Lani POV:

I trudged down the hallway of the HPSC after the meeting with Yuna had concluded—alone.

While Shouto and I originally had plans to head back to my place after today's series of unfortunate events, things turned out even more unfortunate than I could have imagined. Signing a soul crushing contract to date one's ex is certainly quite the serial boner killer, you know.

Yuna had kicked me out of the meeting with the two lovebirds shortly after the contract had been signed, and I felt it no use to try and stick around. That woman can talk for hours about absolutely nothing. Not to mention...

I seem to only be making things worse for Shouto with my input. I'm only one more wrong breath away from getting fired.

I sighed softly as I waited for the elevator, hearing it ding open a few moments later. I stepped inside alone and repeatedly hit the 'lobby' button with an impressive speed, humming in relief when it began to close. I learned my lesson about riding the elevators with the people around here.

Whatever Mount Lady and Kamui woods were doing in the corner last week was something even my headphones couldn't drown out. But, hey, questions answered—I guess there aren't splinters on it. That one Reddit thread would be going wild if they knew...

The elevator was almost completely closed before an arm abruptly slid into the middle of it, causing the doors to immediately open back up.

I held in a groan and stepped to the side in preparation for the stranger, resisting the urge to roll my eyes...

Ugh. Come on. It was almost entirely closed. Was it really that much trouble to just wait for the next...

My thoughts were cut off when I met those dual colored eyes, suddenly thankful that the door never had the chance to close in the first place.

"Oh. Hey." I uttered, almost cringing from the softness of my voice.

It's become uncontrollable whenever Shouto's around me. No matter how bitter or annoyed I'd been prior, it always melts away the moment he's here. Ugh, gross...

But, still, my stone cold heart fluttered at the way his face softened from my tone of voice. He gave me a nod and looked at me, seeming as if he wanted to say something. But, the two of us flinched slightly when the elevator doors bonked into him unforgivably from both sides due to his loitering, causing me to grab his arm and quickly pull him inside.

Similar to what I'd done a few moments ago, he repeatedly hit the lobby button, but it seems he had a more specific reason for doing so, glancing at the empty hallway every few seconds as if he was hoping someone in particular wouldn't come around the corner and try to follow him.

I have a pretty good guess on who that 'someone' is.

The elevator closed for real this time, and Shouto and I both breathed in relief, standing side by side as it slowly began to climb down to the lobby.

It was peaceful, and I wouldn't mind if it was just the two of us in here forever. It would protect us from Yuna, and Momo, and also the Mizuchi.

I pressed my lips together at the thoughts, looking at our blurry reflections in the steeled elevator doors. "I'm surprised you're here." My voice came out more tired than I meant it. "I thought the meeting with Yuna and Momo would be taking a lot longer. It's why I didn't wait."

Shouto blinked a few times, and his reflection fidgeted slightly. "Oh. Well....I think it was...supposed to take longer? Because your boss just...I don't know....kept talking." He said, furrowing his brows in confusion to Yuna's rambling. "But, once you left, I stopped listening. So I told her I had to go."

My brows raised and I chuckled at the audacity Shouto didn't know he had, imagining the stupid look that must have been on Yuna's face when her new money maker basically just walked out mid-sentence.

Ah, Shouto. He's so unnecessarily savage. Heh...

And he's got every right to be when it comes to Yuna. Shouto's not just some low level employee she can boss around and treat like shit. No matter how much he's, no doubt, pissing her off, she's gotta keep him happy.

"Wow. That's bold of you. I don't think anyone's ever cut one of Yuna's meetings short before. I'm impressed." I mused, giving Shouto's shoulder a soft nudge with my own.

Usually he reacts to my compliments, even if it's just the subtlest little smile. But, this time, he just looked down at his feet, and I recognized that look on his face. He looks a little troubled, he's got something to say, but he's still thinking about how he wants to say it.

So, I didn't speak a word as I waited patiently, giving him as much time as he needed. I wanted him to voice his thoughts. I wanted him to feel heard.

The elevator descended three floors before he figured himself out. "I just...didn't want you to leave without me." He partially glanced my way. "Um...unless you were trying to..."

My heart clenched a little bit at his words and the tone of them. It was completely unintentional on my part to make Shouto feel that way, but I absolutely still blame myself.

Truly, I'm not trying to play games with him and keep him on this guessing game of where we stand. I've just...been alone for a long time. Most of my life actually, and that's the mindset of how I think. No one ever waits for me after work, and they don't care if I wait for them.

But, I guess...that's different now.

"I promise I wasn't trying to do that." I reassured clearly, turning towards him now. "I just...wasn't sure where your head would be after everything that happened tonight. I...I didn't wanna overwhelm you, ya know. And, also...I wasn't sure if maybeee....you'd rather go home....with Momo."

I scoffed at myself slightly for letting that last part slip. Ugh, gross x2. Might as well paint the word 'insecure' across my forehead in bright red letters...

But, this is Shouto, and he doesn't understand subtlety. The only way for him to know what I'm thinking is to rip the bandaid off and say it. And, damn, that's gonna be really hard for me.

Because, then I'm forced to confront things about myself that I'd normally try to hide.

I usually find any way I can to evade the chance of rejection or hurt. Logically, I know that Shouto's feelings towards Momo are non-existent—for now. But, the two did end up coming to the HPSC together tonight, and Shouto did sign the contract.

In the chance that things had changed from that sequence of events, I didn't wanna stick around and hear it from him. I'd rather just disappear and never have to face it.

Yeah. It's cowardly. But, I never claimed to be brave.

His soft, full lips formed a small 'oh' of realization to my words, and I could visibly see the troubled look washing off his face like water. I swallowed too quickly when he looked at me suddenly, watching his eyes wandering over every feature of my face.

"Um. I'd...much rather go with you. If that's okay." He said, alternating his sweet, innocent gaze between my eyes and my lips.

His attention was so focused. So entirely on me in a way that was so unnerving. So new.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, feeling my veins tingle with a pleasurable buzz I couldn't describe. I just know it was addicting, being someone's first choice. Being his first choice.

It's never happened to me before, I wasn't even my own parents' first choice—or second choice, for that matter.

But, I'm first to Shouto, someone I desire so much. Someone I can't stay away from. And, once again, I'm weak to it in a way I've never been weak to anything else. His words...his smile...his eyes, all of it touch a deeper part of my soul that was always hidden and protected from everyone else.

It almost hurts...in a way that feels so good.

In the privacy of just him and I, I couldn't help but grab his wrist and pull him into me, smiling softly as I snaked my arms around his neck. Even if the rest of his face remained stoic, his eyes melted with their own subtle smile as he hovered closer.

"It's okay with me, too." I whispered, trailing my gaze down to his lips-

Ding!

We were jolted back to reality as the elevator dinged open, and I quickly removed my arms from him, stepping away from Shouto now that we were exposed to the public.

As if the HPSC rules and Mizuchi bullshit wasn't enough, Shouto and I are gonna have to keep things tightly under wraps due to his new contract.

I cleared my throat and smoothed out my dress shirt, walking out of the elevator and nodding for Shouto to follow me. I gripped my briefcase tightly with unease, glancing around the bustling lobby of the hero commission with purpose.

Part of me wondered where Momo was, but the other part didn't wanna know as I simply power walked to the exit of the building. I felt Shouto's presence following closely behind, and as we reached the exit, he reached over my frame and opened the door, holding it for me as I walked through.

Once we were outside, he released the door immediately and it closed on whoever had been walking behind us. Normally, that wouldn't matter...

But, my stomach dropped in dread at that familiar gasp of offense once the door swung open again, groaning under my breath and already slowing my steps in preparation for what was to come.

"Shouto?" Momo asked a few feet behind us.

Of course. There she is...

While I wasn't shocked, Shouto genuinely seemed to be, truly not noticing that Momo had apparently been behind us on our way out of the building. It also seems, he still didn't know he unintentionally just closed the door on her face as well.

"Oh." His voice flattened ever so slightly at the sight of her, walking a few steps back to my side. "Um. Yes, Momo?"

Momo's heels clacked as she approached us, giving me a longer look than necessary before turning back to him. "Well, it's just...we drove here together and I'm on your way home." She pointed out obviously, glancing at me for another split second after the words had been spoken. "So, are you ready to go?"

"Well...yes, I'm ready to go." Shouto said, gesturing towards me. "But, I'm going with Lani."

My eyes closed tiredly at how suspicious his words sounded, watching Momo's gaze slide over to me now.

"Oh." She said in a mixture of deflation and insecurity. "Do you live in Musutafu, too?"

Psh. Yeah, right. As if I could afford that on my salary. I make a forty-five minute commute to work everyday, and Shouto is in the complete opposite direction. But, there's no way I can tell Momo that without her getting pissed.

After all, that contract is serious business. There's just as much risk for her to terminate it if she's unhappy as there is for Shouto. Momo wouldn't care about getting sued. Daddy can pay it off for her. But, me? I don't have that luxury. That's where 'punishable by law' comes in—aka, jail time.

"Shouto and I actually have some work to take care of before he heads home for the night." I faked a smile, hating that I now had to justify my time with him. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he gets back to his side of town in one piece."

She said nothing so I slowly started walking away, causing Shouto to follow me. It was only then did Momo's words force us to stop again. "Oh? What sort of work? I suppose I should be involved in it now. I'll come with you two."

With my back still to her, I rolled my eyes in annoyance, starting to understand the type of 'contract relationship' Momo wanted to have. It's obvious she's the type of person who wants to be involved in everything to do with Shouto. That's probably part of the reason why she loved this idea so much.

But, I won't allow her to insert herself where she doesn't belong. Part of my job is to set boundaries and be Shouto's voice.

"I like to think the work that Shouto and I do for his own individual career, and whatever this is," I said, gesturing between her and Shouto with little interest, "Are two separate things."

Momo gave a snobbish look, and the only reason I recognized it as 'snobbish' is because my best friend Kai makes that look sometimes when she doesn't get her way. I was surprise when Shouto joined the conversation.

"Um, I agree." He backed me up, giving a small nod of departure. "So.......goodbye, Momo."

Her jaw dropped and she looked like she might cry, voice cracking as she immediately called him back. "W-Well, hold on!" She matched the few parting steps we'd managed to create. "Shouto, before you go, can I at least talk to you about something else? Preferably, in private since it's about our relationship?"

This time, Shouto was the one to stop first, but I was surprised when he quickly caught my wrist to ensure I couldn't walk any further, lightly pulling me back into this mess.

"Oh. Well, since our relationship is a...public business matter, Lani should probably be involved." He said cluelessly, causing me to cringe nervously.

Ugh. He's seriously treading on dangerous waters right now, and he doesn't even know it. One wrong move and Momo could break the contract. That would put everyone in trouble...

"Hey, Shouto, it's fine." I tried to do damage control, giving Momo a polite nod as I wiggled my wrist out of his iron grip. "I'll just be over there-"

"No, it's okay. I don't mind if you hear this, too, Miss Hidaka." She said a little more sternly, giving me a side glance.

I sighed tensely and remained in place, furrowing my brows at the familiar feeling that began to weigh in the pit of my stomach.

Momo's always made me uncomfortable, and at first I believed it was simply due to my feelings for Shouto. But, I realize, it goes beyond that.

She reminds me a lot of my parents. She gives me the same, almost condescending look that they give me when I don't meet their expectations. She cares a lot about her status and how she can elevate it. I hate to say that it brings back some unpleasant feelings for me...

"I just wanted to ask if we're still on for the Vogue photoshoot tomorrow." Momo's voice broke me out of my thoughts.

Shouto looked at me for confirmation and I nodded in silence, letting him take the lead on this conversation so her head didn't explode.

"Yes. Um, we are." He said plainly, and I noticed that his responses seemed a little more rushed compared to when we were in the elevator.

He seemed more forced right now, like he was trying to get a word in before he no longer could.

Momo nodded, looking his appearance up and down before clicking her tongue at a stray of fluff on his coat. "Good. It will be great for our publicity." She walked forward and plucked the imperfection, letting her hands linger on his chest. "Don't you think so, Miss Hidaka?"

I swallowed dryly and pressed my lips together as she caressed Shouto's coat, watching the way his entire body tensed up from her touch.

"Yes, Miss Yaoyorozu." I mocked the use of her last name. "I sure do."

After a few more seconds of her touching, Shouto exhaled tersely and backed away, unable to take any more. Momo's eyes flashed with pain, but she blinked it away quickly in the presence of the public, smoothing out her own jacket before backing away as well.

"I just wanted to remind Shouto that, going forward—and especially tomorrow, people will expect us to kiss and show affection. So, please be prepared to do so." Her voice wavered with sadness, giving us both a curt nod before abruptly walking off.

I narrowed my eyes at her as she went, scoffing at the intentions of her last words...

Now I see why she didn't have a problem with me staying to hear that.

*

"I won't kiss her."

I snorted softly as Shouto's brattiness began to come out, shrugging my shirt off my body before tossing it in the laundry bin.

"Alright, tough guy. Well you don't have to do anything you don't wanna do." I reminded him lightly, stripping out of my work skirt. "The contract just makes things a little difficult, that's all."

He remained sitting in my bed, playing with the thread of my blanket. It was the first time he was in my bed, and he looked good there. A little too good in my thirsty opinion...

Not having any sleep clothes, I lent him one of Raiga's old, baggy snowboarding shirts to wear to bed and some sweatpants. They fit him well.

"I just...don't have any interest in kissing her. I don't have any interest..." He trailed off distractedly, furrowing his brows, "....in kissing anyone else."

Selfishly, my heart squeezed at the words from him, exhaling heavily as I fought with my thoughts. As a publicist, I should be telling him how wrong that is, considering what happened today...

But, I'm no longer just his publicist.

I don't want him to kiss anyone else either, especially not someone he used to date. But, the whole situation became a lot more real tonight. Shouto can't afford any bad press, and I can't afford to pay a fee when the hero commission sues me.

"You've seen kisses in movies." I glanced back at him. "Do you really think all of those actors love kissing their costars?"

Shouto blinked a few times before surprise struck his face. "I mean....I assumed they did." He uttered, getting that intense look on his face when he starts thinking too hard.

With a breathy chuckle, I walked over to him, slowly climbing into his lap. "Yeah. Because they're acting, handsome."

Now his thoughts were interrupted. But, even if I was currently in his lap, wearing nothing but my bra and panties, I couldn't help but notice the way his gaze trailed upwards first, finding my eyes before looking anywhere else.

He's so sweet....it just makes it that much hotter when I make a horny mess of him.

With a soft smirk, I straddled his hips and slid all the way down, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Watch. I'll show you." I breathed out, slowly leaning in towards his lips.

I placed a gentle peck to them, feeling my stomach flip when his lips immediately pressed against mine in return. They were warm, and soft, and tasted slightly of spearmint from the gum he was chewing just a few minutes earlier. I'd only kissed him a few times, but already I'd come to crave it so much. We'd only been away from each other for a few hours today, but god, it was too long.

An indulgent sigh unintentionally puffed past my lips and rolled onto his own, and Shouto heard it, placing his hands on my bare waist. He'd already been inside me earlier, but his breath still stuttered at the feeling of my skin, hesitantly squeezing my sides, becoming more certain when I caressed the back of his neck.

His mouth nudged closer, slowly parting as I captured him in another kiss, a slightly deeper one that held more heat. It was meant to be acting practice, but still, it came out too sensual for that. It left both of us breathless, still buzzing from the new unfamiliarity of each other's lips that was slowly becoming etched onto the other's soul.

I already felt his cock stirring underneath me as he glided his hands up my waist, feeling my own arousal starting to spark as I buried my fingers into his hair.

With a soft hum of reluctance, I forced myself to break the kiss, chuckling quietly at how undone he'd become in just a few seconds.

Already, he was panting and his eyes were half lidded. His mouth was parted and he hovered forward trying to chase mine before I tugged back on his hair with a light smirk.

"That...was acting?" He asked breathlessly, causing me to shake my head.

"No. That was real." I said bluntly, ensuring he understood. "I don't have to act it with you."

His eyes came out of their lusting haze slightly, and I didn't know how such an attractive man could be simultaneously so innocent and so arousing all at the same time. "I don't have to act it with you either."

I bit down on my bottom lip to quell my growing arousal, letting my forehead fall against his own. "Then I guess that's a good reference for you, right? To know when you're acting versus when you're not. If you have to kiss Momo tomorrow, just remember this—people can smack lips together all day. But, it's what you feel when you kiss that matters. Who you think about when you're doing it."

He nodded lightly against me, absorbing my words and understanding them. Shouto might be a little clueless on some things, but people tend to treat him like an idiot for it when that's not the case.

It just takes patience and understanding how he operates. Knowing how he thinks, how he learns, and speaking in a language that makes sense to him.

"I think of you." He said genuinely, voice softer and less stoic in this intimate position.

I'm coming to find out that sex is one of his vulnerabilities. One of the only times where he lets go and allows himself to wear his emotions and feelings on his sleeve.

He's awkward with it, and I can't help but think this type of intimacy is all new to him. It was only a few months ago that Shouto thought of sex like an obligation and something he never cared for, but it seems like that's changed now.

I wonder if he realizes that.

"Yeah? What exactly do you think about, Shouto?" I murmured, lightly shifting on his lap.

His breath hitched and his cock stirred from the quick pass of friction, letting his hands settle on my lower back. "I think about this morning...and this afternoon. O-On....on the couch."

I hummed and grabbed his hands, moving them lower until they landed on the waistband of my panties. "You haven't stopped thinking about that, have you?" I mused, smiling when he gave my ass a light squeeze.

His cheeks were red and he was flustered mess, becoming looser with his words and more aroused. "No—well, I couldn't think about it on the subway. Because whenever I did, I got hard-" He started to babble before I kissed him again.

He responded immediately, molding his lips to mine so differently than how he did last night when we kissed for the first time. His motions were so fluid now, and I could feel him getting more comfortable, more familiar with the shape of my mouth and how to move with it.

My tongue danced along the seam of his bottom lip, nipping it softly and making him gasp. "Mm, I guess I should reward you for being so good." I drawled out, unclasping my bra.

I sat up straight and met his eyes, letting it slip off my shoulders and into his lap.

He swallowed heavily, and now his gaze was finally on my chest, mouth parting wantonly at the sight of my bare breasts. Instinctively, his hands left my waist, wanting to reach out before he hesitated.

So, I grabbed his hands and slowly brought them to my chest, sighing in soft pleasure when he touched them. My fingers caressed his knuckles as he thumbed at my nipples, closing around each of them and tugging slightly.

A quiet moan escaped my throat before I pressed his hands into my chest harder, causing Shouto to grab my breasts and squeeze. His eyes traveled back up to mine, and they looked hotter and more intense. He was the one to lean in closer, pressing his lips to mine before I slowly shrugged his shirt off.

"Are we...gonna have sex again?" He whispered, his voice oozing eagerness and lust.

I broke away from his lips and peppered kisses along his cheek, gliding them to his jaw before murmuring hotly in his ear, "Only if you want to-"

"I want to." He said immediately, pressing my bare chest to his tightly. "Um...I-I actually...really want to."

I laughed lightly and kissed his earlobe, tonguing along the pulse point on his neck and making him moan.

"Ahhh, Shouto." My voice came out more lustful against his skin. "I swear to god, you are gonna be the death of me, handsome."

****

A/N: next chapter is a NSFW chapter titled "Quickie" and it's honestly my FAVORITE NSFW chapter I've written! 🔥already posted on Patreon tiers 4-6 if you wanna check it out!!