nerves. But then Junya is already a few steps from him, grabbing him by the wrist.

"Kita-san." Junya says softly, "Can you stop moving for a while?"

They are now faced to face and Shohei feels his resolve melt away under Junya's scrutiny. The heat that has started at the pits of his stomach begins crawling to his body from where Junya is touching him and he wants to see and understand what could the other guy be thinking.