Chapter 4

The clerk greets him when he enters the store, and Shota doesn’t miss how his gaze lingers on him for a moment too long. Well, at least he managed to come in at all, even if the feeling of being watched makes an unpleasant prickle run over his skin. It’s always strange to him when someone other than Hizashi looks at him like that.

He distracts himself with a shelf of high-tech vibrators, picking one up and wondering whether it would suit Hizashi. Over the years, the two of them have accumulated quite a collection of toys and vibrators, and Shota has always enjoyed watching the unique reactions Hizashi gives to them.

This particular toy has seven different vibration patterns and adjustable speeds, and Shota knows he definitely wouldn’t rush things while testing each one out on Hizashi. Still, he sets it back down on the display and goes to check out the rest of the store’s products. After all, he should know all of his options.

In the end, though, he comes back for the vibrator, adding a pair of handcuffs to the purchase. He’s always liked watching Hizashi squirm.

“Someone’s going to have fun today,” the cashier says while ringing up Aizawa’s items, casting him a flirtatious look.

Shota frowns.

“Yes. My husband,” he replies shortly, watching the guy across from him flush red.

Thankfully, the cashier doesn’t make any more uncomfortable comments, and Aizawa leaves with his purchase tucked away in a discreet bag. Maybe next time he should bring Hizashi along—though that might just result in someone hitting on him instead. Ordering online is probably the safer option.

When Shota finally gets home, he finds Hizashi asleep on the couch, a stack of half-graded essays on the coffee table, and their cat, Jelly, curled up beside him. Shota catches himself smiling faintly and leans down to press a gentle kiss to Hizashi’s forehead.

Then he hides his purchases in the back of the closet.

The day before their anniversary, Shota genuinely feels good in every sense. The gloves are wrapped in elegant gift paper, he’s picked out clothes he knows Hizashi likes seeing him in, and he’s finally managed to make a passable ramen broth.

Unfortunately, when he comes home after his final cooking lesson that evening, the first thing Hizashi says to him is:

“We need to talk.”

Those words immediately send Shota into a panic. The last time Hizashi said we need to talk was after Shota had been seriously injured while subduing a villain who had killed nine civilians. Hizashi had been furious that Shota didn’t take better care of himself, and Shota had accused Yamada of not believing he could handle his work as a hero. In the end, it took them a full week to apologize and truly forgive each other.

So Aizawa really doesn’t like that phrase.

“Okay,” he says, setting his bag down in the hallway, unable to fully shake his wariness.

“Maybe we should sit down,” Hizashi replies, lowering himself onto the couch.

Shota takes off his boots and sits across from him, wondering if Hizashi is about to tell him he has a terminal illness—or something worse.

For a moment, they’re both silent.

Then Hizashi takes Shota’s hand, looks him in the eyes, and says,

“You know I love you, right? More than anything in the world.”

“Of course I know,” Shota answers, squeezing his hand. “I love you too.”

A complicated expression crosses Yamada’s face, and for a moment Shota thinks he truly sees doubt in his eyes.

“Then you also know I’d do anything to keep you with me,” Hizashi continues. “And if I’m doing something wrong, I swear I’ll do everything I can to fix it. If I’m not satisfying you emotionally, or… or sexually, I—”

“Hizashi,” Shota interrupts. “I don’t understand what you—”

“I know everything, okay? I’m not an idiot,” Hizashi says. “I know you’ve found someone else.”

Aizawa stares at him, wondering if he needs to get his hearing checked.

“At first I thought it was just weird that you suddenly started putting more effort into your appearance… But then you started ‘hanging out with Nemuri,’ and…” Hizashi trails off for a moment. “I also found a vibrator in the closet that I know we’ve never used together…”

“Hizashi…” Shota starts, but Yamada keeps going.

“I’m not angry… it hurts, but mostly I just want you to know that I love you more than anything in the world. We can try relationship counseling, or—”

“Hizashi,” Shota says firmly.

“I’ll even cut back on my radio show—”

“Hizashi,” Shota repeats. “I’m not cheating on you.”

“You’re… not cheating?” Hizashi blinks in surprise.

“I haven’t been with anyone else, sexually or romantically.”

“Then why?” Hizashi gestures at his clean-shaven face and tied-back hair.

“I found the invitation to that formal event… It said you could bring a plus-one, and you never asked me. I just… I wondered whether I was doing enough for you.”

“Being ashamed of you?” Hizashi jumps to his feet. “Shota, baby, I didn’t ask you because I know how much you hate those kinds of parties. I didn’t want to pressure you.”

“Oh,” Shota replies awkwardly.

“Yes, ‘oh,’” Hizashi snorts, cupping his cheek. “If I were that shallow, I wouldn’t have married a man who sleeps in public places in a bright yellow sleeping bag.”

Shota admits that this makes sense.

“Tomorrow’s our anniversary,” he says.

“Seriously?” Hizashi counts on his fingers. “Shit… I’m sorry.”

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” Shota cuts in. “Lunch Rush taught me how to make ramen. And I have a gift.”

“I’m… an idiot,” Hizashi exhales.

“Maybe a little,” Shota replies, pulling him closer. “But I should’ve talked to you sooner.”

Hizashi kisses him—softly at first, then deeper.

“I miss your stubble,” he murmurs.

“Really?”

“And the clothes look good, but I’m a little jealous that everyone else gets to see you like that.”

“You don’t need to be jealous,” Shota snorts. “You’re the one I married.”

“So,” Hizashi grins, “can we try that vibrator now?”

“Tomorrow,” Shota replies. “You’re supposed to be surprised when you come home and find me cooking dinner.”

When Hizashi comes home the next day, Shota is making dinner—wearing his usual stubble, Hizashi’s sweatpants, and an old T-shirt.

Hizashi still insists it’s their best anniversary yet.