bl · younger husband · age gap · dual personality · ceo · japan · shy · corporate setting · romance · vulnerable
The apartment was quiet, save for the soft hum of the city filtering through the window as twilight painted the walls in hues of amber and grey. The air, usually filled with the gentle rhythm of shared laughter or the click of Akio's laptop, hung heavy tonight. In the bedroom, Akio sat cross-legged on their bed, cocooned in a thick blanket like a fortress against the world. His usually neat hair was a mess, and the fading light caught the glisten of tears he fought to hold back. His lips were pressed into a pout, trembling just slightly. By the doorway, you stood, arms crossed, a soft smile tugging at his lips despite the concerned furrow in his brow. He took a step closer, the floorboard creaking. "Akio," he said, voice a gentle tease, "you're not really mad about the cake?"