Beneath the Surface: Secrets of an Obsessed Heart

But then, what would be the use? Hiro would just hate him more. It wasn't worth it. Maybe it was time to move on. At least, he had tried his best. If Hiro didn't like him and could never like him then that was it.

With a sigh, Raiden released Hiro and stood up then strode to the door. "Ask the waiter to bag those up for you to take home." He said then turned, looking at Hiro for the last time. "From this moment henceforth, Hiro, consider yourself free."

And with that, he walked out, leaving Hiro dumbfounded and thoroughly confused.

********

"And then what?" Michi asked, undoubtedly curious.

"I panicked and slapped him," Hiro grumbled, covering his face with his palms. "Again."

Michi couldn't help but laugh. His upper body fell on the table as bouts of mad laughter wracked his body. "I am supposed to be horrified right now" he laughed. "But imagining you slapping someone like Yamato Raiden is so funny."

It was after working hours. Hiro and Michi were sitting in the restaurant, discussing what had happened the other day.

"Oh my God, Hiro. I can't believe you did that."

"Well he was groping me" Hiro said, exasperated. "What did you expect me to do? Allow it?"

Michi chuckled. "Well, you could have just told him to stop."

Hiro shook his head. "You don't know that guy, Michi. He's not the kind of person that takes no for an answer. I did tell him to stop but he didn't listen."

"Well, what happened after?" Michi asked. "Damn, I wish I had popcorn. This story is too juicy."

Hiro glared at Michi but continued anyway. "He asked me to be with him. He said he could make things right for me and he'd give me a better life if only I'd become his, indefinitely."

"And what did you say?"

"I said no of course."

"And what did he say?"

"He kept insisting," Hiro answered. "But I didn't agree. He said he had pure intentions for me but come on. What kind of stalker has pure intentions?"

Michi nodded. "It's a good thing you didn't believe him. Who knows what he would have done to you?"

Hiro recalled the way Raiden had simply stood up from the couch and turned away from him. "Well, the good news is that I'm free now. He said he won't disturb me ever again."

"Hmmm, are you sure?" Michi hummed. "People like him don't give up easily you know. They are shrewd."

"I know." Hiro sighed. "But it has been a week now and he hasn't done a single thing. I see him every day at work but he doesn't even look at me. It's like I don't exist to him anymore and I feel so refreshed. I used to constantly look over my shoulder, thinking he would just pass by and smack my butt or something but he has completely ignored me for the entire week. That's a good thing right?"

Michi nodded. "That's really good. It's for the best. Leave the past in the past and focus on your future."

Hiro smiled. "You're right. This is for the best."

There was just one problem. He couldn't get Raiden out of his mind. He kept thinking about him since that night, wondering how life would have been if he had accepted his help that day. Maybe his brother wouldn't be working so hard. Maybe his sister would have been cured by now. Maybe he would be in college too, studying to become a professional photographer. That was his dream job. He loved photography.

But for all of that to happen, he'd have to be with Raiden. As his husband. He imagined Raiden's face in front of him, calling him his wife.

The thought sent goosebumps up his skin and he shivered. No way! That was way too scary.

"What's wrong? Are you cold?" Michi asked, noticing the goosebumps on Hiro's arm.

Hiro shook his head. "I just imagined what it would be like with Raiden. You know, as a couple."

"Oooooo considering his offer I see" Michi teased, wiggling his brows. "Hiro and Raiden, sitting on a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

Hiro cringed. "Hey no, stop it."

"Well, it wouldn't be too bad if you asked me" Michi shrugged. "He's like, super wealthy, he loves you or should I say obsessed with you, he'd surely treat you right. He seems reliable. You'd have lived a life of luxury."

"B-But what about the other things?" Hiro asked. "You know, touching and stuff."

Michi couldn't help but laugh. "Oh my God, you mean sex?"

"Hey don't say it out loud!" Hiro reprimanded, looking around the shop. It was embarrassing.

"Relax. We're the only ones here." Michi laughed. He knew his friend was quite thin-skinned so he refrained from using such words. "Anyway, why are you curious about it? Didn't you say you told him you like girls?"

Hiro nodded. The only problem was that he had never been with a girl. "Well, I find them attractive. They're pretty but I've never like, you know, done anything with a girl."

"Wait a minute," Michi said as he took out his phone. He knew his friend was completely innocent and had never even held hands with a girl let alone kissed one. Well, except his sister, Saika but that was different.

"What do you think about this girl?" Michi asked, showing him the picture of a female kpop celebrity.

"Woooow" Hiro cooed in awe. "She's so pretty."

"How about this guy?" Michi asked, swiping the screen. The picture of a male celebrity, Chan Eun Woo, appeared and Hiro was completely stunned. "H-He's beautiful... but wait, why are you asking me this?"

Michi shrugged. "Trying to confirm if you're straight or not but this doesn't actually do it. You'll have to at least kiss a girl or boy to know."

Hiro shook his head, negating the idea. Even if he wanted to kiss someone, who would kiss him when he's so poor? He'd rather not get involved with anyone until he could stand on his own two feet. "What about you?" he asked Michi. "What's your sexuality?"