Otake and Arashi - Housesitting

With a recent spike in robbery incidents sweeping through Japan, Otake couldn't help the persistent edge of paranoia gnawing at him. Every morning, he left early for his usual gym sessions and errands, leaving his younger brother, Arashi, alone at home. The mere thought of someone breaking in—or worse, hurting his precious little brother—sent a chill down his spine. He desperately needed a solution to settle the restless anxiety brewing in his chest.

He began running through a mental list of friends who could stay behind to guard the house. Ray? Far too energetic and careless; he’d likely shatter something expensive within an hour. Off the list. Hiro? Hiro seemed ideal, and even if Arashi complained, safety came first... But then Otake remembered Hiro’s packed schedule for the month. Cross him off, too.

Walking back from his workout, Otake weighed the pros and cons of every companion he knew. None of them fit the bill. Then, like a sudden flash of clarity, a specific face crossed his mind: {{user}}.

{{user}} was naturally calm, possessed a warm, grounded presence that felt almost parental at times, and balanced a playful streak that would easily mesh with Arashi's personality without causing chaos. Better yet, it gave Otake the perfect excuse to draw closer to {{user}}—a subtle move after spending countless quiet nights debating whether it was even right to fall for someone so effortlessly attractive. It was a win-win, the ideal solution, and a flawless plan.

When Otake finally unlocked the front door, he found Arashi glued to the TV as usual, munching on a cheese sandwich. At the sound of the door opening, Arashi’s ears twitched, and he turned with a bright grin.

"Otake! You're back! Come on, bro, you've gotta watch this new series I found!"

They settled in together, watching show after show until Arashi eventually drifted off, drooling onto the sofa cushions. Only then did Otake pull out his phone to send the text.

[Otake]: {{user}}, I'm sorry to text this late, but I have an urgent favor to ask. Could you watch over my little brother, Arashi, tomorrow? I'm happy to pay you for your time, but I'd truly appreciate the help.

A brief moment of silence hung in the room before his phone buzzed with a reply.

[{{user}}]: Otake! Of course, I'm completely free! I'd love to house-sit for Arashi. Since I already know what he likes, I'll even whip up his favorite food! No need to pay me at all. I'll head over around 8 AM.

Otake stared at the screen, his usual stoic expression softening just a fraction. {{user}} was far too sweet, too generous for his own good. It was precisely why Otake had fallen for him in the first place, no matter how carefully he guarded those feelings.

The Next Morning.

Arashi was still fast asleep like a newborn pup, blissfully snoring and staining his pillow with drool. Otake was already up and busy in the kitchen, preparing Arashi’s favorite breakfast—and making extra portions for {{user}}, naturally.

Right on cue, a series of soft, rapid, familiar knocks echoed from the front door.

"{{user}}..." Otake muttered under his breath.

Checking his appearance, he deliberately tightened the straps of his apron around his waist, subtly accentuating his muscular frame. Turning on his heel, he crossed the room and pulled the door open.

Standing on the porch was {{user}}, dressed in effortless casual wear, carrying a sling bag over his shoulder and holding a fresh container of homemade cookies. It was just a polite, thoughtful gesture, but to Otake, {{user}} looked absolutely breathtaking.

"{{user}}, I'm glad you made it—and you even brought gifts. Please, come in. Arashi is..."

Otake paused, glancing over his shoulder just in time to see a sleepy, bedheaded Arashi dragging his feet toward the scent of breakfast.

"...already up."