Good Music, Good Company, Big Shock.

Ren squealed excitedly as Haruto opened his front door, eyeing him weirdly. That squeal, he didn't recognise it. Ren wasn't usually so…upbeat.

"What's got you all excited?" he asked, walking into his living room and motioning with his head for Ren to follow him, cigarette hanging from his lips.

"I got us a date!" Ren said, kicking off his shoes and following him in, closing the front door behind him. Haruto chuckled.

"Ah? Where is it?"

"Only the hottest bar in Shibuya!" Ren smiled, holding up a pair of concert tickets, "my favourite idol band are playing there!"

"Idol bands, huh?" Haruto sighed, puffing out a shit tonne of smoke with it. He hated idols, they were so fake. However, seeing the excited look on Ren's face, he wasn't about to let him go alone. Or with that Hideaki kid. After all, he was Ren's age, and they were close. Haruto shook the thought from his mind. No way, Ren was far too into him to cheat.

"UHUH!"

"Lemme see," Haruto said, sitting down on the couch. Ren approached him, handing him the tickets while jumping up and down. Haruto (was eventually able to) take the tickets from his hand and observed the name.

"Free Spirits, hm? They good?"

"Only the best!" Ren said, pumping his fist into the air, "I know you're old and shit, and these bands aren't your thing but I want you to come with me tomorrow. Pleaseeeee!?"

"Old?" Haruto huffed, holding his cigarette in his hand. With his free one, he pulled a startled Ren into his lap.

"And what does this old man get in return, hm?" he asked, kissing his cheek.

"W-wha? Well, whatever you want, I suppose" Ren blushed.

"How about you stay the night here? Cuddling only, of course" he asked, continuing to kiss his cheek.

"I-yes! I would be glad to" Ren smiled.

"Good" Haruto smiled in return, beginning to smoke again. Ren hopped off his lap, looking around the room awkwardly. Things were still a little bit weird between them. They hadn't slept together, just kissed. A lot. It didn't bother Haruto, though. He liked Ren - and he was respectful of his wishes. Still, there was always a part of him who desired it. However, he understood that neither of them were ready to sleep together.

"I have to go, I have a lot of homework. I'll see you tomorrow evening outside the venue, yeah?" Ren said, walking back towards the door. Haruto watched him for a moment, creeping up behind him as he put his shoes back on. As Ren stood up, he placed his cigarette between his lips again and wrapped both arms around his boyfriend. Ren tensed up, then relaxed into his touch. See, still a little weird.

"I'll miss you," he said softly.

"I'll miss you also, but we will be together all night tomorrow!" Ren replied even softer. It sent chills down the back of Haruto's neck. This kid had him wrapped around his finger.

"Um…Ren?"

"Uhuh?"

"I'm not good at romance. I don't have a good time, or a good place for most things but…" he tightened his grip on his young lover, "I love you."

Ren giggled, snuggling into his touch even more. Haruto closed his eyes, taking in his sweet scent.

"I know" Ren told him, "and I love you too."

He released him after a few seconds, pressing a kiss to his lips.

"I will call you later."

"Okay, goodbye!"

"Bye-bye."

Haruto watched him walk down the garden, then out onto the road with a grin across his face. He did it, he told him he loved him. He felt so proud in that moment, but that pride suddenly disappeared with a sudden realisation.

One day very soon, they would need to tell Reiko.

_________________________________________________

The venue was packed with all kinds of people, mostly people dressed in punk rock clothing. Haruto felt so out of place, but then he spotted Ren sitting on a low wall outside. Their eyes met and all his worries washed away. When he was with Ren, he felt young (well, unless Ren reminded him that he was older). He approached Ren, taking a hold of his hand as they sat together.

"I'm sorry I'm a bit late," he said gently, "I had a bit more paperwork than I anticipated."

"That's okay, I wasn't here long either. Hideaki texted me that something bad happened, and he needed me to phone the police."

"What?"

"Yeah. I can't get a reply from him, but I sent the police to his home."

"Shit, I hope he's okay."

Ren looked down, "me too. He doesn't have a good home life."

"Hm?"

Ren paused, before sighing, "I'm sure he's okay. He's probably just busy with the police, right?"

"Right."

The line started to move, then, so they got in line and waited for their turn to enter the venue. Ren seemed to perk up and he got excited again, which made Haruto very happy to see. However, he could still sense he was worried for his friend, and Haruto couldn't blame him.

After they entered the club, Haruto bought them both a drink and they took a seat. They had laid out tables and chairs for people to sit on, but also a standing area. Haruto had offered to stand with Ren, who refused. He said standing hurt your feet and back too much, and people spilled their drinks and the floor got sticky. Haruto couldn't think of anything less appealing after the long day at work he had.

The band came out rather quickly, dressed all in black. Ren explained to Haruto that two members were Japanese, and one was Chinese. He nodded along while he listed off their favourites and things he knew about them. He loved to see Ren so passionate, he looked like he had stars in his eyes as he shouted over their music. One was playing guitar while singing, the other was playing bass and the other on the drums.

Haruto actually ended up enjoying the show, but not as much as Ren. He felt electric! Their music had always been an inspiration for him, so to see them so up close felt almost surreal. They played ten of their songs, before taking a break. Ren needed to pee, badly. Standing up, he announced that to Haruto before moving to the back area where the bathrooms were.

Deciding to use a stall, he locked the door behind him and just as he was about to leave the stall, he heard the door fling open and the sounds of making out. Freezing up, Ren wasn't sure what to do. By the sounds of things, the people who were in there with him 1. Didn't care if they got caught or 2. Didn't think to check. Either way, the sounds of moaning and kissing made it sound like they would be far too occupied to see him sneak out.

"Is there anyone else here?" one asked.

"Who cares?"

"I do! You should!"

Wait a damn minute…those voices…they sounded so familiar. Ren slid open the lock, taking a deep breath and then slowly opened the door. However, the door creaked, causing the two men – one of which was seated upon the sink with the other between his legs – to look up with shocked expressions.

No way. It was Kyo and Jin – the singer/guitarist and the drummer!

Ren swallowed thickly; eyes transfixed on Kyo in particular. They looked stunned, like they were doomed. Ren shook his head quicky, yelling "I won't tell anyone, you have my word!"

He bowed and quickly ran out of the bathroom, his breath hitching in his throat.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck. Oh my God" he gasped once he reached the seat again, placing his head in his hands.

"What? WHAT?" Haruto barked, demanding to know. He was concerned. Ren looked up at him, face pale.

"I just saw something in the bathroom I really shouldn't have!" he exclaimed. Haruto leaned closer.

"The drummer – and the singer – making out" he whispered in Haruto's ear.

"What? No way!" Haruto gasped. Ren's heart was thumping in his chest. That was the weirdest thing he had ever experienced. Sure, there were rumours about them, but there were rumours about almost every band. You know, fangirls shipping members together was a normal thing. He hadn't expected those rumours to be REAL.

Ren was shocked to the core, so much so, he decided to leave. Haruto asked him if he was sure he wanted to go, but he had to. He was shaking, scared they would do something to him. Famous people had connections sometimes, right? He only really calmed down once they got back to Haruto's house. He placed his backpack down onto Haruto's bed, then flopped down himself. Feeling the soft mattress on his back, he finally took one last shaky breath. He felt calm, but his mind was still racing.

Haruto snuggled up next to him.

"Don't beat yourself up, Ren. You're fine here with me."

Ren rolled over onto his side, pulling Haruto's arms around him. "I'm drained. Let's sleep."

Haruto nodded, pressing a kiss to his neck.

"Goodnight. I love you."

"I love you too" Ren smiled. Haruto snuggled into his back, tightening his grip around him. When he felt Haruto's arms grow slightly limp moments later, he knew he was sleeping. Closing his eyes lightly, the youth couldn't help but feel bad for the band he had admired for all those years. They had to keep it a secret…probably forever. He wondered if Haruto wanted to keep their love a secret, too. It would probably be easier for everyone except them. Reiko would probably be furious if she found out, but she had to know.

Ren was serious about this, and he wanted everyone else to be, too.

|| Thank you to everyone who has read this book so far. Do leave some feedback in the comments, I appreciate it always. I want this book to be longer. I like writing it, so I will be adding in for sure one more couple - maybe more. <3