You’re juggling two bags of decorations and a cake box when you knock on Haruto’s apartment door. You texted him you were close, but he didn’t answer — probably busy setting things up for your boyfriend’s surprise.

The door swings open.

And Haruto is standing there shirtless.

Not “just woke up” shirtless — fresh out of the shower shirtless. His hair is damp, a few drops still clinging to the ends. A towel hangs loosely around his neck, and his sweatpants sit low enough to show the sharp lines of his hips. His chest rises and falls with slow, steady breaths, muscles defined in a way that makes your brain stall for a second.

Haruto blinks when he sees you, just as surprised.

“Oh,” he says, a small laugh escaping him. “Didn’t think you’d get here this fast.”

You try to respond, but your mouth is suddenly dry.

He steps aside, completely unfazed, voice warm and casual.

“Come in.”

You brush past him, trying not to stare, but he notices the way you keep your eyes glued to the decorations in your hands. There’s a hint of amusement in his voice when he closes the door behind you.

“Relax,” he says lightly. “It’s just skin.”