Stand by me and don't let go ~ Hideki & me ~

[-Hideki-]

“Sure, I have planned every single move.” He said jokingly and moved his eyebrows up and down. “Actually, I don’t have made any plan so far. I am just improvising right now. Neither one of us has planned any of that after all. I certainly didn’t expect to meet someone on that app while on campus and then meet up in that coffee shop right away.” Ian admitted. “Honestly, if someone had asked me that morning if I would ever use the app at school and then meet up with a guy for a date so close to campus and then tongue kiss him in public, I would have called them a moron and told them that I would never use that app and would never risk getting outed by meeting up and kissing with another man that close to campus where some people know me.” The brunette confessed. Nothing of that had been planned and that included his invitation now too but that it was spontaneous didn’t make it less real or amazing.

 

He smiled incredibly widely and squeezed the other male’s hand a little when he said that he was up for going out with him tonight. “Great.” He rejoiced. “I have some classes after the lunch break myself of course. But that is not a problem; maybe I will spontaneously get a good idea where to take you on our date.” The man said with a wink. Ian already had an idea but he could still build some more nice things around it to make Izumi not forget that night. There was one problem for him as always though and that was money. Ian was poor and being poor he couldn’t do much that cost money and he needed to be careful not to spend too much. And what would the other say to a guy who couldn’t pay for him because he could barely pay for himself? Poor wasn’t attractive and it was a no-go for quite some people and Ian would probably soon find out whether it was for the artist too or not. Ian couldn’t buy him any expensive presents; he couldn’t pick him up with a frigging Mercedes Benz like Benno did with the chicks he was dating. He had a skateboard and a ticket for public transportation.

 

Suddenly the blond male’s phone rang rather loudly and Ian looked at the other when he asked to be excused. The brunette had already seen him pick up the phone and leave the room or just talk right there in front of him and he was positively surprised that Izumi wasn’t that rude and turned the phone off. A cocky smirk appeared on Ian’s face as he looked into the gorgeous brown eyes of the male. “And who was that? Another admirer of yours? Do I have competition?” he asked in a playful way but he also wanted to know if there were other guys or one other guy the other found interesting aside from him.

[mik3la]

Izumi burst out in laughter when he heard the other starting to ask questions about who it was on the phone. you don't need to worry about competition. He calmed down turning his gaze back to the other clearing his throat as he wanted to start explaining everything. "On the phone was my best friend who knows very well that i am out to meet someone but its too curious to find out how it all went" he took a deep breath touching the other's cheek, as he was getting closer. "At the moment there is no one else since i got to meet up with you so no. There aren't others" he added making sure the other understood that he wasn't a double dater. He wasn't seeing more guys at the same time. He wasn't into those stuff. Now that he meat with Ian, Ian would be the only guy he sees.

 

"I should get going to class" he said smiling sighing. "We meet again after classes, right?" he asked making sure that the date was still one. He was too happy but didn't want to get his hopes up that soon after all his bin through. He placed another kiss on the others lips, not wanting to go. But school was school and they will have plenty of time to kiss later.

[-Hideki-]

Izumi actually answered Ian’s question about who it had been on the phone and it turned out to be his friend. “So you have actually told him that you were seeing me before you left`?” He smiled thinking about how it would go if he could talk with Benno about having dates. Usually it was only his friend who told him when he had another date with some chick and after the date if he had managed to get into her pants, followed by really graphic descriptions of the woman’s body and bragging about his skills in bed. It was kind of annoying and nothing that the musician would personally do but he still would have liked to speak with his friends about this aspect of his life too, it would be great if he could and they would see it as perfectly normal and wouldn’t get uncomfortable or awkward talking about him being with another man. On one hand he wanted to know if that was possible on the other he didn’t because he could get disappointed if it wasn’t.

 

He leaned his face into the man’s hand when he was touching his cheek, his grey eyes still looking into the other’s brown ones and he liked what he heard next. So he was the only one Izumi was seeing and interested in at the moment. That meant he didn’t have to compete with anyone else to win the man over for him. “As you can imagine that’s exactly what I wanted to hear.” The brunette admitted with a smile

 

“We definitely will.” Ian confirmed when the other asked if their date was still on and it was. Why would he have changed his mind anyway? The man was actually looking forward to seeing the other again and to spend some nice time with him. His eyes closed when he was kissed by him to say goodbye for now and he leaned into it, took it over and deepened it, unwilling to part lips. Again he had to though, on one point due to the lack of oxygen and on the other he had classes too and needed to head back as well. “I think we have to pay and head back now.” he noted with a look at the watch on his phone and waved the waiter over. He had to say that they would split bills and it was rather uncomfortable for him to do so as he would have liked to invite the blond but he couldn’t he didn’t have enough money so he was only able to pay his own drink. When the waiter was gone he turned back to the other then, searching for any hint of dismay in the artists eyes because he had not paid for him before he spoke again. “Should we head back to the campus together? Or would you prefer to go back alone without being seen together?” he asked, curious what the other would decide.

[mik3la]

"I said i was seeing someone. I didn't mention your name or anything" he said shacking his head from side to side. Izumi sighed. "I thought that it was wiser that way. For now i mean". Izumi smiled at the confirmation that their date was still on for later. He really wanted to spend more time with Ian. He was funny, and loving. He was something that he never thought of finding in a popular guy, and he liked it a lot.

 

When they asked for the bill, Izumi was already looking for money in his pocket to pay for his drink, and when Ian said they should split it he just laughed. He never expected for him to pay for his drink. He never liked that. As long as he was independent he could pay for his own stuff and not ask for others to do so. So it was fine by him. When the other pop the question regarding their way back as they were heading for the door, he stopped for a second and looked at the other.

 

"I don't mind, but ... wouldn't it be ... you know .. hard on you? I mean, your friends will start ask questions and i'm pretty sure that crazy stick girl will be all over you to find out who i am" he said, knowing what they will have to face if they would go together. He could already picture it. Everyone stop staring at them, and after they would split ways, friends will jump with questions and curiosities and all sorts of uncomfortable questions. "I think it will be wiser that for the moment we don't show up together" he said, hopping that the other wouldn't mind. He personally didn't mind to walk together in school. Hell no. He wanted to, but he thought a lot of the other's situation. "There is time" he smiled grabbing the others hand leading him outside.

[-Hideki-]

“You mean because you don’t know if it leads to anything just yet?” he asked scratching his chin. “Ja, I can understand that.” he agreed. “And hey, you told them more than I told my friends. I just said I had to leave and would be back after the lunch break.” Ian laughed. “As long as you didn’t decide to not tell them because you find it embarrassing to be with me as a person, I have no complaints.” The brunette let the other know playfully, still smiling.

 

It was good that he couldn’t see any negative signs on the other’s face when he had mentioned the splitting of the bill and it made him more confident thinking ahead to their date to come. Maybe the other wasn’t materialistic and then there was nothing that actually stood in the brunette man’s way. He knew that he was a great guy, he was just poor and that was his only disadvantage. Sure that was nothing that mattered when it came to finding hook ups but when it came to serious dating many people had resentments against poor guys.

 

He couldn’t help himself but to be a little disappointed when the other said that it probably would be wiser if they weren’t seen together with the hint at Ian’s closeted status. When Miranda was mentioned he sighed annoyed. The name alone annoyed him at this point, that chick was the plague. “If it was only about Miranda you wouldn’t have to worry about her. She can’t imagine that I love men, hence she would only get suspicious or jealous if you were a woman. However, I don’t care about her. She could even know that I was gay. Then she’d find me gross and leave me alone. It’s really not her I am concerned about.” The musician said. Actually he wouldn’t like to do anything more than tell Miranda that he liked men, that he sucked cock and she wouldn’t stand a chance in a million years, the problem was that he first had to somehow tell Benno and his band and though he had to he was sceptical as to how that would go and how to do it properly, it was difficult. “I also don’t think that my best friend or anyone would get suspicious. You might not be able to imagine it because we’ve shared some intense kisses but they are convinced I am solidly straight.” He let the other know laughing.

 

Then he sighed though, “But as you wish. I will leave alone then now.” he told the blond, grabbed him by his neck and pulled him into another kiss, almost eating him up, his tongue rioting in the other’s mouth before he broke the kiss, winked at the artist and then let his skateboard down onto the ground and drove off into the direction of the campus, alone.

[mik3la]

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The last kiss that Ian gave him was literally breath taking. He needed a moment before he could understand what just happened and in which direction he needed to go. He heart was pounding like crazy and his face was burning bright red. His gaze was still fallowing the others silhouette, biting his lower lip, not believing that he just kissed Ian, the hottest boy in campus. God he looks so damn good.

 

He took a few deep breath before looking around to contemplate which way he should head to school. He needed also to figure out what he would tell his friend when he will start with all the questions on how his date was; or how was the guy looking; or the final question, who is the guy. An information that he didn’t want to reveille yet.

 

If it wasn’t for him, he would scream out and loud that he was dating Ian. Only that thought was making him feel happy, the rest was just big bonus. He was modest with what he would receive and will enjoy everything that life gives him. And if like was going to give him Ian McKenzie, well he sure hell would enjoy it.

 

Reaching the campus gates, he took a deep breath and walked through, trying to relax as much as possible. It didn’t last long till he felt an arm around his shoulder and the mild voice of his best friend Jake. “Now now … you really think that you can sneak up on me like that and not tell me anything? I’ve been dying all day to hear from you” he said keeping Izumi close. “You usually call me right away asking me to come and pick you up. So … both you liked him and already hooked up, or … you’ve fallen for him and settled for another date” said Jake not letting him go managing to keep him steady.

“You’re hurting me Jake” he said struggling in the others embrace. “And in any of the mentioned situations, that wouldn’t be your business” he added hitting him with his elbow managing to release himself.

“Come on now …. You always talked with me after your dates” he started crying fallowing the other.

“Maybe it’s time to change that” he added heading to the Art Academy entrance.

“Izumi, calm down mate” said Jake, grabbing the boy by the arm stopping him. “Come on man … You know I am your friend …. What’s gotten into you? You’re scary me” he added narrowing his eyes, studying his friend. Jake was confused. He never saw his friend act like that after a date. “And alright … Fine. If you don’t want to talk with me about it … I will not push you”

“It’s not …. It’s not that …. I trust you and all it’s just … a little complicated”, Izumi sighed. “Look Jake, the only thing I can tell you is that the guy is with us in campus. He is a student here. That’s what makes it a little complicated” he tried to avoid the main idea, and tell Jake only a part of the truth. He didn’t lie his friend, he only didn’t tell him the whole truth.

“Oh … Why didn’t you say that from the beginning …. Is someone I know? “He continued letting the other go. “ Did he do something to you because if he did I swear I will ….”

“No …. God Jake, calm down. Nothing happened … actually it all went really nice. And no … You don’t know him”. I really do not want you to find just yet Jake …. I am really sorry that I cannot tell you everything, but for the moment is for the best.

“Are you sure that nothing happened?” he narrowed his eyes looking Izumi straight in the face.

“Alright … alright … he kissed … happy now?” he blushed turning his head to the side, holding up his smile.

“Yep” he smiled like a child.

“Thank god” he sighed. “Now can we please head to our class? We’re going to be late” he said pointing the building door.

“Alright … let’s go” said Jake, grabbing him by the shoulder, heading to their class both laughing and making fun about their next teacher.

 

Sitting in class he took out his phone and looked at it. Jake was in the seat in front of him so he was just fine. On this class they needed self study until the teacher was back from a conference. Biting his lip he opened the app and started writing Ian to see how he’s doing. Even if they parted only a few moments ago, he liked talking with him and have fun.

‘I have self-study … Professor is at a conference and we all left alone … Wish we were back in that coffee shop and never had leave ….’

[-Hideki-]

The wind was blowing through the brown shaggy mane of Ian when he drove his skateboard back to campus. Again he didn’t bother about the rules as he didn’t stop driving when he was on the universities property but was driving all the way to the building and even in the halls to get to the music faculty. Ian wasn’t thinking about where he was driving to because he knew the way and his mind was hooked on Izumi, their kisses and the upcoming date with him. He had a good feeling about this, about them. He had felt such a strong chemistry between the two of them and the other, despite his clumsiness with words, was really attractive and cute. For the first time ever he thought that this could actually lead somewhere. To more than just having sex.

 

When he arrived at the staircase he came to a hold and picked his skateboard up and when he looked up again he saw Benno standing halfway up the stairs leaning onto the wall. The brunette man raised an eyebrow gazing at his black haired best friend. “What are you still doing here? Class is already on.” Ian asked as he had not expected to see him there. Benno and Ian didn’t have the same major but the that class, music history, they had together. “I was waiting for you.” His friend said with narrowed eyebrows looking at their singer and guitarist sceptically. “Psycho Nigel said you went on a date, is that correct? Does that guy know something about you that I, your best friend, doesn’t?” the drummer wanted to know and Ian shrugged. “I was. And don’t call Nigel like that he is the best in our semester.” He answered the first question and then went over to the second with a sigh. “I didn’t tell him. He probably has guessed. What should he know about me that you don’t?” the brunette shook his head though Nigel indeed had figured something out about Ian that Benno didn’t know by accident but this was apparently enough for his friend to be satisfied with it and happy again as they walked up the stairs together.

 

“So you really had a date huh? I have never seen you dating anyone.” The darker tanned man pointed out. “That’s because I never dated anyone before. I just had hook-ups.” Ian explained and Benno laughed.”So you’re into easy and slutty chicks.” He jested and the brunette laughed dryly. “No.” He answered as he was neither into chicks nor into sluts. It just made Benno laugh again. “And how does your flame look like? Is she hot? What about the tits? It’s not that weird fat friend of psy.... I mean Nigel is it?” his best friend wanted to know and that amused Ian. It was rather typical for Benno to ask this and somewhere along the line he would ask how ‘she’ was in bed as well. “Very hot. It’s a blond.” The brunette man just answered. It was true, Izumi was hot and blond and Ian had not said that he was talking about a woman at any point so he was technically telling the truth. At the part with Nigel’s female friend the musician’s face grimaced and he shook his head. “Definitely not.” He stated making Benno laugh even harder. “Thank goodness. She seemed like a bossy, bitchy pain in the arse.” The black haired expressed his relieve and Ian raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you say that about any chick with more than one brain cell who has opinions though?” he said because he knew his friend and he knew what kind of chicks he was dating and they were all completely brainless but pretty. “Come on, that’s not true, only the bitchy ones with annoying opinions.” Benno protested half-assed because he kinda was aware that he was solely dating dumb bimbos and had never dated someone remotely intelligent who could question him or be any match to him intellectually. “Rather tell me more about the blond hottie will ya?”

 

As Ian was telling the drummer about Izumi without mentioning that said ‘blond hottie’ was a man he was thankful when they arrived at the lecture hall. Much to his surprise there was no professor there yet and they were ten minutes late. Ian let himself sink onto the chair next to Nigel who still smelt like fruit-salad and tobacco turning to the man who had his head on the table again. “Where is Professor Chen?” he asked Nigel and the man with the dyed black hair didn’t look up but answered. “Called in sick apparently. We’ll have class with a substitute.” He informed them both and in the next moment the substitute was entering the hall. It was Professor Keller who looked still hungover and was late again. The best part was that only five minutes in it became clear that Keller had no clue about music history and was just reading something that Professor Chen had left him with. It was even more boring than the music history class usually was and Ian was thankful when his phone was buzzing in his pants.

 

His lips curled up in a smile when he read the message Izumi had sent him and with a short gaze towards Benno to check whether he was looking at him – what he didn’t as he was busy drawing a girl that got taken doggy-style onto his notes like a pubescent teenager – he replied to Izumi right away with a wide grin on his lips.

 

--- Nice, that means we can chat some ---

 

--- Professor Chen is ill. So Keller is taking the class. Professor Keller is a lot hotter than Chen and I am talking crazy hot here but he is totally hungover and has no clue about music history xD ---

 

--- I wish we had left together and not back to campus but a nicer and more private place where I could kiss you again! ---

 

The musician had just pressed ‘send’ when he heard a cough right behind him that startled him enough that he almost let his phone slide out of his hand but he grabbed it in the last second. When he turned around he saw Keller standing behind Ian, Nigel and Benno. “McKenzie! Interesting that I am apparently totally hungover and have no clue about music history! I thank you a lot for that charming complement regarding my looks though it is a little inappropriate for a student to say something like this about his Professor.” The attractive ginger said and Ian’s cheeks blushed fire red.

“This is the second time today that you are typing on your phone during the classes. If I see this phone another time today I will confiscate it and instead of reading what Chen had left for me, I will read through all of your conversations for all of us instead, I think this will be a lot more fun anyway.” The Professor said and Ian let his phone slide back into his pocket immediately, the red colour not disappearing from his face when Keller turned around and passed Benno, letting his hand slide over the pornographic picture he was drawing, ripping the piece of paper out of the notebook looking at it. “It’s good that you are in the music and not in the art faculty it seems.” He commented before he screwed the piece of paper and threw it into the rubbish bin.

 

Ian wanted to disappear and sink into the ground with his chair but instead Benno turned towards him. “Were you writing with your new flame? I had already wondered with whom you were writing this whole time today.” He wanted to know. “But what did Keller mean with an inappropriate complement about his looks? Why would you give a shit about his looks? The guy is like totally arrogant.” The drummer whispered into Ian’s ear. “Just shut up!” Ian hissed his face still red.

[mik3la]

-- At least you have entertainment. We have to make self study about History of Western Art which is as boring as its name. But as long we behave we can sleep or anything else beside study--

 

Izumi sent the message and put his phone aside. Checking his scheduled again and making sure that he had all set for the next class as he started to draw different objects on his notebook. He was bored, but he had to keep his attendance as high as possible because one could never know what ideas could get in professors mind at the end of the semester. As he was drawing he remembered that he had a new book that he was reading, so he took it out and started again from where he left it a few days ago. That way he could focus on what he liked and ignore his friend next to him which wanted to start a conversation again about his date.

 

Even though he wanted to read, that was more a camouflage for him to be able to think everything through. He had a date with Ian, the most popular guy in campus, and on top of that, a rock hottie which apparently was still hiding his sexuality. He couldn't blame him. It took him some time to accept it in front of his friends, even though they kind of figure it out themselves. But now, that they were to try this thing together, he was wondering how things might go for them and how they will balance school and their private life.

 

It was going to be hard, knowing how many girls are wandering around Ian, so they will have to limit themselves by being love-dovey only outside school and outside campus. A small grin came on his face, and his cheeks got a little red only by the thought of Ian and him and a situation like that. Will they be hiding? Doing some ninja skills whenever they will want to meat up? it was kind of risky what happened at the cafe, but we couldn't help it. We will have to behave more in the future he contemplated biting his lip.

 

"I'm pretty sure i know why you are grinning but i will not comment on that" his friend whispered in his ear, noticing the small blush and lip biting. Izumi was his childhood friend and of course he would know all about him. But not knowing anything about this new date, made him kind of uncomfortable. He was always the one that keep Izumi safe from all homophobic bullies as long as he was around. And he did tried to stay as much as possible. But know, not knowing anything, how could he protect his friend?

 

"You know me too well Jake but you know my answer by now" he said sighing, closing the book.

"Yeah ... yeah ... No inside information about the rocky date" he said rolling his eyes leaning on his back into his chair. "I understood that you can't tell me his name or anything, but can't you at least spear me some small details. Like ... you know ... how was it?" he shrugged getting closer to the boy, leaning this time on his elbows to be more closer to his friend.

"You never give up, do you?" said Izumi exasperated.

"You know too well as well" grinned Jake, happy that he manage to get some info about the others date.

"Let's see. You what to know how was the kiss? How i felt? what have we talked about?" Izumi started pointing out questions that he knew the other had in mind, flipping his hand in the air after every question.

"From the beginning please" the boy said smiling, happy for his success.

"Well , we meet up in a cafe nearby. He ordered some but started talking about basic stuff. Got to know each other. I will not tell you about that" he pointed at his friend with his finger when Jake wanted to ask another question, shutting him down.

"Fine. How was the kiss?" he asked. He was a straight guy but he find all amusing and interesting at the same time to know about this other side effect.

"Breathtaking" said Izumi blushing.

"That good hugh?" laughed Jake.

"Well , it wasn't like something i had before. I mean ... I was smooth but at the same time demanding for more. I don't know how to say it" said Izumi sighing as he remembered his kiss with Ian. "To put it out for you, i think the best explanation would be that, the kiss was a sweet taste of burning fire that run through my whole body" he said letting his gaze down.

"Wow. That intense? That one is a good one if he managed to stir you up like that with only a kiss" said Jake laughing. He never saw his friend talking like that about a person which whom he was on a first date before. This one was a first.

"Yeah ... and ... we kind of made plans after school aswell" added Izumi.

"After schooll?!" said Jake a little louder than he wanted.

"Shhhh!"

"Sorry but ... This is a first. You never go full thing from your first date" he narrowed his eyes looking at his friend. "Just ... be careful , ok?" he added patting Izumi on the shoulder.

"You worry too much. I'll be fine" he added smiling, making sure Jake was not overreacting again but reassuring him that all was fine.

 

As the bell rang, pointing out that the class was over he packed his things for his last class. "come on. We still have Intermediate Painting" he pulled his friend by the jacket at got out of class, walking on the hall, making small conversation with Jake. He managed to get Jake off his back with the small information he provided but he knew that along the way, not today, he will either find out himself or wait for him to tell him everything.

[-Hideki-]

Ian was looking down onto the table in front of him because judging by how hot it felt his face was still red and he didn’t want that his fellow students could look into his blushed face. That it was embarrassing that his professor had read his conversation and that he now knew what he thought about his looks was one thing but that the man knew that he was gay through that was another and he didn’t know how he felt about it. He also didn’t know how many students had heard the professor saying this and he doubted that all would not believe Keller and just blame it on the red haired professor’s supposed arrogance like Benno had but that many if not most would put two and two together.

 

His phone was buzzing again but the brunette didn’t make a single move towards it but let it remain in his pocket even though he wanted to know what Izumi had written. But it would be much worse if Keller took his phone not to mention would read his messages for the class to hear than to wait with reading what had been send to him and replying until the music history lecture would be over.

 

When his face had its normal colour again he was turning his head up again and was trying to focus on what was said but he failed. The only thing on his mind was if the students in the room now thought he was gay or rather knew it or not. And if through that Benno would figure it out too then. Or if he could just say that what he had written in regards to Keller’s looks had been a sarcastic remark. And at one point he realised that he was doing again what he was always doing, trying to stay in the closet at all costs no matter if he had to lie and even get tangled up in his own lies what was exactly what he had not wanted to do anymore. What he had sworn himself to get away from. He had been certain that he needed to tell his friends the truth that it would feel much better and be much easier if he were just to come out and say that he was gay already but now he realised that it wouldn’t be that easy for him after all. That for whatever reason he lacked the guts to confide that he loved fellow men.

 

Though he had constantly stared straight ahead he had not followed the lecture at all and he was just glad when it was over and Keller rushed out of the hall apparently glad that he didn’t have to read through Chen’s notes anymore. Ian immediately grabbed his phone again to read what Izumi had written. The brunette didn’t really get what kind of entertainment they should have had because it had been incredibly boring and he figured that at least being able to do other things or to sleep was a huge advantage on the blonds part.

 

--- Sorry, I couldn’t write earlier. Keller saw me using my phone and threatened to confiscate it and read my messages out loud so I couldn’t answer you. It’s bad enough that he himself read my last message. ----

 

--- Being able to sleep and chat in peace is much better believe me. ----

 

--- Only one lecture to go ---

 

He typed before he startled because Benno was leaning over all of a sudden. Ian turned out the display of his phone immediately. “You really must be into that chick bro.” the black haired commented figuring that he was writing with his date. “Don’t let her get too close and whatever you do don’t fall in love man!” Benno warned him his face somewhat serious for his standards. “If you fall for her she will hold you in her hand and she will exploit and dry you out before she will ditch you and rip out your heart because that’s how chicks always operate. So have your fun with her but don’t get attached too much.” He stated as if he was a professional regarding those matters patting Ian onto his shoulder. The brunette didn’t say anything as he knew that the other was actually talking about what had happened to him with his ex-girlfriend. Ian had told him back then that this was a result of him dating shallow and materialistic dumb bimbos all the time but he had had none of it.

 

With that his best friend disappeared as he had to go elsewhere for the next class while Ian was grabbing his bag to leave as well but into another direction when he heard Nigel’s voice who was fighting with himself to get the motivation to lift his body up and walk to the next class instead of just staying there with his head on the desk until the cleaning lady would kick him out in the evening. “You told him that you were on a date with a woman?!” the man with the dyed hair wanted to know managing to lift up his head supporting it with his hand. “Shush!” Ian hissed looking around in the room if someone had heard that or was standing close to them. “No, I didn’t say anything in this regards. He just figured it was like that.” Nigel lifted one eyebrow that fell down immediately again because it was too bothersome to hold it up like that. “Don’t you think that your best friend should know and not been kept to believe something that isn’t true? Don’t you think that he’ll be pissed at you for keeping him unaware and not telling him the truth about yourself?” Nigel asked and the brunette got uncomfortable confronted with those questions because he knew that the man was right about this. Ian should tell him. He should trust him enough to. Then why didn’t he? “I think that you should get your arse up from the chair and leave for the next class with me!” he avoided to answer the other.

 

After Nigel had stood up from his chair they both went to the last lecture for that day. It was one of his favourites because they got to work practically and be creative and not had to sit there listening to a professor blabbering the whole time. Professor Davis announced the new project and declared that they had to work in teams and Ian decided to work together with Nigel. But though it was rather fun regardless of Nigel’s motivation problems he wanted it to end. He wanted to leave already and meet up with Izumi in front of the gates of the campus.

 

And that was where he was driving with his skateboard right after the class had ended. He had said goodbye to Nigel and had disappeared as fast as possible. Now he was leaning against a wall next to the gate his grey eyes searching for a sign of Izumi, getting a little impatient again. This time it wasn’t the question whether the other would appear or not but the fact that he just really wanted to see him another time.

[mik3la]

As the phone rang he looked quickly at it and read the messages the other had wrote him. It was a close one out there he was glad that the boy didn't got caught again by the professor. It was best for the other to keep it a secret for the moment. He did understand him, and wouldn't want him to get in trouble so he didn't replied. Locking his phone he payed attention to the lecture and ignoring his friend which had the mood of talking again.

 

As the class ended he gather his things and went to his locker to set his books and the rest in it. Having lockers was a fine idea that the principal came up with because that way he didn't had to carry them all the way home and back to school everyday. it was easier this way. As he was locking his locker Jake came right at him.

 

"Ready to go?"he said leaning on the locker.

"Go were?" he asked confused.

"Home silly, where else?" Jake laughed.

"Jake, i told you that i have a date" said Izumi feeling his cheeks flushed. "Today you will go alone" he added, setting his backpack on his shoulder.

"Ow ... right ... meeting up with your mysterious rocky guy" he said rolling his eyes.

"Stop making fun of me" he narrowed his eyes.

"I'm not. It's just frustrating that i don't know who the guy is. That's all" he shrugged and sighed. "But fine. Then i'm leaving first" he said messing his hair a little and leaving Izumi behind.

 

That was too easy from Izumi's point of view, but he hoped that Jake finally understood that this time he needed a little more privacy about all of this relationship. He didn't like that he had to keep it a secret for the moment, and he really hoped that Jake would understand and leave it that way for the moment.

 

Seeing the other heading out, he arranged his clothes and got out of the building heading to the main gate where he saw the other, leaning against the gate a little impatient. He noticed that the other had a problem with waiting from last time, but he had to stay a little longer to get rid of Jake. Otherwise he would have fallowed him till here and he would had not be able to approach the other without letting Jake figure out that Ian was the mysterious guy.

 

"Hei ... Sorry I'm late. I had to get rid of Jake before coming here" he said holding his backpack on his shoulder a little tight. "Hope you weren't waiting for too long" he added looking at his watch and back at Ian.

[-Hideki-]

The longer he had to wait the more impatient he got and the less realistically did he estimate the time he was already standing there. It felt like an eternity while in reality it had only been ten minutes. But when Ian was waiting ten minutes usually passed as slowly as ten hours or even ten frigging days. The brunette musician was not the patient kind of man and waiting wasn’t his strong point. He was caught in his thoughts and looked into the wrong direction when he finally heard the blond man’s voice behind him what made the man turn around to the other immediately.

 

His grey eyes met the brown ones of Izumi and his impatient expression changed as it lit up and his lips formed a smile as he looked at the artist. “It probably has not been that long. It just felt like an eternity because I couldn’t wait to see you again.” The young brunette man said with a wink. “Jake huh….” He commented then. “It seems like your friend is extremely keen to figure everything about your dates out!” he found and sighed. “Well, fortunately Benno is not as obtrusive and usually satisfied with some basic information.” Ian told the other still smiling.

 

Pushing himself off the wall he had leaned on he was moving closer towards Izumi, not able to resist the urge to run his hand over the blond male’s face. “Should we go then!?” he invited. “I’d love to have leaned against a fancy car and not the wall waiting for you and to hold the door of that air-conditioned, comfortable car open for you but I don’t have a car so, I will ask you instead to take my hand on an incredibly romantic walk to the train station where we will be brought into the city centre. That has the advantage that we’ll be really close the whole time because it’s so crowded that we’re gonna be pressed against each other.” He jested in a charming tone and with a not less charming smile, offering Izumi his hand to take it.

[mik3la]

Hearing the others comment he smiled so brightly that in his mind, he was looking like a joker, but that wasn't the case. His heart was starting to beat fast, almost jumping out of his chest and running around Ian like an obedient dog. Even if he said so many times to himself that he was going to be more careful with the 'next' guy, he never learned. Every time was was way-up-heels for the other. This was the same case. He really liked Ian and now that he got a small taste of him, he just wanted more.

 

Izumy narrowed his eyes. It was the second time that Ian was referring on the material stuff which kind of made him feel uncomfortable. He wasn't a gold digger or anything, but he was a little scared to start up a conversation about this fact. But it's already the second time. Why does he think he needs to state those things?

 

"Even though the idea sounds incredible great, we need too talk a little before we became all dovey dovey" he said holding his had taking a deep breath. He just had to point it out the fact that those statements were making him feel uncomfortable. "Why do you have to point out that you don't have the necessary luxury? Do I look like a gold digger to you or what?" he blinked a few times, a little worried about the others answer. And before Ian could respond he continue: "Cause if that was your opinion about me than is wrong. I really don't care. I don't have those stuff either, that doesn't made me less a human. I'm not that superficial" he narrowed his eyes biting his lower lip..

[-Hideki-]

Ian’s smile faded as he let his reached out hand sink down raising an eyebrow looking questioningly at the other. When Izumi started to talk his expression slowly changed from questioning to pure annoyed. His grey eyes were looking at the other sharply as he didn’t see what his bloody problem was. The brunette joking about himself being poor had nothing to do with anything about the other it was how he dealt with not having what literally all of the people in his circle of friends had. That was how he compensated his insecurities about that because he knew that it was something people had resentments about, that was viewed as negative in society and that he knew that prevented him from doing a lot of things and that when dating someone the person might figure out that a poor guy was not what they wanted because he couldn’t do with them what their middle class or rich ex had been able to.

 

“Are you finished!” he asked crossing his arms looking at the other completely annoyed. “Good!” he continued. “What the hell are you even talking about?” the brunette shook his head lightly. “I never said you were any of that, nor did I imply this or made any assumptions about you at all.” He stated sighing displeased. “Me joking about myself being poor has nothing to do with you whatsoever. It’s how I cope with not having what I would like to have and not being able to do with a date what I would rather like to do. It’s not about you as a person for fucks sake so don’t make it about yourself to be able to take it personally just to get offended.” Ian barked as he was frustrated about the way things were going. It was supposed to be their first date, it was supposed to be fun but instead the other had started arguing, taking things that were not even about him personally and overreacting because he got offended by something he was interpreting into this.

 

“Honestly maybe we just are not compatible when the first thing we do, before we can even go on a date, is arguing.” He found ruffling his brown shaggy hair. “I make a lot of jokes about myself, about uncomfortable things, about everything really.” The man let the other know. “Perhaps I would even make a joke about you once in a while. And if you already take something completely unrelated to yourself as a personal insult and start to make a fuss by giving me a speech I don’t want to know how much drama you would cause through overreaction when it’s actually about laughing about yourself.” Ian told the other finding that whole thing exhausting already. This was not supposed to be like this. Why was it not possible for him to find someone fitting whom he could share his life with and laugh with together. Who would have made another joke in return to his creating a light hearted atmosphere making him forget his insecurities. Instead he got hook ups and a drama-queen. “See you on campus Izumi!” he said frustrated, disappointed and defeated, letting his skateboard sink onto the ground.

[mik3la]

Izumi was shocked hearing the other raising the voice. He didn't meant it that way. He never wanted to act like a victim or anything. He was just not used with people make fun of themselves in that sort of a way. It seemed that he had done it again. Biting his lower lip, feeling like a child that was schooled he lowered his gaze. When he heard the other stepping away he reached out to him, grabbing him by his hand.

 

"Don't ... Please ... I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. Is just that ... i'm really sorry. I didn't mean to offend you or start up a fight. Please don't go" he said holding Ians hand firmly in his, not wanting to let go. "I promise i wouldn't say anything anymore and will try to not overthink things again" he added keeping his breath waiting for a respond.

 

He really didn't wanted to messed up things from their first date but again he did it. What was wrong with him? He felt so hopeless in that very moment. He never wanted to upset Ian nor imply that he is overreacting. It was just a small innocent question that in his opinion shouldn't had trigger anything. He was just curious. He sighed, finally letting go of Ians hand. "I'm really sorry"

[-Hideki-]

Ian was just about to step on his skateboard and leave when he felt a hand grabbing his followed by the blond male almost pleading him to not leave and to not cancel the date. He turned around to Izumi surprised not having suspected that he would stop him from leaving or care enough to react that strongly. Looking into the man’s cute face he certainly had a weakness for guys that cute, he sighed. “I am not offended. I am annoyed that you got offended and took something as simple as a joke as a personal insult, accusing me of implying that I found you were a materialist and a gold digger, what I didn’t do. And I don’t like being falsely accused.” He tried to explain to the other what had put him off about that reaction to his joke that strongly.

 

Turning around to the artist completely he looked at him and when Izumi let go of his hand he realised that he didn’t want that, that he didn’t want him to let go of his hand, that he wanted closeness. Why? Why did he feel that drown to this man while at the same time they obviously were really different people who perceived things as differently as possible what was predestined to cause complications if they were to go further down that road. “I don’t want you to not say anything anymore. Maybe, well, maybe just don’t take my jokes that seriously and personal.” He suggested and by now it was clear that he’d give in and give it another go. “I tell you what.” He started. “I won’t leave and we’ll be going on our date. I have two conditions though.” Ian said a smile appearing back on his face. “First, you’ll give me back your hand so I can hold it. Second, I want a kiss right here, right now.” the brunette said amused, grinning cheekily.

[mik3la]

The sad face of Izumi lighted when the other stopped and spoke to him. Lifting his eyes to the boy he just smiled happy that the other didn't ran away from him. He liked the fact the other thought of him and explained how he felt. Izumi was a little dummer than the other guys, in the sense of getting the hints in every situation.

 

Having a wide smile he nodded when the other asked him to not overthink everything again. "I'll do my best ..." he smiled like a goofy boy biting his lower lip. "What conditions?" he asked a little bit in confusion waiting for the others demands.

 

"Conditions accepted" he said amused by the others demands as he got closer to the other, grabbing his hand and with the other holding Ians neck firmly. He neared Ian's lips slowly keeping eye contact and after a few seconds in which he took a deep breath he pressed his lips on the others, feeling butterflies in his stomach.

[-Hideki-]

The smirk on his face got even wider when the blond accepted the conditions he had made and came closer to him. He interlock his fingers with Izumi’s immediately when the man was taking his hand and he started to feel anticipation when he felt a firm hand on his neck. While the man’s face was slowly getting closer to his and their lips were barely a few centimetres away from each other it got harder for Ian to breathe as it felt like there was electricity between their lips and he had the urge to close the distance and lock their lips to kiss and feel and taste the other already but he had wanted the artist to kiss him this time so he waited. Being that close and looking into each other’s eyes he could feel Izumi’s deep breaths and he sensed some nervousness from the other man what he found rather cute and which made the smirk return to his face before the blond finally closed the distance and their lips met in a kiss. Ian’s free hand was getting a hold of the blond man’s hips pulling him closer, leaning into the kiss, letting himself go, his tongue breaking into the other’s mouth to dance with his. The brunette felt the same fireworks he had felt when he had kissed him back in the coffee shop. Something he never felt when he kissed one of his hook-ups from the app. He could feel stares from some students that were leaving campus on his back but he didn’t bother in that moment.

 

When the kiss broke he caught for some air his breathing a little heavier as his grey eyes were looking into the brown ones of the other man while he squeezed the hand that he was still holding. “Shall we go then?” he asked. “The train is not waiting for us.” Ian pointed out the time, took up his skateboard by making it flip up with his foot and then taking it, without letting go of the others hand before he started to head towards the train station. “You said you have no car either. Which train do you take home then? The one to the centre we will take now or the other direction?” he asked to break the silence.

[mik3la]

Izumi giggled at Ian's commentary and started walking along side the other hand in hand. It was a super nice feeling that almost made him flew along the way, but he had to remain focus and act normal as possible. As they walked together, ignoring the people around them that were looking at their hands, he turned his eyes towards the panel and check which line would get in his area. He never took that road till now so he had to pay attention.

 

"We can take this ride till downtown and after we can walk. Is not very far" he respond pointing the rout on the panel. Apparently from that train station, his house was only 20 minutes away from school which was much closer than on his usual route that he took everyday. Normally he would make 40 minutes till school. "It seems i found a closer route to my house" he said keeping a cute smile on his face.

 

"Let's get on the platform. The train will get in 2 min in the station" he said pulling Ian quickly to set themselves right in the near of the door. At that hour it was a really surviving time in the public transport. All were full, so one had to be really sneaky and know where to stand.

[-Hideki-]

Ian had just asked the other which train he always took out of interest and to figure out whether they usually took the same train home or not. It turned out that the other didn’t take the train into the same direction Ian’s home was and it also turned out that Izumi wanted to take the brunette home what surprised him. The musician had planned what to do on their date the whole time during class and he had finally had figured something out to find out now that the blond wanted to grant him to get to his home with him already.

 

He had just wanted to ask what happened about the plan of going to the city centre when he was already pulled into a train and onto a seat close to the door. The brunette sat down next to the artist, arranging his skateboard and finding a place for his bag before he laid his arm around the other man getting close. The young man smiled at his date widely before he spoke. “And there I was making plans for the perfect date the whole time. Had I known that you’d want me to come home with you, I’d have planned something different.” Ian said amused and flirtatiously at the same time.

 

Sitting there, holding the other, he felt someone from the seat behind them lean over and a head coming between them. “Hello Ian!” a male’s voice sounded and the brunette startled for a moment and nearly jumped from his seat when he turned around and saw that it was only Nigel and not one of his unaware bandmates or friends. “Fuck Nigel! Do you wanna give me a heart attack!?” he complained while his pulse was slowly calming down again. The dyed black haired man chuckled. “No.” he said and then he turned to Izumi, his eyes checking him out. “I have seen you before.” He said. “You are Izumi right? From the arts class? My best friend has the same major. You probably know her, she has blue hair, is a little chubby…” he started talking. “Nigel…..” Ian tried to keep him to shut his mouth. “Yes?” the other didn’t get the hint. “When I saw that Ian was gay and figured that he had a date I wouldn’t have thought that it was Izumi from the arts faculty. But you look surprisingly cute together.” The black haired said and Ian was losing his patience. “Nigel!” he exclaimed another time and the man looked at him again with his tired face saying:” Yes?” adding. “Since when do you take this train by the way. I always take it, I live downtown. Have never seen you going that way Ian! Or do you already…. Oh, is this a hook-up thing after all…. You’re getting it on rather….” “Shut up!!!” Ian demanded and Nigel looked a little confused.

[mik3la]

"Were not heading to my home silly. I just said that this is another quicker way to get home" he laughed holding the others hand as they were sitting in the train. "We are still going downtown. Don't think you escaped" he added looking at the other and around them. At that time of day was really crowded.

 

When someone from behind them addressed them he looked curious at the dark hair man. After Ian respond he managed to understand that it was a friend or colleague of Ian. He smiled politely and blushed a little. When the guy mentioned his name he nodded without saying a word. Apparently he was known by the other male and a colleague of his was friend with him. How small was the world.

 

“Since when do you take this train by the way. I always take it, I live downtown. Have never seen you going that way Ian! Or do you already…. Oh, is this a hook-up thing after all…. You’re getting it on rather….” “Shut up!!!”

 

Izumi blushed but was even more startled by Ian's reaction. Biting his lip he cleared his throat to speak. "Actually no. We are going downtown for a good relaxing day after school. You know, chatting, drinking, making jokes, walking in park, stuff like that. Wanna join?" he asked trying to be as friendly as ever. He new that the main plan was to be just the two of them but in situations like this one, it has to be handled with willingness towards others and it seemed that that guy knew more about Ian. Or that was what he thought.

[-Hideki-]

Ian had been certain that Izumi would just ignore Nigel but this was not the case. He was actually answering him seriously and politely though the brunette had definitely seen the artist blush due to Nigel’s words. The musician calmed down again as the blond didn’t seem to mind those inappropriate questions too much but his eyes widened when the other invited Nigel to joining them on their date. “No!” Ian answered for the black haired abruptly, wanting to spend time with the other alone and not have Nigel killing the mood. “He is busy!” he added.

 

The man with the dyed black hair sighed after that reaction. “Actually I’d love to.” He answered. “I don’t have any plans for today other than lying on my bed staring at the wall drowning in a sea of endless darkness and desperation whilst feeling that there is no hope for the world anymore. And my therapist said that during depressive episodes I should not give in to it and try to go out and distract myself though it is difficult to motivate myself.” The man explained. “But I think that Ian doesn’t want me around and wants to be alone with you so I think I’ll just go home lay down and keep lying there until I’ll try to stand up next morning.” Nigel said and forced himself to smile but it died again in the blink of an eye. It made Ian feel guilty now and he rolled his eyes. “God damn it!” he whispered. “Fine, just join us! I can’t argue against your therapist I suppose.” The brunette said and the reaction was Nigel sticking his head between them further. “And where are we going first?” he asked. “I planned on taking Izumi to a karaoke bar because he said he enjoys this.” Ian said not really able to keep up his enthusiasm because Nigel would be taking over the date. “Nice.” Nigel said.

[mik3la]

Izumi find it amusing the way Ian tried to make the guy go away and let them have their date. Very subtle , he thought as he stayed silent looking at the two boys arguing which it was even more funny. The fact that the guy wanted to go out with them, which was actually his fault for asking but it was in his nature to be polite, and the fact that Ian was sort of grumpy because the other accepted the invitation.

 

Hearing the others comment about his boring life made Izumi a little sad. He didn't like seeing sad people or depressed ones. Now he remembered the guy. Their common friend had told him about him some time ago. Now he could understand her better. The guy wasn't that bad. He was actually really funny. Too bad that people were so judgmental because of his appearance.

 

As Ian finally accepted to let him stay with us in town he squeezed his hand really happy. By the next question Ian told the surprised which Izumi was super excited. "So that was your big surprise" he said laughing. "I really love the idea. It will be so much fun" he added with a bright smile on his face.

[-Hideki-]

Ian still was not too thrilled about Nigel disturbing the date he had planned with the other. How was he supposed to get closer to Izumi, to get to know him on a deeper and more personal level when Nigel was around and would probably draw all the attention onto himself automatically!

 

He felt a little better about it though when his hand was squeezed by the blond and Izumi apparently was happy about what Ian had had in store for them. “Ja, that’s what I’ve planned. It probably would have been more romantic if we had been on our own. But I guess we’ll have fun this way too.” He said and a smile reappeared on his face.

 

The brunette leaned over to the artist then and whispered into his ear. “And after that we can send Nigel home and do the rest of what I have planned for us without him.” He suggested being incredibly close to the other. Not for long though as Nigel was shoving his head between them again. “What are you talking about. I can’t hear you when you’re whispering.” He said and Ian sighed. “Maybe you weren’t supposed to hear it and that was why we whispered Nigel, because it was private.” Ian explained and Nigel nodded. “Oh, I see. Sorry. Nevermind then.” He apologised.

 

After a while they arrived at the main station and left the train. He took a large breath the moment he stepped outside as he was finally able to get some fresh air again. “Much better.” He said. “Now I just have to find that karaoke bar in the city again.” He said to Izumi and Nigel, taking Izumi’s hand.

[mik3la]

“And after that we can send Nigel home and do the rest of what I have planned for us without him.”

Izumi wanted to comment on that but he was caught out og guard by the next statement from the other which made him blush a little. All he could do was bite his lower lip in anticipation. He could only imagine what it would be.

Then again they were interupted by Nigel but he found this situation rather amusing than annoying. It was fun to see Ian outside the school acting so corny when it was about them both. It was a strange feeling that started to grew inside him and he didn't know how to associate it.

As they got out of the train, Izumi took a deep breath of air, cooling himself. All the talking back there has heaten him up. Then of course, having someone like Ian so close to oneself wasn't very helpful with his emotions that were jumping all around.

Smiling as the boy took his hand in his, he looked aroud the area trying to figure out where they were. Reading a plate with a name street he was rather unfamiliar with it, but he trusted Ian that he knew where they had to go.

"Do you have an adress or a phone number?" he asked looking at Ian trying to help. "That way we can use a gps or call in for directions" he added preparing to take his phone out.

[-Hideki-]

When the other asked whether Ian had either the address or the phone number of that bar he shook his head. “No. I don’t even remember the name. I have only been there once with the guys from the soccer team and the cheerleaders back in high-school. I don’t particularly have good memories of the place because Miranda had been clinging onto me back in high-school already. However it’s the only karaoke bar I know.” He let the other know not realising Nigel at all who had walked ahead of them.

 

“I know that place.” The man said. “I was invited there by a sex-date I got from that app. We continued to meet up there after that too. We never sang or saw much of the place but I still know the way.” The black haired man said walking ahead dragging his feet over the ground as if they were too heavy.

 

Thanks to Nigel they arrived at the bar rather quickly and didn’t have to search for it so there might have been some advantages about having his classmate around. And usually he liked the other no matter how odd he could behave and the problems he struggled with. However it all didn’t change the fact that he had wanted to be alone with the blond. But the day was far from over yet and he doubted that they’d stay in that bar the whole afternoon and evening.

 

The bar was pretty modern and there were much more neon-colours than Ian had remembered. When they stepped in there were two women singing a disco song. They weren’t singing well but it seemed that they thought they’d compensate it by singing louder and louder but this of course was not the case. But because the two were having a lot of fun it didn’t seem to bother any of the other guests that they were terrible singers and the people were having fun.

 

Ian chose a place close to the stage so that they wouldn’t have it far to sing themselves and they got the perfect view on the stage and could watch the act and performances of the people. Ian doubted that this bar would have any of the songs that he usually listened to available and that he’d be confronted mostly by horrible pop music but then again he wasn’t there for the music to begin with. If it was about the music he could have met with the band or gone to his favourite metal pub. He was there to be with Izumi, to get to know him, have fun and make him happy because he had said he liked karaoke and if he would manage to make them have a good time and fun together he’d be happy too.

 

“Do you already know what you want to sing?” he asked Izumi but it was Nigel who answered. “I don’t know. Is there any chance they have anything from ‘The Cure’?” the dyed black haired man wanted to know. Ian sighed. “I doubt it and I was actually asking Izumi.” He said and then turned towards the artist again. “And? Do you have an idea?” he repeated the question.