Chapter 70 - Blindness

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Chapter 70: Beneath the Veil of Night

 

 

By the time they returned to the practice hall by taxi, the surroundings were silent and still.

 

Since it was past midnight, everyone had likely returned to their rooms.

 

Suno, careful not to make any noise, slipped through the main gate. Avoiding the practice hall and office, he led Kotaro toward his room in the detached quarters.

 

Due to concerns over the stalker, Suno had avoided staying in this detached space lately, instead opting to sleep with his apprentices in the main hall. Only trusted students from Kyoto stayed there, sharing the dormitory with him. Yet, ever since he began to suspect that the stalker might be someone close to him, Suno hadn't had a proper night's sleep.

 

But returning to his familiar room now, he finally felt a sense of relief, as if a weight had been lifted.

 

Kotaro, tense, followed him into the room, and Suno offered a gentle smile.

 

"I'll make some tea. Take a seat."

 

"…Sure. Wow, it's like an inn."

 

"Nice, isn't it? It was getting old, but I renovated everything when I took over as head."

 

"Did you?"

 

The warm, wooden detached quarters featured a stylish fusion of Japanese and Western design. Shoji windows, soft beige earthen walls, and fresh Ryukyu tatami mats* surrounded a low table and chairs.

 

[T/N: Ryukyu tatami mats are a traditional type of mat originating from the Okinawa region in Japan, part of the Ryukyu Islands. They are similar to the more widely known Japanese tatami but typically have a distinct design and materials. Ryukyu tatami mats are often made with woven rush grass (igusa), but the weaving technique and patterns differ, giving them a unique texture. The mats are used for flooring in traditional rooms and have cultural significance, often found in the homes of Okinawan people and in ryokan (traditional inns) in the region.]

 

In the adjacent area, a single bed lay by the lattice doors. They were currently open, so the white sheets glowed softly in the dim room.

 

Avoiding looking too long at the bedroom, Suno knelt beside Kotaro, who sat in a chair, and began to brew Japanese tea.

 

"You're really serious about reapplying for university?"

 

"Oh, uh… so you heard. I was hoping to surprise you after I got in."

 

Watching Suno's hands, Kotaro grinned.

 

"There's a national university in Kyoto known for its architecture program. With my current grades, my teacher thinks I should have no problem getting in."

 

"Are you really sure? You wanted to go to the same school as Mr. Ren and the others, didn't you?"

 

"Ah, that's fine. I've got a bigger goal now."

 

"A bigger goal?"

 

"To stay by your side, always."

 

"…Wha—?"

 

Suno froze, teacup in midair, staring at Kotaro. Kotaro took a sip of tea with a smile, murmuring, "Hot."

 

"I can't handle being apart for four years. You already attract enough attention from Alphas all over; I'd never relax if I left you alone."

 

"It's… it's not like I'm popular or anything… but really… you're okay with this?"

 

"Okay with what?"

 

"Me… being your mate…"

 

Warming his hands with the teacup, Suno asked, and Kotaro's strong, warm hand enveloped his. Suno looked up to see Kotaro's face glowing with the brightest smile.

 

"What are you saying? Of course, I'm happy! Happier than ever!"

 

"…Oh… I… this is so embarrassing… I haven't really… been nice to Alphas much…"

 

As Suno stammered in an attempt to hide his embarrassment, Kotaro pulled him close. Suno found himself clinging to Kotaro, his cheeks flushing hot.

 

"Wait, hold on—"

 

"Forget all those other Alphas. I'm not asking about them, but know that I'll cherish you always."

 

"Kotaro…"

 

"I don't need any other Omega but you, Suno… only you…"

 

Suno's heart skipped a beat as Kotaro's words trailed off. Kotaro's uninjured hand gently grasped Suno's arm, his eyes shining with intensity.

 

Suno closed his eyes, surrendering to Kotaro's movements, and Kotaro's lips cautiously, gently, brushed against his.

 

With each soft, hesitant touch, the warmth of Kotaro's lips stirred a sensual thrill within Suno. Finding Kotaro's timid motions endearing, Suno leaned in, lightly nibbling his lips.

 

"Mm…hah…"

 

Just that brief contact made Kotaro tremble slightly. Eager to hear more of his soft, vulnerable sounds, Suno deepened their kiss, intertwining their lips even further.

 

Kotaro's taste was unexpectedly sweet, and Suno, wanting to savor it more, wound his arms around Kotaro's neck. Kotaro's embrace tightened around his waist, and Suno soon found himself straddling Kotaro's lap.

 

The hem of Suno's kimono shifted, revealing his calves and white tabi socks*, but he was too immersed in the kiss to notice.

 

[T/N: Tabi socks are a traditional Japanese garment designed to separate the big toe from the other toes. They are typically worn with sandals like zori or geta but can also be worn with more formal footwear or inside the house.]

 

When they parted slightly, Kotaro's eyes were misted with a rare tenderness. His enraptured gaze was more innocent than usual, and for the first time, Suno felt Kotaro looked his age.

 

—He's so adorable…

 

"Is… is this your first time?" Suno asked softly.

 

"Yeah... Ah... This is bad."

 

"Bad?"

 

"You're too sexy… But this isn't your first time, Masami, right?"

 

"Ah… well…"

 

Suno hesitated, considering how to explain his past, when, during his heats, he and his fellow Omega Eiki had comforted each other. In moments of overwhelming need, they had held each other and shared kisses, easing their distress together. Kotaro's face fell slightly, but he continued to support Suno with his left hand, his voice quiet as he asked.

 

"So… did you go all the way with them?"

 

"No, I've never been on the receiving end. Though… it's happened the other way around..."

 

"Wait, you…?"

 

"Yeah… he wanted it so much, he cried. I couldn't just leave him like that…"

 

"I see… I guess Omega heats are intense enough to make you cry, huh?"

 

"Yeah, it's quite something. Omega heats can drive even Alphas mad… it's caused many people's lives to spiral out of control."

 

"I see… that must be tough."

 

"If only all Alphas were as kind as you, Kotaro," Suno murmured, brushing his fingertips along Kotaro's cheek.

 

In response, Kotaro placed his left hand over Suno's, which was resting on his cheek, and pressed his lips to the palm of his hand.

 

"I'm not really that kind, you know."

 

"What? Of course you are! You're a sweet one."

 

"Sweet one, huh…?" Kotaro chuckled, running his lips over Suno's palm and kissing each finger. His damp lips traced over Suno's hand, leaving a gentle warmth along his skin.

 

Lowered lashes framed his eyes, dark and striking, and as they lifted, Kotaro's gaze locked onto Suno's with unwavering intensity.

 

"…Kotaro…"

 

His breath escaped in a soft, warm sigh, carrying a hint of sweetness. Kotaro squeezed Suno's hand tightly, then leaned in, initiating another deep kiss.

 

"Nnh…"

 

Kotaro's tongue slipped past Suno's lips, exploring with a shy eagerness. Though unrefined, his kiss was gentle, slow, and filled with feelings that left Suno sighing and melting further into him. With his arms wrapped around Kotaro's neck, Suno matched his movements, entwining his tongue with Kotaro's.

 

"Aah… Mmh…"

 

"Your voice… it's so sexy… so cute."

 

"C-cute…? Mm…"

 

"Ahh… Masami, I…"

 

As they continued, wrapped up in each other's kisses, Suno felt a hardness pressing against him. Kotaro's arousal was evident, straining against the confines of his trousers. Feeling Kotaro's desire rise, Suno's own body responded with growing warmth. Their breaths, shallow and mingled, drew them into another kiss.

 

Suno shifted slightly atop Kotaro, causing him to gasp softly. Smirking, Suno leaned in close and murmured,

 

"With that injured hand… it's hard to do what you want, isn't it?"

 

"…Huh?"

 

"Let me take care of it for you."

 

"W-what?"

 

Lowering his hand, Suno touched Kotaro's hardness, feeling the fabric stretched tight. He let his palm press down, stroking gently, causing Kotaro's body to twitch involuntarily.

 

"…Masami…"

 

"This is all because of me, right? So let me help you with it."

 

"But if you do that, I…"

 

"Will you let me? …Or not?"

 

As Suno planted a quick kiss on Kotaro's lips, Kotaro's face flushed deep red, his expression a mix of embarrassment and surrender. He looked away before giving a slight nod.

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