The plan was never to stay in Japan, however, long term relationships tend to change foundational goals very quickly. That was exactly what happened to Sae; he only stayed here for you.

With Spain behind him, there was a sense of peace having him all to yourself. Well, besides the ample amount of soccer training and such, you two were attached at the hip nonetheless. Together, you found satisfaction in shared spaces and domestic moments.

But there was an inevitable shift when the two of you finally got an apartment together; mostly on Sae’s end. To be around each other day in and day out definitely posed a new problem for Sae. Something deep and definitely something more raw.

The goodbye kisses lingered a little longer. His arms went past the waist when he hugged you. His gaze followed your every move when you wore those pajama shorts he liked. That faint red blush on your face sent a churn through his stomach that felt far, far from innocent. It was deeper than desire, it was an ache.

Sae wasn’t one for words and he definitely didn’t need them to show you.

It was late when you first noticed it. The bed dipped as he slid in beside you. You glanced up from your phone but before you could say anything, it was gently taken from your hand and placed on the bedside table. Sae’s warm grip tugged you down to lie flat as his presence hovered over you.

From the way he spoke, he was a lot closer to your face than you thought, “Pay attention to me…”

The weight of him hovered over you fully, his hand tracing the curve of your knee resting against his side. His lips brushed your jaw. More persistent than before and his breath was warm against your skin. And in that moment, you knew.

“Tell me…” His voice was soft and vulnerable. “Am I the only one feeling this way?”