Chris stepped out of the apartment building, backpack slung over one shoulder, the cool evening air hitting his face. It was past 8 PM—he'd stayed later than usual, helping Haru with Ichigo's bath time chaos and then lingering for stolen kisses on the couch once the kid was asleep. His cheeks still felt warm thinking about it: Haru's hands firm on his waist, the way those dark brown eyes softened just for him.
He pulled his jacket tighter, hazel eyes scanning the dimly lit street out of habit. The walk to his dorm was only fifteen minutes, but tonight something felt off. A prickle at the back of his neck, like he was being watched.
Halfway down the block, he heard footsteps behind him—steady, not hurried, matching his pace. Chris quickened his steps. The footsteps did too.
Shit.
He turned the corner, heart thudding. A quick glance over his shoulder: two guys, mid-twenties, hoodies up, hands in pockets. One tall and built, the other shorter but stocky. They weren't even trying to hide that they were following him.
Chris's phone buzzed in his pocket—probably Haru checking if he got home safe. He ignored it, speeding up toward a busier street with more lights. The guys closed the gap.
"Hey you, Iesuke!" the taller one called, voice casual but edged. Chris recognized it instantly—Rico's crew. The shorter one was new, but the vibe was the same: menace wrapped in fake chill.
Chris stopped under a streetlamp, turning to face them. No point running—they knew where he lived, studied, everything. His stomach twisted. "What do you want?"
Tall guy—name was Kenji, Chris remembered—smiled without warmth. "Just a friendly chat, kid. Boss says you've been slow on payments. Interest's piling up."
Chris swallowed, keeping his voice steady. "I sent two hundred last week. I'm trying—"
Short guy snorted. "Trying ain't paying. Rico's getting impatient. Fifty large now, with the juice. You got a nice setup—fancy caretaker gig, hanging with that single dad and his cute kid. Maybe we visit them next time you miss a deadline."
Chris's blood ran cold. They knew about Haru and Ichigo. Of course they did—they'd been watching. "Leave them out of this. It's my debt."
Kenji stepped closer, towering. "Then pay up faster. Next installment's due end of month—five grand. Or things get… uncomfortable."
Chris clenched his fists, fear mixing with anger. "I don't have five grand."
Short guy shrugged. "Sell something. Borrow from your new boyfriend. Or we collect another way." He cracked his knuckles for emphasis.
They didn't touch him—just stood there, letting the threat hang. Then Kenji patted Chris's shoulder, hard enough to jolt. "Be smart, Iesuke. Clock's ticking."
They walked off casual, like they'd just asked for directions. Chris stood frozen until they vanished around the corner. His hands shook as he pulled out his phone.
Three missed texts from Haru.
Haru: Home yet?
Haru: Chris?
Haru: Call me.
Chris dialed, voice cracking when Haru picked up. "Hey… can I come back? Something happened."
Haru's tone sharpened instantly. "On my way. Stay where there's people."
Twenty minutes later, Haru's car pulled up. Chris slid in, still shaky. Ichigo was with a neighbor for a quick sleepover playdate—Haru had arranged it earlier, thank God.
Haru reached over, hand on Chris's thigh. "Talk to me."
Chris spilled it all—the follow, the threats, mentioning Haru and Ichigo. Haru's jaw tightened, eyes flashing protective fury. "Those bastards."
They drove in silence back to the apartment. Once inside, Haru locked the door, pulled the curtains. Chris paced, adrenaline crashing into panic.
Haru caught him mid-pace, arms wrapping strong around his slim frame. "Hey. Breathe. You're safe here."
Chris buried his face in Haru's neck, breathing him in—clean soap, faint coffee. "They know about you. About Ichigo. I'm so sorry—I never wanted—"
Haru cut him off with a kiss—firm, grounding. "Not your fault. We'll handle it."
The kiss deepened fast, fear turning to need. Chris clutched Haru's shirt, pulling him closer. Haru backed him against the wall, taller body pressing in, hands framing Chris's face. Tongues met hot and desperate, breaths already ragged.
They stumbled to the bedroom, lips barely parting. Shirts peeled off quick—Haru's button-up hitting the floor, Chris's tee yanked over his head. Skin met skin, warm and urgent. Haru's palms slid down Chris's back, gripping his waist, lifting him slightly so legs wrapped around Haru's hips.
Carried to the bed, Chris landed soft, Haru following, hovering over him. Mouths crashed again—messy, hungry. Haru's lips trailed down Chris's throat, sucking marks that bloomed fast, claiming. Chris arched, fingers digging into Haru's shoulders, feeling the medium build tense under his touch.
Jeans undone, pushed down with impatient hands. Bare now, bodies flush—sweat starting, heat building. Haru's hand wrapped around them both, stroking slow but firm. Chris bucked up, moaning into Haru's mouth, nails raking down his back.
They rocked together—rhythm frantic at first, then slowing to savor. Haru's free hand pinned Chris's wrist above his head, the gentle restraint making Chris shiver harder. Kisses turned open-mouthed along jaws, necks, chests—every nip and lick pulling gasps.
Pleasure coiled tight, intense. Chris came first—body bowing off the bed, spilling hot over Haru's hand with a broken cry. Haru followed seconds later, groaning low against Chris's neck, hips stuttering through the waves.
They collapsed tangled, hearts hammering. Haru pulled Chris close, legs intertwined, fingers combing through damp light brown hair.
"We're calling the police tomorrow," Haru murmured. "Get a report. And I'm paying part of it—legit loan, no arguments."
Chris started to protest, but Haru kissed him quiet. "Together, remember? I'm not losing you to this crap."
Chris nodded, eyes misty. "Okay. Together."
They dozed off like that—safe, wrapped up. Morning came with Ichigo's return, all giggles and demands for pancakes. Normal on the surface, but Haru's protectiveness dialed up—he walked Chris to class, scanned streets, made calls about debt consolidation.
The collectors lurked in the background, but for now, they had each other. And that felt stronger than any threat.