Chapter 9: Frosty Trials

"You see, everytime we stare at each other,your eyes, my eyes relected there.I feel you even if I don't talk"My Love by One N' Only

❥

A week of intense script-reading sessions had come to a close, and the cast and crew were gearing up for the upcoming filming in snowy Hokkaido. Takuya, someone who cherished winter weather, found the frigid Hokkaido climate a delightful shift, as he had a lifelong preference for winter over summer. However, the same couldn't be said for Sho.

Sho, originating from the mild climate of Okinawa, had always been averse to cold temperatures. The idea of enduring the biting Hokkaido winter was more than just an inconvenience; it presented a significant challenge for him. Adjusting to the frigid weather would require extra effort and adaptation, something he hadn't grown accustomed to in his hometown's moderate climate.

As they began packing their bags, Takuya couldn't help but concerned about Sho's comfort in the cold Hokkaido climate. Knowing Sho's dislike for chilly weather, Takuya made sure to pack additional blankets and warm clothing, aiming to prioritize his partner's well-being during their shoot. Sho's heart warmed at Takuya's thoughtfulness. A genuine smile, unbidden, spread across his face. The attention, the care, it meant the world to him.

Sho's smile softened as he observed Takuya's careful packing. He knew his partner was worried about him. He teased, "What's all this fuss about?"

"Since you're not exactly a polar bear, I figured I'd prepare you for the Hokkaido freeze," Takuya teased Sho back playfully, stuffing a beanie into the suitcase. "I packed everything you need to stay warm, comfortable, and maybe even enjoy the winter wonderland a little bit."

Sho, basking in the affection, couldn't resist the opportunity to flirt, "Just wait till the Hokkaido wind turns my nose into Rudolph's. Maybe it'll win you over even more, even if it comes with a few sniffles."

Takuya, unruffled by the teasing, replied warmly, "You'll be even more adorable."

Sho, clearly pleased with this response, back-hugged Takuya, who was busy packing on the floor. "I know exactly where to find my real source of heat." He squeezed Takuya's side while whispering on his ear.

Takuya was acutely aware of the hint in Sho's words, and the temptation was hard to resist. But he reminded Sho, "Trust me, the thought is tempting. But tomorrow's a long day, and that early flight won't be forgiving if we're sleep-deprived."

Sho, not one to easily abandon his desires, attempted to coax Takuya further. "But I need your warmth, your closeness, anything to feel prepared for this trip." he said, planting a gentle kiss on Takuya's neck.

Takuya sighed, surrendering to Sho's desire. "Alright, fine. I'll wrap up your packing, and then you can snuggle up as much as you like. But please take a shower now. I'll have mine once I'm finished here."

Sho's gentle persistence left Takuya defenseless. As he watched him disappear into the bathroom, a familiar surrender settled in his chest.

Takuya's emotions were in turmoil. While The script-reading had been a rollercoaster of emotions for Takuya. The raw vulnerability in the drama, especially the scenes of physical intimacy, left him feeling strangely unsettled, desires flickering beneath the surface. Yet, he was most concerned about the scenes where his character had to argue with Sho's character or come to the painful realization that Sho's character wasn't happy with his. The complexity of these emotions weighed on his mind.

Lost in his thoughts, Takuya didn't realize that Sho had already finished his shower. Sho approached him, zipped up the luggage, and gently pulled him from the floor. In the soft glow of the dim lights, Sho held Takuya close. Sho's arms wrapped around Takuya, a silent reassurance in the quiet room. The scent of Sho's cologne, a familiar comfort, mingled with the warmth of his skin. The soft hum of the air conditioner was a distant lullaby, fading into the background as their embrace deepened, a haven against the world outside.

Without needing words, they drew strength from each other's silent presence. The looming challenges, on and off the screen, felt less daunting when faced together, their unspoken understanding a shield against the unknown.

Sho gently released his embrace and pinned Takuya down onto the bed. His gaze, sharp and penetrating, swept over Takuya's face, searching for the hidden storm brewing within. Takuya, in turn, met his gaze head-on, eyes blazing with defiance and a silent challenge.

Sho, not one to beat around the bush, got straight to the point. He leaned in closer, his eyes searching Takuya's, trying to catch any sign of what troubled his partner. "I've noticed you've been a bit off lately," he continued softly, his touch tender against Takuya's cheek. "If there's something on your mind, I want to help. Did I mess up somehow? Please, don't keep it bottled up."

Takuya ran his fingers through Sho's sideburns, gently tucking them behind his ear. As their eyes met, Takuya spoke with a reassuring tenderness, "You're the only thing on my mind," he whispered softly. His fingers lingered on Sho's cheek, and he continued, "The way your eyes meet mine, the way your hand fits in mine - These private moments mean a lot to me. So, before our everything becomes a performance, I want to hold onto this feeling, just the two of us."

Sho's brow furrowed in confusion. "But they're not us; they're Rui and Ken, our characters in the drama. We're Sho and Takuya, and our connection is real, not scripted." He couldn't quite grasp Takuya's concern. "Are you concerned about the idea of our physical intimacy being observed by others, even if it's solely for our roles as Rui and Ken in the drama?"

Takuya couldn't help but smirk. "Remember, in the past, I went as far as kissing you in public just to push you into announcing our relationship," He gently reminded Sho that he was comfortable displaying affection in public.

Sho chuckled, reminiscing about those times. Leaning in, he planted a quick kiss on Takuya's lips and remarked, "Moreover, we'll be shedding tears while acting out intimate scenes in the drama, but in reality, we've always been crying tears of joy."

Takuya responded playfully, pretending to escape by rolling away from Sho. "You said that a bit too loudly," he teased, his laughter echoing in the room.

Sho pursued him on the bed, crawling with a grin. "I thought that was a fact. Or am I wrong?" he teased, catching Takuya once more. "Come here," he coaxed gently, his voice growing softer. "Come and warm me up."

As Sho held Takuya close, their lips met once more in a kiss that conveyed more than just affection. It was a passionate exchange that spoke of their profound love and desire for each other. The kiss, a whirlwind of passion, swept them away in a dizzying dance of desire and intimacy.

Sho pressed his body against Takuya's. Their hands explored each other's bodies with a gentle yet fervent touch. Their fingers tracing the curves and contours they knew so well. Takuya's hand lingered on the curve of Sho's hip, a silent reminder of the perfect fit of their bodies. Sho's breath, a feather-light caress on Takuya's neck, sent shivers down his skin. The gentle exploration was a slow burn, igniting a fire within them both. With each touch, a wave of desire washed over them, leaving them breathless and yearning for more.

Nestled together, whispers feathered the air as their breaths mingled in a shared rhythm. The weight of impending challenges, momentarily forgotten, yielded to the undeniable comfort of their intertwined bodies.

The air crackled with unspoken desires as their embrace tightened. Their bodies moved as one, each touch a whispered promise of shared pleasure. The love they had nurtured now manifested in a raw, primal desire.

Within the walls of their haven, their bodies spoke a language only they understood. Takuya, enveloped in Sho's warmth, surrendered to the waves of passion that flowed between them. In their shared embrace, they found the solace they needed to face the demands of their roles and the complexities of the real world.

♡

Sho and Takuya arrived at the airport just in the nick of time. Last night had been an intimate and passionate night, keeping them both preoccupied. Their eagerness to hold onto one another left little room for sleep. the previous night. Their reluctance to part ways was palpable, and as a result, they ended up with separate seats on the plane.

As they entered the plane, they found the rest of the crew and cast already settled in their seats. Surprisingly, Sho's seat was right next to Takahashi Hikaru. Sho greeted her with a warm smile and a cheerful "Good morning."

Seeing this, Takuya, who was behind Sho, couldn't resist tapping Sho's shoulder. He addressed Takahashi with a playful yet caring tone, "Please take care of him during this flight, Takahashi-san."

Takahashi smiled warmly in response and gave Takuya a thumbs-up to signal that she would look out for Sho. With that assurance, Takuya quickly moved to his assigned seat, as the flight attendant was signaling him to expedite the process.

During the flight, Takahashi began a conversation with Sho, intrigued by the depth of his relationship with Takuya. "He loves you very much, doesn't he, Nishigaki-kun?"

Sho appeared pensive as he replied, "Do you think so?"

Takahashi was slightly taken aback by the question but responded, "Of course. Why are you asking me that?"

Sho shook his head, trying to conceal his growing smile. "I sometimes still think that this is probably my hallucination."

Takahashi couldn't help but admire the genuine affection between them. "You must hold him in very high regard," she said.

"Is it too obvious?" Sho replied with a playful tone.

"Yes," Takahashi confirmed with a reassuring smile. "And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that."

Sho's smile grew even more as he realized how genuinely accepting and appreciative their fellow cast member was.

Meanwhile, Takuya was taken by surprise as he discovered that his assigned seat was next to Okazaki Sae. During the script-reading week, he had consciously minimized his interactions with her to avoid unnecessary jealousy. Unfortunately, this left him with a situation where he hadn't really engaged with her personally or witnessed her interactions with Sho.

"Good morning," Okazaki Sae greeted Takuya with a warm smile.

Takuya took a deep breath, understanding that he couldn't avoid her completely during the filming process. But just as he settled into his seat, he noticed that she was watching him intently.

"You," Okazaki Sae began, a mischievous smile on her lips. "Are you still upset after our first day of script-reading session?"

Takuya furrowed his brow, slightly puzzled by her comment. "Huh? I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"You've been quite cold towards me, Kusakawa-kun," Okazaki noted. "But in the drama, our characters are supposed to have a senior-junior dynamic, and my character relies on yours."

Takuya let out a sigh. "I've been like this with everyone, and you're no exception, Okazaki Sae-san."

Okazaki chuckled. "Oh, Kusakawa-kun, don't be too obvious. You're clearly irritated by my presence."

"Because you're saying some nonsense," Takuya retorted.

She laughed playfully. "I just want us to be friends, Kusakawa-kun," she persisted, "and for you not to feel jealous when Nishigaki-kun and I have to do those intimate scenes."

Takuya's patience wore thin as he tried to maintain his composure and decided to speak firmly, "I'm begging you, Okazaki-san. Please don't engage in conversation with me during this flight. I desperately need to catch up on sleep because Sho kept me up all night. I'm sleep-deprived."

With that, Takuya put on his eye mask, plugged his earphone in, and leaned back in his seat, attempting to ignore Okazaki Sae. Okazaki found his response amusing. She realized that Takuya's words were likely more about bragging about his partner than expressing frustration.

"Interesting," she commented softly and decided to let Takuya rest during the flight.

The atmosphere on the plane was a mix of conversations, naps, and the subtle chemistry that permeated their group. As they headed to Hokkaido, the anticipation of their upcoming journey was palpable, setting the stage for the challenges and emotions that awaited them during the filming.

♡

"Ah!" Takuya found himself surprised and momentarily puzzled as someone familiar snatched his suitcase from his grasp just before he was about to board the van. The perpetrator was none other than Manna, a woman who had previously worked as an assistant to Sho's manager.

"Hello, Kusakawa-kun. Long time no see," Manna greeted him cheerfully, catching Takuya off guard.

Takuya was still processing the situation, but Sho, who had been walking behind him, was elated to see Manna again. He broke into a happy smile. "Manna-san! It's been ages. How have you been?"

"Nishigaki-kun! Yes, it's been forever!" Manna acknowledged with a playful glint in her eye. "I had plans to bid farewell at the amusement park, but both of you didn't want to come. Anyway, I'm here for him." she gestured towards Takuya. "His manager has other duties, so I'll be standing in, looking after him."

"Oh, you've switched over to his agency?" Sho inquired.

Manna shook her head. "No, I'm still working freelance. I'm just assisting Kusakawa-kun as a second manager for this drama shoot."

Takuya, who had been trying to make sense of the situation, finally comprehended what Manna was getting at. "For me?"

Manna confirmed with a nod, "Yes, that's right. I'll be assisting you during this drama series filming. No hard feelings, okay? I won't stay close to Nishigaki-kun as I am to you. I'm a married woman and not here for him."

Sho's grin grew wider as he recalled their shared history with Manna. He then directed Takuya to get into the van before him, as Takuya was still a bit stunned by the sudden change in circumstances. "Let's get in the van, we need to put our stuff inside," he nudged Takuya, then followed, taking a seat beside his partner.

Upon their arrival at the resort for the first week of shooting, the cast and crew couldn't help but be captivated by the breathtaking mountains surrounding them and hurried to capture pictures. Sho, in particular, was awestruck by the scenic beauty, but his delight was tinged with hesitancy.

Takuya, noticing Sho's enthusiasm, sought to give his partner a chance to enjoy the closer view of the scenery. He nudged Sho's arm and suggested, "Look, the other cast members are taking pictures. Why don't you join them and get a closer look at the beautiful scenery? I'll catch up with you later."

Sho hesitated briefly, saying, "We should drop off our bags in the room first."

"We'll take care of your belongings. Go ahead and enjoy," Takuya urged.

Following Takuya's advice, Sho entrusted his luggage to his manager and joined the other cast members to take pictures.

Takuya observed Sho blending in with the group and was content that Sho was enjoying himself. Yet, it didn't last. His cheerful demeanor changed to one of discomfort. His once-beaming smile faded as a wave of lightheadedness and back pain washed over him. He thought the quick nap during the flight was enough, but he began to question if he had overdone it with Sho the previous night. He held onto his luggage for support and tried to calm himself by taking slower breaths.

Manna appeared at his side and handed him a box of pomegranate juice. "This is for you. Free drink."

Takuya read the label on the box and asked, "What's this for?"

"Looks like you're exhausted from being kept up all night by Nishigaki-kun, and you're not feeling your best. You must be feeling dizzy and sore in some spots," Manna explained.

Takuya was surprised that Manna knew about his night with Sho and couldn't help but respond with a cold tone, trying not to sound bothered. "How did you find out about that?"

"We were sitting in front of you on the plane," Sho's manager chimed in. "You should drink it, Kusakawa-kun. We've stocked up more if you need it."

Takuya reluctantly accepted the juice and quickly drank it. "Thank you."

Manna continued to discuss the situation, "Did you not set some ground rules for your private activities? Especially considering your schedule. You were aware you'd have a long day, traveling from your apartment to the airport and then to this resort. Last night was not the best timing for such activities, don't you think?"

Takuya felt his irritation building. He had been gradually accepting Manna, but the woman was testing his patience. "If you're implying that Sho was at fault, I want to clarify that last night wouldn't have happened if I hadn't allowed it. So, if you're trying to blame someone, blame me. Don't be biased."

Manna couldn't help but chuckled. "I'm not blaming anyone. I don't have any issue with your private activity. I just want you to consider the timing."

Takuya snapped, "Sho and I have been together for years, and those 'private activities' you mentioned don't occur every single day. We're not constantly craving for making love, for God's sake."

Manna clarified, "I'm not saying that you are. I simply wanted to stress the importance of considering the timing before indulging in such activities. Look at you, almost losing your balance!" She pointed out his tight grip on the luggage handle. "It's just a friendly reminder. Would you like to have separate rooms?"

Takuya vehemently protested, "I don't want to be separated."

Manna chuckled, "Of course, you'd say that. Alright, you'll be sharing a room, but I'll have to keep an eye on you!" She pretended to be stern, aware of the difficulties in handling Takuya, a more direct and outspoken individual compared to Sho, who she had previously managed. She recognized that dealing with Takuya would involve more arguments since Takuya was straightforward, whereas Sho, whom she had previously managed, was more considerate and thoughtful.

Sho's manager chimed in, "I'm concerned about Sho-kun in this cold weather. I think the length of this trip today is enough. He should gradually adapt to it."

"SHO!" Takuya called out to his partner, who was standing some distance away.

Not only Sho, but the entire crew and cast turned their attention to Takuya. Some whispered to each other, clearly thrilled to witness the couple's interactions.

"We're heading inside the hotel, it's warmer." Takuya continued.

"I'm coming with you!" Sho responded, swiftly returning the camera he had been holding to its owner, a member of the crew.

Takuya laughed as Sho approached. He playfully poked Sho's reddened nose. "Look at you, all cute and flushed."

"I told you I'd look like a Christmas deer in this winter weather," Sho grumbled.

As they walked away, little did they know that Okazaki Sae turned to Takahashi Hikaru and remarked, "I'm in for it again. Kusakawa-kun still seems suspicious of me for no reason, I think. He didn't even want to interact with me, Hikaru-chan."

Takahashi Hikaru responded, "Isn't it interesting? Watching a strong, blind love in action?"

Both of them shared a laugh, finding the dynamics between Sho and Takuya rather fascinating.

♡

The hotel room they shared was enveloped in a peaceful silence, interrupted only by the soft rustling of pages as Sho read his book. Takuya had intentionally kept his words to a minimum because he hadn't yet explained his physical condition to Sho. The ache in his body from the previous night's activities reminded him to rest, so he refrained from moving or talking excessively.

While lying with his head on Sho's lap, Takuya broke the stillness with his commentary. "You don't really do sports, only home-friendly sports, but you are surely energetic, huh?" Takuya observed, his tone a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Sho, who was engrossed in a book, set it down to focus on Takuya. Instead of replying verbally, he simply smiled.

"We are about to have dinner in 30 minutes," Takuya continued, and they had yet to order any food.

Sho nodded in acknowledgment, reaching for the restaurant menu and passing it to Takuya, who accepted it with a hint of confusion.

"Wait," Takuya said, closing the menu book. "Why are you not talking to me, Sho?"

Sho wordlessly met Takuya's gaze, communicating with his eyes and raising an eyebrow as if to question why.

"Did you lose your voice because of the cold weather?" Takuya began to worry, but he quickly dismissed the idea, "Nah, you still talk to me before we entered this room." He realized Sho had been speaking earlier.

"Then, why? What happened?" Takuya inquired, his concern growing. He now sat on the bed, looking at Sho, who was still in silence.

Sho continued to stay silent but chuckled and smiled, looking perfectly fine. He reached out to gently tousle Takuya's hair, but it only fueled Takuya's growing irritation due to Sho's stubbornness.

Takuya's patience wore thin. "I'll order my dinner first. You have to open your mouth so I will know what you want to order."

As Takuya attempted to stand, Sho seized his wrist, and despite Takuya's efforts to pull away, he held fast. Takuya struggled momentarily before realizing that his physical condition was taking a toll on him.

"Can't you see I'm asking you with my facial expression?" Sho finally voiced his thoughts. "Just like how you wondered why I wasn't talking even though everything was fine between us. It's the same with me, watching you deal with physical pain yet keeping it to yourself, not telling me at all. I can see you struggling, that's why I'm staying here in silent while you are displaying unusual passive behavior."

Takuya was taken aback by Sho's revelation. His breath caught, and he released a surprised laugh. The pain he felt was minimal, nothing he couldn't endure. It was the first time he'd experienced such discomfort on a trip, and it wasn't a cause for alarm. Yet here was Sho, emphasizing the significance of Takuya's well-being to him.

Takuya gently cupped Sho's cheek and planted a series of quick kisses on his lips, emphasizing, "I'm fine. I just need some rest and good food."

Sho, who had been concerned about Takuya's well-being, smiled and responded, "You're free to worry about me as much as you want in this cold weather, Takuya-kun. So, let me worry about you, too, especially when I played a part in this. It's painful to see you like this."

Takuya chuckled, "I was going to tell you, really. I was looking for the right moment. Usually, I let you know right after I wake up, but this morning we were in a hurry."

Sho nodded, recalling the rush. "That's right."

Takuya shifted his sitting position to get closer to Sho. "I'm lightheaded, probably due to the lack of sleep. And my back, you know, the position from last night." Takuya was now sharing his physical condition.

Sho smiled and nodded in understanding. "I'll quickly order some food for us, let's eat and then get some rest, okay?"

Watching Sho left the bed to call room service, a thought suddenly crossed Takuya's mind. He recalled the words Okazaki Sae had spoken earlier.

"I just want us to be friends, Kusakawa-kun," Okazaki persisted, "and for you not to feel jealous when Nishigaki-kun and I have to do those intimate scenes."

Okazaki's words echoed in his head, a seed of doubt planted in the fertile ground of his insecurities. Should he be worried? Was jealousy a lurking shadow, waiting to engulf him in its suffocating darkness when the cameras rolled on Sho and Okazaki? Or was this just the paranoia of a lover clinging too tightly to the fragile threads of trust?

❥