Dear Roommate Please Stop Being Hot [BL]-Chapter 253: Home Is Wherever You Are

Sunday morning arrived with golden light spilling across the hotel room, soft and warm.

Luca woke slowly, aware of Noel’s weight against him, the steady rhythm of his breathing, the way their legs had tangled together during the night.

He didn’t move, didn’t want to disturb this perfect stillness.

Last full day in Japan.

The thought brought a bittersweet ache.

Tomorrow they’d fly home—back to reality, back to routines.

But for now, for today, Tokyo was still theirs.

Noel stirred, making a small sleepy sound.

His eyes opened slowly, unfocused, then he found Luca’s face.

"Morning," he mumbled, voice rough and adorable.

"Morning." Luca pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Sleep well?"

"Mm. Best sleep all week." Noel burrowed closer. "What time is it?"

Luca glanced at his phone. "Almost nine."

"We should get up," Noel said, making no move to actually do so.

"Should we though?"

Noel laughed softly. "Yes. It’s our last day. We should make the most of it."

"We’re making the most of it right now," Luca argued, tightening his arms around him.

"Luca..."

"Five more minutes."

"You said that always"

"And I meant it then too."

Noel sighed, but it was fond, resigned. "Fine. Five more minutes. But then we’re getting breakfast somewhere amazing, and I’m showing you one more place before we have to be responsible adults."

"Deal."

They lay there, wrapped in each other and morning light, neither speaking, just existing in this small pocket of peace.

Eventually—reluctantly—they untangled themselves and got ready for the day.

Luca dressed in comfortable clothes, watching Noel move around the room with that efficient grace he always had—checking his bag, making sure he had everything.

"You’re staring," Noel said without looking up.

"Can you blame me?"

Noel glanced over, a small smile playing at his lips. "No. But we’ll never leave if you keep looking at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like you want to pull me back into that bed."

"I do want to pull you back into that bed."

"Later," Noel promised, crossing to him and kissing him quickly. "Food first. Then exploring. Then whatever you want."

"Whatever I want?"

"Within reason," Noel amended, laughing.

They found breakfast at a small café tucked down a side street—the kind of place that didn’t advertise, that you only found if you knew where to look or got lucky wandering.

The owner was an elderly woman who spoke no English but smiled warmly and gestured them to a table by the window.

"What should we order?" Luca asked, looking at the menu entirely in Japanese.

"Anything you want." Noel asked.

"Anything...."

Noel ordered, and minutes later the woman returned with traditional Japanese breakfast—grilled fish, miso soup, rice, pickled vegetables, tamagoyaki.

"This is amazing," Luca said after the first bite.

"Told you." Noel looked pleased.

They ate slowly, savoring, talking quietly about nothing important—just enjoying being together.

Luca’s phone buzzed on the table.

He glanced down—a message from his mother.

Mom: Good morning, Luca. I hope you’re enjoying Tokyo. Would you be free this afternoon? I’d love to see you before you leave. And if your partner is with you... I’d like to meet him. If that’s okay.

Luca’s stomach flipped.

"Everything okay?" Noel asked, noticing his expression.

"My mom," Luca said, turning the phone so Noel could read. "She wants to meet this afternoon. Both of us."

Noel’s eyes widened slightly. "Meet me?"

"Yeah." Luca watched him carefully. "Is that... is that okay? I know it’s sudden, and if you’re not comfortable—"

"I want to meet her," Noel said firmly. "Of course I do."

"You sure?"

"Luca." Noel reached across the table, taking his hand. "She’s your mother. You’re trying to rebuild that relationship. Of course I want to meet her. I want to be part of that."

Relief flooded through Luca. "Okay. Yeah. I’ll tell her yes."

He typed back quickly.

Luca: This afternoon works. Around three? And yes, Noel’s with me. He’d like to meet you too.

The reply came almost immediately.

Mom: Three is perfect. Same place as before? The kids are excited to see you again. And to meet Noel.

Luca: See you then.

He set the phone down, exhaling slowly.

"Nervous?" Noel asked gently.

"A little," Luca admitted. "It’s one thing seeing her alone. But introducing you... that feels bigger somehow."

"It is bigger," Noel agreed. "But that’s good. It means you’re letting her into your life. Into our life."

"What if she—" Luca stopped, struggling for words.

"What if she what?"

"What if she doesn’t... I don’t know. Approve? Us?"

Noel’s expression softened. "Then we’ll deal with it. But Luca—I’m not worried. I’m good at meeting parents. I’m polite, respectful, gainfully employed—well, almost. I think I’ll manage."

Despite his nerves, Luca smiled. "You’re ridiculous."

"But you love me."

"I really do."

They left the café, stepping back into Tokyo’s Sunday morning energy.

The city felt different on weekends—more relaxed, families out together, couples walking hand in hand.

"So where are we going?" Luca asked.

"You’ll see," Noel said mysteriously.

They took the train, Noel navigating with confidence, and emerged in a neighborhood Luca hadn’t seen yet—quieter, more residential, trees lining the streets.

"This way," Noel said, leading him down a path.

They walked for about ten minutes before Noel stopped in front of a small bookstore—the kind that looked like it had been there for decades, weathered wood and faded sign.

"A bookstore?" Luca asked.

"Not just any bookstore," Noel said, opening the door. "Come on."

Inside, the smell of old paper and ink wrapped around them immediately.

The space was cramped but cozy—shelves floor to ceiling, books in Japanese and English, small reading nooks tucked into corners.

"I come this place," Noel said, voice soft in the quiet space. "Spent an hour here just browsing. I thought you’d love it."

Luca looked around, taking it all in—the careful organization, the handwritten recommendations tucked between books, the cat sleeping on the front counter.

"I do love it," he said quietly.

They wandered separately, exploring different sections, occasionally calling each other over to show something interesting.

Luca found a beautiful hardcover edition of a book he’d been wanting, the cover embossed with gold lettering.

Noel found a manga series he’d been meaning to start.

They bought their finds, the elderly shopkeeper wrapping them carefully in brown paper.

"Thank you," Luca said as they stepped back outside. "For showing me this."

"Thank you for being here," Noel replied, taking his hand. "For coming all this way. For spending this weekend with me."

"Nowhere else I’d rather be."

They walked slowly back toward the station, in no hurry, just enjoying the morning.

By two-thirty, they were back at the hotel, getting ready.

Luca changed his shirt three times, anxiety building.

"You look fine," Noel said, adjusting his own collar in the mirror. "Better than fine. You look great."

"What if—"

"Stop," Noel said gently, turning to face him. "It’s going to be okay. I promise."

"How can you be so calm?"

"Because I love you," Noel said simply. "And because this matters to you, which means it matters to me. We’ll get through it together."

Luca nodded, taking a deep breath. "Okay. Together."

"Together," Noel confirmed.

They left the hotel at quarter to three, taking a taxi to save time.

The drive felt both too long and too short.

Luca’s leg bounced nervously, Noel’s hand covering it, grounding him.

"Breathe," Noel murmured.

Luca breathed.

The taxi pulled up to the house—modest, familiar from two days ago, flowers blooming in the small garden.

They got out, Luca paying the driver with slightly shaking hands.

"Ready?" Noel asked.

"No. But let’s go anyway."

They walked up the path together.

Before Luca could knock, the door opened.

His mother stood there, wearing a simple dress, hair pulled back, eyes bright with emotion.

"Luca," she said softly. Then her gaze shifted to Noel, warm and curious. "And you must be Noel."

"Yes, ma’am," Noel said, bowing slightly—respectful, appropriate. "It’s an honor to meet you."

Something in her expression softened. "Please, come in. Both of you."

They stepped inside, removing their shoes at the entrance.

"The children are in the living room," she said, leading the way. "They’ve been excited all morning."

Aiko and Yuki appeared almost immediately—Aiko with a shy smile, Yuki bouncing on his toes.

"Luca!" Yuki exclaimed. "You came back!"

"I promised, didn’t I?" Luca said, managing a smile.

"And is this Noel?" Aiko asked, looking at Noel with open curiosity.

"Hi," Noel said, crouching down slightly to be eye-level with them. "You must be Aiko and Yuki. Luca’s told me about you."

"Really?" Yuki’s eyes widened. "What did he say?"

"That you’re the fastest soccer player on your team," Noel said, looking at Yuki. "And that you’re an amazing artist," he added to Aiko.

Both children beamed.

Their mother watched the interaction, something like relief crossing her face.

"Please, sit," she said, gesturing to the living room. "I made tea. And some snacks."

They settled on the couch—Luca and Noel side by side, the kids claiming the floor in front of them, their mother taking the armchair.

"So, Noel," she began gently. "Luca mentioned you’re here for work?"

"Yes, ma’am. A one-week internship assignment." Noel’s voice was calm, professional but warm. "I’m studying international business."

"That’s impressive," she said. "And you and Luca..."

"Business study. We’re together," Luca said, finding his voice. "Have been for a while now."

His mother nodded, a small smile touching her lips. "I can see that. The way you look at each other—" She paused. "It reminds me of... well. It’s clear you care deeply for one another."

"I do," Noel said simply, glancing at Luca. "Very much."

Luca’s throat tightened.

"I’m glad," his mother said softly. "Everyone deserves someone who makes them fly across oceans."

The words hung in the air—gentle, accepting, full of understanding.

"Thank you," Luca managed.

Yuki, oblivious to the emotional undercurrent, jumped up. "Can we show them the around? Please?"

Their mother laughed. "If Luca and Noel don’t mind?"

"We’d love to," Noel said.

They spent the next hour in the garden—Yuki showing off his soccer skills, Aiko pointing out flowers she’d helped plant, their mother serving tea and pastries on the outdoor table.

Conversation flowed easier than Luca expected—Noel asking questions about the kids’ school, complimenting their mother’s garden, sharing stories about his own childhood.

Luca watched it all, something warm expanding in his chest.

This is my family. And Noel fits right in.

As the afternoon light began to shift toward evening, his mother stood.

"Luca, could I speak with you for a moment? Inside?"

Luca’s stomach tightened, but he nodded. "Sure."

Noel squeezed his hand briefly—reassurance—then turned to the kids. "So, Yuki, think you can teach me that trick you did earlier?" 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Luca followed his mother inside, into the kitchen.

She turned to face him, eyes shining.

"He’s wonderful," she said softly.

"He is," Luca agreed.

"And he loves you. I can see it in every look, every gesture."

"I love him too," Luca said quietly.

She stepped closer, tentative. "Luca... thank you. For giving me this chance. For introducing him to me. For letting me be part of your life again, even in this small way."

"I’m trying," Luca said, voice thick. "It’s not easy. But I’m trying."

"I know." She reached out, and this time Luca didn’t pull away when she touched his arm. "And that’s all I can ask for. One step at a time, right?"

"Yeah," he echoed.

She smiled through tears. "I like him. Noel. He’s good for you. I can tell."

"He is," Luca said. "The best thing that ever happened to me."

"Then hold onto him," she said. "Don’t let him go."

"I won’t," Luca promised.

They stood there for a moment, mother and son, twelve years of distance beginning—just beginning—to bridge.

"We should get back," Luca said finally.

"Yes." She wiped her eyes. "Before Yuki recruits Noel onto his soccer team permanently."

They stepped back outside into the garden, the late afternoon sun casting everything in warm amber light.

Noel had indeed been recruited—Yuki was demonstrating a soccer move with intense concentration, feet quick against the grass, the ball responding to his commands like magic.

"See? Like this!" Yuki said, executing a perfect turn.

Noel attempted to copy it, his movements awkward, uncoordinated.

The ball rolled away from him entirely.

"No, no!" Yuki said, but he was laughing. "You have to use the inside of your foot!"

"I am using the inside of my foot," Noel protested, chasing after the ball.

Aiko sat on the garden bench, sketch pad in her lap, giggling behind her hand at Noel’s attempts.

Luca’s mother stood beside Luca, both of them watching, and she smiled—soft, genuine.

"He’s good with them," she observed quietly.

"He’s good with everyone," Luca said, watching Noel finally manage to kick the ball in something resembling the right direction, Yuki cheering enthusiastically.

"I can see why you love him."

Luca glanced at her, surprised by the directness.

She met his eyes. "It’s obvious. The way you look at him. The way he looks at you. That’s... that’s something special, Luca."

His throat tightened. "Yeah. It is."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching Noel now trying to teach Yuki some kind of footwork that was going terribly wrong, both of them laughing.

"I’m glad you brought him," his mother said.

"Me too," Luca admitted.

The sun continued its descent, shadows lengthening across the garden.

The light turned golden, then softer, the air cooling slightly.

"We should probably go soon," Luca said reluctantly, checking his phone. Almost six.

"Of course." His mother’s voice carried understanding. "You must be tired. And you have a flight tomorrow."

"Early one," Luca confirmed.

She called out to the garden. "Yuki, Aiko—time to say goodbye."

"Aww!" Yuki’s face fell. "Already?"

"They have to go, sweetheart," she said gently.

Yuki trudged over, shoulders slumped dramatically. He looked up at Luca with those big eyes. "You’re really leaving tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Luca said, crouching down to his level. "But I’ll come back. I promise."

"When?"

"I don’t know exactly. But I will."

Yuki launched himself forward, wrapping small arms around Luca’s neck in a fierce hug. "You better."

Luca hugged him back, something in his chest squeezing. "I will."

When Yuki pulled back, he turned to Noel. "You too. You have to come back. So I can teach you soccer properly."

Noel laughed, ruffling his hair. "Deal. I clearly need more lessons."

Aiko approached more quietly, her goodbye hug gentle but no less meaningful. "Thank you for coming," she whispered to Luca.

"Thank you for being so welcoming," Luca replied.

She turned to Noel, suddenly shy again. "It was nice meeting you."

"You too, Aiko." Noel smiled warmly. "Keep drawing. You’re really talented."

Her face lit up.

Luca’s mother walked them through the house to the front door.

They slipped their shoes back on, the simple ritual feeling significant somehow—another threshold crossed, another step taken.

At the door, she paused, hands twisting together slightly.

"Luca," she said softly. "Thank you. For today. For giving me this chance. For bringing Noel. For..." Her voice caught. "For not giving up on me completely."

"I haven’t given up," Luca said, the words coming easier now. "I’m just... learning how to let you back in."

"That’s all I can ask for." She stepped forward, and this time when she hugged him, Luca didn’t freeze. He hugged back.

Not fully relaxed. Not yet. But better than before.

When she pulled back, her eyes were shining. She turned to Noel. "Take care of him."

"I will," Noel promised. "Always."

She surprised them both by hugging Noel too—brief but warm.

"Thank you," she whispered. "For making him happy. For being what he needs."

When she stepped back, Noel’s expression was soft, understanding. "Thank you for raising someone worth loving."

Her breath caught, tears spilling over.

They said their final goodbyes—waves from Yuki and Aiko at the garden gate, his mother standing in the doorway watching them walk down the path.

Luca looked back once—saw them all there, framed by the warm light from inside the house.

His family.

Strange. Complicated. Broken in places.

But his.

They reached the street, and Noel pulled out his phone, opening the taxi app.

"There’s one about five minutes away," he said.

"Okay."

They stood on the quiet residential street, waiting.

A cool breeze rustled the trees overhead, carrying the scent of someone cooking dinner, of early evening settling in.

"You okay?" Noel asked, studying his face.

Luca nodded slowly. "Yeah."

"It went well."

"Better than I expected," Luca admitted. "She really liked you."

"I liked her too," Noel said honestly. "And your siblings. They’re great kids."

"They are." Luca exhaled slowly. "It’s weird. Having this whole part of my life that existed without me. But... it doesn’t feel as painful as it did before."

"That’s healing," Noel said softly. "That’s what it looks like."

A car turned onto their street—the taxi, slowing to a stop beside them.

They climbed in, Noel giving the driver the hotel name in careful Japanese.