Satoru turned the volume on the TV down to let Kanato sleep better. He wasn’t sure of what to do in the meantime, he didn’t want to be too loud in fear of waking Kanato, after all he desperately needed his sleep.

Satoru sat down beside the foot of the bed, resting his head on his arms as he quietly observed Kanato. Kanato’s mouth hung open slightly and he was hugging one of Satoru’s pillows. Satoru couldn’t help but smile. Kanato always looked so perfect and put together but when he was sleeping, Kanato was the furthest from those things. 

Seeing Kanato so relaxed made Satoru feel a bit drowsy himself. He was beginning to fade and eventually fell asleep as he was watching over Kanato.

Kanato slept for quite a while, up until the next afternoon. Lucky for them, they had the day after exams off. 

To Kanato’s surprise Satoru was still asleep. The position Satoru was in didn’t seem all that comfortable either. He assumed that Satoru was watching over him while he slept and found it to be rather endearing. He pulled his legs to his chest, careful not to wake Satoru. Kanato could feel a smile tug at his lips as he rested his head on his knees.

Although Kanato had a shitty homelife with shitty parents, Satoru always made him feel safe and cared for. Kanato wished and hoped that someday he would be able to make Satoru feel just as and cherished. 

He knew it was selfish and stupid but he wished that one day Kanato and Satoru could spend each day like this. Sleeping close to one another and being able to wake up to each other’s face. That was one of his deepest desires that he kept down within himself. 

He often wished that he were to be born a girl in hopes Satoru may come to love him back or that he wouldn’t have to hide what he feels, it could be seen as normal, not some sort of sin or sickness.

The quiet moment didn’t last for long, Satoru ended up falling off the bed. He didn’t seem to be too bothered as he slowly opened his eyes, staring up at the ceiling. Kanato tried to stifle a laugh as he watched Satoru, “are you okay?” he asked, leaning over the side, staring down at the other boy.

“Yeah…” Satoru grumbled, “just give me a sec…” he said, lying there a few moments before slowly sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

“How did you sleep? Did you get some proper rest?” Satoru asked. 

Kanato smiled and nodded, “yeah! I slept great, my eyes finally don’t hurt anymore,” he laughed.

Satoru smiled and stood up, stretching his back, “I’m glad to hear it. I know I’ve said this many times but I was really worried about you. Especially yesterday. I don’t think I’ve seen you look so exhausted,” he said, “what happened this time? I thought you were doing fine.”

Kanato slowly nodded, scratching his neck, “I thought so too… but my mom hasn’t been very satisfied with my grades. She wanted me to be in the top three of the school rank. I was staying up for hours after work, trying to cram all of my notes in my head, but I got into sleep deprivation territory and it all went downhill from there. I’m honestly scared to go home and face her. I probably won’t be able to go to school once she’s done with me,” he said, sarcastically laughing.

Satoru’s eyes widened, he hardly knew what to say. He knew Kanato’s mother was awful but he never thought that it was getting this bad. It seemed that this was enough to fully break him this time. 

“Sorry I didn’t mean to unload all that heavy stuff onto you,” Kanato said, sounding embarrassed. 

Satoru profusely shook his head, “no! I’m glad you trust me enough to tell me about all that’s going on. Besides I was the one who asked. I just wish there was more I could do for you. I feel so helpless being only capable of listening while you have to deal with all of that…”

Kanato shook his head, “no it’s fine. That’s not the reason I’m telling you this. I’m not expecting you to solve my problems. Just lending an ear is more than you think. The fact that you care enough to take me over and give me a place to stay when I need it is more than I could ever ask for.

Satoru sat down on the bed next to him, “well if there is anything more I can do for you, just say the word. You and Hiroto mean the world to me.”

Kanato smiled, his eyes starting to water as he leaned in to hug Satoru, “you’re too good for me,” he mumbled. 

Satoru hugged him back, playing with Kanato’s hair in his fingers. Allowing them to stay like that for as long as Kanato wanted.

Kanato ended up staying the rest of the day until he reluctantly went back home.