[Sandalphon can't help it; as soon as he sees Izumi smiling, he smiles himself, fondness and relief apparent in his expression. It had been a lot of work to narrow Izumi's tastes down without outright asking him, and to see that look on his face makes it worth every ounce of effort.]

I thought about it. But...

[He hesitates, unable to say what he wants to—that this was only ever meant for Izumi, that it's something intensely personal—but he doesn't know how to say that and convey how meaningful it really is. Drinking coffee with someone is the first way he ever learned how to express love, after all, and...

...He doesn't...want to give Izumi the wrong idea.

That's it.]

...I'd like to keep it private just a bit longer. I'm entertaining the idea of finding a Dominant to help me start my own business, and it's my understanding that exclusivity breeds success. Though I've still got plenty of work to do before that becomes reality...

[Sandalphon reaches out to stroke Izumi's cheek. He really is so beautiful...it makes his chest ache during quiet moments like this.]

...But I'm glad you like it.