Beneath the Surface: Secrets of an Obsessed Heart Chapter 97 - 96

Red faced, Hiro kept quiet and started to eat his al. He found that the dishes were actually tasty and easy to eat. He especially liked the boiled fish.

Raiden looked at Hiro with a tender smile. “What do you want to do today?” he asked, his tone affectionate. “We can do anything you want. I took the week off so we can spend so ti together.”

Hiro’s heart fluttered at Raiden’s words. Normally, people like Raiden were workaholics but Raiden took an entire week off just to spend so ti with him. His blush deepened as he glanced at Raiden. “You didn’t have to do that,” He mumbled shyly.

“I wanted to,” Raiden replied, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Hiro’s ear. “We haven’t really spent quality ti together you know. There’s a lot of things we do not know about each other. I want us to do things couples do. You know, go on dates, take walks down the beach, go on a long drive around town, we can even go a trip if you want. We can go to Africa and see all the wild animals."

Hiro was surprised. He had always wanted to go to Africa. He couldn’t suppress the smile that spread across his face, his cheeks flushing even more. "Sotis I feel like you know more about than I do about myself."

Raiden chuckled. If only Hiro knew how many years he had spent observing him. There was nothing he didn’t know about Hiro. He could rember walking by Hiro’s class one ti and he heard so students talking about countries they’d been to. Hiro could not share any stories because his parents had never allowed him to travel. He was always being treated like an egg, having his brother watch him like a hawk. At that mont, Hiro was asked by a girl what country he had visited and Hiro said he had never been out of Japan but if he were to go anywhere, it would be Africa because he wanted to see the wild animals.

"I’d really like to go to Africa." Hiro said. "But can it be after my sister gets better? I don’t want to leave knowing she’s still in the hospital."

"That’s fine by ." Raiden answered, ruffling Hiro’s soft hair. "Whatever you want baby."

Hiro’s heart swelled as they continued to eat, each mont filled with quiet affection and shared smiles.

After breakfast, Raiden and Hiro spent the rest of the morning lounging in bed, the soft glow of the television casting a warm light over the room. They were watching one of Hiro’s favourite anis, One Piece.

Raiden had an arm wrapped protectively around Hiro while Hiro was nestled into Raiden’s chest, his head tucked under Raiden’s chin, feeling the soothing rumble of Raiden’s voice as he occasionally comnted on the show.

The ani’s lighthearted humor brought a smile to Hiro’s face, and he felt completely at ease. He could really get used to this.

After a few episodes, they decided to have a light lunch. Raiden carried Hiro to the balcony, where a small table was set up with a simple al of fresh fruit, sandwiches, and iced tea. The balcony overlooked a busy street, and Hiro enjoyed watching the people and cars below while feeling the cool breeze on his face.

As they ate, they both looked up at the sky, watching birds swoop and dive. Hiro’s eyes sparkled as he followed their movents, and Raiden couldn’t help but admire how the sunlight made Hiro’s hair shine.

They talked about anything and everything and Hiro found that he talked a lot. He was like a bird, chattering away. He talked about his like and dislikes, his allergies, his dreams. He didn’t know how but Raiden was able to draw out a lot of information from him with just a few sentences. It made him completely relax and he felt so free. He felt that he had never talked so much in his entire life.

Raiden was also a good listener. He enjoyed listening to Hiro. He enjoyed watching his expressions, the way his eyes lit up when he was talking about sothing he liked and the way he pouted when he recalled sothing that made him upset. Raiden felt he could remain like that forever, watching and listening to Hiro talk.

After lunch, Raiden carried Hiro back inside and led him to the bathroom. The jacuzzi was already filled with warm water, fragrant steam rising from the surface as Raiden added a few drops of essential oils. The scent of lavender and eucalyptus filled the room, creating a calming atmosphere.

Raiden helped Hiro take off his clothes and carefully helped him into the jacuzzi, making sure he was comfortable. Hiro let out a sigh of contentnt as the warm water enveloped him, easing the soreness in his muscles. Raiden sat beside the tub, gently running his fingers through Hiro’s hair.

“This feels amazing,” Hiro murmured, his eyes half-closed. He waited for a while but didn’t hear any further movents from Raiden so he asked; "Aren’t you going to co in?"

Raiden smiled and undressed as well. He slipped in behind Hiro, who leaned back against his chest, finding comfort in the warmth they shared. They stayed like that for a while, enjoying the silence and each other’s presence.

"Raiden..." Hiro finally broke the silence, his voice soft.

"Hmm?" Raiden responded, his tone gentle.

"Can you help my brother, please? Last ti, you said—"

"I already have," Raiden interrupted, pressing a kiss to Hiro’s shoulder. "I’ve paid Big Tony, but according to the contract your brother signed, he still has to work as an escort for one week before they’ll let him go."

Hiro tilted his head slightly, confusion evident in his sparkly eyes. "What’s an escort?"

Raiden’s smile widened, finding Hiro’s innocence endearing. "It just ans your brother will act as a date for a few people for a week. That’s all."

"Oh," Hiro murmured, seemingly satisfied with the explanation.

"Thank you, Raiden," he added softly, his gratitude sincere.

Raiden humd in response, his hands starting to massage Hiro’s arms and shoulders. As his fingers worked through the tension in Hiro’s muscles, a dark, twisted satisfaction sparked in his eyes. He couldn’t help but relish the thought of what was happening to Sora. Nobody sses with him and gets away with it.

After soaking for a while, Raiden lifted Hiro out of the jacuzzi and wrapped him in a fluffy towel, gently drying him off.

"How do you feel now?" Raiden asked, his voice soft as he finished wrapping the towel around Hiro.

Hiro took a tentative step forward, but his knees wobbled slightly. Without hesitation, Raiden scooped him up again. "If you can’t walk, just let carry you," he said, his tone firm yet caring.

Hiro blushed, hiding his face in the crook of Raiden’s neck. "I don’t want you to keep carrying all the ti," he mumbled shyly.

"Am I complaining?" Raiden replied with a light chuckle. "You’re as light as a feather. Besides, I like carrying you. I don’t want you lifting a single finger when I’m around."

Hiro’s heart ward at Raiden’s words. "You like that much, Raiden?"