#nanji

As of late, they often found themselves at each other’s houses, hanging out in the late evenings when neither of them had to attend to club responsibilities. Whether doing school work or watching a movie, they were always close with one another. Sometimes it was a slight touch of the hand when pointing out a mistake in the math homework. Now and again one of them rested their head on the other’s shoulder from exhaustion. Regardless of the action, it had all become commonplace for them, almost like a silent agreement that had mingled itself into their regular routine. This evening Nanao had made himself comfortable by cuddling up against Taiju as he read one of his books, taking pleasure in listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing.  

“Say, I have to head home soon. It is a school night after all.”

“Mhmm. Can I finish this chapter first? I’ll walk you home after.” Taiju smiled and glanced at Nanao from the corner of his eye before turning his attention back to his novel. Nanao laid comfortably against the other’s chest, Taiju’s arm wrapped tight around his back. Being with each other and not having to wear a false mask was so relieving, thought Nanao, who hummed contently to himself.

However, as the minutes passed by, signalled by the ticking of the clock on the wall, Nanao began to feel uneasy. The atmosphere was so relaxing that he wished he could sleep like this, snuggled up against his boyfriend. He couldn’t fall asleep though, he told himself, forcing his eyes to stay open despite the lulling air. Nanao knew Taiju wouldn’t mind if that were to happen, but he didn’t want to fall asleep all comfortable only to have to break the mood when he had to go home. It was best not to get his hopes up like that.

He had to find a way to stay awake. But how? Nanao looked up at Taiju with tired eyes, remarking at how peaceful he looked in the moment. His eyes, dashing across the page with a growing curiosity. His lips, slightly upturned in a smile. His hair, some of the shorter pieces having started to fall out from the ponytail he kept it tied back in. His body was moving before his brain even realized what he was doing, Nanao’s fingers carefully moving to tuck a piece of Taiju’s hair that had fallen into his eyes behind his ear. Silly guy, this was always  happening to him.

“Hm? What is it?” Taiju set his book down on his knee, wondering as to what had captured Nanao’s attention.

“I never realized how handsome you looked from this angle.”

Taiju chuckled and leaned in to press a kiss to Nanao’s forehead. “You’re the only one who has ever seen it before, so I hope it’s to your liking.” He winked before picking his book back up, pulling Nanao just a little bit closer.

“Hmm. I’ll need some time to decide. Maybe you can read your chapter a bit slower? I want to take this in for as long as I can.” Nanao laughed and twirled another piece of Taiju’s hair around his finger. Truly, he wished moments like these would never end,