JUNJOU ROMANTIST

It had been another long morning for the young, dark-haired, college student. Years had passed, he was now of age twenty-two and still living with the infamous, Usami Akihiko. Misaki was soon to be a college graduate and became an editor for his secret lover's publishing house. It wasn't too long ago before the older male and Misaki went to a festival and the moment when the young graduate realized, if the famous novelist were to ever separate from the brunette, his whole world would come crashing down. That night; Akihiko and Misaki did speak about confessing their relationship to Takahiro and the idea seemed crazy at first to Misaki, but it was what he had to do. Considering how head-over-heels the twenty year old was for the handsome celebrity.

But with all the years Akihiko and Misaki have been through—there was still a splinter of jealousy that lingered within in his stomach. Misaki was always worried at least a little about how his lover could possibly still be in love with his older brother: Takahiro Takahashi. The uke always found himself returning to this feeling and no matter how many times Akihiko reassures him that all feelings were lost for Takahiro, it never seems to be enough for Misaki to be convinced. The thought of Usagi still carrying feelings for Takahiro weighed his heart down in pounds, Misaki would cook dinner and hear Akihiko laughing at everything Takahiro said on the phone and Misaki just couldn't help but feel envious towards his own brother.

Emotionless, Misaki stood staring out the plated-glass windows of Usami's vast apartment, a light reflection of his green eyes dimming. A saddened, pained expression began taking a toll on his features, scrunching his eyebrows trying to erase the hurt buried within his heart. Misaki was always capable of rolling the situation off his shoulders, but this day in particular, just, didn't seem... right. Pursing his lips with frustration, the fading noise of cars below speeding off down the road was all he could hear in the icy apartment. Akihiko was somewhere tagging behind Aikawa, it had been hours since he left, abandoning his young love. Folding his arms, disdain growing quickly on his face, his forehead thumped lightly against the window, letting out a large breath of anticipated oxygen.

"I wish I could just speak with him." he whispered softly, the sound of his heart breaking stealing his voice like a thief. "I don't understand why I can't make him laugh like that."

Reality smacked Misaki in the face, quickly straightening himself with shame coating his face, he bit down roughly on his lower lip. This is insane! What's gotten into you, Misaki?! You're acting like a little girl, now get your shoes on and go for a walk or something! Misaki cursed in the depths of his mind, storming off towards the front door and slipping his shoes on.

Loud clunk noise resonated down the long corridor. The enraged yet arrogant boy passed by several windows allowing natural light to fill the entire hall, buildings of Japan's capital, Tokyo, flew past Misaki as he continued his strut, cursing to himself before stopping in front of the elevator. Reaching his willowy fingers out, he stoned in place, vibrant green eyes enlarging as familiar voices were heard from behind the closed elevators doors.

Nii-san..? Usagi-san? Swallowing at lumps in his throat, Misaki quickly withdrew from his stance, nearly nose-diving for cover behind a corner and threw his back up against the wall, his heart thumping loudly and his breath heaving.

Laughs came from both Akihiko and Takahiro, enjoying their time together. They were alone. Takahiro's wife nor his son was with them. They were completely alone. And this fact hardened around his heart shielding the boy's broken heart like a warrior in his armor. Peering down at his feet, he stared at bulky, dull-brown shoes and listened in as they stood unaware of Misaki's presence.

"I had a good time with you today!" Takahiro cheered, patting his hand on the taller male's shoulder who flashed a smile in return.

"It was great to spend the day with you, just like old times." It was no mistake, that was Akihiko's voice, Misaki was no idiot when it came to identifying Usagi-san's voice. Feeling as though thousands of knives were holding his heart at stake, anguish twisting his stomach at the truth.

Usagi-san lied to him. How could he? He claimed Aikawa was waiting downstairs in a taxi for him and that he had "important business" to do, having a day with Takahiro was nothing he got informed of. Not even a text to let him know the plans changed and what seemed to bother the newly-editor the most... Such a small, silly thing.. But, "Just like old times."

That saying rang in his head like a broken record, embedding it into his mind and heart. Just like old times.. Misaki thought to himself childishly. In the old days, that famous idiot was in love with Takahiro! His brother! This was a mix of betrayal, anger, anguish, and so many more emotions that just wrapped around Misaki, burning hate deep within his skin.

"So, how is Misaki doing?" Takahiro asked like he always had, a concerned look plastering on his face.

"He's doing great, keeping the house clean, cooking, staying ahead of his school work and as well as being an editor over at the publishing house." Usami grinned, assuring the college student's older half.

"Ahh, that makes me feel so much better.." he heaved a sigh.

Akihiko nodded with agreement, tossing an arm around the male's shoulder and walking further down the hall. "Speaking of, Misaki should be home, let's go pay him a visit. It will excite him to see you.."

As the two continued their enlightening conversation, Misaki's insecurities had sunk him to the floor, leaving him to drown in his misery. What if.. Misaki was a replacement for Takahiro? Or what if Akihiko was feeding him meaningless words? What if this man is just using Misaki for sexual pleasures?

Frosted like icy glaciers, he stood petrified like wood, his nerves tingling up his spine shooting a quick chill. Being held by Death's fingers, the only sound he could hear was fierce beats coming from his main artery. Letting his head swing back as though it was a bowling ball, thumping amongst the wall, staring drastically into the ceiling. I have to get away from here.. The short male demanded himself.

Misaki wobbled on trembling legs, stumbling back to the familiar, dreadful place that got him in this situation, he heard the echoing of their voices again from down the hall. Misaki's head reluctantly rotated in the direction of the two. It was easily something he regretted and wished he had never seen.

"I'll let you know if I find Misaki." Akihiko leered comfortingly, his violet eyes twinkled when they met with Takahiro's. His expression was the one Misaki had seen before when the author loved Takahiro. Sprinting a few feet, quickly disappearing before anyone could notice him, the frantic boy was fast to close the elevator doors and hid in the corner, sinking to his knees once more and finally... breaking into a sob.