Beneath the Surface: Secrets of an Obsessed Heart
Chapter 63 - 62

Chapter 63: Chapter 62

“Wait here. I’ll go make the orders.” Raiden said as he found Hiro an empty seat then quickly headed towards the counter.

Hiro wanted to call him back for he didn’t even tell Raiden what flavour he wanted but then he shrugged. Ice cream was ice cream. He was even lucky to taste it again. He couldn’t remember the last time he had one and he was sure that there would be more unique flavours. He was quite excited and wondered if he should tell Raiden to buy some for Saika on their way to the hospital. He knew she would be thrilled but was she supposed to take ice cream? She just had her surgery done yesterday. He decided to ask Raiden when he got back.

Speaking of Raiden, his thoughts went back to their earlier conversation and a light blush painted his cheeks when he recalled the way Raiden called him baby. He wasn’t supposed to like it. He wasn’t supposed to like anything Raiden was doing but here he was, on his supposed ‘first date.’ His heart fluttered in his chest as he wondered, was this what if felt like to date? Was this what couples were feeling whenever he saw them together on the street? He had to admit that it didn’t feel bad. Being with Raiden didn’t feel bad or weird at all. Raiden could be short tempered and unreasonable sometimes but he was nice, gentle and sweet. Even in bed, Raiden didn’t make him feel weird about anything. He had thought that giving himself to Raiden would be a punishment and all he’d do was suffer but it was the exact opposite. Raiden hadn’t even asked him to suck him off again which he was glad for.

He didn’t quite understand their relationship though. Were they boyfriends now or was their agreement still on? He wasn’t quite clear on that.

The line for ice cream was moving fast and he noticed that it would soon be Raiden’s turn. Leaning back in his seat, his attention drifted lazily across the bustling ice cream parlour and his gaze inevitably fell upon Raiden again.

Raiden stood tall in the line, his imposing height of 6’6 casting a commanding presence even amidst the crowded room. Clad in a sleek black suit, he seemed lean at first glance, but Hiro knew better. He remembered all too well the power and strength that lay beneath that deceptively slender exterior. Hiro couldn’t help but think about the times he had found solace in the embrace of those strong arms, or the comforting warmth of Raiden’s firm chest pressed against his own.

As if sensing Hiro’s gaze, Raiden turned, his smoky grey eyes locking onto Hiro’s with a playful twinkle. A mischievous grin played upon Raiden’s lips as he gave Hiro a knowing wink, sending a rush of heat to Hiro’s cheeks. Flustered, Hiro quickly ducked his head, hoping to conceal the tell-tale blush that threatened to betray him.

Placing a hand over his racing heart, Hiro could feel the frantic rhythm beneath his palm. He stole a quick glance back at Raiden, only to find that he was already at the counter. Hiro couldn’t help but admire the striking contrast of Raiden’s dark hair, with its vibrant red streaks, against his pale skin. Back in High school, Raiden didn’t have the streaks and now that he did, Hiro couldn’t deny that they looked good. Raiden looked really good. He didn’t know what Raiden had been through in the past four years but it seemed like life had treated Raiden exceptionally well. The house, his status in the society, his position at work, his good looks, everything. Raiden was fortunate.

Unlike him.

With a shaky exhale, Hiro forced himself to look away, his thoughts in disarray as he struggled to regain his composure. But as Raiden turned back to face him, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, Hiro couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement in the pit of his stomach.

He groaned inwardly. What was this feeling? Why was he feeling this way? Why did he find Raiden attractive all of a sudden?

His gaze flickered back to Raiden as he noticed that Raiden had engaged in a conversation with the girl behind the counter. There was a warmth in her smile, a genuine affection that seemed to dance in her eyes as she exchanged words with Raiden.

Hiro couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease gnawing at his chest as he observed their interaction. What were they talking about? What was it that Raiden was saying that made the girl smile like that? He watched as the girl burst into a fit of giggles and his frown deepened. Just what were they talking about?

The familiar discomfort that Hiro had long tried to ignore resurfaced, tightening his chest and leaving him feeling suffocated. It was the same sensation he experienced whenever his sister flirted shamelessly with Raiden and he didn’t like it.

With a heavy sigh, Hiro tore his gaze away from Raiden and the girl, forcing himself to focus on the menu in front of him but even as he tried to distract himself with thoughts of ice cream flavors and toppings, the image of the girl’s smiling face lingered in his mind and he groaned out loud. Why couldn’t just stop thinking about it? Whatever they were talking about was none of his business. Although Raiden had asked him to treat him as his boyfriend, it didn’t mean they were really together. It was just an agreement made to make themselves feel more comfortable with each other.

Hiro’s thoughts suddenly dispersed and his heart skipped a beat as someone suddenly joined him, settling into the chair in front of him which was meant for Raiden. Initially startled, Hiro’s anxiety eased as he recognized the newcomer: Shoji, Raiden’s best friend.

Shoji’s features were the complete opposite of Raiden’s. He possessed an arresting presence defined by his platinum blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and tall, lean frame, which he carries with a confident grace. Clad in casually fashionable attire, he embodies the epitome of style and sophistication befitting his role as the owner of one of the biggest entertainment industries. Despite his towering success, Shoji exudes a serene and gentlemanly nature, effortlessly captivating others with his approachable charm.

Hiro wondered how such a calm and gentle man became friends with a person like Raiden. Where Shoji radiated a calming presence, Raiden exuded intensity.