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Kato Haru was beautiful.
He's too perfect for this world. Kato Haru was really brave and kind, he wouldn't even think twice to help people in need. That's what Kambe Daisuke loved about him. He loved his smile, he loved how hardworking he was, he loved how his day always brightened up when Haru arrived at work, Daisuke loved everything about Kato Haru.
Except for this one thing.
His morning breath was awful.
Whenever Daisuke stayed at Haru's place, the first thing Haru would do in the morning was to kiss him.
Daisuke loved that, of course. But the smell was in the way, he would love their morning routine even more if it wasn't because of that damn stinky breath of Haru's.
Every morning before Haru woke up, Daisuke would always go to the bathroom to make his appearance more presentable and pretty. He'd wash his face, moisturize, and brush his teeth. He wanted to always look perfect in Haru's eyes. He also didn't want Haru to smell his breath in the morning, because that shit nasty.
Then he would lay down on Haru's bed again and pretended to be asleep until his boyfriend woke up. Daisuke occasionally sneaked a peek at Haru's face, it was too pretty to not look at. Some days would be too tiring for both of them, so Haru would be sound asleep. He wouldn't wake up even if there's a fire in his place. On those days, Daisuke took the opportunity to stare at Haru's face. He didn't need to feel wary of getting caught by Haru, or his reputation would shatter into pieces.
Daisuke moved further into Haru's arms. They were so warm and inviting, Daisuke would stay there the entire day if he didn't have any work to do. His boyfriend's scent was so unique, it's like a mix of strawberry and sweat. He had conflicted feelings about it, one part of him loved it while the other part wanted to push him into the shower.
Though Daisuke didn't blame him for smelling like that, Haru overworked himself too often. So everything had to come after his work, like meals, showers, and even his own damn boyfriend.
It may not seem like it, but you can't imagine how many times Daisuke got rejected by Haru while he was working on a case. Daisuke could just place his hand on top of Haru's and the latter would swat it away then tells Daisuke to do his own work. Harsh.
Daisuke closed his eyes and inhaled his boyfriend's scent. He never loved someone this much before. Being in Haru's arms like this made him feel at home.
Daisuke's train of Kato Haru thoughts abruptly stopped when the taupe haired man moved suddenly. Daisuke froze and held his breath in, he didn't want his boyfriend to know that he's already awake. He wanted to stay in bed for much longer, he wanted to savor this moment.
Haru opened his eyes. Lights seeped into the room through his window, the view would look beautiful if the man didn't just wake up. Seeing too many lights first thing in the morning made Haru's eyes hurt. So, he closed them again and bury his face in Daisuke's loose hair.
Haru wiggled a bit more and repositioned his arms to make Daisuke more comfortable. The fact that Haru still cared about his boyfriend's comfort even when he's not fully conscious melted Daisuke's heart. Oh, what did Daisuke do in his past life to get a man this perfect? Did he save a country? If not, the whole world? That wouldn't be surprising, considering he's Kambe Daisuke. But still, he couldn't help but wonder.
After a good few minutes, Haru slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes. He glanced at Daisuke's 'sleeping' figure and smiled. "Good morning, Daisuke," he said while kissing the top of Daisuke's forehead.
Daisuke wanted to scream.
It's hard for him to pretend to be asleep when his boyfriend just did that. So, the only solution was to roll over to his stomach and bury his face on the pillow. Daisuke pressed his face into it and smiled ridiculously big. They only had been dating for a few days, no longer than a week. But of course, he wouldn't allow himself to look like this when Haru was watching. It's embarrassing.
But would you really blame him? There's a fifty percent chance that you would end up like Daisuke too if Kato Haru kissed you on your forehead.
Daisuke was known for his cool face and flat expression, but inside, he just couldn't help but be a puddle of gay mess when it came to Kato Haru.
He may not show it, but his gay panic was always there, lurking in the shadows, and was ready to attack him at any times.
"Daisuke, it's morning, wake up," Haru shook Daisuke's shoulders gently, earning a grunt from the black-haired man. Daisuke opened his eyes and gently rubbed them, "morning already?" Daisuke pretended to yawn and pulled a pillow to his face.
Haru sighed and removed the pillow from Daisuke's face. "It's 9am you spoiled brat. Come on, just wake up already—"
"—or maybe, I can kiss you awake."
Daisuke's eyes snapped open. He quickly slapped his hands on Haru's mouth, desperately keeping Haru's lips from touching his.
"Daisuke what are you doing?" Haru's muffled voice could be heard through Daisuke's fingers. Daisuke didn't want to embarrass his boyfriend by saying that he has a bad breath. But he also didn't want to be kissed like that.
"No."
"Huh? Why not?"
"No… No kisses before you brush your teeth." I'm sorry Haru but this needed to be done.
Something clicked in Haru's mind.
Oh.
OH.
Haru stood up abruptly and dashed to the bathroom. He scrambled to find his toothbrush and quickly applied some toothpaste to it.
So embarrassing so embarrassing so embarrassing—
That was all Haru could think of while brushing his teeth at the speed of light.
He made sure that his mouth doesn't smell anymore, he rinsed it several times before coming out from the bathroom. Daisuke walked past him, without forgetting to give Haru a small kiss on his lips.
Haru's brain short-circuited. Daisuke's action took him by surprise. Don't get him wrong though, he's not complaining at all.
"I—huh?? Daisuke come back here you little shit."
Haru went to the kitchen, only to find Daisuke rummaging through his fridge. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"You only have cup noodles on the cupboards, I tried to look for some food to eat but everything in your fridge is useless."
Haru sighed and pulled Daisuke away from the fridge. "Look, there's natto. Do you want to have breakfast with it?"
The taupe haired man turned his head to Daisuke, and the latter greeted him with a slight pout. "Stop whining, it's good for your body," he took the package out of the fridge.
"Haru no, we ate that yesterday."
Haru glanced at Daisuke's face, despite having no expression on his face, the younger man looked so cute. He was still wearing his dress shirt, Daisuke was so tired last night so he slept in his work outfit. He immediately crashed into the bed, Haru needed to force him to take off his suit and vest to get him more comfortable.
Daisuke was adorable, Haru couldn't say no to him.
"You're such a spoiled brat. I'll make you an omurice, just sit down and wait."
xxx
Haru sat on the floor, leaning on his bed. The writings on the case files he's working on gave him a headache. He started doing this last night, but the stack of files didn't seem to lessen itself. Haru stuck some post its on the papers and continued to scribble some notes on them.
Yesterday, Daisuke fell asleep immediately on his bed, Haru didn't have the heart to wake him up and ask for help. Haru knew that it would take a longer time to finish his work without any help, but he didn't mind. Daisuke has gone through a lot of things, he deserved to rest. Haru on the other hand, had already used to working at night. Coffee had become his blood, and going to sleep at ungodly hour had become his habit. So he didn't mind, he didn't mind one bit.
Kato Haru had grown soft for Kambe Daisuke.
"Haru."
Haru felt a tug on his shirt. He didn't need to turn around to know what expression Daisuke was wearing right now. The man obviously wanted some attention.
Daisuke was so calm and collected when they were still work partners, but after they started dating, the scion became clingier and clingier every day.
Before they started dating, Daisuke would trail behind Haru like a lost puppy. Every time Haru asked about it, he would dodge the question and say that he's only going the same direction as Haru. So you can imagine how clingy Daisuke is today.
Haru put the case files down. He had so many works to do, and Daisuke wasn't helping in any way. "What is it?"
"Is the water heater broken?"
Haru was not wealthy. He could barely pay rent, so of course, he wouldn't have the money to fix the damn water heater. Some days would be warm enough for him to shower comfortably, and those days felt like a blessing to him. Because otherwise, he had to suffer from the cold morning water.
"Yeah, it's broken. Stop being a brat and just shower with regular water."
Daisuke didn't say anything. It was suspicious, because normally he would whine at Haru to pay attention to him. But Haru was too focused on the papers Chief Kiyomizu gave him, he didn't anticipate the soon to be created mess in his house.
Loud clangs came from the kitchen. The noises made Haru jerk up and ran towards the source of sound. The files he had in hand were trampled, the only thing he cared about was Daisuke. He's afraid that the man would injure himself, he couldn't even use a kitchen knife properly, who knew what Daisuke would do with the other commoner stuff.
In the kitchen, Daisuke was sitting on the floor. Yes, the floor. He sat in the middle of fallen pots and utensils. Haru's worriedness dissipated.
"Daisuke, I love you and all, but what in the actual fuck are you doing?"
The mentioned man turned his head to Haru slowly. "I wanted to boil some water."
"What for?"
"…bath."
There was a tinge of guilt in Daisuke's voice. Haru should've noticed sooner. Maybe Daisuke didn't want to bother him any further. Daisuke was a little annoying, but he's trying his best. He's trying to adapt with Haru's world and Haru would be forever grateful for it.
Haru pulled Daisuke up with his one hand, and Daisuke obeyed. "I'll boil the water for you."
"No, I can do it by myself. You can go and finish the files Chief Kiyomizu handed you, you need to turn them in tomorrow. I'll help you as soon as I'm finished with this."
"Boiling water is not a big deal, I can do it quickly," the taupe haired man said. "Go to the bathroom and fill half of the tub with regular water, I'll mix them with the hot one."
Daisuke did what Haru said. He filled the bathtub and waited for Haru in the bathroom. Daisuke glanced at his dress shirt and pants he's wearing. He wore them since yesterday morning, Daisuke needed a change of clothes. He went outside of the bathroom, unbuttoning his shirt as he goes.
Haru was still waiting for the water to boil, kitchen mittens ready on his hands. "Daisuke? What's wrong?"
His eyes widened at the sight before him. Daisuke was unbuttoning his shirt in front of his closet. Haru was sure his boyfriend didn't do it on purpose, but he still couldn't help but stare. He could feel a blush creeping up to his face.
Keep it together Haru.
Haru took his mittens off and splashed some water on his face to calm himself down. He took a deep breath and turned to the half-naked Kambe Daisuke.
"Are you looking for my clothes to steal again?" Haru asked as calmly as he could. Because goddamn, Daisuke's slender figure was too beautiful to not stare at.
Daisuke narrowed his eyes. "I didn't steal anything, I brought your sweater back. It's in my bag."
Haru chuckled as he rummaged through his closet. "I was joking, you can keep it if you want to."
Daisuke was seriously contemplating this. If he got to keep Haru's sweater, that means he could bask himself in Haru's scent anytime he wanted to. It's not a bad deal honestly.
"Here, take these," Haru shoved some clothes to him. "The water is boiling, I'll bring them to the bathroom. Wait there."
xxx
The shower was refreshing. Daisuke was dressed in Haru's white shirt and sweatpants, the outfit looked baggy on him due to Haru's slightly bigger figure. He sat down behind Haru in the living room with a towel still in hand. Daisuke rested his chin on Haru's shoulder, his damp raven hair tickling the latter's cheek.
Daisuke's action earned a grunt from Haru. "Your hair is still wet, it'll drip on the papers. Dry your hair properly."
"It's fine. Give me that stack."
Haru sighed and gave Daisuke a stack of files. They had to read all of the papers, review it, find some clues, and turn it back to the Chief tomorrow morning. Their life was exhausting. It's Sunday, yet they still couldn't relax.
An hour was spent in silence. They had finished a pile of papers, and there's still more to go. Haru's head was still pounding, but hey, at least he got his boyfriend accompanying him this time.
Suddenly, a knock echoed in the room. Daisuke capped his pen and got up to see the guest.
Haru pulled on Daisuke's shirt, he needed to take precautions before letting Daisuke open the door. "Who is that?" Haru yelled lazily from his sitting spot.
"It's me, Kamei! Let me in Kato!"
Haru jumped from his seat, he forcibly tugged Daisuke out of his living room. "Wha—what's going on?"
"Shh, if Kamei knows we're dating, we are doomed. Can you imagine the teasing we will have to go through every day at work? Not to mention that we're both guys, what will our co-workers think?"
Daisuke gulped. "You understand right? Let's go to the bathroom, I'll hide you there," Haru pulled Daisuke's arm towards the said room and shoved him into it.
"Don't come out until Kamei leaves."
Daisuke nodded and obeyed Haru. He could just bribe Kamei to shut his mouth, but we all know that it's unlikely. Kamei would've spilled everything he saw even though he was handed a stack of money. That man didn't know how to close his mouth.
"Kato! Just how long do you want me to stand here?!" Kamei whined, placing his head on the door, which immediately fell when Haru opened the door.
"Give me a warning first, at least," he grumbled while trying to keep the things in his hand steady.
Haru sighed and scowled, "What do you want Kamei? What are those?"
Kamei dropped the things into Haru's arms and stretched his body, popping some joints back to their places. "The chief wanted me to give these to you, he said that it'd help with the investigation. He wants you to review these as well."
"I barely got the paperwork done, yet he still gave me this? Chief is so heartless sometimes," Haru arranged the files and clasped them to his chest. "Thank you for delivering this, Kamei."
Kamei tried to peek into the apartment, Haru immediately covered Kamei's sight with his body. "Come on, if you're really grateful, let me enter your place. It's hot as hell out here."
"No."
"Aww, come on Kato! Just a little bit okay? Do you want me to collapse in front of your door?"
Haru heavily agreed to Kamei's request. He stood aside, letting Kamei in. "Stay in the living room only. Don't wander off touching my things."
"Kato."
"Huh?"
"Whose shoes are these?" Kamei motioned to the expensive-looking oxfords. Haru's panic level raised up. He needed to create a cover story quickly.
"Those are my new shoes, stop asking," Haru considered himself good at lying. He wanted to pat himself on the back because of that.
"Ehh, there's no way those are yours. They're too small and the shoes are elevated, those kinds of things could only belong to Kambe."
Shit. Haru was not as good as he thought he was. Why is Kamei big braining these all of a sudden? Curse Daisuke and his lack of height.
"Yeah yeah, okay. Those are Kambe's, he left those the last time he came by. Stop asking man!" Haru pushed Kamei inside his home, tugging Kamei to sit beside his bed, next to the files he was working on. "Didn't you say it's hot outside? I'll make you some drink."
Haru was desperate to let the shoes topic go. He needed to make sure that Kamei wasn't suspicious of him, he would make a dozen cups of drink just to make that man shut his mouth.
Haru half-heartedly made a cup of iced tea for Kamei. He violently shoved some ice cubes in the beverage to cool it down. "Yo Kato, why are there so many unwashed dishes? Can't you just use one plate to eat breakfast, why do you need two anyway?"
Shivers ran through Haru's back. Haru silently scolded himself for not washing the plates immediately after eating. Shit, he told Kamei to stay in the living room. Can't this man follow his order for once?
"I ate a lot. Here's your iced tea, finish it and leave."
"How rude Kato," with that, Kamei left the kitchen. Haru let out a heavy sigh and began to scrub the plates. He should really teach Daisuke to wash the plates after they are done eating, having a person to help in the house wouldn't be so bad.
His thought was interrupted with a faint "Kato" in the background. "What do you want Kamei?" He emphasized the man's name angrily.
There was no answer. Haru began to grow suspicious and peeked into the living room, only to find that Kamei wasn't there.
Oh shit no no no
He scrambled to find Kamei in his apartment, and his heart almost stopped when he saw Kamei inside the bathroom. That's where Daisuke was hiding!
Kato Haru thought his life has ended.
The taupe haired man pushed Kamei aside violently, his eyes quickly scanned the room. Weird, Daisuke was nowhere to be found. Haru felt a wave of relief washed all over his body.
"What's the big deal Kato… You scared the hell out of me!"
Kamei rubbed his back that bumped with the doorframe due to Haru's actions earlier. "Yeah sorry. Use the bathroom quickly and leave my place."
"Kato, why are you being so secretive? Are you hiding perverted things here?"
A blush crept to Haru's face, heating it up immediately. "What makes you think of that huh?? Just because you like those kinds of things, don't assume that I have the same hobby as you!" At that moment, Haru wanted to throw Kamei into a volcano more than anything in the world.
"Ahh it's okay, I get it I get it. There's no need to be shy man, I wouldn't tell anybody."
Haru's urge to push the man into the toilet was astoundingly strong. He refrained from doing so and settled with only smacking Kamei on the back of his head. "You're so harsh today Kato."
"That's what you deserve."
Haru wondered where Daisuke hid. The only runaway path was the window, but it wasn't possible. Haru's apartment was on the second floor, Daisuke wouldn't be that foolish to jump outside. There's no hiding spot in the bathroom, except for the tub.
Haru glanced at his bathtub. The cover was closed. Weird. Daisuke took a bath earlier, so the tub would still be wet. There was no reason for it to be closed.
Unless…
Haru slowly made his way to the tub. Kamei was washing his face on the sink, so he wouldn't notice Haru's movements at all.
The taupe haired man quietly knocked on the bathtub cover, and it knocked back.
Yep, Daisuke was definitely hiding in the bathtub. Haru had to find a way to distract Kamei so he could sneak Daisuke out of the room. Haru could just leave Daisuke there, since Kamei hadn't noticed his existence yet, but he was too wary of Kamei suddenly opening the tub. That man's actions couldn't be predicted and Haru feared for his own life.
"Kamei, look at this new shaving cream I just bought." Haru went to rummage on his things beside the sink. "You were talking about running out of it yesterday right? I don't like this brand, you can have it."
He's lying, he liked that brand a lot.
"Oh really? Thank you, Kato, you're the best!"
"Yeah sure, and you can shave with my razor too. Your chin is too stubbly, it hurts to look at." Haru said while ripping the unused razor packaging for Kamei to use.
"You're being so nice now Kato. Is this an apology for smacking me earlier?"
"Shut up I'm not apologizing for that."
While Kamei was busy rinsing his face, Haru quickly opened the bathtub cover to save Daisuke. The poor man was hiding in an uncomfortable position, Daisuke was laying on his side, his limbs were folded forcefully. The outfit he wore got slightly wet thanks to the damp tub he was in.
Haru lent a hand to his boyfriend and slowly pulled him up. Kamei squeezed a handful of cream into his hand. Haru panicked, he's afraid that their co-worker would catch them both. Daisuke was taking too long to get outside the tub (he didn't, Haru was just anxious), so he swooped Daisuke up to his arms and ran out of the bathroom.
Haru slammed the bathroom door shut and sighed in relief.
"Thank you."
Haru glanced at the younger man in his arms. His shirt looked so big on Daisuke, and he's so cute in it. His hands barely reached the sleeves, his skin was flawless and pretty. Daisuke still looked stunning even without his under-eye makeup, and seeing him with his hair down was also a blessing. Haru was almost convinced that his boyfriend was an angel incarnated.
Did Haru just think of that? Kambe Daisuke, a man with an extreme level of sarcasm and secretive schemes, an angel? Yes, yes he did. Whipped, Kato Haru was.
"Haru, this is not the time for you to stare at me like that. Put me down."
Haru totally forgot about the position they were in, he almost dropped Daisuke in shock. The latter let himself go from Haru's arms, Daisuke patted a patch of damp spot on the shirt he was wearing. "It got wet…"
"It's fine, I'll give you a new one to wear later," Haru tugged on Daisuke's sleeve, "let's hide on the balcony. Kamei won't have a reason to go there."
Daisuke hesitated, they couldn't speculate Kamei's actions, and it would be a lie if Daisuke said that he didn't worry about those kinds of things. "You know, I can always try to bribe him."
"You idiot, he'd still open his mouth. No matter how much money you give him, nothing can change a gossipy bitch."
Guess they didn't have a choice after all…
Daisuke followed Haru to the balcony, which was honestly, a pretty great place to hide. "There, go behind the hanged laundries," Haru motioned to the aluminum cloth dryer stand.
Wait.
Laundries?
"Haru…"
The fear dripped in Daisuke's voice made Haru's anxiety level goes up. The latter felt that they missed a very important thing, something that can ruin both of their lives.
Then the realization hit Haru like a truck. The look of horror took over his expression. Daisuke's outfits were scattered throughout his home. His suit was on Haru's bed, and because of the shower earlier, Daisuke left the rest of them in the bathroom. It's a miracle that Kamei hadn't noticed yet.
What did I do to deserve this?
Haru dashed to the bathroom, startling Kamei in the process. "What the hell is up Kato?! I almost grazed my chin!"
"Yeah sorry man, I'm kinda in a hurry right now," Haru said while picking up Daisuke's vest and pants from the floor.
"Ah right, I was going to ask you about that! Whose fit is that, I swear it's Kambe's isn't it?"
"N—no! Of course not!" Haru ran out of the room.
"Shit shit shit Daisuke we're almost caught!"
Daisuke peeked from behind the laundries, reaching out his hand to Haru. "Here give them to me, I'll put them in the basket."
"Kato!"
Haru almost tripped on his own foot, he saw Kamei going outside the bathroom. He quickly threw the outfit to Daisuke, then Daisuke hid behind the laundries again.
Haru saw Daisuke's suit laying on his bed, he swooped them up and hid it behind his back. "Ehh, don't try to hide that Kato. I swear, Kambe slept here last night, right?"
"No! Of course not! This is my suit, and the things I picked from the bathroom too. Definitely not Dai—Kambe's! These are definitely mine, I love wearing suits everywhere! Yeah mine, mine haha…"
Kamei narrowed his eyes to Haru, while the latter sweating like hell in front of him. "And that is?" Kamei motioned to Daisuke's bag beside the bed.
Haru kicked the bag under his bed. "Mine obviously! I just bought that with my paycheck, neat right!"
Oh fuckin hell Haru, who the fuck uses "neat" now?
"Ehh… Is that so?" Kamei said while walking to the balcony.
"Kamei, don't go there I swear I'll kill you!"
"Why do you want to kill me, Kato? I'm just enjoying the scenery, nothing more."
Daisuke panicked behind the cloth dryer stand, Kamei was slowly approaching him, Daisuke panicked over the thought of being caught.
So Daisuke took a risky way, he climbed out the balcony guardrails. Just barely hanging from the ground, one wrong step, and he'd fall off and probably break his legs. But the only objective he has on his mind was to not be seen by Shinnosuke Kamei.
"Boo!"
Kamei stuck his head out of the rails, shocking Daisuke completely, almost losing his grip on the guardrails.
"Kato, this is definitely not Kambe isn't he? Definitely not right?" Kamei grinned ear to ear. Haru looked at the event before him in horror.
"Daisuke! Hang on, hang on a bit okay!" Haru scrambled to the balcony and pulled Daisuke's arm.
After a whole minute of pulling Daisuke, Haru yelling "hold onto my hand" seven times, and Kamei laughing his ass off in the background, Daisuke was saved.
Now, both Daisuke and Haru sat in the living room. Haru's head hung down in shame, while Daisuke got his glare pierced on Kamei's face.
That glare would be terrifying if Daisuke didn't have his whole face flaming in red.
"So Kato, you and Kambe huh?"
"Shut up Kamei," Haru lifted his head, "you jerk, you knew from the start…"
Kamei laughed wholeheartedly, "Of course I do! The rest of MCPTF are wagering on you two. Last week I bet that you've already confessed to each other while the others still think you haven't. But it turns out that you two are dating already!"
"I'm not even surprised anymore," a sigh left Daisuke's lips.
"I saw Kambe's car in front of the apartment, I ignored it just to tease you," Kamei dusted his clothes and sat down on the rug, "also, Kato, don't you realize that I could see you carrying Kambe from the bathroom mirror?"
Haru's face was flaming hot, while Daisuke stared at Kamei with disbelief on his face. How could they even miss that?
"Anyways, I'm gonna go home. See you tomorrow!" And with that, Kamei left Haru's apartment.
The entire room was quiet. Daisuke and Haru's relationship being known by their co-workers was already embarrassing enough, but MCPTF betting on them? Honestly, Haru almost cried in shame.
How could they face their co-workers tomorrow?