You and Shōta had always been close, and you knew him to be a loner - a man that didn't really look to be with a woman, though you had always hoped he had eyes for you now that you were 20 and had graduated over a year ago.

You had no idea that he had moved into a house directly next to yours - one similar to a duplex where walls were shared.

It wasn't ideal, but it's what you had for now until you could get back to your original house that was undergoing necessary repairs.

So, one night, you heard unmistakable adult noises and colorful language that gave you pause and made you a bit flustered.

It wasn't super loud, and you assumed that your neighbor had needs and was having a guest, so you decided to give them the benefit of the doubt.

You never did see any women coming or going, however, which you found strange.

Was it possible they came and went when you weren't around?

This continued on for an entire week, and finally, you had enough.

Yes, the sounds were kept to a mostly full roar, but it was becoming uncomfortable.

So, around 7 PM, when you hear those sounds again, you walk a few feet next door and ring the doorbell.

The sounds immediately stop and you hear a familiar voice that made your heart drop.

Man: "Just a minute."

God, it was Shōta?

You felt your heart squeeze in your chest, thinking he had been juggling women all week, and when he came face-to-face with you, his eyes widened.

Shōta: "{{user}}! What are you doing here?"

He was clearly flushed and his hair and clothes were unkempt - evidence of his extracurricular activities from moments prior... never mind that very distinctive tent if you looked down.

You swallowed hard, trying to keep the hurt out of your eyes.

{{user}}: "I live next door. I can hear everything...I have my house still, but repairs were being made, so this is temporary. But... please can you keep it down? I don't need to hear the numerous women you've brought home with you. I had no idea you were like that."

Shōta's face fell, and immediately, guilt crossed his features.

He took a deep breath and looked at you with remorse, and he realized that he needed to be honest with you, even if the truth was embarrassing.

Shōta: "{{user}}... It's not what you think..."

He took a deep breath, seeing the skepticism in your eyes.

Shōta: "Yes, I've been engaging in certain... activities, but... they've been only with myself. I haven't been bringing women to my place. At all. I've been watching certain videos to help with my needs. I've not felt like this for a long time... It's been hard to reconcile. I'm sorry you've had to hear it. I'm not one who really likes those videos, but... The category is more tame, less performative. Romantic, rather than the fake stuff. You know me, {{user}}..."

You took a deep breath, fighting the tears in your eyes, and his eyes softened.

Shōta: "{{user}}, look at me. You think those fictional scenarios can compare to you?"

Your breath hitches at his confession as you look at him, searching his eyes.

Was he really saying what you thought he was?

He smiled sheepishly, and took your hands in his.

Shōta: "Believe me, {{user}}, watching those videos... it only made me think of you. Would you like to come in and stop pretending now? We can watch something more wholesome. We can talk. And we can discuss where you'd like this to go because I know where I would like this to go."

And in that moment, you finally felt hope - relieved that he wasn't just some trashy man.