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Doppo was currently standing in front of the shopping center. He fucking hated shopping centers. Why was he in front of the shopping center right now?
…right. Because when he was six years old a certain kid started talking to him, and he wasn’t smart enough to ignore him. Not that ignoring him would really do anything. Fucking…
At least Jakurai was here with them… Fainting in the middle of the shopping center would still be incredibly embarrassing, but at least the good doctor would be there to give him CPR…
Doppo’s cheeks reddened at the idea of their lips touching. God… this trip was not going to be good for his heart in so many ways…
‘Doppo-kun? Is everything alright?’ Jakurai asked. Doppo flinched, fingers digging into the skin of his wrist.
‘Yes! Yes, everything’s good!’ he chuckled awkwardly. ‘I’m just… not really good with crowds…’
Jakurai nodded agreeably.
‘That’s completely understandable. We can leave anytime you feel uncomfortable. I myself am not particularly fond of crowded spaces, so I can relate to a certain extent.’
Doppo’s eyes widened, as he paused in fear. Because judging by Jakurai’s words it seemed like…
‘Sensei… you’ve never been shopping with Hifumi, have you?’ he asked.
Jakurai shook his head, and Doppo’s shoulders slouched at the realization that Jinguji Jakurai, the sweet summer child , had no idea what he had gotten himself into.
‘Next crossing, he whispered, staring at Hifumi’s back. ‘I’ll distract him. Run.’
‘What?’ Jakurai asked, visibly confused. ‘Surely it can’t be that bad…’
When Doppo went up to Hifumi, and linked their arms together, while awkwardly attempting to start a topic, Jakurai didn’t run. He instead focused on how pretty his teammates looked together.
Jakurai walked around a lot on a daily basis, but even he couldn’t escape the burning of his calves after a while of getting dragged around by Hifumi. Doppo seemed to be getting a little tired. He was holding Hifumi’s hand for most of the time. Jakurai felt a small pickle inside of his chest. He wished he could also hold their hand, and enjoy their relationship the way they did…
He shook his head. No use thinking about it now.
The trip has been a pleasant experience so far. They spent most of the time trying on different clothes, as Hifumi took it upon himself to give them a little makeover.
‘It’s not like you’re terrible,’ he said. ‘I mean, Doppo is a little bit, but also he doesn’t really get to experiment with fashion! And he’s not really good at picking out natural materials, so that’s also yikes!’ he stuck out his tongue, ignoring Doppo’s embarrassed groan. ‘And sensei! Your outfits aren’t bad, they’re just sort of… repetitive? There’s nothing wrong with repeating outfits, especially if you know they look well, but it’s pretty much as if your whole wardrobe consisted of the same black turtlenecks and jeans, and that’s… a bit bland, if I were to be honest.’
‘Hifumi!’ Doppo hissed. ‘You can’t just say that! I’m sorry sensei, he’s just so-’
Jakurai raised a hand in a calming gesture.
‘It’s okay, Doppo-kun. I’ll gladly take Hifumi-kun’s advice. I know my wardrobe needs a little bit of freshening up, but I don’t really have the time to put it together.’
‘And that;s when Hifumin comes in!’ the blonde giggled. ‘You’ll look as fresh as spring, sensei. Trust me!’
And trusted him he did.
He learned that tucking his turtleneck makes the outfit look a little bit more put together. He tried a couple of polo T-shirs, regular T-shirts, and shirts, short-sleeved, long-sleeved, and whatever else Hifumi’s soul desired.
He even tried on a skirt, after only a bit of convincing. It was long, reaching half of his calf, and Jakurai found himself enjoying the way it flowed around him while he walked. It was elegant, and made him feel beautiful. He bought it, already feeling excited at the prospect of wearing it.
Hifumi tried on the most clothes out of the three of them. From shirts, vests and blazers, similar to his host attire, to some silly T-shirts, pretty blouses, funky accessories… He even wore a dress. A really tight dress, with thin straps and a wide neckline, that was incredibly… short. Jakurai gulped, staring at the way it hugged Hifumi’s muscles. Doppo gasped next to him, and Jakurai never in his life had related to anything more.
‘You look beautiful…,’ Doppo said. Hifumi did a little spin, showcasing the way it framed his back muscles.
Jakurai was a gentleman. He didn’t look at his ass. He wouldn’t ogle his teammate like that.
Hifumi sent a little wink towards Doppo, and the salaryman needed to grab onto Jakurai’s shoulder to avoid losing his footing. Jakurai helped him sit down, and handed him a bottle of water. Hifumi chuckled adorably, as he sat down next to Doppo. Jakurai tried really hard to avoid staring at Hifumi’s well-defined pectorals.
‘I think I’m okay now…’ Doppo said after a moment. ‘Sorry. And… Hifumi, you look gorgeous.’
‘Thank you, darling,’ he smiled, before pressing a small kiss to his temple. ‘And what do you think, sensei?’
He stood up, adjusted the material that went up a little when he sat down. He did another spin for the sake of showcasing the dress. As if anyone could forget how beautifully it outlined his body.
‘Doesn’t it make my ass look kinda flat?’
Doppo almost choked on his water.
Jakurai’s eyes dropped down to the previously mentioned body part, and his breath hitched a little, as he scolded himself for behaving like that next to his friend, who was currently in a happy relationship with his other friend. Who was sitting right next to him.
‘I don’t think your ass is physically capable of looking flat,’ Doppo muttered, startling a little laugh out of Hifumi.
‘Thanks, but I was actually asking sensei,’ his eyes were warm, as he turned his gaze towards Jakurai. The doctor cleared his throat.
‘You look lovely, Hifumi-kun,’ he smiled gently, hoping to have it seem like a simple compliment given by a friend. Hifumi’s face lit up.
‘Thank you, sensei! I’m glad you like it!’
Doppo as well didn’t get to escape Hifumi’s desire to make them his personal dress up dolls for the day. He obtained a couple of shirts made out of natural fibers, because you’re sure to feel better if you wear clothes that are actually comfortable!
Unfortunately Jakurai didn’t get to see Doppo in a skirt. He shut down the idea instantly, (not that there’s anything wrong with skirts! , he made sure to explain. I just don’t like stressing over my underwear being visible to the whole world.)
Hifumi did an incredible job picking out an outfit for him. Jakurai almost let out a gasp when Doppo opened the door to the dressing room.
He wore a fishnet top, and a loose, sleeveless crop-top, alongside a low-rise pair of cargo pants.
There was a certain sense of captivating danger that came with this look. It really brought out his eyebags, the paleness of his skin, the sharp angles of his body. He looked hot. Not a single, more eloquent way of phrasing this sentiment existed.
Hifumi whistled.
‘Doppo~’ he said, as he leaned in and pressed his fingers against the naked skin of his back. ‘You look so handsome…’
Doppo let out a heavy sigh.
‘I feel ridiculous,’ he glanced at Jakurai. ‘Sorry you have to see me like this. I know I’m not the best looking person out there, and those clothes aren’t particularly flattering for someone like me…’
Jakurai really shouldn’t be mentioning the way he physically had to stop himself from licking his lips when he noticed Doppo’s exposed stomach. He instead shook his head politely.
‘You look very handsome, Doppo-kun,’ he said instead. ‘It’s far from your usual style, but I feel like it suits you well. I’m sure many people would be… really interested, if you showed up to a DRB wearing something like this.’
When Jinguji Jakurai said many people he mostly meant himself, but that was an unnecessary detail. It’s better to keep some things private, especially seeing the way Doppo’s face turned red.
‘I feel embarrassed just thinking about it…’
It was a really good look for him.
This trip was proving to be quite a challenge for his unresolved feelings.
And now, that they were done with dress up games and shopping, they were sitting in a small coffee shop. There weren’t many people inside, which was a blessing for Doppo’s overwhelmed state.
He was currently partially laid out on a table, eyes peeking out from above his folded arms. Next to him stood a fruit smoothie Hifumi ordered for him to force some vitamins into him.
Hifumi ruffled his hair.
‘You did really well, Doppo-chin!’ he praised. ‘You seem to be getting less anxious each time we go shopping!’
Doppo only groaned as a response to that.
‘My head hurts…’ he muttered. ‘I wanna go home…’
‘After we finish drinking,’ Hifumi promised. ‘Sensei, you coming with? You should stay for dinner! I have some new skincare products that weren’t really working for my type of skin, so maybe you’d like to try them out?’
‘I wouldn’t want to intrude,’ he smiled politely. ‘Especially since Doppo-kun seems exhausted from the outing. I’d hate to overwhelm him further.
‘You should come,’ Doppo said immediately. Jakurai looked at him with a hint of surprise visible on his face. ‘Hifumi’s been really excited about making curry today, and he bought enough ingredients to have you join us. And your presence isn’t overwhelming for me. That is, unless you’re tired of us and were trying to kindly reject us… I get Hifumi can be a lot at times, and I’m not the most fun person to be around, so…’
‘That’s certainly not the case,’ Jakurai smiled. ‘I’d love to stay for dinner.’
***
After they entered the house, Hifumi immediately aimed for the kitchen, brewed the tea and threw out Doppo and Jakurai into the dining room.
‘Sensei can’t cook, he’s a guest!’ Hifumi explained. ‘And he’ll get lonely if we leave him to sit by the table all alone… So, you’re off chopping duty! Entertain sensei instead!’
‘What!?’ Doppo whined, slapping his hands on Hifumi’s arms. ‘Hifumi, you know I’m not a fun person to be around!’
‘No, no, no Doppo! You’re really funny! Now go go go! I have food to make and am starting to get hungry!’
And so, Doppo sat down by the dinner table, placing a pot of tea and two cups in front of Jakurai. He raised the lid and deemed it not yet suitable for drinking. He sighed quietly.
‘It’s not yet brewed.’ he laughed awkwardly. Jakurai smiled politely, and Doppo could only focus on the way it elegantly lit up his entire face.
He stiffened, and knocked over the cup. He scrambled to pick it up, but it rolled towards Jakurai. He stopped it with his long fingers, and placed it back in front of the salaryman.
‘Good thing it was empty,’ he smiled kindly. Doppo felt his face get warmer in embarrassment.
‘I’m sorry!’ he said. Jakurai shook his head.
‘There’s really no need to. I’d like to believe we’re close enough that apologizing for such trivial occurrences is unnecessary.’
‘Right!’ Doppo said, straightening his back. ‘Sorry. I won’t apologize as much. But… ah, I just apologized, didn’t I?’
Jakurai chuckled deeply. It was a lovely sound that had Doppo in a chokehold. He picked up the lid again, as a way of steadying himself.
‘It’s done,’ he announced.
Jakurai gently slid the cup towards him, and Doppo picked up the teapot. A couple of drops spilled out. He smiled awkwardly, as he handed Jakurai his cup. He picked up the napkin to dry out the droplets.
Jakurai picked up the cup and blew on it, before taking a sip.
‘This blend is lovely. Thank you, Doppo.’
Doppo fumbled with the cup, almost spilling out its contents. He groaned. Jakurai giggled.
‘No need to be so stressed.’
Doppo sighed.
‘Sorry… I’m still a little overwhelmed from earlier,’ he laughed awkwardly. Jakurai smiled.
‘It’s okay, Doppo. Even if you spill the tea, it’s simply a matter of cleaning it up. I’d like you to feel comfortable around me. Especially in your own house.’
Doppo took a sip of his tea in order to hide the blush that’s been crawling up his cheeks.
‘...Thank you, sensei,’ he answered after a moment. The room was too warm, the tea burned his tongue, and sensei’s kindness was scorching him from inside out.
It was nice. He felt so warm he was about to tremble out of his body.
Jakurai tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear, and Doppo couldn’t take his eyes off his long fingers, and the way they played with the strands of his silky hair.
Jinguji Jakurai had beautiful hair. They were well taken care of, shined prettily in a lamplight, and they gave him a certain air of mystery that was so alluring and captivating…
Androgynous looking pretty boys always made him act a little bit pathetic…
His eyes flickered towards Hifumi, who was bustling around the kitchen. He looked beautiful, with an apron tied around his little, slutty waist, hair falling onto his cheeks, blond strands brushing against the collar of his shirt…
He was beautiful. Of course he was beautiful. Why is everyone around him so good-looking!?
His fingers gripped at the base of his hair, as he pulled, trying to calm down his beating heart, Damned be all those androgynous pretty boys.
Cold hand rested against his head. Doppo looked up, meeting Jakurai’s gentle gaze. He smiled shyly, stroking his ginger hair.
Doppo closed his eyes, leaning into the touch. A small sigh left his lips. Jakurai’s hand felt nice against his head. Its coldness seemed to be easing his headache, the precision with which he applied the force seemed just right, and then it slipped from the tip of his head and landed on his cheek. Doppo’s eyelids fluttered open.
Their eyes met, a sort of electrifying force sizzled through the air. Jakurai’s hand jumped away.
‘Apologies,’ he said, clearing his throat. ‘You simply looked… comfortable.’
If someone were to ask him, Doppo wouldn’t be able to say what sort of force had taken over him. In that moment… he just did what felt right.
His hand reached out on its own, grabbing Jakurai’s wrist and placing it against his head. He smiled awkwardly, and closed his eyes. Jakurai’s face melted into a smile, as he got back to stroking Doppo’s hair.
He raised his head, meeting Hifumi’s observant gaze. The blond covered his mouth in an overly dramatic gasp, before giving him an enthusiastic thumb ups. Jakurai had to stifle a laugh. Those two were truly so fascinating…
Soon after Hifumi was done with making curry. He tasked Doppo with setting the table.
Three plates placed on a table looked cozy, They felt like family.
Hifumi’s food was delicious. Jakurai had to stop himself from tearing up. It’s been a while since he had someone to share meals with, and an even longer while since he ate a homemade meal prepared with love.
Since Yotsutsuji fell into a coma he found himself uncaring about food. It was a fuel for his body, a small exchange for being able to save lives and work on a way of waking up his son. He thought it a simple trade, a necessity of sorts.
It was so different from the way Hifumi treated meals. There was something sacred in the way he set up the table, placed the food, and while preparing he seemed so full of love and passion…
Hifumi’s food tasted like home, he realized. He almost laughed at how crude this reflection was. He thought he had lost the feeling of home forever, yet here he was, eating homemade curry, listening to his teammates’ bickering, and…
He touched his cheek, a little surprised at the sudden wetness falling down his face. Tears , he concluded, with a hint of confusion. He had no idea he was still capable of crying.
Hifumi’s cheerful stream of chatter stopped, as his eyes landed on Jakurai’s face.
‘Sensei!’ he gasped, getting up from the chair. ‘What happened? Are you alright?’
Jakurai nodded.
‘Apologies,’ he said, wiping a tear from the side of his eyes. His arms trembled slightly, with each disguised sob, as he attempted to put himself back together. Doppo passed him a tissue, which he gratefully accepted. ‘It’s been a while since I’ve had a homemade meal, and this curry is truly divine. I guess it made me a little emotional,’ he laughed awkwardly. ‘Apologies.’
Higumi shook his head enthusiastically.
‘No! Don’t apologize!’ he said. He threw his hands around Jakurai’s arms, pulling him into a warm hug. ‘It’s okay to get emotional, sensei. You can come over anytime! I can cook for three people no problem! And Doppo could use having someone to eat with when he comes back late!’
Jakurai smiled.
‘Thank you, Hifumi-kun.’
***
‘We should do facemasks!’ Hifumi suggested. They finished eating a while ago. The dishes were put away nicely in a dishwasher, and the leftovers were cooling down. ‘I have the nice one in a tube that doesn't irritate your skin, Doppo-chin!’
Dopppo shrugged.
‘If it makes you happy…’
‘Sensei?’ Hifumi asked. ‘What do you think?’
‘I never tried doing face masks. But I’d be interested in trying if you’ll have me.’
‘Your skin is so clean though!’ Hifumi gasped. ‘Don’t worry, sensei, I’ll show you everything!’
Jakurai smiled.
‘I’ll be in your care then.’
Hifumi sat them down on the couch and aimed at the bathroom. He quickly gathered up all necessary items, double checked his looks, and put on a scrunchy hair band, to get his hair out of the way. It had rabbit ears sewn in. He looked cute in it.
After reentering the living room he handed Jakurai a paper bag.
‘The products I mentioned earlier,’ he explained. ‘You should give them a try!’
‘Thank you, Hifumi-kun,’ he smiled. ‘I’ll treasure it.’
Hifumi nodded enthusiastically, before turning towards his boyfriend.
‘Now! Doppo-chin,’ he smiled brightly, as he passed him the other fluffy headband. This one was green, and had frog eyes sticking out on the top. Doppo looked incredibly cute in it.
‘We unfortunately don’t have the third one,’ he said apologetically, looking at Jakurai. The doctor shook his head.
‘That’s alright. I have a hair tie.’
He gathered his long hair into a ponytail. Hifumi found his gaze following the movements of his hands, as his long, pretty fingers threaded through the sleek, even longer strands of silky, strong hands. Jinguji Jakurai should star in shampoo commercials, Hifumi thought.
He turned back to Doppo, taking a seat next to him. He squeezed out a bit of cream on his hand and started applying it gently to his boyfriend’s face. Doppo closed his eyes, leaning in to the touch. Hifumi chuckled, and pinched his clean cheek. The redhead mumbled something to himself, not bothering to open his eyes.
Hifumi finished applying the face mask onto his face and turned his attention towards Jakurai.
‘Can I also do yours?’ he asked. ‘Or would you rather do it yourself?’
‘Do as you please,’ he smiled, leaning in closer, so that he could reach his face.
Hifumi’s heart fluttered at the realization that, wow , Jakurai’s face was really close . Within kissing distance even. Hifumi lowkey wanted to kiss him.
Instead he focused on applying the cream to his face. Jakurai’s eyes fluttered closed. His long, luscious eyelashes left a shadow on his cheeks, and Hifumi had to swallow at the sight. God, he really was here, sitting in his living room, as Hifumi applied a face mask on his face…
‘Done~’ he tried to sound unaffected, as he pulled his hands away from Jakurai’s gracious face. ‘Now, let me go to the bathroom real quick, so I can see where I’m applying the face mask! I’ll be right back-’
Jakurai’s slim fingers embraced his wrist.
‘Allow me to apply it for you,’ he said. The way he said it, the tone so serious yet so sincere felt like a marriage proposal, and Hifumi’s cheeks heated up a little at the image. ‘Unless you’d rather do it yourself?’
‘Nope!’ Hifumi turned his face towards Jakurai, passing him the cream tube.
His touch was soothing. He applied cream with clinical precision. It was thrilling, the way Hifumi’s skin squished beneath those long, gracious fingers… Hifumi sighed quietly.
Jakurai’s hands pulled away, and Hifumi’s eyes opened. They stared at each other for a while. Jakurai was the one to break eye contact. He cleared his throat.
‘I’m done,’ he said. Hifumi blinked.
‘Oh! Yes, Thank you, sensei!’ he smiled cheekily. He pulled out his phone and set the timer, before settling more comfortably on the couch. He closed his eyes.
A quiet snoring next to him brought back his attention. He looked to the side, noticing Doppo had fallen asleep. He exchanged amused glances with Jakurai,
‘He often naps,’ he said quietly, not wanting to disturb Doppo. ‘It’s cute.’
‘It’s good that he gets at least some sleep, considering how much energy his work consumes,’ Jakurai agreed. ‘But he should be careful not to overdo it - if timed badly, his naps can end up taking more energy than one would think.’
Hifumi nodded.
‘In high school he took a lot of those 45 minute power naps. Not longer, so he doesn’t fall into a deep sleep or something,’ he chuckled. ‘He refused to nap in my bed so he napped while sitting by the table. Until I convinced him to use my bed, because he kept complaining about back pain! Really, he was so cute back then…’ he sighed dreamily. His gaze moved back to his sleeping face, moving chest, and half-opened mouth. He felt even more in love. ‘Not that he’s not cute now! He still is. Very cute. The cutest guy on earth.’
Jakurai smiled politely.
‘There’s a certain sense of nostalgia that makes high school seem more pleasant than it actually was.’ he agreed. ‘How long ago was it, again?’
Hifumi snorted,
‘You sound like an old man!’
Jakurai raised an eyebrow.
‘I am an old man,’ he reminded. Hifumi let out a snort.
‘You’re thirty five! That’s not old at all!’
Jakurai laughed dreadfully.
‘Sometimes it feels like it is,’ he admitted. ‘But it’s been more bearable since I met the two of you. So… Thank you. For making my life less lonely.’
Hifumi almost teared up at the sentiment. He flung himself onto Jakurai, wrapping hands against his waist, and rubbing his face into the other’s chest. Doctor’s hands hovered around his sides for a moment, before awkwardly settling on his back.
‘You can rely on us sensei,’ he said. ‘If you ever feel lonely, or sad, or anything else happens. Please rely on us.’
Jakurai shivered.
‘...I’ll try to,’ he answered after a moment. The sound of a timer stopped Hifumi from prodding him further. He squeezed Jakurai’s waist one more time, before turning it off. He moved towards the snoring redhead.
‘Doppo-chin!’ he said, stabbing a finger in . Doppo screeched, as he scrambled away. Hifumi giggled. ‘We need to get these masks off!’
‘I didn’t even realize I fell asleep…’ he muttered, rubbing his eyes with his hand. A part of his mask fell onto his trousers. ‘Sorry sensei. It was rude of me, wasn't it…’
‘Nothing happened, Doppo-kun,’ he assured. ‘I’m glad you managed to rest a little bit. Does your head still hurt?’
‘Only a little,’ he answered truthfully. He grabbed the side of his mask, and peeled away its part. ‘I’ll go take it off.’
‘Okay!’ Hifumi got up from the couch, and followed him. Doppo raised an eyebrow,
‘And you’re coming, because…?’
‘It’s not like you’re going to piss or something,’ Hifumi explained. ‘And I also need to take off this beauty. It’s more fun if we do it together! You too, sensei!’
It got a little crowded by the sink. Doppo took off the rest of his face mask, and threw its remnants into the bin. He used water to wash away the small stripes that stayed on his face.
Soon after two other masks joined it in the bin.
They sat down on the couch again, this time with Jakurai in the middle. Hifumi rested his head on Jakurai’s arm.
They didn’t intend to fall asleep. But the coziness of the apartment, the sun falling down the horizon, and the exhaustion of a well-spent day had all three of them drifting away.