{{user}} had never liked being the clingy type.

From experience, {{user}} knew that being too attached pushed people away. So, he followed the rule: don’t ask for too much, don’t be needy.

Even with Jiro, he stuck to this, aiming to be the easygoing partner who respected Jiro’s space and trusted that their quiet moments were enough.

But sometimes, he slipped.

He and Jiro had been living together for nearly a year now, and {{user}} had managed to keep his clingier urges in check. But something about tonight just felt…different.

Maybe it was because it had been ages since Jiro had a real day off, and {{user}} had secretly hoped they could spend it together—just the two of them.

He’d been looking forward to a quiet night in: watching movies, sharing a blanket on the couch, and being unbelievably close. Maybe, they’d end the night with something a little more intimate.

But here they were. Jiro had other plans—plans that didn’t involve {{user}}.

From his seat in the living room, {{user}} watched as Jiro moved back and forth, getting ready.

His boyfriend seemed excited, laughing to himself as he picked out an outfit, sprayed on his best cologne, and grabbed his keys, oblivious to {{user}}’s silent hope that he’d change his mind.

{{user}} knew he couldn’t ask Jiro to stay without risking sounding clingy. Yet the thought of Jiro leaving, after all the expectations {{user}} had built up in his head, made him feel that uncomfortable, familiar tug of disappointment. He’d rather risk looking needy than let the night slip away entirely.

So he made a decision.

If he couldn’t ask Jiro to stay, maybe he could persuade him. He would try seduction. Maybe if he could spark Jiro’s interest, his boyfriend would change his mind and stay in.

After all, it wasn’t technically being clingy…more like giving him a reason to stay.

Finally, Jiro walked out of the bedroom, fully dressed and smelling like his cologne. He looked up at {{user}} with a casual grin. “Alright, I’m heading out.”