The bar was alive with energy, bodies pressed together, laughter and shouts blending with the pulse of the music. Ren and Yohei moved in perfect sync behind the counter, pouring, mixing, and sliding drinks across to waiting hands. Every so often, their arms brushed, or one would pass close enough that the other caught their scent, that mingling of cologne, liquor, and sweat that told the story of the night.
Ren was in his element, grinning as he finished a drink and slid it down the bar with flair. Yohei smirked, glancing sideways as he tossed a beer to a regular, who gave him an approving thumbs-up. It had been a busy shift, but Ren could feel his pulse quickening for reasons that had little to do with the noise around him. Every time he looked up, Yohei was there, a solid, steady presence, his sharp eyes focused intently on the drinks, the crowd, and occasionally on him.
At one point, Ren caught Yohei's gaze and winked, grinning. "Tired yet?" he teased, voice raised over the music.
"Please," Yohei scoffed, not missing a beat as he handed off another drink. "You're the one who can't keep up, remember?"
Ren laughed, leaning in a bit closer. "Oh, I remember. But didn't I just hear one of the customers say my Manhattan was the best they'd ever had?"
Yohei just rolled his eyes, but a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. There was an ease between them, something comfortable yet charged, like a guitar string stretched tight, ready to snap into sound at any second. It was a rhythm Ren had come to crave, the kind he felt in his veins every time they worked together.
As the night wore on, Ren felt the weight of his first paid gig hovering in his mind. He didn't want to jinx it, but as they wrapped up, he finally couldn't hold it in. "Hey, Yohei, I've got some news," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Next weekend. It's my first official paid gig. A real set."
Yohei's eyes widened in surprise and pride. "Ren, that's huge!" he said, grabbing his shoulder and giving him an enthusiastic shake. "Man, you're gonna kill it. You know that, right?"
Ren grinned, feeling a warmth that wasn't just from the long shift. "Thanks. Means a lot, actually. You'll be there, right?"
Yohei held his gaze a second longer than necessary, his smile softening. "I'll be front and center."
Back at the apartment, Ren headed straight for the shower, craving the hot water to wash away the night. The sound of the shower turned off, and Yohei leaned against the counter, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. Moments later, the bathroom door swung open, and Ren stepped out, the warm light spilling over him like a halo. Water dripped down his muscular chest, glistening on his skin, while he rubbed a towel through his damp hair. The sight struck Yohei like a punch to the gut.
Ren wore nothing but a towel wrapped low around his waist, revealing glimpses of the intricate tattoo sleeve winding down his right arm. The colors danced across his skin, swirling flowers and sharp lines blending together in a tapestry of artistry that captivated Yohei. And there, peeking from beneath his tousled hair, was a neck tattoo of roses, vibrant and alive against his pale skin.
Yohei felt himself freeze, his heart racing as he absorbed the image before him. The usual playful banter evaporated from the air, replaced by an electric tension that made the tiny apartment feel infinitely smaller.
"Hey, did you want me to make us something?" Ren's voice was light, teasing, but there was something deeper in it that Yohei couldn't ignore. The way Ren's lips curved into that soft, lopsided smile had a way of drawing him in, making everything else fade into the background.
But it was Ren's gaze, bright and mischievous, that ensnared Yohei. It was all-consuming, making him acutely aware of every inch of Ren's body. The tightness coiled in his chest as he fought against the undeniable attraction simmering beneath the surface.
Yohei shifted his weight, swallowing hard, desperately trying to shake off the sensation that was creeping up on him. No, he thought. Not this. Not now. But his mind betrayed him, images of their nights together flashing through his head. Memories of laughter, the warmth of their friendship, and the unacknowledged chemistry that had always hovered just beneath the surface.
"Yohei?" Ren's voice broke through his thoughts, drawing him back to the moment. The way he said his name, soft and inviting, sent a jolt through him. He blinked, suddenly aware of how close they were standing, how the air around them felt charged.
"Uh, yeah?" Yohei managed, his voice rough as he fought to keep his composure. But there was a tremor in his gut, an unwelcome urge to reach out, to touch Ren's cheek, to pull him close and feel the warmth radiating from his body.
Ren took a step forward, and Yohei's breath hitched. "You okay? You seem a bit... distracted." There was a hint of concern in Ren's eyes, but beneath it lay a flicker of something more, something bold and daring.
"Yeah, just tired," Yohei replied, though his voice wavered, betraying him. Tired of fighting this, he thought, as he felt the heat rising in his cheeks. He wanted to shake off this feeling, the way it twisted in his stomach, but it only intensified as he caught sight of Ren, standing there in nothing but a towel, a vision of carefree allure that made his heart pound.
Ren tilted his head, studying him, and in that moment, everything shifted. The playful tension at the bar vanished, replaced by a raw, magnetic pull. Yohei could feel the weight of Ren's gaze, and it ignited a flame of longing deep inside him. What if I— the thought flickered in his mind, wild and reckless, and he squeezed his eyes shut, shoving it away.
"Right," Ren said, breaking the moment, his smile fading slightly. "I'll just, uh, get dressed." He turned towards his bedroom, but not before Yohei caught a glimpse of vulnerability behind that playful facade. A longing that mirrored his own.
As Ren stepped into his room, Yohei leaned against the counter, the reality of his feelings crashing over him like a wave. I'm not gay. I'm not gay, he repeated to himself, but the words rang hollow. Because in that moment, he realized the truth. Every time he looked at Ren, every playful moment, every fleeting touch, was a reminder of what he could never allow himself to feel.
It was finally time for their first real gig. The night air was electric, pulsing with anticipation as the venue filled with an eager crowd. Ren stood backstage, his heart pounding in rhythm with the bass thumping through the walls. This was it. After years of open mics and small shows, tonight marked a milestone that felt almost surreal.
He glanced around at his bandmates, who were busy adjusting equipment and tuning their instruments. Jin, the charismatic lead singer, was doing vocal warm-ups, while the drummer, Kenji, drummed his fingers nervously against the side of his kit. They were all buzzing with excitement, but Ren felt the weight of expectation pressing down on him, a mix of exhilaration and anxiety.
"Are you ready for this, Ren?" Jin asked, shooting him a grin that lit up his face.
Ren nodded, swallowing hard. "Yeah, just... a little nervous."
"Don't sweat it. You'll kill it out there. Just think of all those times you practiced in front of the mirror." Jin clapped him on the back, giving him a reassuring smile.
"Right," Ren chuckled, trying to shake off the nerves. But his mind drifted to Yohei, who had promised to be in the front row, cheering him on. He knew his friend would be there, and the thought alone fueled a fire of determination inside him.
As the minutes ticked down, Ren took a deep breath, reminding himself of the adrenaline he'd felt after the battle of the bands, the rush of performing that had become an addictive high. He adjusted his guitar strap, the familiar weight grounding him, and let the rhythm of the music seep into his veins. This was what he loved.
Finally, the moment arrived. The stage lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted into cheers as the band took their places. Ren stepped forward, his guitar in hand, and the spotlight hit him like a tidal wave. The roar of the crowd surged through him, a sound that ignited every fiber of his being.
"What's up everyone! We're Resonance! ARE YOU ALL FUCKING READY?!" Jin shouted into the mic, and the crowd roared in response.
The first chords rang out, and Ren's fingers danced across the strings, the melody flowing effortlessly. He lost himself in the music, letting it carry him away. As they played their original songs, he poured every ounce of emotion into each note, every lyric resonating with the story of his life.
But then, as they transitioned into a song that had become a favorite among their growing fanbase, Ren felt a pang of apprehension. He was about to sing the song he'd written, the one infused with everything he felt about Yohei. His heart raced as he glanced at his friend again, who was swaying to the beat, completely lost in the moment.
What if he figures it out? The thought twisted in Ren's gut, but as he took a deep breath, he pushed it aside. No, this is my moment.
As they reached the chorus, Ren's voice soared over the crowd, raw and heartfelt. "Romanticizing what puts you through hell. But I would die for you and no one else! Don't just sit and wonder! You aren't just another!" He locked eyes with Yohei, feeling a connection that went deeper than friendship, deeper than the music itself. In that moment, all the unspoken words and emotions swirled around them, a magnetic pull that was impossible to ignore.
Yohei stood in the front row, his heart racing as he watched Ren pour his soul into the performance. He's incredible, he thought, a mixture of pride and confusion welling up inside him. Ren's tattoos danced under the stage lights, the sleeve on his right arm and the roses on his neck catching his attention. How did I never see how beautiful he is?
As Ren continued to sing, Yohei felt his chest tighten. The lyrics seemed to cut straight through him, unraveling a part of himself he hadn't dared to explore. He's singing about something more, Yohei realized, a storm of emotions brewing inside him. What if he's singing about me?
His mind raced, grappling with the implications of the thought. No. I'm not gay. I'm not gay. It's just music. But the truth was undeniable; the way Ren's voice quivered with emotion, the way he looked at him—it ignited something in Yohei that he couldn't ignore. This is just a song, he told himself, but deep down, he felt the tension between them intensifying with every note.
As Ren finished the song, the crowd erupted into applause, but for Yohei, the world narrowed to just the two of them. The weight of what he was feeling pressed down on him, suffocating and exhilarating all at once. Ren beamed, flushed with the thrill of performing, but Yohei felt paralyzed, caught in a web of conflicting emotions.
Once the performance ended, they basked in the afterglow, the cheers ringing in their ears. Jin grabbed Ren in a bear hug, lifting him off the ground. "That was fucking incredible!"
Ren laughed, still buzzing from the adrenaline, but his heart raced for another reason entirely. As the band exited the stage, he caught Yohei's eye, and the intensity of that gaze sent a shiver down his spine.
"Hey, great job out there!" Yohei said, clapping Ren on the shoulder as he joined him backstage.
"Thanks! I still can't believe it," Ren replied, his voice laced with disbelief.
"That was amazing, especially that last song. You were... you were on fire," Yohei said, his eyes sparkling with pride.
"Alright, guys, let's get this stuff packed up and hit the town!" Jin called out, tossing a guitar case into the back of the van with a triumphant grin. The rest of the band laughed and shared high-fives, the thrill of their first gig still pulsing within them.
As they loaded their gear, Kenji turned to Yohei and Ren, a teasing smile on his face. "You two coming with us? We're hitting that new bar down the street. Free drinks for the first hour!"
Ren exchanged a glance with Yohei, his heart racing for reasons beyond the excitement of their win. "Nah, we're going to chill here for a bit. Just... catch our breath," he replied, a hint of hesitation in his voice.
"Suit yourselves! We'll see ya later!" Jin called over his shoulder, and with that, the guys climbed into the van, leaving Ren and Yohei standing in the dim light of the alleyway.
The music faded behind them, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them. Ren felt an electric tension hanging in the air, a charged silence that filled the space between their bodies. He could see the excitement still flickering in Yohei's eyes, but beneath it lay something deeper, something that made his heart pound.
"I can't believe we did it," Ren said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "It felt incredible."
"Yeah, it really did," Yohei replied, his gaze steady, searching Ren's face as if looking for something he hadn't quite found yet.
Ren took a step closer, the distance between them shrinking as he became acutely aware of the warmth radiating from Yohei. The moment felt heavy, filled with unspoken words and emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface for weeks. What if this is it? he thought, his heart racing faster.
He felt vulnerable, exposed under Yohei's intense gaze, and yet, he was drawn to him in a way he couldn't explain. "You really think I was good out there?" Ren asked, his voice thick with emotion.
"Ren, you were amazing," Yohei said, his voice low, almost husky. "You belong on that stage. You were... you were just so alive."
Ren's breath caught in his throat, and he couldn't help but lean in closer, the world around them fading away. "I just... I want you to be proud of me," he admitted, his heart racing.
"Proud? I'm more than proud, Ren," Yohei said, his voice steady, but Ren could hear the slight tremor of something more beneath it. "You've got this fire in you, and it's incredible to watch."
Ren's heart raced with every word, the air thick with tension. Now or never, he thought, feeling the magnetic pull drawing him closer. The way Yohei looked at him made his heart race, igniting a feeling deep within him that he couldn't ignore. He had wanted this moment for so long.
"Yohei..." Ren's voice was barely above a whisper as he stepped closer, his eyes searching Yohei's. "I can't fight this anymore." The admission hung in the air, heavy with possibility.
And then, without thinking, he closed the gap, capturing Yohei's lips with his own. The kiss was tentative at first, a soft brush of their mouths, but as Yohei froze for just a heartbeat, Ren's heart plummeted. But then… then it changed. Yohei melted against him, kissing back hungrily, their lips moving in perfect harmony.
Every nerve ending ignited, and Ren felt the world explode around them. Yohei's hands found their way to Ren's waist, pulling him closer, as if afraid to let go. Ren's body responded instinctively, deepening the kiss, losing himself in the warmth and taste of Yohei.
The kiss intensified, their mouths opening against each other, and Ren's fingers tangled in Yohei's hair, tugging gently as he pressed him closer. He could taste the remnants of excitement and adrenaline on Yohei's lips, a mix of sweet urgency that sent sparks of desire coursing through him.
Their tongues danced together, exploring, teasing. Every flick and slide igniting a fire in Ren's core. The world outside faded completely, leaving only the heat building between them. He pressed his body against Yohei, their chests brushing as he felt the heat radiate from him.
Time seemed to slow as they pressed against each other, the kiss deepening with each passing second. Ren felt the heat radiating from Yohei's body, the passion in their kiss filling him with exhilaration. He could feel Yohei's breath quicken against his lips, his hands gripping Ren's waist tighter, as if anchoring him to this moment.
But just as Ren began to lose himself completely, they pulled apart slowly, breathless and wide-eyed. The alleyway, once dim and quiet, now felt alive with possibilities. Ren could see the conflicting emotions swirling in Yohei's eyes, uncertainty creeping back into his expression.
"Ren... I... I'm not," Yohei stammered, his voice thick with confusion. "I'm straight." The words hung heavily between them, and Ren's heart sank, the warmth of their moment overshadowed by the weight of reality.
"I—" Ren started, feeling a rush of vulnerability wash over him. "I didn't mean to—"
"No, it's not that," Yohei interrupted, running a hand through his hair, his expression torn. "I just... I don't know what it means. I don't know how to be this way."
Ren took a step back, his heart pounding as he tried to process Yohei's words. "It's okay," he said softly, wanting to reach out but unsure if he should. "We can figure it out together. If you want to."
The uncertainty hung in the air, but beneath it, there was a flicker of hope. Yohei's eyes met his, and for a moment, it felt like they were on the edge of something profound, something that could change everything. Ren just hoped that Yohei was willing to take the leap with him.