Things were getting more and more complicated before they seemed to be finally clear.

Nino found a clever, charming, careful, sexy as hell man, a kind of magician since he found for him a phone number he was seeking for months.

Sho even refused to be coached by Jun…he was damn romantic and persistent, a perfect dreamy man. The only small little detail was that he was het.

They exchanges two –hot- kisses and he cooked a lunch to thank him for the appointment with Ohno. Because he was dying to meet him again too. What he didn’t plan was Sho’s enthusiasm and the way he totally lost control. Dry humping Sho was a bad idea. It wasn’t an idea at all, only a sudden inspiration, an incontrollable desire. Several times he thought that Sho would stop him, several times he prayed he won’t, totally subjugated by the sensuality of his partner. Truth was that Sho didn’t freak out at all, like Nino expected him to, on contrary he took the initiative and enjoyed every minutes of their sex session. What did that mean?

It meant that Sho was probably looking for an easy lay, an easy experience and not a serious relationship. If he was guided by a romantic feeling, he would freak out, right? A witty het couldn’t enjoy the gay revelation so serenely, right? After a devastating orgasm Nino had a revelation too. He loved Sho. He fell in love with him so hard that he could barely kept the L word for himself and it terrified him. He wasn’t ready to live another love disappointment and the odds of things working out between them were dangerously bordering the absolute zero. Sho was an elite, a famous attorney, rich, het, why would he be interest by a small bookstore owner, occasional love coach? Having an affair with him was more than tantalizing but living in a closet was against all the rules he established for himself since he had been outed in high school.

Yet giving up to Sho was beyond his strength. What could he do?

For the moment, he has to honor his so awaited appointment with Ohno, it couldn’t let his private life interfere with the bookstore.

Surprisingly Ohno didn’t live far from the shop, his house was set in the next shopping district. He could almost think it was fate, amused to imagine they probably come across each other. For the umpteenth time, in the cab, he wondered who this woman could be. Was she an old grumpy lady, the mother of a bunch of kids, or a party girl? She never communicated about her work or her life so every suppositions were allowed. He felt a wave of excitement with the idea of finally solving the mystery as the taxi left him on the sidewalk.

The house were very plain, nothing indicated that a star of literature was living there, even the name sign on the post box was blank. The street was totally empty except two old grandmas chatting quietly on the sidewalk. Nino knocked and the door opened almost immediately, surprising him.
A man was on the threshold as if he was waiting for the first knock to open the door. Weird. Not taller than Nino, he was wearing one of those old brown knit vest, round glasses and had the cutest round face adorned with a natural pout. He remained silent.

Nino reached out to shake the man's hand. “Hi, I'm Ninomiya Kazunari, I have an appointment with Miss Ohno.”

The man didn't answer simply turning around and bending forward to fetch a pair of slippers for the newcomer.

“Is she here? Miss Ohno?” This man was too strange, who didn't greet a guest?! “Are you her secretary?” He didn't seem to be the agent who was a jumpy, peppy man. No answer. The man climbed quietly the stairs and Nino had no choice but following.

The room upstairs fit the image Nino had of the mangaka's studio in the 50's perfectly. Vintage, messy, cold with a huge blue kotatsu as main furniture. In a corner of the place was a small kitchen barely equipped, the man probably eat nothing else but instant noodles...No one else lived here, it was crystal clear. The question remained.

“Excuse me Sir? Are you by chance Mister Ohno?”

The man nodded, sat, hiding his legs under the huge comforter and gestured towards Nino to invite him to sit too. The bookstore owner complied,
he was freezing.

“Sorry I always thought you were a woman.” Nino chuckled to smooth the atmosphere but Ohno's expression didn't change a bit.

“I'm a man.” He simply stated.

“I can see that. People tend to think there is a woman behind your books. You don't write like a man.”

“Thanks. I think.” Nino flushed and smirked awkwardly. Okay, the man was a cutie, just too shy to interact with people and somehow Nino could understand that. He couldn't tell if it was good news, making him accept a signing session would be damn difficult.

“I'm so glad to finally meet you, Mister Ohno, I'm harassing your agent for months to meet you.”

Ohno nodded once again, his lips forming a thin line, enhancing his likeness with a hamster.

“First of all, I love your books and my clients too, it's a brilliant and touching series. To be totally honest my goal today is to ask you if you'd accept a signing session, your fans are eager to meet you.” Better go straight to the point, thought Nino, this man was not the kind who appreciate or understand roundabouts. Ohno was playing nervously with the comforter.

“I'm not...I don't really go out, you know. I don't get along with people.” Ohno avoided Nino's gaze, lost in the contemplation of the floor.

“I know what you mean but a lot of authors are reticent to meet their readers, writing is a lonely work after all, but they are really happy to have an exchange with their fans at the end. It's an interesting experience and we could prepare it together according your preferences. It's a small bookstore you know, we'd be honored to be your hosts.”

“I think I can't.” Was all the man said. When he rose to show his guest the way out, Nino refused to move. After all he was finally facing the author he couldn’t give up so easily.

“Mister Ohno may I ask you for an advice?” He asked a bit too loudly but Ohno sat back, to be polite or because he was interested, Nino couldn’t tell.

“I'm not very good at giving advice.”

“I'm pretty sure you can help me, your books helped me a lot already.”

Ohno blushed a bit more and Nino kept on, gripping the small odd chance he had to convince the man at all cost.

“A man broke my heart two years ago and since I didn't meet anyone who makes me feel like falling in love again. I had some one night stands of course but nothing serious, I felt like this man shattered my heart in so many pieces that it couldn't be fixed anymore.”

Ohno frowned and crossed his arms before his chest, sliding his thin legs under the kotatsu surreptitiously. Nino pushed his luck.

“But a few weeks ago I met this man. Well my two friends and I are leading some groups to help people to live a fulfilled sex life and this guy needed to be coached. The thing is, that he’s everything I love about men, he’s gentle, clever, strong and God, so gorgeous, the only problem is that he’s straight. You know what I mean?”

To Nino's dismay Ohno remained answerless. He sighed and snaked his arms around his folded legs.

“Let's say I overstepped my role as coach, I kissed him several times and he answered, I'm pretty sure he enjoyed our kisses so why do I feel like I took advantage of him? I feel bad, guilty and especially because I fell in love with him.” Nino explained, a slight sad smirk on his lips.

“What makes you think I can help you with that?” Ohno finally answered after a silent pause.

“You wrote them so well, those bittersweet feelings, you probably have an opinion on my story.”

“He's het you said?”

Nino nodded in agreement.

“But you kissed and he liked that. Did you do something else...something more sexual?”

Another nod.

“Would you say he likes you?”

“He asked me to not give up on him yet when I tried to space myself.” Nino smiled for himself, remembering the night Sho went to him to plead his case. “He came to the bookstore, he froze while waiting on the sidewalk for hours to talk to me...” Nino felt idiotic, idiotically sappy when it was about Sho. In a blink of an eye, his sweet perfume overwhelmed his nostrils, this mix of peppermint, musk and a touch of coffee.

“And what if he isn't straight? You said he needed a sex coach perhaps he is gay from the start?” Ohno cooed gently almost apologetically.

“Perhaps you feel it?”

“Are you telling me I won't have fall for him if he hadn't been gay? It is a pretty convenient thought.” Nino chuckled happily.

Ohno shrugged and offered another pout to his guest. “Somehow it is the more logical option. No need to look for complication when there are none.”

That's exactly why Nino loved Ohno's books so much. If feelings were deep, touching, he had a unique and very straightforward point of view, simple but not simplistic, very realistic. Not everybody was meant to be a drama queen, not everybody was meant to refuse their feelings when they were sincere, truthful. That's exactly why Nino loved Ohno's characters, they were the men next to door, and they were like dear friends.

He smiled, relieved. “I guess you're right. Thanks Mister Ohno.”

“I did nothing special.” Ohno mumbled, embarrassed.

“You have to come to the bookstore Mister Ohno.” Nino asserted, staring at Ohno with determination. “You have to see for yourself the shop, the people there, please.”

“I'm not~”

“Not as Ohno Satoshi, anyway everybody thinks you're a woman, but as client, no one will pay attention to you and you can always wear a mask and a cap! Look, I will leave you a flyer, we're organizing a writing contest next week. Just come to take a look.”

Nino knew he won't agree anytime soon but one week was a good span of time to think about it. Not too long but not too short either.

He went back to the bookstore, feeling lighter than he felt since ages ago.

“Nino?” He whirled around to find a friend sitting at a table in a small corner of the shop.

“Mao! How are you Sweetie?” He sat across from her, after a quick hug. “It's been a while!”

“Between the consulting room, the children, and the house I can't find time for my friends, I'm so sorry.”

“Don't be, I totally understand.” Did she know, Nino freaked out. Mao asked him to take care of her brother, she didn't ask him to take care of her
brother. She hadn't anything against gay of course, but Nino knew better. A family could be far less open-minded when it was about a family member.

Well she couldn't know, right? He didn't say anything. But what if Sho did? Did he talk about Nino's unorthodox methods? Gosh...his heart was hammering in his chest. He didn't feel guilty but he didn't want to tell her the truth about their relationship, it was the siblings’ business. Or was he simply chickening out? Probably. Mao was a strong woman, she used to be blur and there was no doubt that she won't spare him. He wasn't afraid for himself, he just didn't want to tell a secret he shared with Sho.

After all, they never really talk about the nature of their relationship. Nino reassured him, somehow, but he didn't settle things with Sho. It was his intention when he brought him a lunch but...well he had something else in mind at that time.

“How things are going with Sho?” Right on the bat as expected. Nino chuckled out of uneasiness.

“Did you hear about him lately?” Nino said cautiously, pouring another cup of tea from the kettle pot.

“Not really, he doesn't answer any of my calls. I know he's busy but I was wondering if he played the game with you. Does he come to the appointments?” She was sincerely worried about her brother. Truth to be told, Mao talked a lot about Sho, her brilliant brother. That's why Nino accepted to coach him at first, he was curious to meet the man.

“He came don't worry.” No gross pun intended, nonetheless Nino flushed lightly. What could he say without openly lying to his dear friend? “I like him, Mao. A lot.” Okay perhaps it was too much, too early?

“Oh...” Mao leaned back on her armchair, bit her lip like she used to do when she was reflecting. “I see.” She told after a second.

“I didn't plan it Mao, I swear. I know he's straight, I know he wants to get married, I won't do anything to jeopardize his future.” Nino couldn't talk on Sho's behalf but at least he could open his heart to Mao. Seemed it was a day propitious to confession of all sorts. Mao patted his hands, smiling knowingly.

“I knew you would like each other.” She simply murmured.

Nino scowled not sure to fully grasp the innuendo. “What do you mean?”

Mao sighed deeply while Nino was swallowing the lump in his throat. It couldn’t have been a set-up, right? Mao had the face of the cat who just ate the mouse.

“I can’t assure you that I knew my brother was gay but I had this hunch ages ago. He just needed to meet the perfect man and don’t protest” She said as Nino was opening his mouth to argue. “I didn’t force your hand, I didn’t even give you my thoughts about his sexuality.”

Nino tsked but he had to admit she was right.

“Sho is a wonderful man he just doesn’t know it, perhaps you can help him to figure it out?” Mao added gently.

“Who said he was interested?” Nino snapped skeptically.

“Come on Nino…who wouldn’t be?! My brother is thick but he isn’t blind! I knew he would like you, did he?”

“Don’t be so enthusiastic Mao!” Nino’s heart fluttered but he didn’t want to speak for Sho. “We didn’t talk about anything like that. Yes, we get along
but don’t throw confetti already! For the moment there is nothing to tell.”

Mao knitted her eyebrows with reprobation. “So you won’t tell me?”

“Speak to your brother.”

“But he won’t tell me either!”

Nino burst out laugh, she reminded him so much of Sho at this very moment. He tossed her hair playfully “You’re too curious Nee-chan. We’ll let you know as soon as there is something to say.”

“We?” Mao cooed with a cunning grin.

“I met Ohno today.” Nino declared surreptitiously changing the topic unsubtly but he knew he would make Mao’s day, she was Ohno’s fan number 1.

“No way!! How did you do?!” Okay it was a clumsy way to change the subject.

“A friend helped me.”

“Which friend?”

“Too curious again. I don’t divulge my sources.” Nino rose and went to the counter, Mao on his heel.

“How is she?”

“Okay.” He turned around, grabbing her elbow “Can you keep a secret?” Giving her this would spare him to say that.

“I am a shrink, Nino, secret is my middle name.”

“The she is a he.” Nino whispered before walking away to take two muffins behind the window, leaving his friend behind in a very dramatic effect. He
took a grab of the muffin, then tearing it off, slid a piece in Mao’s opened mouth. She mushed the delicious cake like an automat, Nino could almost see the wheels of her brain turning.

“I want to meet him.” She simply said when she fell back on Earth.

“The only thing we can do is crossing our fingers, he’s a very shy man.”

“Now I’m damn interested! Oh fuck, I’m late.” She ran back to the table to fetch her coat and her bag, kissed Nino’s cheek and once at the door whirled around “By the way, nice shirt. Don’t you dare think I’m done with you and Sho!”

“Bye Mao!” Nino smiled ironically. After she disappeared he took his cell phone from the back of his slack.

To Sakurai S.
“Your sister loves your shirt.”

He didn’t have time to put it back, the familiar ringtone rang immediately.

From Sakurai S.
“Did she grill you? Sorry. I’ll call her.”

Nino sighed happily before going back to his shelves of books. He didn’t enjoy his loneliness for a long time because Jun and Masaki barged into his field of vision soon after.

“How things went with Sho?” Masaki began without a hello or a hi. “How things went with Miss Ohno?”

“Hello guys.” Nino kept on working but Jun began to shake the ladder cruelly. “Hey!! What are you doing?!”

“And you, what are you doing? Do tell us!” Masaki helped him to climb down.

“To be honest, I don’t know. I met both today and…I don’t know.” But Nino’s smile was full of hope and the happy couple exchanged a meaningful look.

“Mao? Did you go to the bookstore to interrogate Nino?” Sho snapped, pacing through his living room. He didn’t dream the way Nino almost ran away after their special lunch, the last thing he needed was for his nosy sister to put her nose into their business and make Nino freak out.

“Good evening, brother how are you? How was your day?” Mao answered teasingly.

“Mao…” Sho growled seriously.

“Okay, okay, I had tea and read a book in my favorite bookstore and coincidentally met my dear friend Nino. If he called you, I guess it means you have something to tell me, right?”

How did she manage to turn the table to her advantage each and every time?

“You should have been an attorney, not a shrink.”

He heard Mao talking to her husband and he could totally picture what came next. She was pushing open the panoramic window that faced the garden, fetching her package of cigarette hidden behind a stone to light a cigarette.

“You shouldn’t smoke.”

“You should have been a detective, not an attorney.” She mimicked Sho’s tone and he heard her puffing a smoke. “Do tell me. You like him?”

“I do.” Sho simply murmured, slopping into his couch. “I try not to overthink you know, I’ve never been into men before but he’s special. I don’t know why but he knows how to push the right buttons. I’ve never felt anything like this.”

“Are you that serious?!”

Sho didn’t fear Mao’s judgment, she was his best friend, he knew exactly what would be her reaction if he had to confess a homosexuality. Nothing special. Mao basically hated every girlfriend he ever had, if she could appreciate his boyfriend, it would be a first.

“That’s the problem. We met through very special circumstances, I don’t know if it would lead us anywhere.” Sho rubbed his face, resting his neck against the edge of the couch.

“And what if it leads you nowhere? What’s wrong with that? For once, do what you want to do without plans or big philosophical thoughts.”

“And what if he rejects me, what if I’m the only one to have feelings?”

“I guess…that’s life Sho, you have to take risks sometimes. The only question is do you want to stop seeing him?”

“Of course not!”

“Then you have your answer.” Mao concluded wisely.

Sho didn’t feel lighter but at least he had an answer, yes, he couldn’t do it differently so he had to try his luck and God knows what would happen.

“Ok. Thanks sister. Your advices are always precious.”

Mao chuckled. “So I’ve been told.”

“’Night.”

“Oh by the way, Nino told me he likes you. A lot. That’s not the kind of thing you say for an easy lay, right? Good night brother.”
She hung up suddenly. “Mao?! Mao!!” Sho giggled irrepressibly. Now he felt lighter, he thanked his sister mentally although she kept the most important information till the end, to torture him.

He grabbed his cell phone again.

To Nino:
“She will leave you alone from now. As much as possible.”

Sho wondered what Nino was doing, it was 10 pm already, was he still at the bookstore? The other night he closed it very late, in spite of what the sign on the door said. Where did he live? Nino never told him either. They didn’t really know each other and that thought darkened Sho’s sky a bit. But it would be thrilling to get to know him too, he wanted to know everything about Nino because Sho was sure he’d like everything about him. God he was already so biased.

From Nino:
“Would you be my date for a party?”

Be my date? It was pretty official, right? Sho rapidly texted him back, he didn’t want that Nino could imagine he hesitated.

To Nino:
“Sure. When?”

From Nino:
“Next Saturday. 9 pm.”

To Nino:
“I’ll pick you up at the bookstore.”

After a second thought Sho sent him another mail.

To Nino:
“For the record, I love my shirt on you too.”

He smiled goofily when he received Nino’s emoticon, a small guy blushing cutely.



Sho worked at the office that Saturday. Usually he brought his files back to his house to work quietly but today he didn’t want to be alone. The biggest part of the offices were empty but the quiet atmosphere was exactly what Sho needed. He exchanged a lot of mails with Nino since the last time they talked yet Nino didn’t give him any more details about the party. He only knew that it was nothing official just the birthday party of one of Nino’s closest friends.

The previous day he stopped by the wine cellar shop to buy an expensive bottle of red wine. By the end of the afternoon he made a detour to his condo to shower and change his clothes before driving to Nino’s bookstore.

The slim silhouette was waiting for him on the sidewalk, his hands hidden in his sleeves and a knitted hat on the head. The night was still young but it was already cold. Sho got out of the car to open the door to Nino, taking advantage of their proximity to caress his cheek. “Hi.” He whispered.

Nino got into the car and buckled his seatbelt.

“Where are we going?” Sho asked after sitting behind the steering wheel.

“May I?” Nino pointed the GPS of the black SUV and Sho nodded, definitely amused. Nino was like no one else. He gave their destination to the device which announced a 45 minutes long ride.

“Let’s go.” Sho started the engine and they drove through the night until the outskirt of the town. They talked a lot during the ride about Nino’s visit at Ohno’s place, about the hope Nino had to make him come to the shop, about Sho’s job and his previous –failed- relationships. He was now very lucid about his own mistakes, his lack of sentimental involvement. Care about someone didn’t mean paying her bills and planning for dates months in advance, he got it now. Thanks to how Nino made him feel. Sho didn’t voice the words he was dying to say, keeping his questions about Nino’s intentions to himself, he refused to fright him with his seriousness. He learned his lesson well…

“Who is Kato?” Sho asked, not really sure that he would like the answer.

“He’s a university friend, he works for a big publishing house. We don’t meet as often as I’d like but that’s life. You’ll like him, he’s nice.”

“If he’s like you, I’m pretty sure I will.” Was it too flirty?

“Shige…he offered me to spend the night there. Since it’s far from Tokyo we could sleep at his place, there are so many rooms it looks like a castle. I mean, if you want~”

Sho swallowed the lump in his throat hiding his gasp behind an inelegant cough. He couldn’t say he didn’t want to spend the night with Nino but spending the night with him was another thing.

“Don’t freak out, Jun and Masaki are already there and they will stay for the night, I simply thought we could come back all together tomorrow morning.” Nino chuckled, gently mocking Sho’s reaction. “Hm…okay…” Sho answered with a tensed smile.

“Don’t worry, I won’t rape you, unless you ask me to.” Nino scooted aside, approaching Sho.

“Stop teasing me or I’ll stop the car and I’ll hold you to your word.” Nino’s silent was eloquent enough to please Sho, he was glad to have the last word for once.

“I guess it serves me right.”

“Yep.” Sho couldn’t figure the reason why but he never felt so comfortable with anyone before. Even being silent was comfortable with him.
The house was lost in the woods and like Nino said it was more a mansion than a mere house. A lot of cars were already parked under the big warehouse that was used as garage.

“How many guests does he have?” Sho felt less confident suddenly, he disliked nightclub and big parties for the very same reasons. Too many people, too many drunkards, not enough privacy. Nino grabbed his sleeve as they were about to leave the garage. He then cupped Sho’s face to peck him tenderly.

“Everything will be fine, I won’t leave you behind.” Nino ran toward the house and Sho smiled for himself “Brat.” Sho murmured.

He followed him inside. Nino was very familiar with the place and the people here, the too many people here. The bookstore’s owner was in his element and Sho had no choice but to greet the guests on their way to the master of the house. He didn’t understand most of the names or the jobs they were doing it was clearly impossible since they flew from groups to groups. “Sakurai Sho, my friend.” If he wondered how Nino would introduce him, it was not any clearer. My friend, what did it mean anyway? Thought Sho out of frustration. He was indeed his friend but he wanted to be so much more.


“Here is Shige!” Nino dragged Sho to the man behind a table full of wrapped gifts. According Nino they were classmates and Sho found him beautiful and elegant. This man was clearly part of the elite too if this castle wasn’t a blatant proof by itself. Sho didn’t miss the ring at his finger either. At least he didn’t have to question the kind of relationship he had with Nino when they hugged with enthusiasm.

“Kato, this is Sho Sakurai my~”

“Friend.” Sho cut, reaching out to shake the man’s hand “I’m a friend of Nino.”

Sho didn’t want to be disagreeable but an awkward silence fell between the three men. He began to regret his presence here, he felt out of place among Nino’s friends. He reached out once again, handing the wrapped bottle to the birthday man and Nino offered him the little square gift he was holding in his hand.

“It’s the usual.” Nino added with a grin.

Kato smiled, looking at the package as if he could see through the decorated paper. “So how things are going with Ohno sensei?”
“Ahh…nowhere for the moment, but I haven’t given up yet.” Nino’s gaze was on Kato but Sho was sure that the words for him, it couldn’t be a mere coincidence.

“My offer is still valid, you know about Go. Last week again he told me he was looking for a more intimate place for his next signing session. I know!” Kato rose the hand to stop Nino’s protest “You don’t want this kind of ads but it’s a win-win situation. Don’t be too picky, Nino, I don’t want to see you closing The Kettle’s door.”

Nino stood akimbo and sighed, biting his lip. He took a glance at Sho then nodded briefly.

“I’ll call him Monday then.” Kato said tapping Nino’s upper arm. “And now no more business talking or Aoi will kill me, she made me promise that I won’t.”

“Yui was our classmate.” Nino explained to Sho “And those two got married before graduation, surprising everybody~”

“Someone is talking about me? Hi, I’m Yui.”

The three men whirled around to face Kato’s sweet half who passed them to put her arm around her husband’s waist. Sho shook her hand while Nino was tenderly kissing her cheek.

“I thought you were talking business, but since I forbid to my husband to, so I probably misheard…” She frowned her pretty face and Nino began to laugh. Sho felt a big wave of sympathy for the happy couple, those two loved each other deeply and it was crystal clear.
Sho stared at his crush and a thought hit him. Nino was surrounded by happy couples. How many happy couples had he ever met? Sure Mao and Ryo were really in love but Mao was an exception in the Sakurai family. Nino probably waited this kind of relationship in spite of what he pretended the other night at the club. Could he offer him this kind of stability, this cheerful feelings? Nino interrupted his train of thoughts by pulling his hand gently.

“A drink?”

Sho waved at the couple and they walked to the bar where professional waiters and barmen were working zealously.

“What did you offer to him?” Sho asked without preamble. He had to apologize for his behavior with Kato but Nino would have to allow him a sweet transition. “You said the usual.”

Nino smirked and clinged their two glasses of champagne. “Do you ever heard about the fore-edge painting books?”
Sho frowned, sending an interrogative gaze above the edge of the glass

“What's that?”

“Fore-edge painting is a technique of painting on the edge of the pages of the book. You can only see it when the pages are fanned. When the book is closed, you don't see the image because it's hidden by the old leaf applied on the edges of the page. It can be linked to the subject of the book itself, like a whale in the ocean for Moby Dick, but sometimes it's trickier like a couple making love on a religious book. Shige inherited a collection from his grandfather and he perpetuates the tradition.” Sho smiled, surprised once again by Nino's knowledge. They really lived in two different worlds.

“Sorry for earlier, I've been very rude.” Sho confessed sheepishly. “I don't know what happened, it's not who I am usually. I fear I made a very poor first impression on your friend.”

“Don't worry about Kato, he's not a man to look askance at this kind of detail. Especially tonight. There are so many guests...” Nino looked around, brushing the room with a quick gaze. A part of the conversation popped in Sho's mind, he didn't dare interrupting them earlier but now they were alone...

“What was he talking about? Mister Go...is he the man I'm thinking of?” Everybody across the country heard about the famous Ayano Go, he was a very famous writer essentially known for his life of debauché. His name appeared more often in the gutter press than in the literary review.

“He is. Mister Go wants to buy himself a brand new virginity, seems he wants to be considered as a person who can appreciate for his author's skills now.”

“And he thinks the Kettle pot can help him? Like those rock stars playing unplugged concert in small concert halls?”

“Exactly. Shige offered me a signing session before but I don't know, it doesn't sound right for the bookstore, as insane as it seems. Sorry to bother you with my qualms, you should find me ridiculous, who would refuse such an opportunity?”
Sho felt a big wave of tenderness overwhelming him. Genuine was a new adjective he had to add to the long list of Nino's qualities. Without thinking further, he reached out and caressed Nino's hand with his folded knuckles.

“I know what you mean. You'd feel like deceiving your clients.” Sho said softly. Nino raised a startled look on the attorney, offering Sho a new expression that he didn't see until now. “You seem to be surprised.” He whispered, taking a sip of champagne.

“No, I…I just didn’t think you would see through me that much.” Nino said embarrassed. “Sorry, it’s idiotic, I feel so childish for refusing a solution to save the shop, it’s just…I have to accept.”

Sho moved forward, erasing the gap between the two of them, invading Nino’s personal space. He caressed Nino’s jaw with his knuckles, bending a bit more against his face.

“You don’t have if you don’t want, we’ll find another solution.”

Nino swallowed hard. “We?”

“You’re not alone in this. I’m~”

“Nino?” A voice interrupted them when Sho was about to finally give up resisting. They moved back, Nino stifling suddenly, his arm still on Sho’s arm.

“Masataka?” Nino suddenly appalled, breaking the contact with Sho without noticing.

Sho’s gaze went from one to the other, trying to understand who the guy was, but there was no room for doubt.

“It’s been too long since the last time we met. You didn’t reply to my mails…” The man said with a too sweet voice. Sho had to admit that he was seductive, not his kind of man, far from it, but he was stylish and confident with a pretty face. Very author-like.

“I had nothing to say to you. It’s not precisely like you were alone anyway.”

Sho didn’t miss the bitter tone of Nino, just like the way he was clenching his fists and his jaws. Nino didn’t share his previous relationships with him but this man probably meant a lot to him, perhaps he was even the reason why he was still single, flying from one easy-laid to another.

“If you could give me a chance, I could~”

“Good evening.” Sho reached out, barging impolitely between the two men. “I’m Sakurai Sho.”

“Kubota Masataka, nice to meet you.” Masataka frowned yet shook Sho’s hand under Nino’s dumbfounded look. “And you are?”

“Kazunari’s boyfriend. Are you one of his friends, I’ve never heard about you before. Baby?”

Nino finally smiled, brushing his forehead as if forgetting something. “Yeah, Kubota is an old friend, I guess we never had the chance to talk about him…”

“Sorry but we were about to look around, it’s irrespirable here.” Sho smiled at his rival and offered his hand to Nino who grabbed it with strength. They walked away slowly, Sho feeling Nino’s unsteadiness, gripping firmly his upper arm to lead him upstairs. Without really knowing where the humongous stairs were leading Sho climbed it up, pushing his way through the crowd, dragging Nino along. He was angry. Angry with the guy who shared Nino’s life probably, angry with himself for having been so rude with the only two people he talked to tonight. Nino’s friends. Damn, Sho felt so bad suddenly. Being emotional was tiring, excruciating and the worse was that he was still totally unsure about Nino’s feelings. The sudden pull on his sleeve made him stop short.

“I think we’re far enough from him.”

Sho whirled around and faced Nino, surprised to be in an empty corridor. How many stairs did they climb? He didn’t protest when Nino pulled him to a couch hidden under an arch. The music was barely audible, just like the noises of the party. They sat in silence and Sho cupped his head, stroking his hair nervously.

“I’m sorry Nino. I went too far, twice.” He said embarrassedly.

But Nino chuckled and Sho frowned as if he just lost his mind. “To be honest, it was pretty funny. He was so astonished…I loved it.”

“Who was that guy?”

“My ex. We were together for one year, after the university and you know, I thought it was meant to last. But…we didn’t share the same opinion about faithfulness and such. He hurt me badly…till today it’s still hard for me to trust a man.” Nino was implicitly opening his heart to Sho for the first time, raising the veil on his previous love story.

Sho slid his hands under his thighs hardly repressing a smile. “He’s a dick.”

“He definitely is.” Nino answered seriously then he smiled and Sho sighed with relief. He didn’t even notice he was holding his breath since the little scene downstairs.

“Sorry for calling you my boyfriend earlier, I’ve been childish and I must confess I’m dead jealous. That’s what I was about to say when he interrupted us.”

“You want to be my boyfriend?” Nino answered skeptically.

“I think I do.”

“But you’re het!”

Sho laughed genuinely. “Says the man I masturbated with in my office!”

“I plead guilty.” Nino blushed nicely, caressing Sho’s knee gently. Sho put his hand on Nino’s and entwined their fingers.

“Nino, I’m not talented for charades and love games. Let’s be honest because I can’t stand it anymore. Tell me, do I stand a chance with you? I know you told me not to put pressure on my partner’s shoulders but I’m serious about you. Yet…” Sho took a deep breath and gazed at Nino straightforwardly. “I’ll take whatever you’re ready to give me. If it’s only as sex friend, I’m willing to accept because I don’t want to lose you.”

“So you’re only interested in a fuck?” Nino murmured darkly.

“No!! No, of course not! I can’t say I don’t want to have sex with you but~” Nino laughed out loud, cutting Sho off. He cupped Sho’s face and kissed him thoroughly, molding their lips together so perfectly, conveying his feelings more than any words could do.

“I’m joking Sho, it’s only a bad joke. Of course I want to be your boyfriend if you’re ready to endure my bad temper and my insecurities.”

Sho wrapped one arm around Nino’s waist and pulled him onto his lap, securing him against his torso as he reclaimed his lips as his own. They kissed leisurely, enjoying this new level of intimacy. When they parted away Sho smiled idiotically, reveling in Nino’s compliance, snuggling all against him. Sho moved back, putting his hands in a caress on Nino’s face.

“I meant it earlier, about the shop. If you don’t want to host this author, you don’t have to, I’ll help you to find a way.”

Nino pecked Sho’s lips amorously. “No, it’s time for me to grow up. We’ll do this signing session and the shop will be saved for now. We’ll wait patiently for Ohno…”

“Do you want to stay a bit or…”

“I want to go back home with you. I’ll leave a message to Jun.”

They drove back to town after an apologize to Kato for their brief appearance, a comfortable silence floating in the car, only cut by the pleasant noise of the light kisses exchanged and the material wrinkled under their impatient caresses. Sho didn’t feel like talking and it seemed that Nino either, they simply enjoyed the quietness of the moment.

Sho went back to the bookstore without asking Nino’s instruction about their destination. Without another word, Sho followed him inside and somehow now things made sense, Nino lived in the condo above it. The place looked like the bookstore, cozy, messy, adorable, very Nino-like. This place had a soul.

“It was my aunt’s house.” Nino said as if reading Sho’s mind. “I didn’t change anything.”

“She was important to you.”

“My parents disappeared when I was young and she took care of me. So to say, I spent my entire life here.”

“I see.” Sho took off his coat, putting it on a chair while Nino was going to the island kitchen.

“Tea?” Nino asked, fetching two mugs hanged on a rail above his head. Sho sat on the ottoman covered by a patchwork comforter and rolled his
sleeves to be at ease.

“Please.” Sho took a better look around at this universe that was so different from his. His own flat was modern and handy with black and beige colors, metal and plastic made. Here, nothing seemed to have been thought to be handy or spare space. Yet it was a place to feel good, to feel safe and relaxing. Sho could picture the kid Nino who was once living here, on the shelves were still some wooden games he probably used.
Nino sat cross-legged by Sho’s side, his knee touching casually the other’s thigh. He didn’t even pretend drinking his tea, immediately leaning against Sho’s chest who put his arm on the backrest to make a room for him.

“Say it again.” Nino whispered against Sho’s neck.

He didn’t have to think twice before acceding to Nino’s request. “Will you be my boyfriend?”

Nino nodded, shifting his weight against Sho’s body for good. Sho heard him sighing happily, creating a soft pit in Sho’s stomach that immediately washed away any doubts about the rightness of their commitment.

Nino couldn’t remember the last time his bookstore had been so full of people. Inside, outside and all along the street, people were queuing to obtain the precious signature of their favorite author.

Yet, it was snowing outside and with the decorations Masaki set everywhere the shop looked like an adorable snow globe. He even pushed Jun and Nino to wear those ridiculous red Santa Claus hat, which had, according the two guys, nothing to do with the signing session of the day.
One month and a bit had been needed to organize Go’s signing session, pretty short span of time for such a big event but that was the author’s wish. Something pretentiously confidential, pretentiously unprepared. Nino didn’t like this, he hated lying to his clients but one thing for sure, his regulars knew where the truth laid. He didn’t precisely badmouthed about the star, but every person visiting The Kettle Pot regularly knew the owner’s opinion about the way Go used his private life to manipulate the media, the gutter press more precisely. Nonetheless, Nino managed to be thankful because this sole day would bring more money to the shop than the last six months…he grew up.

Yes, saving the bookstore was definitely worth the small pinch in his small shop owner’s pride, he finally admitted it willingly. He took a look at the man behind the shop window with Masaki and when their gazes met, he winked at him. The fanciful baker managed to put a red hat on the serious attorney’s head too and thank God, Sho had lost the jacket. Nino couldn’t believe he took an entire day off to be with him today.

Of course, it was a big day for the shop, but he would have understood perfectly if Sho had passed. He was now partner of the Nagase and associates and with responsibilities went new files and unlimited working hours. Yet, Nino couldn’t complain, the organization of the signing session was time-consuming too. He didn’t think Sho would make it, so when he saw him entering the shop through the back door, he didn’t think twice and hopped into Sho’s arms. They kissed impassionedly before noticing the amused gaze of the four men on them -Jun, Masaki, Kato and Go- murmuring an awkward “Sorry”.

During the afternoon they came across each other, as much as possible, taking advantage of the moment to exchange a caress or a quick kiss. Nino intended to close the shop by the end of the afternoon but people kept coming in again and again. Against all odds, Go was a funny man if Nino put aside his sunglasses and his flock of fan girls. Plus seeing the shop so animated was a thrilling experience. Nonetheless Nino didn’t expect to see by the window shop a man wearing a knitted hat, a mask and glasses that he recognized immediately. He ran to him when the visitor spotted him and began to run away.

“Mister Ohno?! Come on in, it’s freezing outside! We’re cleaning the shop, you’ll keep us company. Mister Go just left.”

Ohno stood on the threshold and Nino grabbed his sleeve to drag him inside. “I’m sorry for bothering you so late, I came before but you know…”

“I know what you mean, too many people around? For me too. Guys, this is my friend Satoshi.” Nino introduced him to his friends and only Sho smiled knowingly. He made him sit in a corner of the room and Masaki offered a cup of tea to their new guest without asking any questions. The guys were cleaning the place, a softened music played in the background, enjoying the calm after the storm.

“I think we already met.” Masaki narrowed his eyes, staring at Satoshi after the latter had took off his disguise.

“I came once or twice.” Ohno mumbled, blushing shyly.

“Yeah, I remember!!” Masaki said enthusiastic “The poppy seeds muffin!”

Nino saw Ohno surreptitiously bending over the table before making one of those funny pouts. Masaki sat across Ohno and began to babble like he
used to do.

“Today was a bit unusual, right?” Sho said while sliding behind the counter to join Nino. He took off the dish towel from his hands and intertwined their fingers, something he was dying to do all day long.

“But thank God, it’s over…” Nino murmured crushing against Sho’s chest, pecking his neck adoringly.

“You were great baby.”

Nino smiled, electrified by the endearment, still surprised to feel the flock of butterflies taking off in his lower belly. He loved these moments of intimacy even if they were technically surrounded by people. Having the right to kiss Sho publicly, feeling him happy to claim him as his was pure heaven.

“Say it again.” Nino whispered with a happy sigh.

“Baby…”

“Do you have to go back home tonight?” Since when did he take all those safe detours to ask such a simple thing as Will you spend the night with me? Nino wondered. He took a look at his friends, feeling really ungrateful for wishing that they could disappear by magic to leave them alone.
Sho spent two nights with him since the night of the party and Nino slept once at Sho’s place but they decided to take their time. Well, Nino decided it would be the best for their relationship. Truth to be told, he was still waiting for the moment when the magic would disappear. If he gave to Sho what he was asking for would he get enough of him? Nino knew he was wrong, he knew Sho was sincere about him but he couldn’t find a way to shut his insecurities. Sho was confident about their story but what if it was only a phase? Sho didn’t have any teenager sex life so to say, no I’m-looking-for-my-identity period, what if he woke up the next morning with his sexy frigging awkward smile he used to offer when he was embarrassed? It would kill Nino for sure.

“I guess we could just…kick our friends outside and I’d help you to put the rest in order?” Sho cooed sliding their linked hands behind Nino’s back, caressing the small of his back with his thumb.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

Nino chuckled “Okay!”

He gently sent everybody home –Jun and Masaki offered to drive Ohno back- and locked the door.

Slowly turning around, he looked for Sho who wasn’t anywhere to be seen.

“Sho?” He called, walking towards the kitchen, expecting to see him at the door of his condo.

“I’m upstairs.” Sho’s voice called him from the spiral stair. He strode to the “Lonely hearts” place, surprised that he really meant what he said earlier.

He really intended to tidy up?! His radar was so fucked up…

Nino climbed up the stairs and stopped short with an irrepressible smile. Sho was facing the snowy window, his hands linked behind his back.

“What are you doing here?” Nino asked while approaching him.

“I think this is my favorite place here.”

Nino watched the snow falling silently on the roof window.

“It was Mao’s idea, creating a space for people who want to be alone.” Nino remembered the day Sho’s sister barged into the shop with her new idea, bringing along a group of friends to listen to his advices. “She was thinking of the best way to cheer me up after I broke up with Masataka. She offered me a place to wallow and a new group to keep me busy.” Nino wrapped his arms around Sho’s waist, resting his cheek against Sho’s shoulder blade. It felt good. Everything was quiet and Nino noticed once again how it was much easier to breathe when he was touching Sho’s skin. Following the inspiration of the moment, he slithered his finger index in Sho’s collar and kissed the little spot of skin exposed. Sho shrugged and turned around to take his boyfriend into his embrace. Nino was about to thank him for being here today but Sho’s gaze shut him. What he saw was a pure and blatant desire, raw and rough like he didn’t expect to see one day on Sho’s face. An authentic jolt of excitement ran from his mind to his crotch, making his member stiffening in a blink of an eye.

“Let me seduce you.” Sho cooed, his voice husky. He licked Nino's neck, biting the soft skin, marking the tender flesh, making him thrill and harden like never before. He was unable to answer or speak a word, he simply opened his legs to make a room for Sho's body. They moaned together as one, in sync when their hardness met through the material of their tented jeans. Sho humped him, unbuckling Nino's belt, unzipping his fly and sliding a hand inside his brief to caress the hard dick with the tip of his fingers in an excruciating caress. Nino waited for a rapid release, a strong fist around his shaft but Sho refused him. He was already about to explode, his breath shallow and fast as their mouths crashed against each other in a carnal kiss. Sho grabbed Nino's thighs and the latter hopped to snake his legs around Sho's waist.

Sho humped him slowly, sliding an exploring finger to Nino's ass creak, caressing his entrance boldly.

“God Sho, take me against this wall and I'll be yours forever.” Nino couldn't believe he was begging when he was so unsure a few minutes ago, couldn’t believe his heart was hammering so loud and fast for a fantasy he didn’t even know he craved for. But Sho definitely knew what he was doing, he was pressing all the right buttons to send his brain and his interrogations in vacancy for the next few hours. And it felt damn good not to think anymore, to only feel. Sho growled and stepped back, taking away Nino along.

“I definitely keep that promise in mind and you'd better be a man of your word.” He murmured while moving to the big cushions on the floor. Nino adored it, the way Sho had to carry him as if he weighted nothing more than a feather, so strong and self-assured, the way he laid him down on the makeshift bed as if he was the most precious treasure in the world. “But for the moment, I want you here.” Sho straightened up and Nino let him go, looking at him as he took off his pants and his brief in one go. His T-shirt literally flew in a corner of the room in the next second.

Sho straddled him so beautiful, so fierce, his hair unkempt taking Nino's breathe away.

Nino observed the full dressed man, fascinated, stripping his shirt and with a swift move undoing his fly exposing the V shape muscles of his lower belly. Nino had to blink to be sure he wasn't dreaming. Under the happy trail nothing else than skin and pubic hair.

“Are you going commando?!” He uttered, dumbfounded and damn excited. He died to reach out and touch him, grab the hard member pointing to the north proudly but he decided to let Sho lead the dance and he wanted to stand firm. It was delectable to see his gaze full of a raw desire, the worship and the eagerness in his gaze.

“And I loved each minute of it.” Sho answered with a voice Nino barely recognized. Imagining Sho feeling the rough material of the pair of jeans rubbing his crotch, tickling his entrance all day long excited him beyond imagination. Nino felt a bead of precum dripping all along his shaft as Sho got rid of his pants.

Magically appeared in his hand a bottle of lube and a garland of condoms he tossed on the cushions beside them. Sho bent forward and kissed Nino's face, his chin, his neck, his collarbones, his nipples. He licked, nibbled, bit at the pink buds and Nino could swear he would come even without a touch to his groin.

“Sho...touch me.”

“I'm touching you babe.” Sho murmured teasingly, gently caressing the hard length with the back of his knuckles, making the endearment rolling on his tongue.

“Please, please.” Nino begged and wriggled, accentuating the contact with his painful flesh.

Sho kept on progressing at his own torturing pace, slowly going to the south licking Nino's navel. Finally, finally, Nino felt the tip of his dick touching Sho's cheek. He bucked his hips forward and groaned loudly when he felt Sho's delicious lips on the mushroomed head. Did he really intend to...?
He didn't have time to think twice because his cock disappeared into the warm coven as a lubed finger was probing his entrance skillfully. Gosh he was so damn talented for driving him crazy. He bobbed the head again and again, darting his tongue to tickle the glimmering slit like Nino taught to the housewives the very first time they met.

Sho recoiled as Nino snapped a frustrated curse.

“Did you prepare yourself?” The taller asked, easily sliding two fingers inside his lover.

“I did.” Nino confessed honestly.

“Was it to prepare yourself or to enjoy yourself without me?”
Nino thrilled under the sexy insinuation, he didn't know how but he damn loved this self-confidence. Unassured Sho was cute, charming, touching but this over-confident Sho was sexy as hell, Nino’s very own fantasy.

“I enjoyed myself.” Pushing on his heel Nino moved back and forth, fucking himself on Sho's fingers, reveling in the wonderful sensation. “But my mind was all to you.”

“Good.” Sho kneeled between Nino's thighs, his gaze all over him as he negligently masturbated his hard shaft. Sho didn’t seem nervous at all but he was clearly enjoying this moment. Did he prepare himself too, the idea washed over Nino’s mind and he froze. He couldn’t keep this frigging thought for himself.

Sho was leaning forward, pushing his cock to the puckering hole when Nino straightened on his elbows, already regretting to kill the mood. “What happened to you Sho?”

His lover stopped short and smirked “Should we talk about this now?”

“I’m hating myself for stopping you when I want you so much inside me like…right now. But I freak out, sorry. Did you see someone else?”
Sho’s lips formed an understanding “O” then he hovered over Nino, pushing him back on the cushions. He caressed his face tenderly, pecked his lips gently. “I won’t cheat on you, never. It took me such a long time to find you…”

“So how?” Nino closed his eyes under the sweet caress, the sweet words he believed without an ounce of a doubt. Sho sighed, pouting cutely and Nino’s heart melt. He loved this wild Sho but he fell for the clumsy, embarrassed in love Sho. And the latter was back.

“I subscribed to a gay porn site.”

Nino bit his lip to repress a smile. It was so cute. And so hot too. Cute hot, did it even exist?! He wriggled once more under Sho, stroking his flanks and opening his thighs a bit more to make him feel his arousal.

“And…did you watch some interesting things?” Nino whispered, gaining an open-mouthed kiss. He emitted a wanton moan, closing his eyes and parting his lips wide enough for Sho to slide his thumb. Nino nibbled it, played with it like he dreamed of playing with Sho’s cock. Sho pecked the corner of Nino’s lips and rolled his hips sensually.

“I watched so many things that I’d love to do to you.” Sho moved once more, putting his sheathed cock all against Nino’s hole.

“Such a fast learner.” Nino anchored his feet on the floor and moved forward to take Sho’s throbbing head inside him. Sho thrust at the same time entering Nino in one long glide. Nino arched his back, the stretch stung like hell and it’s been ages since he had bottomed…and his friend the dildo was nothing compared to Sho’s girth. Nino relaxed and it eased, allowing Sho to move a bit.

“You’re good?” Sho asked cautiously not to place too much weight on Nino’s slim body.

Nino caressed Sho’s back and wrapped his legs around his waist to push him a bit further. “You?” He straightened up and kissed his chiseled jaw.

Sho growled, capturing Nino’s bottom lip between his teeth setting an urgent pace. He gripped Nino’s hand, intertwining their fingers above his head, preventing any touch to his aching member. But he was now pressing heavily on him, creating a wonderful and thrilling friction, pushing him to the edge. He was so close.

Sho rested his head against Nino’s ear, the sounds he made were pure animalistic heat and “I’m coming in you.” He groaned huskily and Nino released his load profusely, feeling at the same time Sho’s cock pulsing deep in his ass.

Nino tried to catch his breath, the too fast beatings of his heart were making him see stars behind his closed eyelids. He couldn’t see, couldn’t think, couldn’t hear no more. Yet, he heard it clearly the three words.

The I. The love. And the you.

They cuddled for long time, waiting for the moment when Sho’s dick would leave Nino’s body by itself to lay side by side. Nino chuckled. This place
was a mess now…

Sho reached out grabbing his T-shirt, cleaning Nino’s belly with it then he kissed him sloppily, resting his head on Nino’s shoulder.

“Nino?”

“Hm?” Nino caressed Sho’s arm, squeezing him to keep them warm.

“Would you be my date for the wedding of my cousin? I can assure you it will be boring as hell but Mao and Ryo will be there with the kids…and it’s an entire week-end in the countryside at a luxurious hotel…”

Nino’s heart melted when he couldn’t think he could be more in love with Sho. It was such a huge step but he won’t miss it.

“I’d be honored to be your date.”

Sho straightened up and pecked his lips “Really?”

“Really.”

“I have another question.” Sho murmured against his lips. “Why don’t you write your own book of advice? It would be a good way to attract clients, I don’t know when Ohno will accept a signing session but~”

Okay, he didn’t plan this. He couldn’t say he never thought about writing a book, he even took some notes, he used to write a kind of report after each meeting with his housewives…Sho was right, he would love that. He smiled wider.

“You’re very talkative after sex, Mister Sakurai.”

“I’m very in love after sex, Mister Ninomiya.”

“So let’s hope it won’t disappear when the morning come.” Nino whispered while Sho was already making him roll on his stomach, putting his lips on the small of his back.

“There is an easy to keep the magic alive.”

“Hm? Greedy?”

Sho’s hand slid between Nino’s thigh, gently parting them but Nino rose on his feet.

“Okay but in my condo, it’s very romantic to make love among my books but it is freezing in here. I want a bed.”

“Or a wall?” Sho fetched their clothes and began to climb down the stairs.

“Sounds like a plan…”