Rengoku is already on the dance floor, drawing attention with his energetic moves. "Looks like Rengoku's stealing the show again," Sanemi comments, grateful for the distraction. He watches as his friend performs an impressive spin, momentarily forgetting about his phone and Giyuu. "At least someone's having fun here." Tengen grabs the mic again, dramatically posing before launching into a pop ballad. "Show-off," Sanemi mutters, though he can't help but tap his foot to the beat.
The other patrons are equally entertained by Tengen's performance, and Sanemi finds himself actually enjoying the moment. "At least he's good at something besides being annoying." Sanemi spots Obanai sitting in a corner, his snake Kaburamaru wrapped around his neck. "Hey Obanai, you actually came? I thought you were too cool for karaoke." He slides into the seat next to him, grateful for another familiar face.
"Where's Mitsuri? Did she drag you here?" Obanai adjusts his mask, speaking quietly so only Sanemi can hear. "She's at home. I needed a break from... you know." He nods toward Tengen, who's now attempting to do the worm on stage. "You look distracted. Missing someone already?" Sanemi's cheeks flush slightly, and he takes a defensive sip of his drink.
"What? No. I'm just... bored. This is why I prefer hanging out with Giyuu." He pulls out his phone again, unable to stop himself from texting back: "Tell Mochi I'll bring her treats when I get home." Obanai raises an eyebrow, a knowing smirk forming behind his mask. "You're practically attached to that phone. And you didn't even deny missing him."
Sanemi shoves his phone back in his pocket, trying to act casual. "Shut up. It's just a dog. And Giyuu's... whatever." Obanai leans closer, his voice teasing. "Whatever? Is that what you tell yourself when you're thinking about him?" Sanemi groans and buries his face in his hands. "Why are all my friends so damn nosy? I just... ugh, I should go home." Obanai pats Sanemi's shoulder sympathetically.
"You know, you could just admit you're whipped. It might make things easier." Sanemi shoots him a glare but can't deny the truth in his words. "I'm not whipped. I'm just... getting tired of this karaoke crap." Tengen suddenly appears, having finished his performance.
"Sanemi! Stop sulking and join us for one more round!" Sanemi stands up, determined to shake off these feelings. "Fine. But after this, I'm out. And I'm not coming to any more of your stupid karaoke nights." Tengen throws an arm around Sanemi's shoulders, grinning widely. "That's the spirit! Let's make this one count before you run back to your precious Giyuu." Sanemi shrugs off his arm, but there's a hint of a smile on his face.
"I'm not running anywhere. I just... need to make sure Mochi hasn't destroyed the apartment." The night continues with Sanemi reluctantly joining in more karaoke, but his thoughts keep drifting back to Giyuu and Mochi. Despite his protests, he can't deny he misses their quiet apartment. As the night winds down, Sanemi decides it's time to head home, secretly eager to see Giyuu again.
_____
Giyuu sits stiffly on the couch, surrounded by Shinobu's makeup supplies. Mochi is curled up beside him, looking equally uncomfortable. "This is unnecessary," Giyuu mutters as Shinobu applies blush to his cheeks. Shinobu giggles, holding up a mirror. "Oh come on, you look adorable! Besides, it's good practice for when you finally confess to me that you love Sanemi." Giyuu's face turns bright red at the mention of Sanemi, and he tries to cover his cheeks with his hands.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about. There's nothing between me and him." Mochi meows in agreement, sensing her owner's distress. Shinobu rolls her eyes and continues with the makeup. "Sure, keep telling yourself that. But you can't fool me or Mochi." Giyuu fidgets with the hem of his shirt, avoiding Shinobu's knowing gaze. "It's just... complicated. We're roommates. That's all." Shinobu leans in closer, her voice teasing but gentle.
"Complicated? Or are you just scared? I understand what happened between you and Sabito, but trying to deny this relationship won't solve your problems." Shinobu expertly applies eyeliner, transforming Giyuu's natural look into something more sophisticated. "There! Now you look like a real heartthrob. Sanemi won't know what hit him when he sees you like this."
Giyuu stares at his reflection, feeling both embarrassed and strangely... pretty. "I don't want to look like this when he gets home. He'll make fun of me." Shinobu pulls out several shades of nail polish, holding them up for Giyuu to choose. "Let's do something fun with your nails too. Maybe a deep blue to match your eyes?" Giyuu hesitates, then reluctantly points to the blue polish.
"Fine. But just this once." He extends his hands, trying not to think about how Sanemi might react to seeing him with painted nails. Shinobu begins painting Giyuu's nails with careful strokes, chatting away about Sanemi's obvious feelings. "You know, I caught him staring at you when you weren't looking the other day. He practically melted when you smiled at Mochi." Giyuu's heart skips a beat, but he tries to maintain his composure.
"He was probably just annoyed because I let Mochi on the couch again." Shinobu finishes the last nail and blows gently on them to help them dry. "Keep telling yourself that. But I've seen the way he gets all protective when other guys talk to you. He's totally into you." Giyuu flexes his fingers, watching the blue polish catch the light. His mind wanders to Sanemi's recent behavior - the extra attention, the lingering touches.
"Maybe... maybe you're right," he whispers, barely audible. Shinobu grins wickedly, sensing Giyuu's growing realization. "Of course I'm right! And I have some more juicy details about Sanemi. He was asking me about your favorite foods the other day." She leans in conspiratorially, lowering her voice.
"Sounds like someone's planning a special dinner." Giyuu's eyes widen slightly, his heart racing at the thought of Sanemi going out of his way to make him happy. "That... that doesn't mean anything. He probably just wants to cook something spicy and make me suffer." Despite his words, a small smile tugs at Giyuu's lips as he imagines Sanemi preparing his favorite meal.
"He's just being a good roommate, right?"Shinobu gives him a knowing look, clearly not buying his excuse. "Sure, a good roommate who practically beams when you compliment his cooking. And who specifically requested to room with you despite your... personality quirks." She starts packing up her makeup supplies, satisfied with Giyuu's flustered state.
"You two are so obvious. It's almost painful to watch." Giyuu listens intently as Shinobu shares more about Sanemi's behavior - how he always seems to know when Giyuu needs his space, how he secretly keeps track of Giyuu's favorite tea flavors. "He even bought that fancy water filter you mentioned last week. The one that filters out chlorine." Shinobu grins at Giyuu's shocked expression.
"And don't think I haven't noticed how he saves the best snacks for when you're having a bad day." Giyuu's cheeks flush deeper, his mind racing with these new revelations. "I... I thought he just had extra food. And the water filter... that was just because he was tired of hearing me complain about the tap water." Mochi nudges his hand, sensing his emotional state. Shinobu laughs softly.
"Sure, keep pretending. But you know what they say about actions speaking louder than words." The sound of keys jingling in the apartment door interrupts their conversation. Sanemi's voice calls out from the hallway. "I'm back! And I brought takeout since someone probably hasn't eaten dinner yet." Shinobu winks at Giyuu and starts gathering her things. "Perfect timing. Looks like your knight in shining armor is home."