When will we get muscular guys do cute things anime? Going to cake buffet, shopping for comfy clothes, handwriting messages of support to radio programmes with little stars and hearts, squeezing pillows to death, jogging early in the morning when the light feels different, looking after each other when they catch colds, dropping snack crumbs in their cleavage, teaming up to buy specials at the grocery store, finding forgotten items at the gym but not knowing the other guy's name so they don't know how to get hold of him and maybe they could hold on to it until they cross paths again, awkward symmetrical docking on a packed train, eating warm meatbuns at the park on a winter evening, comparing handshake differences.

The prompt for this concept was "muscular guys do cute things anime", and originally I felt it should be anything SoL but working out/exercise, just inexplicably buff guys being normal. However if it's a mundane setting that's daft, to maintain their bodies their workouts ARE daily life, the gym is a social hub, and their fitness is part of who they are and their motivations. So it got a little gymbrosy, but hopefully there's a lot more in this than just the number of reps and what machines they're using.

Murakami Sou - tallest like imposingly tall and broad shouldered. Good all round muscle definition but nothing especially bulky besides his chest, butt has a flat shape not round. Handsome face and masculine jawline, black slicked back hair and shaped brows, suit n gloves like generic demon boss type - actually an office worker who fails to get promoted due to being unapproachable, cold exterior because he's timid as fuck. Has a deep regret that he couldn't muster a prompt apology for Enji over a misunderstanding, and has been looking out for him at work drinks since. Secret supadari, enjoys cooking and getting tough stains out of things. Wishes he could get a dog but his apartment has no pets policy. Travels by train to work and gym, lives close to the station. Used to be a withdrawn chubby child. Enjoys audiobooks and podcasts, particularly nonfiction and foreign crime. Actually quite frightened of crime and killers so he's embarrassed when people think he looks like the type. Very good at handling alcohol, which he blames on his size. Has a weakness for konbini fried chicken.
Associated animal: elk - big, skittish and quiet until…

Taniguchi Hiro - second tallest, heaviest of the group, bulk build, maximum titty and adonis belt spill over but not much definition, no abs to speak of. Thhiick upper arms. Dark reddish brown hair in a ponytail, rounded jug face shape (U). Very food motivated and outgoing, physical affection type. Likes energetic music like dance, pop, and rock even if he's only lazing around. Somewhat messy and laidback in his own space, but constantly trying to help out others and tidy shared spaces. Former student council member, was a lanky beanpole with hair over one eye, difficult to recognise now but his personality didn't change much. Began bulking because he realised muscle was his type. Works in a garden centre he cycles to but takes the train for gym, cycles home from train station as his family home is semi rural. Knows far too many restaurants in either town for someone whose job rarely goes for drinks, admits he might have become a glutton. It's hard to gauge his alcohol tolerance because he gets buzzed quickly but never hurls or knocks out.
Associated animal: komainu - it's not that a lion wouldn't fit, but that dogs “eat everything” and are much more friendly and cooperative

Takeda Futoshi - shortest, never skipped a leg day. Butt sticks out far more than chest. Supreme thighs. Short black hair, tanned skin, thick eyebrows, fairly masculine jawline and straight nose. Jogs daily and rumour has it he's never been out of breath, such is his lung capacity. Can seem distant at a glance but is a warm and supportive person. Very cute and bouncy handwriting. Part time barista, does night security shifts. Bikes long distances. Awake at unusual times, skilled at falling asleep in an instant wherever he is. Uses the same gym as Hiro and Enji but he's always seemingly leaving or switching area so hard to catch. Was on a school sport team or two but they didn't have a track and field club. Enjoys rural scenery, fresh air, dirt/gravel paths, the feeling of post-exercise glow. Listens to radio talk shows at night, has started to believe in ghosts thanks to listener write ins. Surprisingly good with his alcohol, sips casually, paces himself, very sensibly stubborn when he feels at his limit. Sometimes forgets where he put things while hurrying.
Associated animal: put him in a bunny suit, let's go. (Seems quiet and aloof, rushes about, then flops)

Nakamura Enji - Mr Looks Slimmer in a Suit and Shirt. Light brown hair. Average height, soft face. Works in the same office as Murakami and is always feeling like he's made a mistake and gained their boss's ire. Vents to Hiro at the gym. Despite having a decently athletic body he often feels intimidated by larger men and worries that something about his workouts would appear half hearted or foolish to others, made friends with Hiro because he sheepishly backed off equipment for him and Hiro decided to coach him into getting back into it. He's prone to accepting snacks from Hiro but chastises him for trying to overfeed him. Self conscious of his nipples showing through shirts, has a theory that men with bigger pecs don't have to worry about people focusing on the nubs sticking out because the whole pec is noteworthy. He began working out because his health review at work said he was too sedentary. As a kid he was always a mob who tagged along with others but backed out of anything "risky", was very soft bodied skinny. Proud of the shape of his butt but he struggles with ab definition and gains a squishy middle easily thanks to work drinking sessions. Light weight and pitiful drunk, after initial silliness he tends to shrink in on himself and speak gloomily. Most of the office knows he's gay thanks to his drunk ramblings and thinks it makes him cute and harmless around the female staff. He'd like to be someone who's taken seriously or at least for his colleagues to recognise the effort he's put into his body, but it's too embarrassing to bring up.
Associated animal: dachshund

Mr Taniguchi - Hiro's father. An older man who enjoys long distance cycling trips and visiting traditional inns and baths. Used to take Hiro camping as a kid. Mostly exists as an excuse for a camping trip story where Enji decides it's far warmer in Murakami and Hiro's tent and drunkenly squeezes in.

-

The story starts with Enji and Hiro chatting at the gym, Enji is distressed about work again because of an incident in the cafeteria where a bowl of ramen got knocked down his front. Since then the guy he walked into has been glaring at him down corridors and across the office, and every drinking party he picks the seat next to Enji, and it's really freaking him out. He's built like a yakuza warlord, Enji is not messing with that. Hiro jokes that maybe he's overcorrecting for not seeing Enji when the accident happened by training his eyes on him. He reminds Enji that offices have a ton of behaviour policies these days, if Enji asks what's up and something did happen then it's the other guy losing his lame office job. Enji isn't sure, but the very next week the glaring man approaches him on the way to the elevator. He apologises about "before" then asks if Enji goes to the gym. It turns out Murakami's gym is closed for renovations and he's concerned about his sudden lack of regime. Enji feels very sure that people like Murakami wake up buff, but he tells him the name and whereabouts of his gym to avoid trouble. He messages Hiro saying he absolutely needs buddy cover in case the scary guy turns up at the same time as him. He does.

The first two times Murakami barely acknowledges Enji with nods then keeps to a distance with his headphones in. There's noticeable awkwardness when Murakami meets other users at limited equipment, but Murakami still never speaks and just nods and gestures. Some people let him go first but Murakami is always gesturing for them to. Hiro is noticing a pattern.

At work Murakami drops off coffee at Enji's desk without saying anything. Enji finds himself looking across at Murakami here and there. Murakami drops papers and bows apologies to their boss. Enji overhears whispers saying Murakami is being uptight and prideful again, but he doesn't get it.

The next time they're at the gym he finds Murakami hovering by a bench. He asks what's going on and Murakami lifts a neon green water bottle with a logo on it from the bench. Enji knows that bottle, it belongs to the mystery guy who's always taking off when he and Hiro arrive. Murakami says he tried to call out to them but, but he's not good at raising his voice, and they left fast. Enji is a little stunned, he hadn't thought about it but Murakami's low voice is always about the same level. He's never heard the dude yell or get aggressive ever. Actually he's never even heard him sound happy. Enji offers to take the bottle and hold onto it, he sees its owner "all the time" and he's confident in his ability to weave through the gym after him if he has to. Murakami is relieved. Enji tells Hiro they have bait for finally catching the illusive ass guy.

Futoshi wakes up bleary eyed to a radio alarm and pulls clothes on. He throws things together and starts making toast and butter, but pauses as his water bottle isn't in his bag. He checks the cupboard and gets a spare to fill. Donning a high vis jacket he leaves for his night shift on a bike with lights.

The next day as the afternoon wears on Murakami musters the courage to ask Enji if he wants a coffee and what kind. Enji wonders if he did something but asks for a vanilla latte anyway. Murakami goes to a coffee shop a couple roads down from the office and who should be yawning behind the counter but the man he called out to the evening before. He doesn't know how to explain it quickly and debates saying anything at all. When he reaches the front of the queue he stares blankly before muttering something like “in the gym by the river. Something of yours, I know where it is”. Futoshi stares back, then snaps out of it: “sorry what was your order?” Murakami with slight panic states his order plainly and gives up.

He tries to tell Enji when he returns.

Still working on this.

-

The intended romantic pairs are:
Murakami and Hiro (anxious flustered top x lovey encouraging bottom). Murakami is probably the only one capable of moving Hiro into different positions or plain holding him up, and Hiro really did say "my type was the demon king at the end of this RPG". Murakami has always loved the chunky puppies of large breed dogs and sees that in Hiro, Hiro's bright smile gives him joy and he's happy to busy himself cooking for someone who eats everything. Hiro likes coaxing out responses from Murakami, because he can tell Murakami is a shy person and has one of those fleeting warm smiles you can't put on for photos. Even though they both run about doing cleaning and chores at Murakami's apartment, it's Murakami who makes Hiro tidy himself up and think more seriously about his family home he'll likely inherit. Hiro is grateful that someone as timid as Murakami would try to support him back instead of just accepting all of Hiro's pep talks and generosity. Also Murakami's apartment is perfectly placed for crashing when Hiro did actually have too much to drink (don't tell anyone, they still haven't figured him out). Re: the podcasts? Turns out Hiro is an avid fan of retaining totally useless trivia. It's part of why he works at a gardening centre.

Enji and Futoshi (childishly haughty top x competitive bottom, with a fair bit of vers resulting in teasing fussing top x demanding spoilt bottom). These two are actually a mess. Enji is very much an ass and thighs man and Fu-chan is his intercrural jackpot he could boast about all day. Futoshi enjoys being his prize because Enji is an idiot who speaks his mind so much and openly desires a lot of things. In the past he'd hate being called a trophy boyfriend, both of Futoshi's exes wouldn't let him top or negotiate positions, and he hated the lack of communication. Enji communicates too much but he's honest and likes to be understood, so Futoshi has ample opportunities to voice his opinions, though he's into listening to long anecdotes and emotive explanations. Enji's self consciousness isn't so bad around Futoshi because Futoshi takes things in stride and always moves onto the next step with a decisiveness Enji appreciates. On the other side Enji is attentive enough to make up for Futoshi's forgetfulness and they both share a humour that lets them dig into each other for repeated mistakes. Futoshi knows he has work to do if he wants Enji to keep up with his jogging and cycling outings, but he loves that Enji will push himself out of spite instead of just whining and giving in. They enjoy the serenity of country landscapes together. The biggest problem in their relationship is Futoshi getting up for his night shifts, while Futoshi can sleep through anything, Enji half wakes and makes funny disgruntled noises. Futoshi fucking loves those noises, but he worries about Enji's clumsiness when he hasn't slept well. As for Futoshi's tastes, Futoshi was always being pursued by big tough guys at the gym, he was drawn to Enji because he spoke shamelessly but began to see his sleek muscle as a reflection of Enji's delicate emotional flux. This is a guy who titters snide and mischievous comments then totally deflates in an instant, being lithe and sneaking between people is the most visual representation of his slapdash darting about thought processes. Enji is the feeling of running. Enji needs someone who takes the alcohol away and tells him no.

BUT, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
Ah, these were meant to be alt romantic ships but ended up just friendship fodder. I had ideas for bedroom dynamics and they evaporated as I typed the previous section.

Hiro and Futoshi - shared experience trying to find clothes that fit. Both joke around to get past difficult things. Immune to chucking a cup full of raw egg. Have experienced unwanted advances because of their physique, and want meaningful discussion on preferences. Hiro is similarly unbothered by the sound of someone getting up while he's sleeping and will dote on Futoshi until he gets extra rest. Hiro's cooking isn't especially good, but it's comforting and filling, and provides plenty of protein and carbs for Futoshi’s activity levels. Futoshi accepts casual physical affection with ease because of his brother, he's much more chill with Hiro. Hiro's choices in music are good for jogging, so even if he can't join Futoshi a part of Hiro is still with him (Futoshi dies laughing at Hiro trying to keep up with his brisker paces. It's a little cruel, he has a lot more weight to carry ;-;). Hiro adds to Futoshi's cycling by suggesting trips his dad recommended, and Hiro is able to join him.

Murakami and Enji - office buddies! Enji’s thinking out loud allows him to poke and pull at what Murakami is thinking. He handles all social situations no matter how many mistakes he makes. Murakami just keeps repaying small debts with packed lunch and coffee. He's been offering his cup whenever people try to pour more beer for drunken Enji, and a few times he's held him and kept watch on the train home, even going the extra stops to Enji’s station. It wouldn't take too much to end up taking Enji to his apartment instead, but he'd probably give Enji the bed and sleep with his legs hanging off the end of the sofa. Enji feels empowered by having a big scary guy as his “back up”. He enjoys being able to tease someone with the body type he's most intimidated by, and Murakami seems to blush and become self conscious rather than depressed. When he identifies how to make Murakami happy Enji starts playing with it like a switch. Rather than being able to relate with Enji’s complaints about work and their boss he gives Enji a way to rechannel that energy into fussing and sticking up for Murakami. Enji understands very well what in crime podcasts scares Murakami and doesn't at all think to mock a big guy for it, some things are just scary.

Hiro and Enji - they chat, they laugh, they spill tea, they have each other’s back. Hiro was Enji’s oasis in the desert of intimidating gym bunnies. Someone who felt genuine and kind, and most importantly on his wavelength despite the difference in their fitness. Something clicks between them. Possibly a shared knowledge of old video games and movies. Enji’s snide comments about big guys roll off Hiro’s back with a hearty laugh. Hiro knows the best counter attack is to compliment Enji and make him squirm. Hiro has more than enough toasty comfy back to carry a drunk Enji home, he also stands like a rock in packed trains so Enji can have breathing space (though whether Hiro can see Enji on the seat in front of him is a subject of debate).

Futoshi and Murakami - for all his bravado and no nonsense behaviour Futoshi knows how to be gentle and patient too. He recognises that Murakami has trouble talking and being social, so he gives him room to try and guides him without mocking. Murakami might relate others to dogs in his head, but Futoshi sees Murakami as “the husky who couldn't go up the stairs by itself”. He agrees with Hiro that it's cute, but he isn't interested in accommodating for it daily. Murakami likes that he isn't patronised and someone cares to wait for his input. He's wary about their size difference and potentially hurting or knocking over Futoshi, but Futoshi has made it clear that he could kick his pelvis in if he was so inclined and Murakami took that seriously. Futoshi once claimed that he has enough muscle to weigh as much as someone Murakami's height (so stop treating him as puny!), which is technically true, but Murakami was ashamed to learn his muscle mass also weighs something. He still admires Futoshi's dedicated routines and build. Murakami thinks his butt is “flabby” and soft after losing weight in his late teens. Futoshi will drill into him that if it's no good now it's still workable, just keep at it.

Enji harem end - oh the ironing. The guy who drunkenly whines about never having a serious boyfriend before and how guys who think they're hot shit aren't even hot, ending up with three buff guys all over him. His brain would overheat. He'd move onto fantasising how he'd take them all in one night, but he doesn't have the stamina for it. Maybe it was just difficult to say no to each confession.

-

What are their heat tolerances?

Murakami is reliant on AC and has never lived without it, he gets pale flushed and sweaty and struggles with thinking/staying awake. Enji complains that guys his height must have their head where all the heat rises. In winter he's very comfortably warm, though he makes sure to wear gloves as his fingers are the one part that gets cold.
Hiro grew up without AC and would wander fields and forests in his summer break. He'll complain about it and reach for cold treats, but he keeps active and with it. In winter he's practically a heating unit and may go out scarf and hoodie, no coat.
Futoshi struggles a little with heat but presses on. He doesn't complain about it unless it does something unfortunate like melt bike equipment or cause chafing. He likes cool breezes so he prefers conventional fans to AC. In colder seasons he noticeably wraps up in extra layers but doesn't have much trouble with extremities. Very practical person.
Enji loses the will to live in any extremes of temperature. He's particularly bothered by cold and shivers easily. In heat waves his nipples tend to stick out and add to his frustration (he's the type who pinches at his shirt and pulls it away from his skin over and over, even when the sweat isn't bad). He finds it easier to sleep during the day than the night in summer.

Family circumstances?

Murakami is an only child from a well off family, his parents helped pay for his well placed apartment and have always spoilt him. They live across the river in suburbs where it'd take a taxi or walking to reach, so Murakami speaks to them by phone more than he sees them.
Hiro’s mum passed away when he was in middle school. He has two younger brothers and one sister who have moved to the city for work, leaving him and his dad with a whole house to themselves. Though more importantly a whole fridge to Hiro.
Futoshi has an older brother who he scraps with every new year’s. They were both into sports as kids and his brother ended up working in TV, lugging heavy camera and lighting equipment. Their mum is frail but has two dogs and a husband to care for her. Enji stop staring every time he squats down in front of her wheelchair I swear to god.
Enji isn't on speaking terms with his father. His mum separated after he graduated from high school, and he still visits her most months. He's a mummy's boy at home and plays up being cute and well behaved. He's had rivalries with family cats.

If Hiro is so helpful and friendly, isn't Enji monopolising his time at the gym?

Hiro focuses on weight training so they're usually separated when Enji is using the treadmills or bikes, this is why Enji had to request buddy cover for Hiro to hang around more.

Do they all shower together at the gym?

Enji and Hiro have seen each other at the showers many times. Enji has even stopped making concerned comments about Hiro's size. Hiro is very casual, he used to share baths with siblings and recognises that his build can turn heads. He has longer hair that he sometimes washes with shampoo bars after intense workouts.
Enji doesn't use the gym shower much outside of summer if he can help it because he doesn't like other men looking at his body - his paranoia isn't completely unfounded but it's more admirers than judgement. He is a sweet spot between twink and full otter.
Murakami only showers if there's individual cubicles free despite having frontal fluff that probably needs it. He ties a towel around his waist whenever he's somewhere visible, so no one has seen him fully nude. It gives him an unfortunately pin up model quality.
Futoshi cycles so he doesn't care about waiting until he gets home to wash. He shaves his legs so there's less sweat caught on them anyway.

What are Futoshi’s radio shows about?

They're just late night talk personalities, they chat about recent news (often light hearted or weird stories), weather, relationships. His favourite ended up with a string of listeners sharing ghostly experiences and it's become a weekly segment.

Who asked out who?

Enji couldn't keep his mouth shut, then tried to play it off like he said something else or was just joking, then he got drunk and said it outright. On the groupchat. Where everyone could see his ALL CAPS thirst. Futoshi replied “sure”, then grabbed him and called him boyfriend the next time he caught Enji in person. After initial disbelief and embarrassment Enji was over the moon.

Hiro was showing favouritism to Murakami for some time before Murakami asked. He didn't expect it to go anywhere or be anything, but Murakami of all people very politely proposed. Hiro wonders just how long he'd been planning to and failing to say it. He didn't want to push himself on Murakami even if he suspected it, because he knew Murakami would agree no matter what. The last thing Hiro thought would happen was a full blown marriage proposal. He talked Murakami down from that, to trial being together first. To Murakami it's not the biggest leap. He'd stayed at Hiro’s house and introduced himself to his family, had weekend getaways, the lot. Maybe Hiro was oblivious to the difference between his friendliness to everyone and his affection for Murakami.

What are their ages?

I hadn't thought about this too hard, because as much as I'd want all late 20s and 30s, it's more likely they're younger than that. I do want Enji to be older than Murakami to fuck with him. For now let's tentatively put it as:
-Murakami - 22 (he's only been drinking for a year and a bit!)
-Hiro - 26
-Futoshi - 24
-Enji - 27

Birthday months

This has nothing to do with horoscopes just plot potential.
Enji - January 21th
Futoshi - June
Hiro - late August
Murakami - November (Valentine's baby)

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ALTERNATE UNIVERSES BECAUSE I CANNOT HELP MYSELF

RPG fantasy
Murakami - maou final boss
Hiro - behemoth mid boss
Futoshi - bunny archer with the heels
Enji - the hero out of his depth

SHINTO FANTASY
Murakami - shy local god who hides around screens and doors. Some people don't even believe he exists
Hiro - a komainu servant working at Murakami's shrine, talks up Murakami's kindness and blessings at all opportunities
Enji - the fucking pure virginal miko at the shrine who does ceremonial rituals but is constantly clumsy and being conscious of his nipples rubbing at the wrong moments
Futoshi - a raiju who crashed into the roof and has decided to be the miko’s problem

Edit Report
Pub: 31 Jan 2024 04:51 UTC
Edit: 01 Feb 2024 06:20 UTC
Views: 81