Chapter 23: In a Flash

"Giving you a present, maybe it's a gamble.But even if it's a little off the mark, it's alright.Because in my heart, there's only you.Let's rewrite the story, hand in hand."Present by Tomoo

❥

Takuya stepped out of the bedroom and into the living room where Sho was immersed in a book, seated in front of the television that was turned off. Noticing that Takuya had followed his request from the previous day to wear a hoodie, Sho smiled warmly. "You look very cute," he murmured, knowing Takuya couldn't hear him.

"Are you ready to leave?" This time, Sho spoke loudly enough to ensure Takuya heard him. He set his book down with a soft thump.

"Yeah," Takuya nodded. "I'm wearing the hoodie, just as you wanted."

Sho couldn't help but chuckle. He reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from Takuya's face. "The hoodie makes you look even more huggable than usual." His voice softened slightly.

"Are we going to the market or somewhere else?" Takuya peppered Sho with questions. "I hate feeling like I have to question you, but you always leave me wondering."

Sho laughed and teased Takuya, saying, "Seems like all that energy from last night came rushing back pretty quickly. So fast!" He then asked, "Is your body feeling okay? Everything feeling alright down there?"

Takuya playfully swatted Sho. "Did you know that during sex, both parties get tired? I could ask you the same question, you know."

Sho sighed dramatically, a playful exaggeration. "Right, right, my bad," he admitted with a yawn. "Thank you for the reminder. Honestly, I'm still pretty wiped." He yawned again. "But we do need to get going soon."

"We can postpone-"

Sho cut him off, a determined glint in his eyes. "No way," he declared, grabbing the car keys. "This is our chance, and I can't risk missing it."

"And I still don't know where we're headed," Takuya whined playfully. "Just tell me the destination so I can stop asking. Honestly, all this questioning is tiring me out."

Sho's laugh filled the room as he watched Takuya's playful complaints. Takuya's insistence could be a bit much at times, but Sho saw it as a reflection of his strong feelings, especially when it came to Sho. "Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough," he said gently. "But for now, stop asking. My lips are sealed, no matter how many times you ask."

"No matter how many times I ask?" Takuya pressed. Before Sho had a chance to respond, he silenced Sho's potential reply with a kiss, a brief but electrifying spark. His hand wasn't content to simply linger at Sho's waist. It dipped lower, a deliberate exploration that left no doubt about Takuya's intentions. His fingers grazed the bulge beneath the fabric. "Does this make you reconsider?" Takuya whispered.

Sho's lips curved into a sly smirk. He reached out, capturing Takuya's hand in his grasp. He lifted it to his lips and brushed a soft kiss against the back. "No, even with that tactic. But thank you for the beautiful distraction."he said.

"Ugh," Takuya grumbled. "Fine, it's more interesting to have a soon-to-be husband who isn't so easily turned on."

Sho shrugged. Leaning in slightly, he spoke in a low voice, just for Takuya's ears. "Who says I'm not?" he teased.

Takuya felt a warmth bloom on his skin. He knew better than anyone how things played out between them behind closed doors. There was no room for accusations - he craved Sho's touch just as intensely.

Sho's voice snapped Takuya back to attention. "Alright, enough daydreaming," he said. "We've got a place to be, remember?"

♡

The twenty-minute car ride flew by in conversation. When they arrived at their destination, a fairly unassuming building, Sho led Takuya inside. They stepped into the elevator and ascended to the top floor. The doors slid open, revealing a rooftop space unlike any Takuya had expected. Three people stood waiting: one holding a sizable camera, the other two with outfits hanging on clothing racks.

Takuya's jaw dropped in surprise. "Wait, what?" he exclaimed. "You have to work today? But it's Saturday!" The disappointment was clear.

"There is work," Sho conceded, his voice a low rumble. A pause hung in the air before he added, "Our pre-wedding photoshoot, to be exact."

Takuya groaned, frustration evident in his voice. "Seriously? I completely forgot," he admitted. "Things got a little... intense last night, and it totally flew out of my head. I was definitely going to talk about it today, though."

Sho chuckled, shaking his head playfully. "Don't worry about it," he reassured Takuya. "Let's just get this photoshoot done today."

"Good morning, gentlemen! Ready for your photoshoot?" the photographer greeted them enthusiastically. "We're excited to collaborate with you today on a quick pre-wedding photoshoot. As discussed with Nishigaki-san, we'll be keeping things natural with minimal makeup. We have a selection of outfits ready for your approval, and I'm happy to discuss any specific styles you might have in mind. Furthermore, this photoshoot is sponsored by a prestigious brand, and their products will be subtly integrated into one or two of the final images."

Takuya spun around to face Sho, his eyes wide with surprise. He still couldn't quite believe it - a pre-wedding photoshoot, happening right here, right now.

"We hadn't actually talked about doing a pre-wedding photoshoot yet," Sho admitted. "It wasn't part of our planned agenda, and somehow it just slipped our minds. But then your friends contacted me out of the blue and asked if I'd be interested in doing it. I didn't hesitate to say yes."

A wave of warmth washed over Takuya. His friends had done it again - surprised him in the best way possible. He stammered slightly, "It's not that I didn't want it. It's just... a pre-wedding photoshoot wasn't the most important thing. What truly matters is-"

"I know," Sho interjected gently. "You want me to prioritize rest, and that's important. No problem. We'll get this photoshoot done in a flash, okay?"

Takuya let out a slow breath, the tension easing from his shoulders. Sho, ever the steady one, seemed to understand where Takuya was coming from without any fuss. "Alright," he agreed readily. "Let's do this!"

The photoshoot, as Sho promised, was incredibly efficient. Before they knew it, everything was wrapped up. Sho turned to Takuya, his eyebrows raised slightly in question. His gaze seeking his partner's opinion.

Takuya chuckled softly, his smile widening as he met Sho's gaze. "Thank you, Sho," he said sincerely. "Thank you for all the excitement this week. For everything you do and everything you are, I love you."

Takuya's declaration elicited a collective "Whoa!" from the photographer's staff. The air crackled with the love he poured into his words.

Takuya jumped slightly, startled back to reality. He'd been so focused on Sho's eyes and expressing his feelings that he'd completely forgotten about the photoshoot and the people around him. "Ah, no!" he blurted out, bowing deeply. "I am so sorry! I completely forgot myself for a moment."

Sho's lips curved into a wide grin as he chuckled. Turning to the staff, he said, "Let's keep it under wraps, shall we? Consider it a funny outtake, okay? Think of it as a behind-the-scenes bonus," he teased the staff playfully.

"That was too cute!" The staff teased back, their laughter echoing through the room. "We'll definitely remember this for a long time."

Sho's eyes met Takuya's for a fleeting moment. He understood why Takuya's smile faltered - his own impulsive words might have seemed out of place. Taking Takuya's hand in his, he traced circles on the back with his thumb. "Of course I love you too," Sho left no room for doubt. The warmth in Sho's touch and words melting away Takuya's flustered state, bringing a smile back to his face.

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