Aiden

The woman said, "I will go and inform Go-sensei that Haru-kun is awake. Please wait a moment."

Aiden nodded, and the woman left them again.

The moment the door was closed, Aiden leaned forward, cupped Haru's face in his hands, and then kissed the boy on the lips gently.

"Your skin is hot," he said.

"It's because I have a fever," Haru said.

Aiden moved and hugged the boy tight in his arms. "My heart nearly stopped when I felt your limp body," he said. "I was so scared."

"Really?" Haru asked. "You were scared because I fainted?"

"To be fair," Aiden said, "you haven't done that in a while. Fainting, I mean."

Haru said, "The last time was after Mom and Stepdad passed away, right? The social services."

Aiden nodded. That was right. Hadn't he promised himself back then that he'd never let Haru fall that sick again? And now what? Had he forgotten his own vow? How foolish of him, to be so selfish as to neglect Haru's health.

There were a few knocks at the door, which drew both Aiden's and Haru's attention. Aiden released Haru then and moved back just as the door opened.

Go-sensei came in, introduced himself to Haru, and then began the examination. After the thorough checkup, asking Haru various questions, he then drew some of Haru's blood into three different tubes. Done, he told both Haru and Aiden that the results should be back within a couple of days and that, in the meantime, Haru should take it slow and rest. Then he was gone, and it wasn't long when the room was filled with people again, and noises.

"Haru, are you all right, bro?" Isaac asked, all worried again.

Haru nodded. "I'm just tired and feverish, that's all."

Noah said, "Then rest." He shifted his gaze to Aiden. "And you, no touching him." Which translated to no sexy sessions until Haru was better.

Aiden chuckled. "I know."

Finally, Haru got to meet Uncle Jin, who to the boy's surprise, gave him a tight hug, as if they'd known each other forever.

"Rest, Haru," he said. "I'll ensure my staff takes good care of you. The hot springs are especially good for a tired body."

Haru nodded. "Thanks, Uncle Jin."

To the rest of the group, Uncle Jin said, "It's about time you're shown to your rooms." He turned to Higa-san, who happened to be in the room, as well as Patricia. "Take them to the presidential suite."

Higa-san nodded. "Hai." Translated to a yes in Japanese.

To the brothers, Uncle Jin said, "Unfortunately, today is too cold for me to venture out. My health won't permit me."

Reo said, "We understand, uncle."

Once Haru was out of bed and able to walk without feeling like fainting, Higa-san led them out of the main building of the resort and into the cold winter outside. They strolled through a short woodland to the north side of the estate along the lake, and it wasn't long when they came to a series of traditional Japanese houses.

"This one is yours," Higa-san said. "Seven-day stay, free of charge, the presidential suite."

"Wow!" Isaac uttered. "It's nice."

The others nodded in agreement. The house was beautiful, with sliding doors and wooden engawa verandas. There was even a stone garden at the front, too.

Higa-san opened the door and ushered everyone in. After leaving their luggage and shoes at the genkan, they put on the slippers provided and started exploring the house.

Most of the rooms had tatami mats and sliding doors, except for the bathroom, which had an attached indoor-outdoor hot spring pool that stretched into the exquisite, snow-covered garden.

"Whoa! Haru! Look, the hot spring looks awesome. I can see steam rising from the pool," Isaac said in excitement.

Though to be sure, he wasn't the only one who was excited about the presidential suite and the hot spring. Mason, Noah, and Connor were as well. They had already claimed their rooms, with Reo sharing with Mason and Noah with Connor and Isaac.

In their room, which was the last one left, Aiden was already busy unpacking as Haru said, "It's really nice here."

Aiden nodded. Then he asked, "Is it anything like the house you used to live in back in Osaka?"

Haru shook his head. "Our house back then was nothing like this. I mean it was old, but there was no charm, and it was definitely not fancy like this."

Aiden smiled. "Then let's enjoy staying here."

Haru nodded. "Hm."

It was then that Higa-san's voice came from the doorway. "I see Mr. Davis is sharing a room with Haru-kun? It's too bad there aren't more rooms in this suite so everyone can get their own, but three bedrooms is the max in our hotel suites."

Aiden said, "It's no problem. I'll be troubled if Haru isn't close to me."

Higa-san nodded in understanding. "Yes, considering Haru-kun is not well. I'd be worried, too, if one of my siblings was sick." He laughed. "But I would have thought it'd be Reo-san who would be more worried about Haru-kun and sharing a room with him, considering they're blood brothers."

Aiden knew the man had misinterpreted his words and misunderstood the situation. He guessed it was to be expected.

Higa-san said, "It's getting late. Dinner will be served shortly."

Haru asked, "Will Uncle Jin be joining us?"

Higa-san shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. He's not well enough to venture out of the hotel, since it's been very cold this week. His lungs aren't good. It's Go-sensei's orders. But tomorrow he has arranged for everyone to join him for lunch at the penthouse."

Aiden said, "That sounds great."

Higa-san nodded and then he looked at Haru. "Perhaps you'd want to bathe in the hot spring before dinner? It'll help with your tiredness."

"Thanks," Haru said. "Yeah, I'll do that."

"Then I'll be off," Higa-san said. After saying farewell to the rest of the brothers, he was gone.

Alone in the room with Haru, Aiden said, "How about we go into the hot spring together?"

Haru nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good."