Kouta begins to feel optimistic about rekindling his relationship with Ryuu in Balance, Chapter 24. Here’s a bit:
Kouta smiled as he hung up the phone. He was waiting for Ryuu at their home. Ryuu had just called and told him that he was only a few minutes away. Kouta had heard his excitement through the phone. He’d eagerly been anticipating Ryuu’s arrival, as he nervously moved around the house, unsure what to do with all of his energy. He felt they were on the verge of a stronger relationship.
Kouta reaches out to Ryuu again. However, he remains unsure how far he wants to go in Balance, Chapter 23. Here’s a bit:
After cleaning up the mess, they made sure that the pets were properly fed. When the immediate reason for Ryuu’s return was out of the way, Kouta shifted nervously from leg to leg. He didn’t know what to say. He went to the living room and settled on the couch. Ryuu followed, sitting across from him in an armchair. Kouta tapped a nervous rhythm on the arm of the couch, trying to get his thoughts together.
Kouta and Ryuu have a brief encounter, which is a precursor to more, in Balance, Chapter 22. Here’s a portion:
They ordered their food, having a quiet conversation about the weather, work, about everything but the most important issue. Often, Kouta locked eyes with Ryuu and so much raced through his mind. There were many things he wanted to say. He sensed Ryuu was feeling the same. This wasn’t the time or place. Yet that didn’t matter to Kouta. Right now, despite his confusion about our situation, being in Ryuu’s presence was enough.
Kouta’s temper causes him to do something he regrets in Balance, Chapter 21. Here’s a portion:
As much as Kouta was looking forward to seeing Ryuu, he ended up being in a foul mood when he went to his lover. He had argued with Yosuke, since he’d been three weeks late in providing lyrics for several songs. His focus hadn’t been the same as usual and Yosuke had strongly reprimanded him. Kouta knew he’d been preoccupied over Ryuu’s situation with Alexis. However, he didn’t want to explain that to Yosuke. As his manager had demanded answers, Kouta had opted stubbornly to keep quiet. Unused to that amount of belligerence from Kouta, Yosuke had speculated that there was an issue involving Ryuu. After over a decade of managing Kouta, Yosuke could figure out what circumstances affected him the most. He’d told Kouta that he should stop having a private life if it was so difficult to control. Livid over the comment, Kouta had left Yosuke’s office, slamming his door.
Kouta and Ryuu take their activities outside the house, in Balance, Chapter 20. Here’s a snippet:
Kouta bit his lip to keep from laughing at the circumstances. He didn’t know why Ryuu wouldn’t admit who was with him. Maybe he thought his employee would automatically guess why they were behind a locked door. It was too tempting not to exploit the situation.
Balance, Chapter 19 is the calm before a major storm. Here’s a snippet:
The object of Ryuu’s affection laughed and shook his head. Ryuu had returned home from the grocery store. He didn’t yet know Kouta was on the phone. At the moment he’d announced his sexual intentions, his mother was giving Kouta tips on making tortellini, one of Ryuu’s favorite dishes. Kouta had put on the speakerphone function, so his hands could be free, as he prepared the food and chatted with Mrs. Kobayashi. An unexpected outcome was Ryuu’s salacious request being broadcasted.
Balance Chapter 18 is an emotional ride for both Kouta and Ryuu. Here’s an excerpt:
The most difficult part of the issue was hearing the entertainment reporters debate about how Ryuu would react. It increased Kouta’s concern. Ryuu would be returning soon and Kouta wasn’t ready to face him. He didn’t think it was possible to be prepared to explain things to Ryuu. He knew how much his lover valued privacy. Yet his actions had touched off a situation that had the press doing further prying.
I’ve added Balance Chapter 17! Here’s an excerpt:
Kouta shrugged nonchalantly and laughed; he knew each concert in a tour usually had a few unique moments. The fans roared in answer, when he stood up. He slowly began to raise his t-shirt, teasing the audience with each bit of skin revealed. He paused for effect, when the shirt was just above his navel. The white t-shirt contrasted with his skin and the thin line of dark hair on his stomach.
Kouta and Ryuu have posted remarks under their sections in The Characters Say…
Kouta, as usual, is more open with his thoughts. He looked back over his two years with Ryuu and has come to some realizations. Ryuu, reluctantly, shared a bit of what he’s thinking too. Overtime, he might be more revealing. For the moment, he’s protecting his feelings like he protects Kouta.
I’ve updated with Balance Chapter 16. Here are some snapshots:
Eager to play, Kouta quickly found a necktie; he changed its function into a blindfold, when he put it on Ryuu. He made sure it was secure and then they started their game. As Kouta watched Ryuu stumble around, he tried hard not to laugh and reveal his position.
