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The all-too-familiar end call sound of Discord is a cue for Luca’s shoulders to deflate compared to how it was higher than the Tibetan mountains three hours ago. He makes sure to not miss the millisecond display of the profile picture of a certain sorcerer, and once it goes away, he melts into his chair.
Luca pouts, opening up the said application in his phone to write a message to Shu. As always, the ravenette beats him to it.
‘i’ll be heading out to walk the dog in the park. you better sleep, okay? i don’t want to hear from a Ren zatsu stream clip on twitter that you’ve been staying up late again’
“Ren, that brat.” Luca mutters under his breath, but stupidly smiles with how concerned Shu is. He could already hear his voice, its tone and how the words of his worry flow out of his lips.
Man, he misses Shu even more now.
‘you’re too online, shuuuu’
‘luca.’
‘ok ok, i got it, boss.’
Shu sends a “monkaHmm” emote, which emits a loud cackle from the blond. He responds with a “mikesmile” emote.
‘Baby i miss you already :( can we call again?’
‘luca, sleep’
‘shuuuuu :(‘
A few minutes went by with no reply from Shu. Luca is losing hope. Perhaps Shu went to get prepared to walk his dog, and it somehow upsets him. He plops down in his bed, the glaring digital clock blares in red bright color; 2:37 A.M. He really does need sleep, but his busy schedule prevents him from getting adequate ones. He is grateful for the influx of projects and opportunities, though it sure is tiring.
A message notification perks him out of his daze, and he sees that Shu sent a voice message. There’s wind whirring and the crunch of pavement in the background, as well as distant pants of a dog going through the phone.
“Luca Ka-ne-shi-rooo, go to sleep. Be a good boyfriend and do my request, hmm? You will, right? Andddd, I gotta go. This puppy is going to chase anything he sees, oh there’s a squirrel—waaaah!”
Luca giggles at the silly, abrupt end of the voice message, curling up in his bed and making himself comfortable under the sheets and setting up a perfect selfie calling for the situation.
‘that’s more like it. goodnight babe c: i love u’
‘i love you. i’ll talk to you later ok?’
Shu sends a yellow heart emoji. Luca smiles and locks his phone just to open it again and stare at his lockscreen wallpaper—a routine he had adapted ever since being in a long distance relationship with Shu.
A photo of Shu nuzzling his cheek on his palm, taken from the time when Luxiem met up in Japan for the first time ever. He and Shu sneaked away one night to hang out with just the two of them. They ended up in the middle of Tokyo strolling and goofing around like they have always done in collaboration streams. It was their first time meeting each other in the flesh after being in a relationship for a few months after debut, so both of them were extremely nervous.
Thankfully, it’s safe to say that they further clicked and have been going strong ever since.
Luca remembers it like yesterday. The moment they locked eyes when Luca opened his hotel room, it was as if the air had been knocked out of his lungs. Shu stood there with beauty and warmth, a smile so radiant the blond was sure he thought he was being welcomed in the gates of heaven.
It was Shu who cut the distance between them, shutting the door behind him to dash towards Luca. That first hug, a carry and a spin, and the scent of love—truly magical it was.
“Dude, did you stay up late again?” Sonny snickers when the latter covers his mouth with a hand and yawns. Luca blinks slowly, the tears that formed evaporating with the cold air.
“You know I’ve been busy with work.” Luca yawns again, dumping a bit of hot sauce on his pepperoni pizza slice. “And, you sound like Shu.”
Sonny smirks at the mention of that name. “I would be concerned if Shu didn’t nag you with it, though.”
The blond raises an eyebrow, chewing unenthusiastically with how sleepy he is. “What do you mean?”
“It’s not a secret you guys are extremely close. Anyone can see the favoritism you both have for each other. Seriously, when are you two going to drop the bomb on us?”
Luca sputters, that drowsiness he’s been feeling since he woke up that morning now thrown out of the wide windows of the pizza parlor. The tips of his ears are red, almost comparable to the tomato sauce of their pizza.
“W-what the… what are you talking about?!”
The VSF cop gives him a deadpan stare. “Honestly, I shouldn’t be hanging out with a wanted Mafia Boss like you. But I admit, seeing you all flustered like this is more rewarding than locking you up.”
“Oh my god, Sonny, are you not freaked out with what you are saying,” Luca fake gags, taking huge sips of his drink to cool down his rising temperature. Sonny’s stupid smirk makes him want to just spiral, and probably hide from the accusation that is so spot-on.
Sonny shrugs, leaning his back on the booth. “I’m just saying that you and Shu being a couple will not surprise anyone, not even the fans. If you guys are not in one, then, I don’t know. That sucks, and you are fumbling big time.”
Luca avoids Sonny’s gaze, looking past the man to try and distract himself from the sudden statements uttered. He must try and not act like a fool even further.
But he just knows he fucked it all up.
Shu perks up at the continuous sound of Luca’s pen hitting his notebook. He glances at his screen, and smiles when he sees the focused look on the handsome blond. His furrowed brows and a little peek of his tongue squeezes the life out of Shu’s poor heart. It’s one of their study-date nights, where Luca would go over his Japanese lessons from a tutor he hired, and he would share it with Shu to practice.
“You doing okay, babe?” Shu asks, dropping his own pen to prop his chin on his hand.
Luca has been doing amazing in his lessons, and can even hold long conversations without fumbling. He still needs to work on other words that might be difficult for foreigners to learn, but Shu is confident that the man can now roam around the streets of Tokyo alone.
A groan echoes from the other side, batting his eyes at Shu and pouts.
“This is so hard.”
The ravenette coos, scooting closer to the monitor. Chin resting on a propped arm, he gives his human golden retriever a gentle smile. “That’s only in the beginning, hmm? You’re doing awesome. You can also take a break if you need to, okay?”
“Shuuuu,” Luca whines, nose scrunching. Shu raises an eyebrow, a grin forming on his lips. The latter’s lower lip protrudes further. “Shu, I miss you.”
His heart aches at the declaration, but also warms his body at the obvious display of neediness from his adorable boyfriend. Shu just wants to reach and pat his golden locks, comfort him and have tight cuddles with him, leave soft kisses on his cheeks—
“I miss you too, Luca.” Shu whispers, looking straight into the calming lavender of his lover. “You have no idea how much I’ve been missing you after that first meet-up of ours, and the other ones after that.”
Luca mirrors his current pose, and Shu shamelessly runs his eyes all over the flex of his tattooed, muscular arms. The latter notices and chuckles, an expression of yearning on his face. A soft gaze akin to the fluffiest of blankets drapes over the ravenette, finding himself lost in those eyes his own beauty is reflected upon. Comfortable silence fills the air, and quiet giggles of two people admiring each other.
“I wish we could meet again,” Luca mutters. “How about in Japan next month?”
Shu’s eyes widen. “A-already? I might need a few more weeks to prepare, the U.S. is not Australia, you know? Besides, you’ll ask the others, right?”
Luca shrugs, looking like he already made up his mind. “Maybe, maybe not. What do you think?”
There’s no reason for the both of them to ask the others if they want to join in their spontaneous Japan trip, but it would raise questions if they find out it’s only the two of them who went. As much as Shu is totally okay in revealing their relationship with the rest of the livers, he’s not sure if Luca is ready for such. It’s something they haven’t talked about for almost three years of being together.
“I’ll let you know if I’m available, okay? We might also have upcoming events we don’t know yet. Let’s wait first, hmm? We have that meeting with mane-san next week too.”
“...You’re right. I didn’t think of that.” Luca huffs at the fact. He then perks up at a realization, and gives Shu a wide smile. “Who knows? Maybe it’s a Japan trip!”
It was indeed a Japan trip–but only for Shu, Elira, Uki, Sonny, Enna, and Vox.
To say that Luca was devastated is an understatement.
“I can’t believe I have a three-day event in the very days you’re in Japan with everyone.” His voice distraught at the revelation. Shu stays silent, tearing up just by seeing Luca so defeated.
“I’m sorry, baby…” Shu whispers, laying his cheek on his pillow. “If only I didn’t have a tight schedule too, I could stay for a few more days so you can visit.”
After their schedule in Japan, Shu has to go back home immediately to attend an urgent family matter. Luca is unsure if he could catch up with them even for half a day, and can only arrive to a conclusion if the event he’s a part of finishes early.
Luca can’t even hide the disappointment in the solemn smile he gives Shu. “It’s okay, we still have plenty of chances to meet!”
“Yeah?” Shu purses his lips.
“Yeah,” Luca nods, nuzzling on something dark Shu couldn’t really see. He notices the curious eyes, and he chuckles, raising a Shu puppet in front of the camera. “In the mean time, I have tiny Shubert by my side.”
The sorcerer giggles, the mood lightening up with Luca’s silliness. He reaches for something on the other side of his bed, and reveals his own Luca puppet. “That makes us two, then. I also kiss him a lot.”
Luca gasps, now a genuine smile forms on his face. “You love me that much?”
“I do.” Shu winks, pressing a kiss on the puppet’s hat. “I can say the same thing to you. That little guy looks very loved.”
“Indeed, he is!” Luca nods, and does a very loud ‘muah!’ on the banana fringe.
Luca does his prep for the event, making sure he has water and snacks nearby for short breaks. It’s a three-day convention where he’s invited to host a segment, have a panel, and do meet and greets. Just the thought of consecutive busy days while also being Shu-deprived is depressing him more than ever. He’s waiting for a message from Shu informing him once he lands in Japan.
He glances at the time, just a few more minutes before his first role of the day begins. The Shu puppet sits beside his monitor, next to the framed selfie of him and Shu during their first meet-up.
“Shuuuu,” Luca whines quietly to himself, hoping it reaches the man who’s soon to be only a thousand miles away from him.
A ping catches his attention, and Luca rushes to check his phone.
‘at my hotel room now, rooming with Sonny and Vox. a bit tired but it’s nothing new, gonna go out for a late lunch w/ others in a few after i take a short nap. good luck on your event! missing you lots, babe. i love you c:’
Luca smiles, heart racing at the message. He presses the record button, and pours his everything in response to Shu’s fluttering chat.
Two days passed by, and every night the two would go into video calls to share the highlights of their day. Shu seemed tired, and that is already a given, with their tight schedule of three days. The others would stay for a few more days, except Shu.
Luca, on the other hand, is also in the same boat. Despite only sitting in his chair and doing his roles for the event, it is taxing yet fun. It was heartwarming to see fans of Nijisanji in one place, engaging in activities that showed their love for the livers. Their support is definitely one of the motivators for them to continue doing what they are doing.
Shu wanted to ask Luca if he could catch up before his flight back to the U.S., but with the exhausted look on the blond’s face, he didn’t pry.
That night ended with them saying hushed whispers of love, and a longing for each other’s warm and tight embrace.
“Shu, what time is your flight again?” Vox asks.
The ravenette snaps out of his daze, fishing his phone out of his pocket. He tilts it a bit to his side, and out of Vox’s sight. His lockscreen wallpaper makes him subtly smile—it’s a selfie of him and Luca, where the blond has his lips on Shu’s cheek.
It’s a few minutes before 5:00 P.M., and he still hasn’t received a message from Luca.
The last thing he sent was his very bright ‘Good morning, my love!’, one that he never fails to do before Shu starts his day. Other than that, no more followed. He’s expecting any updates from the event he’s a part of, but perhaps it’s the busiest since it’s the last day.
“It's at 1:25 A.M., I still have a few hours left before I leave.” Shu grimaces, fiddling the edges of his phone.
His genmate gives him a smile, patting his shoulder. “Ah, I wish Luca was with us. Luxiem reunion, you know? It’s been a while since any of us got together.”
Shu tries to hide the blush that is starting to form around his cheeks. He can’t believe that with just a mere mention of Luca’s name, he’s now in this state.
“I-I know, it’s a bummer…” Shu replies, looking at his phone.
“Well, we still have karaoke plans after practice and dinner! You have to have fun before you go back.” Vox gives him a thumbs up, a grin on his face. He offers a hand, and Shu grabs it as the demon pulls him up from where he’s sitting on the practice room floor.
Shu nods, a timid smile forms on his lips. “You have to sing my song request, alright?”
“Heh, I gotchu, Shubert.”
Practice ended, and now Shu’s in a taxi with Sonny and Elira to the dinner spot Petra had a reservation for. When she heard of their schedule to Japan, she decided to meet up with them on the last day so they were free from responsibility.
Shu minutely checks his phone. Even with the low brightness, anyone can tell the man’s focus was nonexistent, letting out sighs he doesn’t even notice himself. Elira tugs on Sonny’s jacket, cocking her head to where Shu is on the passenger seat. The VSF cop shrugs, mouthing an “I don’t know,” to the solar sky dragon.
Just then, a Discord notification echoes from their phones. Elira observes how Shu immediately opens his phone, only to sigh again when it was a message from Petra who’s already waiting at the restaurant.
Shu swipes the notification to the side, his lockscreen now clean, and what she sees makes her eyes widen.
“Oh,” Elira blurts out.
Shu turns around, a curious look on his face. “Yeah?”
Sonny also is looking at her, waiting for her response.
“N-nothing, I just read that Petra is already at the place, haha. Too bad the traffic is kinda heavy.”
“Yeah, but she can wait.” Shu chuckles a little, before making himself comfortable in the seat again.
Elira gulps, and makes eye contact with Sonny who’s still staring at her with an expression screaming, “Tell me now!”.
“It’s nothing,” Elira mouths.
Sonny squints. “Bullshit.”, he whispers.
She rolls her eyes and doesn’t reply, rather she turns away from the prying cop and looks out the window, still registering in her head what she saw just now. The cab is once again enveloped with silence, apart from the quiet Japanese jazz song filling the space.
They all gather at the restaurant, eating their hearts out after three days of nonstop practice. It’s seven in the evening, all of them except Shu are already drinking liquor.
“You can just get a Midori Sour or some Umeshu?” Sonny invites him again, after a third time.
Shu purses his lips. He eyes at his phone that’s sitting on the table, still silent, before making up his mind.
He looks at Sonny with an obvious sulk. “You know what? Sure. Midori Sour it is. Just one.”
Elira couldn’t help but steal glances at the sorcerer across from her. Shu is already a bit red, almost close to finishing his drink. Vox and Sonny chatter at him, with Shu responding with short answers and forced laughs. Uki notices and snaps his fingers at her face.
“Bitch,” She mutters. Uki raises an eyebrow. “It’s nothing.”
“Don’t ‘nothing’ me. I know there is something.” Uki bites back.
Petra and Enna nod in agreement. The penguin tilts her head at Elira. “You’ve been acting a bit strange ever since we entered the restaurant. Was the food not good?”
“No, it was great. I just have something on my mind…”
“Care to share?” Enna wiggles her eyebrows up and down.
“I-I don’t know if I want to do that…”
As much as Elira is having a breakdown over her friends being lovers, she can’t just out them to their other friends! She’s thinking of a way to get Shu alone and talk to him, but with his already shortening time here, it might not happen tonight.
“Why? Is it too personal?” Petra asks in concern.
“Yeah,” Elira grimaces. “I’ll tell you guys when I’m ready.”
After their satisfying dinner, Petra takes them to their usual karaoke place to sing and drink even more. The group settles in a booth, and Enna takes the song book to browse.
“It’s Shu’s last day here, so we should all send him off with a bang!” Vox yells at the microphone, and the booth fills up with laughter.
“You act like I’m never going to see you guys ever again,” Shu snickers, leaning on the plush seat.
The familiar scene of excited and loud singing plays in front of Shu, an image he has seen many times whenever the livers meet up in Japan. It’s a fun space, one that is surrounded with warmth and happiness.
Sonny notices how Elira is still acting weird, and before he could approach her, his phone vibrates. It’s a message from Luca.
‘Don’t read this message out loud. Go somewhere where you’re alone.’
He raises an eyebrow at the peculiar text, but he follows. Sonny excuses himself to the bathroom, taking one last glance at Shu who’s quietly watching their friends act like a fool for entertainment.
Once in the bathroom, Sonny takes the initiative to call Luca. It only takes a few seconds before the man answers.
“What’s up?”
The background noise is a bit hectic. Luca is panting, and from what it sounds, it’s like he’s running. “Sonny… where are you?”
“Uh, in Japan? Are you going for a fucking jog? Did you just call me for that?”
“No, I’m coming out of Haneda airport right now. Tell me where you are so I can go there.”
“What?” Sonny’s shocked tone makes Luca laugh. “Are you serious? What the fuck are you doing here? You had an event today, right?”
“Questions later! Just tell me where you are so I can book an Uber!”
“I’ll message you the location. Dude, you’re fucking crazy.” Sonny scratches his head. “I better know what’s the fucking reason behind this.”
The mafia boss laughs once more. “Fine. Don’t tell anyone I’m coming. I’m serious, Sonny. Wait for me, okay?!”
After agreeing to Luca’s conditions, Sonny comes back to the booth and is now sharing the same state Elira has been in the past few hours.
Luca hops off his Uber, his duffel bag in hand. He stands in front of the karaoke place his friends are at, the adrenaline now dying as his nerves take place. It’s not the first time he’s meeting his friends, but knowing that Shu is there, clueless that Luca is physically in Japan.
He booked a flight days before Shu even arrived in Japan, also clueless if he’s ever going to make it or not. He knows he could just wait and meet Shu on a different time, but perhaps his longing for the man has pushed him to pull stunts like this.
Against his desires, he even purposefully avoided texting Shu throughout the day, so he could pull off the surprise. If anything, he doesn’t want to accidentally spill his plan to Shu.
Thankfully, the last day of the event he’s in only has a panel in the morning that went for an hour. He packed lightly and went straight to the airport to not miss his flight, and now he’s here.
It’s nearing eight in the evening, and Luca gets a message from Sonny that the group is planning to leave in thirty minutes.
‘i’m going up, wait for me outside your booth’
‘alright man just get to the 2nd floor’
Luca sees the yellow highlighter hair of his friend, and the man laughs when they make eye contact.
“What the fuck, you’re actually here.” Sonny hugs Luca, pulling away to look at him. “Dude, you look like a mess.”
“I told you I was running,” Luca chuckles, wiping his forehead sweat with a handkerchief. “Is everyone still there?”
“Yeah, we’re literally about to go in a few. The girls wanted to go to an arcade before going back to the hotel.”
“How’s Shu?” Luca blurts out, lips on a thin line at the question as Sonny smirks.
“He’s been quiet. Always looking at his phone.” The latter elbows Luca’s arm. “I fucking knew you guys are something.”
Luca blushes. “Shut up.”
“Don't forget our deal.” Sonny laughs, before opening the door. “Guess who the fuck is here?!”
The group pans their attention to the door, and shouts when they see Luca who’s shyly waving a hand. Vox gets up and hugs him, pressing a playful kiss on his hair before pulling him inside the booth.
“What the fuck are you doing here? Didn't you have an event?” Elira yells.
“I asked the same question.” Sonny interjects.
Luca shrugs, a grin on his face. “Eh, I just wanted to be a part of the fun. Any space here for me?”
They make way for him, and there Luca finally looks at Shu, whose eyes are like a hawk staring right through him. Luca sees Shu’s red face, and he wants to just squish his cheeks with how cute he is, he also chuckles nervously.
His heart is beating out of his chest, finally being in close proximity with his beloved.
“Can I sit beside you, Shu?” Luca asks, a handsome, gentle smile on his face.
Shu bites his inner cheek. His thoughts are running wild, hearing Luca say his name in such a manner. “...Yeah, you can.”
The blond plops down, his bag on the ground as he leans towards Shu. “God, I’m so tired.”
“Well, no shit, Sherlock! Almost 10 hours on a flight is not a joke!” Uki laughs. “You’re crazy.”
“We’re actually going to the arcade after this, it’s Shu’s last day here so we want to have as much fun as we can with him!” Petra informs. “Good thing you caught up with us!”
Luca nods, deliberately touching shoulders with Shu. “I know, I’m so glad I’m here.”
Even with his already crimson face because of the alcohol, Shu blushes even more with how close Luca is. He wants to link arms, he wants to touch him, he wants to hug him, he badly wants to kiss him. He wants to do all that, but maybe later when they are both alone.
In the cab, Elira sits in the passenger’s seat. Luca and Shu are in the back, and it’s deadly quiet in the vehicle. She sneakily glances at the front view mirror, and she sees Luca making a pouty face at a sulking Shu, who’s got his arms crossed. Luca taps his fingers on the sorcerer’s thigh, and the way Shu pulls it away almost makes Elira burst out in laughter.
“Do you have a place to stay, Luca?” Elira asks, breaking the ice.
Luca goes back to his position. “Uh, actually, I don’t. I forgot to look for one.”
“What?!” Elira exclaims, turning around to face the blond. “What the hell, when did you even book this flight?”
Shu only stares at Luca, waiting for his answer. Elira watches the tension rise between them, and she’s just so internally excited with the live yaoi happening in front of her.
“Like a few weeks ago… I can’t believe I forgot to find a place to stay,” Luca chuckles. “Maybe Sonny or Vox has room for one more.”
“They do, you know that. You can stay with them once I leave tonight.” Shu mutters, before looking out of the window.
“Oh, right, thanks…!”
Shu doesn’t budge, and Elira bites her lower lip to not straight up burst at them. Luca turns to her with obvious fear in his eyes, and with how she tries to hold a laugh, Luca confirms that she already knows what is up.
The group walks ahead of them, while Luca and Shu follow behind. It’s silent, with Luca only stealing glances at the beauty beside him.
“You’re a bit red. Did you drink a lot?” Luca asks, gripping his bag tight.
“Maybe,” Shu replies. “I’m getting sober because of this walk, though.”
Luca nods, humming. “That’s good.”
Silence once more. Luca looks around, to their friends who are busy chatting and goofing around, before taking Shu’s gloved hand and entwining their fingers together, making them halt in walking.
“Hey…!” Shu whisper-yells, surprised at the bold action. “What are you doing?!”
“Shu, I’m sorry,” Luca pouts, bringing Shu's knuckles to his lips, pressing a kiss. “I wanted to surprise you.”
The sorcerer pouts back, still trying to pull his hand away from the strong grip Luca has. “We can talk about this later, let go for now!”
Luca whines, nuzzling his cheek on Shu’s fist. “I love you, Shu.”
Shu’s furrowed eyebrows soften, and his eyes tear up a bit at the sudden profession. “...I love you, too. Now, let go before they see us.”
The blond lets go, and takes one last glance at their friends before leaning down and taking Shu’s lips in a short yet heated kiss.
Well, it was more like a peck.
“Luca…!” Shu yells loudly, blushing hard. Their friends turn around at the commotion.
“All good, guys?” A drunk yet composed Vox asks.
“Y-yeah, sorry about that.” Shu hides his face with a fist.
Luca hangs his arm around Shu, walking closer towards their friends. The group looks at them funny, especially with how Luca is sporting a large grin on his face, and Shu redder than he ever was back in the karaoke booth.
“I’m kinda tired, and Shu says he’s getting sleepy. He does have a flight to catch later. We might have to go back first.” Luca explains.
“Shu does look sleepy,” Vox burps.
“Aw, but the fun is just starting! Shu’s also leaving later—” Petra gets interrupted by Uki who gives her a look. Enna was about to say something too when the psychic did the same thing to her. Sonny and Elira wave a dismissive hand at them.
“Oh—huh?”
Sonny grins at the two lovebirds. “Alright, but you have to stay with us for a few days, okay?”
“Yeah, yeah.” Luca rolls his eyes, but an appreciative smile is on his lips. “Have fun guys!”
“You guys have fun.” Elira snickers, to which Sonny and Uki couldn’t help but chuckle as well, leaving the rest of their friends confused.
Shu goes straight to the bathroom when they enter the hotel room. Luca plops his bag near the sofa, and waits there for Shu to come out. The ride back to the hotel was filled with Luca silently giving Shu kisses and pleas, to which the latter did reciprocate, albeit shyly.
He takes off the layers on his body, sitting on the plush with only a shirt on. He receives a message from Sonny.
‘Please be done before midnight. I don’t want to walk in the room with a drunk Vox on my back and see you guys naked. Also, don't tire out Shu too much, he still has a flight to catch lmaooo’
Luca blushes at the message, replying with a middle finger emoji before tossing his phone on the sofa.
Shu comes out, freshly showered, now in pajamas. He walks straight over to Luca, climbing on his lap to where Luca’s hands immediately go into their rightful place. The ravenette gets a hold of Luca’s face in both hands, and kisses him deeply.
Luca kisses back in earnest, hands roaming all over Shu’s figure. Their liplock echoes loudly in the quiet room, and soon their breathing fills their ears.
"Hngh, Shu..." Luca moans in Shu's mouth.
Both of them feel something down south, with Shu languidly grinding against Luca, yet they don’t immediately get into action.
“I’m mad at you,” Shu mutters, licking his lips. His lidded eyes stare at Luca’s.
“Still mad at me, baby?” Luca tilts his head, seeking forgiveness. “I’m sorry, darling. How can I make it up to you, hmm?”
Manicured nails scratch at Luca’s tattooed neck, Shu humming. “Did you ask Sonny what time they’ll be back?”
“He said they’ll be back before midnight.” Luca answers, eyes darting to the wall clock. “We have about an hour before they do.”
Shu presses his body down, making Luca groan and curse under his breath. The man grips under Shu’s meaty thighs, looking up at his boyfriend with an intense gaze.
“Shu, I’m really sorry for hiding—”
“Shhh,” The sorcerer places a finger on Luca’s lips. He plays with Luca’s lower lip, the shade of purple darkening. “We still have to make the most of that hour.”
Sonny, Elira, Uki, and Petra go along with Luca to drop Shu off at the airport. They watch as the two share hushed whispers, with wide smiles on their faces, hand in hand. Shu goes on his tiptoes to press quick kisses on Luca’s lips, the latter pulling him closer by the waist to make it deeper.
Elira thinks they’re glowing, extremely happy for her friends. Uki and Sonny also have the same expression as her, and only Petra has her mouth wide open.
“Uh, why are we acting like we’ve had this knowledge all along…?” She asks, looking back at the couple and the group.
“Do we not?” Uki chuckles. “It’s painfully obvious.”
“I mean, I didn’t know it was real until today.” Elira explains.
“Me too.” Sonny adds.
Uki rolls his eyes. “Oh my god, I can’t believe my gaydar is the only one working.”