Archive of Our Own

Shuuichi’s had a problem at his office for some time now. A big one that only really affected himself and his ability to complete his job with a level head. And that problem came in the form of his coworker, Kokichi Ouma.

He’s been an employee for almost nine months and one of the few people close to his age. A short man with dark unruly hair and pretty purple eyes. Kokichi was rather unsocial, never bothering to play friendly with their co-workers, but he’s extremely efficient at his job. Everything he completes is of high quality and well organized, though he tends to complain about how boring the atmosphere was. Shuuichi had often questioned why he stayed when he seemed so unsatisfied, but ultimately his reasoning wasn’t of his concern.

All that mattered was that he was here, because he sure as hell left a mark on Shuuichi’s life. 

At some point Kokichi took an interest in hanging with Shuuichi whenever he was done with his own workload. At first he’d found it a little strange, but he started to not mind the longer they spent time together. He was incredibly interesting to be around, providing Shuuichi his own break to focus on something other than bland paperwork. They really got to talking when they began hanging out during their lunch break, which quickly became Shuuichi’s favorite part of the day.

Kokichi was somewhat of an enigma, never giving out too much about himself but always managing to say certain things that would catch Shuuichi’s attention. At this point Shuuichi would consider them pretty close, but it was both a good and bad thing, since now whether or not Kokichi was physically with him he was a regular fixture on his mind.

There was no denying that Kokichi was attractive. His smile could knock the wind out of him and his cute laugh would ring inside his head for hours. That mischievous glint he got in his eyes when he managed to catch Shuuichi off guard freezes him in his spot, and his teasing tone afterwards made Shuuichi’s head spin. 

Kokichi has a flirtatious personality, and Shuuichi swore there were times he was purposefully pressing his body a bit too much against him when they talked. It could draw his attention to places where it shouldn’t be, like how his top hugged his waist perfectly or how form fitting his pants were. He always scolded himself afterwards, because regardless if Kokichi was doing it intentionally or not, Shuuichi shouldn’t be letting his mind linger on such areas during work.

They were there to work. Right? So he needed to keep it to himself.

But there was one more factor that seriously distracted him. And that was that.... Kokichi smelled great. Every time he was close, Shuuichi would get a whiff of a subtle tantalizing sweetness that wasn’t detectable at any other point. Since the first time he was exposed to it, no other scent had been able to compare. 

Shuuichi knew he’d long since developed feelings for him, and he would really like to expand their relationship outside of work. It definitely felt like there was enough chemistry between them to set off an explosion. But, the actual problem came from him having no idea how to even approach it. He's always been a bit awkward when it came to expressing any form of romantic feelings. He just got inside his own head too much, and by the time he worked up any courage to say something remotely meaningful it no longer felt like the right time. 

It didn't help that Kokichi also hasn't made any direct proclamations about how he felt. Sure, he’d make flirtatious comments and is very physically affectionate, but they’ve always stuck to their usual routine, never veering outside of what had become their regular exchanges early on in their growing friendship. They didn't even have each other's personal numbers believe it or not, because it’s just never come up before.  

As much as he wanted to cross that bridge, Shuuichi didn’t want to ruin what they have by pushing the subject. There might’ve been a good reason why Kokichi never stepped past the line before.... Maybe.... 

At the end of the day they were colleagues first and great friends. It was easier to accept that than overthink and complicate matters. The best course of action would be to continue doing their jobs like normal. 

But if Kokichi was interested in stepping outside of their norm, or if Shuuichi could finally push himself to say what was on his mind.... then things might play out as they’re supposed to. Eventually. That’s why Shuuichi’s fine with keeping things as they’ve always been. He just needed to continue to do his best and focus on what’s in front of him until the time comes.

Although, it’s been a little hard to do lately since there has been a minor shift in the air. Just not the kind he’d been hoping for. For the past couple of weeks Kokichi would act normal whenever he knew Shuuichi was looking his way, but then his face would fall ever so slightly when he believed he was alone. In those moments he seemed almost deep in thought. Shuuichi wished he knew why.

Then during the previous Thursday and Friday Kokichi became even more physically affectionate, going as far as to jump into his lap out of nowhere, frazzling and flustering Shuuichi completely. He’d spoken lightheartedly about something irrelevant that happened earlier on in the day, but once he was done he just.... stared into Shuuichi’s eyes with a small smile before getting up and joyfully wishing him a good night and leaving. 

And now, he called out of work yesterday and today. He’s never missed before. His lack of presence was too big to ignore since the office went back to being so quiet. Shuuichi missed him. Even if just for a day and a half, he’d been forced to return to what life used to be before Kokichi came into his, and it was then he really realized how deep he was in. 

It wasn’t like he couldn’t reach out through email, but that was supposed to be for strictly professional related topics, and his feelings were definitely far from professional. He just hoped Kokichi hadn’t caught an illness or was gravely injured. 

After what felt like the longest day ever, once Shuuichi got home he immediately changed into something more comfortable and began getting out all the necessary ingredients for a late dinner. He paused when he realized he might not have one ingredient that was essential for his plan, so he went to quickly look up an alternative on his phone. However at the exact moment he picked it up a notification dinged. 

It was a work email.

He groaned. Can’t anyone respect his private time away? He’s been with this company for years and is generally on good terms with everyone. Countless times he’s politely asked to have any questions directed to him be kept within work hours unless it was an emergency. It’s the least they could do after he’s covered so many late shifts and took on other people's workload. Yet there’s always something.

When he clicked into it, his annoyance turned into confusion, then his heart skipped a beat. It was from Kokichi. ‘Some timing…’ He thought to himself. Shuuichi considered the possibility that he did so to ask if he’d missed any change in the schedule since their boss often loved to move deadlines all over the place on short notice. But that was quickly thrown out the window when he saw the subject line was blank, and the only thing written was a phone number and a two-word message. 

‘Call me.’

Completely forgetting what he came over here to do, he immediately added it into his contacts and went to form their first official out of work hours conversation. He almost couldn’t believe this was happening, but he tried to settle down his excitement with a reminder that Kokichi might be in need of help. Shuuichi took a deep breath, telling himself to just play it cool, then clicked the call button.

The phone rang a couple of times before the other side picked up. Through his speakers he could hear the voice he could listen to for hours on end, but something was off. “Hey... Shuuichi.... How’s it hanging?” There was an unusual airiness, like he was out of breath from exercising. It stirred something in his gut, but Shuichi pushed that aside. 

“Kokichi, hello. How are you? Are you okay?” 

Kokichi laughed, and Shuuichi’s heart fluttered past his concern. “Why wouldn’t I be?” 

“Well, you missed work, and it’s unusual for you to reach out for something.” There was a long pause on the other end followed by background shuffling. Shuuichi was going to speak up again but he was cut off by what sounded like a small curse then a strange noise, sort of similar to a low hum but....

“Kokichi? Seriously, are you okay? You sound…” He wasn’t too sure how else to describe it besides where the more perverted side of his brain was supplying him with, but he really didn’t want to expose that part of himself. 

There was heavy breathing on the other side. “....... Shuuichi..... P-please....”

“Huh? W-what is it?” Kokichi had never said please for anything before. “If something’s wrong please just tell me! I can help!” 

“...... Shit...”

“Kokichi?!”

“....... I need to ask you something.”

“Sure, yeah. Please ask me anything!” He quickly responded. Kokichi didn’t speak again for another minute, but this time Shuuichi waited until he did. 

“.....Y-you gotta listen carefully, and don’t you dare write this off as a joke! Not this time…You hear me?”

“O-okay? Okay, yeah, of course. I promise I won’t.” Even if they weren’t in the same room, Shuuichi suddenly felt like there was a lot of tension between them. 

“......... Would you be interested in..... being my p-partner —for something?”

“Partner.... for something?” Shuuichi had a lot of questions racing around, but his mind was quickly trying to piece together what that vague question could mean. He said the last part so fast, and his overall tone was something he’d never thought he’d hear from Kokichi. As if he was embarrassed.

Realizing that, Shuuichi’s face instantly heated up as a possibility came to mind. He was beginning to lean towards a suspicion he hadn’t considered before. It would explain his absence, and a few other factors. He almost backed out of asking, but… 

“K-Kokichi.... Are you in h-hea–”

“Heat? Heh.... Yep! Began it yesterday, actually. I knew you’d realize eventually. You’re just… so smart.”

“And right now you’re ....?!”

“....Hm? Oh, no. But.... It’ll start again soon...”

“S-so, that means.... when you asked if I wanted to be your… y-your partner, y-you mean...!?”

“.....” 

Even if this is not how Shuuichi would’ve expected an interaction of this nature to come between them, he knew he had already made up his mind as soon as he realized. For Kokichi to come to him for this, it must show that he trusted him a lot. After all, Kokichi was such a private person in daily life, and he never liked displaying what he considered to be vulnerability to others. So asking him to be there during this time..... 

“... Are you sure you want.... me ... to come over?” 

“..... Nee-heehee....Yep! Thought ‘bout it reeeal long and hard.... a-and.... you’re the only one…. I’d ever think to consider..... S.... Shuuichi.” 

Shuuichi clenched his hands, straightening up. “Alright. Text me your address. I’ll be right over.”

~~

When he arrived, it only took one knock before Kokichi opened the door to drag him in then closed it quickly. If Shuuichi had to guess, he was waiting for him by looking through the peephole. Before he had a chance to say anything, he almost choked as his lungs were filled by a strong scent that was embedded into the entire room. It was incredible. It was what he was used to, but so much more. He found himself getting lost while breathing it in.

It was like a wall hit him in the face upon remembering he was in the company of his host. Shuuichi’s face flushed in embarrassment, but to his surprise and delight Kokichi’s cheeks were colored an even brighter shade. Kokichi didn’t say anything as he moved to place a blocker at the bottom of the door, then took Shuuichi’s hand and led him to what he assumed was his bedroom. 

On his bed Kokichi’s comforter had been shuffled around with other blankets to form a pocket of space. He let go of Shuuichi to move to sit at the end where there was an opening, pulling his legs to sit criss-cross as he stared into his eyes. Despite Shuuichi feeling eager and enticed by everything around him, he was able to maintain a level-enough head as they approached it. 

Kokichi gestured for him to take a seat next to him. Through half-lidded eyes, he asked “This is okay, right? You… You’re seriously interested in me, as in seriously, right?” The nervousness was out of character, but he could probably chalk it up to his hormones pushing him to be on edge. 

Shuuichi nodded. “Yeah…I am.” 

There wasn’t too much of a change in Kokichi’s expression, but he swore he saw relief flash through his eyes. “..... Well obviously. You’re so easy to read.” He had tried to shift his tone to what Shuuichi was used to, but at this point he could see through him. Kokichi leaned closer, placing a hand on his chest. “But you never made a move. I was starting to think that you were purposefully teasing me by ignoring my advances. It’s mean, you know?” 

Shuuichi tensed up, feeling his face burn as Kokichi slid his body over so that he sat in his lap. He could barely think with the amount of skin being presented to him from the extra large t-shirt Kokichi wore sliding off of his shoulder. “S-sorry! I wasn’t trying to be rude or anything! I just… ” He inhaled deeply. “I just didn’t want to assume wrong and rush anything! I-I… I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable in case we weren’t on the same page… B-because, I really do like you, a lot! S-so…”

Kokichi grabbed his face, looking down into his eyes with amusement and something else. “So sweet .... Aren’t you just the perfect gentleman…” His lips were parted as he brought them centimeters away from Shuichi’s lips. “Do you know how much that drives me crazy though? If you had just stopped worrying for a second and were honest about your own desires.... We could’ve done a lot more together long ago…” 

“I… I mean, we are at work…” He stupidly replied.

“Not right now.” 

Kokichi made the first move, kissing him with an intense passion that made Shuichi feel the need to grab ahold of something to keep himself steady. So he wrapped his arms around his waist, bringing Kokichi even closer until their bodies were fully pressed together. They both moaned as Kokichi rocked back and forth then pulled away only for a moment, eyes clouded with a heavy fog of lust before going back. He timed it with a rough grind, causing Shuuichi to keep his mouth open as he plunged his tongue in.

Shuuichi did his best to keep up, but Kokichi was very much taking the lead. He snaked a hand behind Shuuichi, and all of a sudden he felt his hair being pulled. Shuuichi yelped in surprise, and at the same time Kokichi pushed him so he fell on the bed. 

Shuuichi’s cock twitched in his pants. From the intensity of their kissing he felt like he could barely breathe, and every time he was able to his nose was flooded by Kokichi’s pheromones that seemed to become stronger by the second. In all honesty, he wouldn’t mind being suffocated like this, with the man of his dreams continuing to grind his lower half against him as if his life depended on it.

Through the haze that was drowning his mind, Shuuichi managed to move his hands to grab at Kokichi again. He ended up latching onto his ass, his fingers digging into the cotton of Kokichi’s shorts. Kokichi let out a small moan. He paused his motion and lowered his upper body against Shuuichi’s chest, arching his back and pushing more into his hands, letting out more cute noises as Shuuichi groped him. “Mmmh!...... Shuuuu ....”

Shuuichi jolted, feeling a dull pain against his neck followed by another in a different spot. Kokichi was marking him in every area he could reach, and it was causing Shuuichi’s brain to short-circuit. If Shuuichi moved a little forward, he’d have access to Kokichi’s neck as well. And with that thought came the idea of marking him.

Shuuichi squeezed his ass tighter but then Kokichi pulled away immediately after, planting his ass directly against Shuuichi’s boner. Shuuichi forced himself to swallow. The sight of Kokichi on top of him, face flushed and panting heavily as he stared him down like he was starved and about to dig into a grand meal, made Shuuichi want to submit to his fate and give him whatever he wanted, his instincts telling him to do anything the horny omega demanded him to do. 

Kokichi lifted himself and motioned towards the front of the bed. “Scoot down.” He commanded in a low voice. Shuuichi nodded frantically, being careful not to disturb the blankets around them. Just as he was able to reach the other side Kokichi slowly crawled over on all fours. “I’ve wanted you to be mine since forever ago....” He lowered his face so it was right over his crotch and he looked up at him through thick lashes. “I’m going to have fun making you regret putting it off until now.”

“P-please, go ahead.” Shuuichi said shakily. 

Kokichi smiled. He made quick work of unzipping his pants and tugging them off, throwing them elsewhere in the room. As soon as he did the same to his boxers, Kokichi paused, his mouth opened somewhat. He stared at Shuuichi’s painfully erect cock with shock before his expression turned incredibly lewd. 

Shuuichi couldn’t take his eyes off of him as Kokichi rubbed his cheek against it a few times before he took as much as he could into his mouth, bobbing up and down rhythmically. He could feel Kokichi moan around him, the vibrations adding to the wonderful pleasure. After getting comfortable with the amount, Kokichi did his best to take him in even farther. His throat contracted against him, drawing out a deep moan from Shuuichi. “F-fuuuck. K-Kokichi....”

He couldn’t settle on what to focus on. Either the incredibly erotic sight of Kokichi sucking him off, or on the way his ass was swaying back and forth high in the air. His fists gripped the sheets as the suction suddenly became a lot harsher, eyes clenching shut only to snap open when Kokichi pulled off. His lips were parted and expression seemed dazed, but then he smirked. Kokichi moved to hover over his stomach, keeping an intense amount of eye contact as he slowly pulled his shorts down and threw them somewhere.

Shuuichi, almost in a trance-like state, reached his hands towards his shirt. Kokichi beat him to it and took it off. Just as Shuuichi’s hands were about to make contact with his chest Kokichi grabbed them and moved them to the sides. He leaned down to initiate another passionate kiss. Then when they disconnected Kokichi quickly turned around and practically shoved his ass in his face as he got down on his arms and knees. 

Shuuichi salivated at the sight. “Lick.” Kokichi said before he returned to giving him head. Shuuichi obediently did as he was told, moving his tongue around the rim, near the perineum and back up. He grabbed Kokichi’s hips to bring him closer as he dug his tongue harsher against the skin. Kokichi’s moans increased, his body rocking back against him. It was a bit hard to concentrate, moans also slipping out of Shuuichi’s mouth from Kokichi’s work, but he was putting in his best effort to keep going. 

Eventually Shuuichi’s tongue pushed past the rim and Kokichi let out a pleased squeal. He groaned as Kokichi grabbed the base of his cock in a tight grip, taking it out of his mouth and panting on it as he gradually got louder. “Hhaaaa! Shuuichi! Don’t stop, don’t stop! .... F-feels so good!” 

All of a sudden Kokichi sat up, and Shuuichi was really struggling to breath as he placed his weight against his face, properly riding him while Shuuichi tongue fucked him. Shuuichi sped up his movements, feeling extra motivated both by Kokichi’s whines and from his now neglected cock twitching uselessly in the air. 

“Y-yeah.... Like that, just like that! Yes yes, j-just a little bit more, Shuuichi!” 

When Kokichi came his entire body trembled. He collapsed onto Shuuichi’s torso, taking his dick back in his hands and pumping him while Shuuichi continued to eat him out even after. Kokichi allowed him to do so for a bit longer before speaking. “S-Shuu.... L-let me go for a second.” 

Kokichi turned and faced him while sitting just in front of his cock. Shuuichi slowly reached out again and Kokichi once more grasped his hands, staring at him silently. “K-Kokichi....” Some clarity came back to him now that there was a little space between them, and Shuuichi squeezed his hands. “H.... How are we... going to go about this? U-um, do you have condoms or....” 

Kokichi licked his lips, also seemingly a bit calmer after his orgasm. “Condoms are in my drawer.” When Shuuichi shifted to reach for the nightstand, Kokichi stopped him. “But ....” Shuuichi looked back over with wide eyes. Kokichi was looking down at his chest, fiddling with the hand he was still holding. “....I’m also on birth control, and I have plan b for afterwards. So.... I don’t mind either way...” His eyes flickered up. “I just want you.” 

Shuuichi swallowed, feeling himself twitch multiple times. Kokichi must have felt it as well since he smirked. Shuuichi had to remind himself how to speak before he responded. “Y-yeah, uh.... W-well, I guess I don’t… I don’t mind either way as well, s-so..... whatever makes you happy!” 

Kokichi laughed. He leaned down and nuzzled Shuuichi’s cheek before kissing him. “Adorable…” Shuuichi felt him grab his cock again as he lined it up to his bottom. “I’ll take you up on that, but one of these days I’ll get you to give it to me straight.” He lifted himself up, making a show to present their nearly connected bodies. “For now, I just want to drain you dry.” He spoke with his eyes clouding. 

Shuuichi’s breathing quickened as he watched Kokichi lower himself. Their moans blending together the more he took in, and once he was flat on his pelvis Kokichi sent him one more sweet smile before going to town. The pace he found was perfect. Every time he rose up he made sure to sink all the way back, and his expression was of absolute bliss. “Sh–Shuuuu, a-alpha, yes! Ahhh! AAHHH!” 

Shuuichi threw his head back into the pillow, his hands gripping just above Kokichi’s knees as he watched with a similar look. Everything was amazing. His heat and tightness. The way sweat glistened on top of his body. His own pheromones unifying with Kokichi’s. Having sex inside his make-shift nest. Finally, finally having Kokichi pressed against him without any restrictions or hesitation chaining him back. 

Was this what a taste of heaven was like?

While mesmerized, Shuuichi managed to grab hold of Kokichi’s hips. It momentarily surprised him, but Kokichi sent him a wide smile and an approving moan, bending forward some to allow Shuuichi to brace his legs against the bed so he could thrust in time with Kokichi. Kokichi pressed his hands outside of Shuuichi’s shoulders. Both men gazed deeply into each other’s eyes as they sped up. “Alphaaaa! So good! So, so gooood!” Kokichi whined, his body starting to shake. 

Shuuichi groaned as he became incredibly tight around him. “Ko! O-omega!” 

“Alpha! I’m going to cum!” He leaned forward. “Give it to me! I want your cum inside!” 

“F-fuck! ” Shuuichi dug his nails into him, slamming with all his might as he chased after his own high just as Kokichi threw his head back and came across his chest. What pushed him over was when Kokichi once again bit into his shoulder, next to where a bond mark would be. He moaned deeply as he released into him, wrapping his arms around his waist. 

Shuuichi panted heavily, tilting his head to the side as Kokichi licked the area he bit. His eyes landed on the skin in front of him and a voice in the back of his head was chanting at him to do the same. Shuuichi planted a kiss against the area and licked around it. He heard Kokichi giggle. “Please, Shuu.... I want that as well… Mark me.” He whispered then bit him again. “Mark me and claim me.... and then..... let’s go again.” He pulled away to match his gaze. “I need to feel you fill me completely. Fill me until I’m stuffed.”

Shuuichi nodded, falling deeper into the pit he now can safely call love for this man. “I will. I’ll give you my all.” Kokichi smiled brightly at him before lowering back down and presenting himself. Shuuichi licked his lips and bit.

~~

“C’mon, Shuu! Alphaaa! Put it back in! ” Kokichi demanded, looking over his shoulder at him while laying on his side with his right leg propped up, a hand spreading his cheeks apart. Shuuichi, panting and releasing a small whimper, did as he was told not being able to resist neither his omega’s requests or his own desires that surpassed exhaustion. Getting himself comfortable behind him, he slid back in and let out a guttural moan.

“Fuuuuck! Yes! Alpha, fuck me, fuck me yes yes yes!” Kokichi chanted as his outstretched arm reached behind to press his head closer and Shuuichi buried his face in his hair. He couldn’t help but continuously run one of his hands up and down Kokichi’s body, needing to touch and grab at every inch. His mind was becoming wrecked. His cock slid in and out of him with extra ease from his own cum adding onto the slick, making entering his partner that much more hot. Hot and slick, warm and so tight . It very much felt like Kokichi’s body wasn’t going to be satisfied until he actually drained him of every drop. 

“Shuu, aahhh, Shuuuu! Alpha! Fuuuuck!” Kokichi’s high pitched moans continued to ring enthusiastically, his energy seemingly not too affected by the amount he’d came. It was honestly incredible, and somewhere in the far distance in his mostly mushed brain Shuuichi wondered if it was purely because of his heat or if Kokichi naturally had a high sex drive and insane stamina. Either way he was all in for it, one hundred percent, because past his own mind numbing pleasure the undoubtedly best part about all of it was being able to give his partner the same. And now that they were a pair, he’d have the honor to continue so for many, many times to come. 

Shuuichi gripped at his left pec and his hip, ramming into him with brutal force. “Kokichi! Fuck! Fuck!” 

Kokichi tilted his head back with a large grin, loose giggles and moans mixing. “Almost! I’m so..... Yes yes yes, keep going, I’m cumming! Alpha! Cumming, cumming, CUM!” 

Kokichi’s cum splattered everywhere, and Shuuichi leaned most of his weight against him as he rode out his own orgasm, pressing himself flush. He shuddered hard as he felt himself empty until he was positive there was nothing left. Shuuichi breathed unevenly, keeping his eyes closed as he nuzzled the crook of Kokichi’s neck, leaving gentle bites and licks around the bond mark he’d left. At the sound of Kokichi’s delirious laugh, he picked his head up to listen to whatever he’d want next, but Shuuichi’s mind was quickly put at ease when his scent shifted into something more tranquil signifying the end of his current heat wave.  

Kokichi wormed his way under him to lay on his back then adjusted Shuuichi on top of him to rest against his side. Shuuichi moaned softly as Kokichi ran his hand through his hair, a content smile spread across his face as he melted into him. 

“Nee-heehee..... So did I do it? Did I make you regret waiting?”

Shuuichi lazily looked up to meet his eyes. “Definitely.” His smile turned bashful. “...... I’m sorry about that... I do really regret not saying something sooner…” 

Kokichi stared into his eyes for a moment before sighing, glancing away. “.....It’s fine. I was mostly joking anyway.” He softly pushed Shuuichi off to scoot down to his level and turn towards him. “..S’not like you had to be the one to make the first real move..... I could’ve suggested a date or something as well.” 

Shuuichi shook his head. “I mean, that would’ve been nice but—” 

“Shut.” Kokichi placed a hand over his mouth. “I’m not done yet. I..... need to get this all out now.” 

When he pulled his hand back Shuuichi stared wide eyed and suddenly felt like his heart was pounding against his chest, ignoring the fact that they finished having a marathon amount of sex not even two minutes ago. The way Kokichi was looking back at him was so embarrassed-like. He definitely had to have been the only one in the universe to have the privilege of seeing it. It was so cute, just as confident Kokichi was so sexy, just as his mischievous expressions were so alluring and just as his excited and happy smiles were perfect. Any expression this man could make would send Shuuichi over the moon. 

“I.... ” Kokichi’s brows furrowed. “just — I’m not good at this kind of thing. It’s easier to flirt with you when I feel like I have the high ground because I like messing with you and seeing you flustered but.....” He pouted, lowering his head. “...It’s also a shitty cover-up.” 

“Kokichi.....” Shuuichi’s cheeks matched the shade of Kokichi’s. 

“The truth is........” He took a deep breath before blurting out a confession that shot Shuuichi straight through the heart. “I’ve been in love with you since like a month in, a-and I thought it was weird but I couldn’t stop myself from wanting to be near you. I..... I wasn’t lying when I said I wanted you to be mine, but I— ” Kokichi shut his eyes tight. “....I was scared. I've never felt like this before. Being in love with you, and with the possibility that you probably felt similar..... Acknowledging that truth scared me, so it was easier to lie and believe carrying on like we've been was preferable...... S-so, don’t actually put it on yourself. It’s stupid, but it’s the truth.” 

Shuuichi closed the gap again, cradling Kokichi’s head under his chin. “...It’s not stupid. I understand completely.... I was scared too. You were right. I should have been honest with what I wanted as well, but I cowered in and told myself that preserving what we already had was the safer option.” When they pulled away, Shuuichi kissed him. “But it’s okay. I would have waited for however long it took, because being with you is worth every second in between.

 Kokichi kept looking deeply into his eyes. Then a light smile appeared. “I suppose I could say the same for you.” He chuckled, moving in to kiss Shuuichi again. “Guess that’s a good thing to hear, but one of us needed to break away from it or else I might have destroyed Taka’s desk.”

Shuuichi laughed. “Why Taka?”

“Why not?” Kokichi grinned wildly but settled back down. “.....Anyways, my point is that despite everything I.... didn’t want to lie to myself about it anymore, which is funny since that’s a first. That’s why I chose this time around. I figured if I was going to expose my dumb feelings then using my heat to go all out might’ve made me feel more in control, ironically enough.”

Shuuichi nodded, feeling like the past few weeks were making a lot more sense now. “W-well, mission accomplished?” He laughed at Kokichi’s blank stare. “I just mean, your feelings reached me. I’m really happy.... t-that you called. Just doing that, it meant a lot, and..... I’m so glad you felt safe enough to let me in during such an intimate time.”

“Phfff, emphasis on ‘let in’.”

They both chuckled. Afterwards, Shuuichi helped clean up before they snuggled back together in bed. Shuuichi kissed his forehead, then his lips. “I love you, Kokichi. For a while now as well.”

“...I love you too.” 

A peaceful quiet settled between them, but just before Shuuichi was about to doze off Kokichi piped up. “By the way, you’re probably going to need to call off of work for the rest of the week, and grab some of your stuff to bring back here.”

“R-right.”

“But you better be quick about the second thing. I can’t promise I won’t jump on you when you come back, so be prepared.”

“R-right!”