Haru wo Daeiteita (Embracing Love) vol. 5

(All references and citations are from the Be Beautiful US release. Be Beautiful doesn't actually number the pages, so I had to count them manually. I tried to be careful, and hopefully I didn't make any errors, but it's hard to confirm without any official pagination.)

Inside cover-p. 1: Illustration of Iwaki kissing Katou.

pp. 2-3: Title page and illustration of Iwaki and Katou (both naked) embracing and kissing.

pp. 4-5: Character profiles of Iwaki and Katou.

pp. 6-11: A Be Beautiful interview with Nitta-sensei that took place on Feb. 25, 2006. She talks about how happy she is that Embracing Love is being released in English, a language spoken in many different countries, because it will make the story available to more readers. She hopes that her efforts will be embraced by American readers.

She is then asked what kind of response her work has received outside of Japan. She said that she was shocked when she attended Yaoi-Con 2002, before yaoi was being published by big companies in the U.S., because there were several people cosplaying characters from "Groupie," her debut work, which she considers "a minor work". She was surprised that the Americans were familiar with her manga, and discovered that they had been reading the books on translation sites. She said she met fans who had come from as far away as Mexico, and only then realized that people all over the world were reading her manga.

She is asked what issues she faces as a female manga-ka, and replies, "Marriage!" She jokes that she is so busy with work that she never leaves her home/workplace, and if she were to fall in love with someone, it would have to be a pizza deliveryman or the Fed Ex man. (Do they even have Fed Ex in Japan? Maybe the interviewer translated it into an American equivalent.)

When asked how yaoi manga influenced her career, she replies that she started off writing yaoi doujinshi, and one of the yaoi publishers asked her to write original manga for them.

The interviewer then brings up the subject of yaoi being written mainly by and for women, and Nitta-sensei says that as a woman, she has to base the actions of the male characters on what she's seen, or from her own imagination, so her feminine side may become part of the characters, then adds that for a woman, "isn't it fun to see two beautiful men together?"

When asked what the most important elements of creating her stories are, she replies that she is trying to write each character as an individual, and not so much trying to write a gay story/characters as she is simply writing about a character falling in love with another person. Similarly, she says that she's not just writing sex scenes, but trying "to show human love and emotions". She says that it's difficult sometimes because her readers want to read something happy, but for the story to progress, sometimes bad things have to happen.

When asked about the origin of Embracing Love, she says that she got the idea after hearing about adult video stars in Japan. She adds that the porn industry, similar to yaoi, is sort of a hidden or underground industry, and saw a parallel between the two.

The interviewer asks if any of her characters are based on real people, and she replies that she wrote some non-yaoi doujinshi based on western musicians.

She is then asked how she would respond to critics' claims that yaoi is "controversial," and she replies that even in Japan, it's not something that parents encourage their kids to read. She tells a story about a fan whose parents found her manga and scolded her, but the girl told them not to criticize the books until they've actually read it, and the parents did read the books and actually apologized to their daughter, saying that it wasn't bad, after all. So Nitta-sensei says that if teenagers like yaoi and don't feel that it's something bad or wrong, maybe they should just communicate with their parents.

She then speaks a little about her autograph session at Kinokuniya Bookstore in Rockefeller Center. She said it was a little difficult to have to speak through an interpreter, but she could sense the enthusiasm of the American fans, and that it was the same as the enthusiasm of Japanese fans. She said that to hear that kind of positive feedback gives her energy and keeps her going. When asked how American fans differ from Japanese fans, she replies that the feedback and comments she gets from both are very similar. She then closes the interview by asking her American fans to please keep supporting her work so that more of them can be published.

pp. 12-13: Summary of the story so far, which briefly goes over the events in the previous books, explaining how Iwaki and Katou starred in the "Embracing Love" TV show together, became lovers, and set up house together.

***

pp. 14-80: Silent Killer

Characters that appear in this chapter: Iwaki, Katou, Asano, Shimizu (who appears off-screen, through a telephone conversation with Iwaki).

Regarding honorifics: Throughout the book, Katou always addresses Iwaki as "Iwaki-san," while Iwaki always addresses his lover as "Katou," without any honorifics. Shimizu uses "san" while addressing or referring to both Iwaki and Katou, while Iwaki just calls her "Shimizu," again with no honorifics. Iwaki refers to Asano as "Asano-kun" when talking about him to a third party, such as Shimizu or Katou, but he doesn't always use "kun" when addressing Asano directly. Iwaki addresses Asano as "Asano-kun" twice at the beginning of this chapter, on p. 18 when he asks how Asano knows about Katou's schedule, and again on the next page when he thanks Asano just before he leaves and goes into his apartment building. The rest of the time Iwaki addresses him as just plain "Asano"--an indication that he feels comfortable with his new manager? Or perhaps he's just more casual than Katou, although it seems a little contradictory with his reserved personality. (Or is it just a translation error?) As for Asano, he always addresses Iwaki and Katou as "san" with proper politeness, even if his sincerity is dubious.

Setting: Iwaki and Katou's house; Arisugawa Studio, where Iwaki records some dialogue for his TV show; the studios(?) where Iwaki and Katou tape their separate press conferences--it looks like Katou's is in an actual studio, while Iwaki's looks like it might be in a hotel; and the hotel where Iwaki is staying during the press conference.

Summary: Asano has just driven Iwaki home from work. Asano glances in the rear view mirror, which reflects the image of a car parked outside near Iwaki's house. Iwaki notices it, too, remarking that the car is "still parked there," and wonders if the owner lives nearby, as this is a private neighborhood. Later, of course, we learn that it belongs to a paparazzo who is staking out the house.

Asano asks Iwaki if Katou is home yet, claiming that he heard they'd finished shooting hours ago, and comments on how intense Katou's shooting schedule is. Iwaki asks how he knows this, and Asano replies that he respects Katou as an actor, so he tries to learn about him whenever he can. Iwaki agrees that Katou is serious about his work, just as Asano is, and tells Asano that he can always come to him if he needs anything. They say goodbye and Asano smirks as Iwaki slowly walks into the house, head down, shoulders hunched, looking dejected--presumably because he thinks Katou is not home.

He thinks to himself about how long it's been since they've been home at the same time. Katou calls out to him, and initially, Iwaki looks overjoyed, but then his expression changes when he sees Katou in the kitchen cooking. Katou is wearing a sleeveless black shirt, the sides cut open nearly to the waist, and trousers that are a shade lighter (not sure if they're jeans or slacks), and it also looks like he's wearing a white belt. His hair is pulled back in a short ponytail, exposing a small hoop earring in each ear, and he's wearing a ring on a chain around his neck. (Iwaki, btw, is wearing a black turtleneck, and over that, a light colored shirt, and over that, a darker matching blazer and trousers.)

A disappointed Iwaki asks if Katou is dressed up because he's going out again, then notices Katou's travel bag and jacket sitting on the coffee table. Katou tells him that it's only for a few days, and reminds Iwaki that he's been busy with his own show, too. Katou seems cheerful and upbeat as he sets the food on the table and begins eating, and doesn't seem to notice how upset Iwaki is. Katou says that as actors, they should feel fortunate to be so busy, and suggests taking a vacation when their schedules lighten up.

Iwaki grabs Katou's chin and tilts his face up, and says that Katou was the one who said that they needed to make time to see each other, and that Katou could at least say that he misses their time together. Iwaki bends down to kiss Katou, who is still sitting at the dining table. While they're making out, an Entertainment News show is playing on the television, discussing how the ratings for Iwaki's show are up, and that the rivalry between the two actors/lovers must be heating up. Katou and Iwaki seem oblivious to it.

The doorbell rings, and Katou abruptly pulls away from Iwaki, saying that it must be Kaneko-san with his ride. He apologizes to Iwaki and hurries out the door, pausing briefly to say that it "was quite a passionate goodbye kiss" that Iwaki gave him, and that he'll think about it while he's working. Meanwhile, the reporters on the news show continue to discuss Iwaki and Katou's rivalry, saying that they've been highly competitive for years, and pointing out that the ratings increase on Iwaki's show may have been due to Katou's guest appearance.

The next day, Iwaki goes to the Arisugawa Studio to rehearse and record dialogue. Afterwards, Asano checks his schedule and reminds Iwaki of some magazine interviews he has to do. Iwaki apparently seems distracted, because Asano asks him if he's all right. Iwaki replies that he was just thinking about how hard Asano is working, and Asano says he was just doing what Shimizu-san would have done. Iwaki says he never realized before how difficult a manager's job is, and tells Asano that it will be a great experience for his acting career. He reminds Asano not to forget that feeling, because "it's easy to lose yourself in this business". Asano silently gloats about how he has instilled a suffocating sense of trust in Iwaki, and now Iwaki will never suspect him, and all his months of preparation are about to pay off.

Asano drives Iwaki home late in the evening. Iwaki has fallen asleep, and Asano has to wake him up when they reach home. Asano asks if Katou is coming home tonight, and Iwaki replies that Katou will be gone for a few days. Asano smirks, looking smugly pleased, then asks if he can take up Iwaki's offer to help him. He says the office chief has lined up an acting debut for him, and he wants to stay over to ask Iwaki's advice.

Iwaki smiles, looking pleased and excited for Asano. He congratulates Asano and suggests that he stay the night, saying that he has an extra room Asano can use. Asano thinks to himself that it's almost laughable how perfectly Iwaki is following his plan. As they leave the car and enter through the gates of the house, Asano reaches over to touch Iwaki's arm with his hand, and a camera lens zooms in on them, snapping a photograph of them, heads bent towards each other, smiling as if sharing an intimate moment.

The next page shows an tabloid article, with photographs, of "Kyosuke Iwaki's Sleepover Party With His Hot Young Manager". Iwaki is holed up inside his house peeking through the curtains at all the paparazzi lurking outside. Iwaki closes the curtain and stares at his cell phone, which is lying on the bed. He picks it up, staring at it, then flops down on the bed as he recalls a conversation that he had earlier with Shimizu.

Shimizu apologizes for not being able to protect him. Iwaki replies that he's the one who should apologize, and now "poor Asano-kun is right in the middle of all this". Shimizu says she's worried about Iwaki, and asks if it's true that he turned down the office's request to do a press conference. Iwaki replies that there's no need; it's just a stupid tabloid article. Shimizu agrees that it would only be validating their story if he acknowledged it, even if it's just to give a denial. She assures him that soon everything will go back to normal, and that he should just keep a low profile, then asks if Katou has said anything about the incident. Iwaki replies that he hasn't spoken to Katou yet and assumes that he's still working, but thinks that he'll be speaking with him soon enough.

Iwaki flips open his cell phone, and it beeps, and his eyes widen as he sees that he has a message waiting from Katou. There's another beep as he presses a button and urgently asks if Katou is there; the only response is silence. Iwaki begs Katou to speak to him, and Katou finally demands to know why Iwaki let Asano into their house. Iwaki tries to assure him that nothing happened, and Katou cuts him off, saying, "That's not what I asked!!" He says he had warned Iwaki about Asano, and he's pissed that Iwaki was dumb enough to let Asano into their home.

Iwaki agrees that he was wrong not to think ahead, but argues that Katou shouldn't blame Asano-kun.

Katou is angry that Iwaki is still defending Asano, and says that he doesn't want to see Iwaki right now and that he's going to stay away until the whole thing blows over, then hangs up. A stunned Iwaki drops his phone, and it falls to the floor with a thud.

The next page (p. 45) starts off with a couple of panels of reporters outside the house, and what looks like a couple of women from the neighborhood gossiping disapprovingly.  The scene then shifts back to Iwaki, who clenches his fist and presses his other hand to his mouth, wishing that "they'd just stop". He doubles over, panting, as if he's in pain. He stares down at the cell phone lying on the floor between his feet and thinks about Katou saying that he doesn't want to see him. Then he picks up the the phone and calls Interpro (his talent agency) to tell them that he'll do the interview, so please do something about the reporters outside his house.

The next scene shows a TV report on the fact that Iwaki and Katou are giving simultaneous but separate interviews, and the reporters speculate that they may be announcing their separation, and say that some industry experts think this is merely a publicity stunt. Iwaki is brooding because the whole thing has turned into a media circus, and he wonders if Katou is really that mad at him. Then he wonders if he's just punishing himself.

The press conference begins, and Iwaki is asked to respond to claims that he's cheating. Iwaki replies that his relationship with Asano is strictly professional. The reporter says, "Yes, but...He's quite a handsome man, isn't he?" and then suggests that there wouldn't be such a scandal if Asano were a woman.

More questions are thrown at Iwaki, asking him if Katou is staying away because he doubts Iwaki's loyalty, and if it's true that he hasn't seen Katou since the scandal. Iwaki thinks to himself that no matter how much he tries to explain that his relationship with Katou is special, all the media hears is "gay actor," and he wonders if this is what Katou thinks of him, too.

Meanwhile, Katou is giving his own press conference, and is asked why he hasn't returned home yet, and for his reactions to the alleged cheating. Katou replies that he is upset with Iwaki, but only because his thoughtlessness led to "his simple act of kindness to his manager" being blown out of proportion. He says that he doesn't believe Iwaki cheated on him. The reporters then ask why he and Iwaki aren't holding this interview together unless there's some gap between them. Katou replies that as actors, he thought it would be better if they each explained things in their own words, and that he has no intention of defending Iwaki since the whole incident is due to his carelessness.

A reporter says that he must really trust Iwaki--or is it only because Asano's a man that he's not worried. Katou says he knows what the reporter is saying, but he has no reason to distrust Iwaki.

At the same time, Iwaki is saying that he takes responsibility for "creating a situation that would be misunderstood," and how ironic it is that whether a man or a woman were involved, suspicions would still arise.

Katou insists that he and Iwaki are special, and there is no possibility of them cheating on each other, while Iwaki says that for him, Katou exists beyond gender boundaries, and that their relationship won't be ruined by a stupid article. Then they simultaneously say, "Because I trust him."

They both end their interviews at that point, over the reporters' protests, and then as the reporters from both press conferences compare notes, they realize how closely the interviews were aligned, and believe that Iwaki and Katou must have planned this in advance.

Meanwhile, Katou is heading to see Iwaki's conference when Kaneko tells him that it just ended, and Katou is surprised that it was so short. Kaneko tells him what Iwaki said about trusting Katou and how their relationship wouldn't be so easily broken, and Katou starts to rush off to see Iwaki. Kaneko stops him and says that he'll take Katou to the hotel where Iwaki is staying at, "near the conference center," and that he's made arrangements to use the personnel entrance to avoid reporters. An overjoyed Katou thanks him emphatically.

In the lobby of the hotel, people from the Interpro management office are with Asano, advising him on how to handle his own interview, saying that the press will want to talk to him since Iwaki's interview was so short, and that they don't want his debut ruined. Asano starts to reply that it was his own fault, then is startled to spot Katou running by.

Amused, Asano excuses himself from the meeting and catches up with Katou outside Iwaki's hotel room. Katou is pounding on the door and calling Iwaki's name. With obvious pleasure, Asano informs Katou that Iwaki has already gone home, and suggests that Iwaki is trying to avoid Katou.

Katou calls out Asano's name, giving him a hate-filled look. Asano, with mock politeness, excuses himself, saying that he has his own interview to conduct. Still staring at the door, with his back to Asano, Katou shouts, "Wait!" and asks Asano how Iwaki made love to him. Asano gloats, convinced that he's driven a wedge between the two lovers, thinking that he'll able to use the scandal to promote his own career and eventually replace Katou as Iwaki's lover. Aloud, he tells Katou that it's a private matter, so he'll "leave how we did it to your imagination".

Katou then asks Asano if he's saying that Iwaki made love to him, and Asano replies that he did. Katou sighs and turns to face Asano, saying that just as he thought, Asano approached Iwaki as a means of self-promotion.

Asano is taken aback, and reminds Katou that he had said "to leave it up to your imagination". However, Katou tells Asano that the fact that he didn't deny it is proof enough; he should at least have said to ask Iwaki himself. He tells Asano that for him and Iwaki, making love is more than just mere pleasure, and therefore, Iwaki would never "make love" to Asano.

It begins to dawn on Asano that Katou has tricked him, and he argues that Katou can't really be sure of that, and how does he know that Iwaki hasn't changed his mind? Katou angrily replies that Asano doesn't know "how strong...Or weak...Or pure...Iwaki-san really is". He says that Asano doesn't know how long it took for Iwaki to accept his (Katou's) feelings, and he reminds Asano that he hid his intentions for a fake relationship.

Then, surprisingly, Katou says that Iwaki still trusts Asano, and because he doesn't want to upset Iwaki, he won't tell Iwaki the truth about Asano. However, he warns Asano that if he keeps trying to use them to promote his career that they'll both become his enemies, and that Katou will make him regret it. He tells Asano that Iwaki is not the type to forgive a betrayal, and that he'd better keep his mouth shut if he ever wants to see Iwaki smile again.

Asano is left stunned and speechless, images of a smiling Iwaki in his mind, wondering "Do I want to?" (See Iwaki smile again.)

Meanwhile, Iwaki is at home, sitting on the couch, with a crowd of reporters outside clamoring for him to talk to them, as they don't believe that his and Katou's interviews weren't scripted. He has unplugged the phone, because "the only person that I want to see right now already has his own key".

He flinches at the sound of a slam--I think it might be the sound of a car door, as the reporters are crowding around what looks like a taxi that has just arrived in front of the house. Iwaki remains on the couch, hands clenched tensely, as Katou walks in and slams the door behind him. Iwaki looks up anxiously, eyes wide. Katou stares back at him, panting as if he's just run all the way home (in spite of the taxi). He says, "Um...I'm home," and Iwaki replies, "Welcome back."

Iwaki begins to weep, and Katou rushes over to embrace him, apologizing for leaving him alone, saying that he had to cool his head or he might have said awful things to Iwaki. Iwaki curses himself for crying, saying that he told himself he wouldn't cry when he saw Katou's face. Katou says that it's his fault for breaking down the wall that used to hold back Iwaki's tears, and Iwaki thinks to himself that Katou got inside him, and devoured and remade him from the inside out.

The next panel shows them naked on the couch, and Iwaki wants to go upstairs because the reporters might be watching; Katou says there's no need. Iwaki protests that they should at least close the curtains--there actually seems to be a curtain covering the windows, but the cloth looks thin and light, and Iwaki reaches out to draw the heavier drapes over them. He cries out as his fist clenches around a handful of the drapes. This is because Katou has started thrusting into him from behind, shouting at Iwaki to let them see everything, so that they'll know that Iwaki and Katou have made up completely. They make love very vigorously and noisily on the couch, with the scene ending in an embrace and a passionate kiss.

The next scene cuts to Asano's interview, where he denies all the rumors, but by the time they see it on TV the next morning, Iwaki and Katou no longer care.

Katou and Iwaki are still on the couch in the morning, apparently having spent the night there. Iwaki is nude, with a shirt draped across his shoulders, while Katou is shirtless but wearing trousers. Katou brings Iwaki some coffee, apologizing because he didn't know Iwaki had to work today. Blushing slightly, an exasperated Iwaki says that he told Katou many times but Katou didn't listen--he says that they were up all night and he thought Katou was going to kill him. Katou seems pleased that "it was so good you almost died," and Iwaki tells him not to be stupid.

Then Katou asks Iwaki about changing management offices, and Iwaki looks annoyed as he tells Katou that he's already said no, and he'll be angry if he's bringing it up again because of Asano. Katou is annoyed also, because he can't tell Iwaki the truth about Asano--or more accurately, he's decided not to, and can only say, "Fine. Geez!"

Iwaki says there's no reason why he should switch, then adds that he's already decided when he'll change offices...which is when they start their own production together.

The final panel is an exterior shot of the house, and we can hear an overjoyed Katou shouting that he loves Iwaki, and Iwaki shouting back to "Stop, you idiot!! Are you trying to kill me!?" Then he urges Katou to be quiet, since there might still be reporters outside.

***

pp. 81-108: Embracing Love Bonus Chapter: Asleep or Awake

Characters that appear in this chapter: Iwaki, Katou, female innkeeper (who appears only in one panel). They're dressed in street clothes at the beginning of the chapter, but spend most of the rest of the story dressed in yukata (simple cotton kimonos that are worn at traditional Japanese inns, and also at summer festivals) or nothing at all.

Setting: Kane Inn

Summary: This is a side story where Iwaki and Katou visit a hot-springs inn (the Kane Inn) after their TV dramas have ended, partly because Katou wanted to see Iwaki in a yukata. Katou is his usual exuberant self, practically bouncing around with excitement when they arrive, even telling Iwaki to hurry up and change into his yukata because he's "feeling really horny today"--all in the presence of the innkeeper!

Iwaki tells Katou to calm down and says that yukata are supposed to be worn after bathing, but Katou insists that he wants to see Iwaki in his yukata now. With a rather long-suffering look, Iwaki indulges him, then scolds Katou for not being able to put on his own yukata properly. (It looks like Katou has tied the obi, or sash, around his waist too loosely, and the garment is gaping open to expose his chest.) As Iwaki fixes his obi, Katou kisses him on the forehead and tells him that he looks cute, like a housewife. Katou suggests taking a bath, but an irritated Iwaki refuses, and they end up going straight to bed...or actually, to two futons laid out side-by-side on the floor of their room.

Iwaki calms down and says they should just relax tonight and have a bath in the morning, and Katou gives in, a little petulantly. Katou wakes up later in the night and finds Iwaki gone. The scene shifts to a private hot springs pool outside their room, where Iwaki is soaking and feeling a little guilty being out there alone when he refused Katou earlier. A nude Katou walks out and joins him in the pool. (It's a natural pool, surrounded by a barrier of rocks, not a man-made pool. A lantern sits on a flat shelf of rock next to the pool.)

Katou thanks Iwaki for putting up with his selfishness, and Iwaki responds that it's weird to hear him being polite all of a sudden. Katou insists he's being serious, although he hasn't pissed off Iwaki lately, and says that he likes being spoiled. Iwaki replies that if Katou wanted to piss him off, he could easily do it, and says that he looks after Katou because he wants to, so Katou shouldn't worry about it. Then he says that he will get mad if Katou lays a hand on him in the bath, and Katou earnestly protests that he won't, and that he really wanted to bathe with Iwaki. Katou then adds, blushing slightly, that he would like a kiss.

Katou looks startled, blushing more deeply as Iwaki gives him a passionate kiss, and Iwaki says that he's human, too, and can only hold back so much. Katou says that he wants to be with Iwaki, too, "until we turn this bath white!!" Iwaki comments on how easily Katou is able to wear down his inhibitions.

They start to make love, and Iwaki tells Katou not to go so fast. Katou apologizes, saying that maybe he's especially aroused because they're outside, and that he feels like he's become an animal. He performs oral sex on Iwaki, and says that Iwaki smells like a bitch in heat. Iwaki is offended, pulling away and slapping Katou as he says not to talk about him like he's an animal.

Katou apologizes and says hasn't Iwaki caught his scent as well? He spreads his legs wide and says, "See? I'm all-male, aren't I? Doesn't it excite you?" Iwaki gulps, then turns away and begins walking out of the pool. Katou asks what's wrong, and Iwaki says he can't concentrate out here.

They end up having very passionate, almost desperate sex inside the room on the futons. Katou says that he was at his limit, too, and that he's flattered that Iwaki still gets nervous, even after all the sex they've had.

After they're done, Iwaki gets up to retrieve their yukata, which they left outside by the bath, and Katou grabs onto his leg, begging him to stay. Iwaki retorts that the innkeeper will see them nude when she comes in with their breakfast in the morning. Katou nonchalantly says that he doesn't care if she sees them, then asks if Iwaki wants to wear the yukata while they do it again. Iwaki scolds Katou for being an idiot, and Katou smiles and replies that Iwaki is just as perverted as him; he just covers it up better.

Apparently Iwaki did get the yukata, because he's wearing it when the sound of a bell ringing wakes him up the next morning. The final panel is a full page picture of a sleeping Katou, who is wearing his own yukata, although he's partially disrobed, his torso bare, which implies that maybe they did "do it" wearing the yukata, after all. Iwaki comments from off-screen that Katou is a handful, whether asleep or awake.

***

pp. 109-114: Always Asking for the Moon

Characters that appear in this chapter: Iwaki, Katou. They're dressed in casual clothes and are relaxing at home on the couch. Iwaki mentions something about Katou's hair being permed, but it looks the same to me as it does in the rest of the book. There's a slight wave to it, but it doesn't have a lot of curls or waves, which the word "permed" usually calls to mind.

Setting: Iwaki and Katou's house

Summary:  A very sweet and humorous little story about Katou's insecurities. It starts off with Katou lying on the couch with his head on Iwaki's lap, looking up and admiring Iwaki's shiny eyes. Katou thinks to himself that he looks droopy-eyed in comparison, and wishes he were more like Iwaki. Katou suggests going out since they have the day off, and Iwaki counters that they should be resting--"Or is my lap not comfortable enough for you?" Of course Katou can't argue with that, and thinks to himself that Iwaki has been "pushing his buttons" lately.

Iwaki absent-mindedly runs his fingers through Katou's hair as he reads a book, and Katou asks him if he likes long hair on a man, to which Iwaki replies, "No...Not really." Katou is immediately offended, demanding, "How could you say that?!" Then he sulkily says that he'll cut his hair. Iwaki clarifies that he doesn't think long hair looks good on himself, but it looks good on Katou, but Katou is still a little miffed that Iwaki got him so upset. Iwaki tells Katou that his hair is pretty, and asks if he perms it. Katou replies that it is permed now (possibly for a role, though he doesn't specify?), but he used to wear it natural. Iwaki says that his own hair "doesn't take to stuff like that," but he likes it on Katou.

Katou is momentarily happy, until he asks Iwaki if he likes droopy eyes, and Iwaki replies again, "No...Not really," setting off another cycle of indignation and hurt feelings. the chapter ends with Katou demanding, "What?! How can you say that?!"

Part 2