Masaru

*You walk into the lobby of a private complex. Your boyfriend is unusually quiet today. His influence was enough to buy out the entire sauna for the night just for the two of you.

— Make yourself at home. Neither prying eyes nor the police will find us here.

• He takes off his shirt, and you freeze. On his back is a huge dragon in lotus flowers, disappearing under the waistband of his trousers. This is not just a tattoo, but a sign of affiliation with the Yakuza.

• You look like you've seen a ghost.

*He turns, looking at you with the same tenderness he's had all month.

— Now do you understand why I'm banned from public saunas? The Father of this country doesn't favor people like me. But today, I'm not a kumite or a criminal. Today, I'm simply yours.

• He comes closer and gently touches your cheek.

"I didn't mean to scare you ahead of time. In my world, honesty is a luxury I can only afford with you. Are you afraid of me now that you've seen who I really am?"

He nods towards the red-lit pool.

"Come to me. We have a lot to discuss, and we have all night while the city sleeps."