[Fic] Caramel, Not Salted - Part Three
Title: Caramel, Not Salted
Pairing: RyoDa
Rating: G
Genre: Humour, Fluff
Word Count: 2,039
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Summary: Nishikido is a movie critic. Ueda sells popcorn at the cinema. One day, they meet.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five
Caramel, Not Salted - Part Three
Love can make anyone do strange things. Even a snarky movie critic isn’t spared.
Nishikido can attest for that.
He doesn't really know why he started practising touching songs on his guitar ever since the informal date he shared with Ueda a couple of days ago, doesn’t really know why he is paying attention to love movies so he knows which one he can bring Ueda to next, and doesn’t really know why he wrote a lovely and humble ‘thank you’ letter to Nakamaru even though he doubt he’ll ever meet that man again.
Nishikido (to his abject horror) even realises how he has been looking through the latest winter fashion catalogue in hopes that he’ll be able to amaze the other man with a sudden improvement in his fashion sense. Unfortunately, Uchi notices the difference and wouldn’t stop seizing every opportunity to comment on that. And since word travels fast in the office, Yamapi decides to join in the party.
“80% of injuries happen at work,” Nishikido quotes the report Yamapi is currently writing on when Yamapi comments on how the weekends are finally approaching and somebody is getting all thrilled like a lovesick high school girl. Nishikido would have begged to differ instead of turning to bodily harm if he isn’t flailing (just slightly) at every mention of the name “Ueda”.
***
On Saturday, Nishikido has to prevent himself from sprinting to the cinema at the crack of dawn. Ueda doesn’t get off till six in the evening so Nishikido figures he’ll have to remain a sane human and carry out his daily routine of jogging, eating breakfast and composing some music.
Only that he finds himself unable to and devotes his entire day ransacking through his wardrobe in search of the outfit that will impress Ueda. Nishikido thinks he is falling too deep before anything has started when he contemplates the option of calling Kamenashi, a fashion journalist that he only met once at a relevant movie premier and exchanged numbers.
He is further thrown into a state of panic when five arrives too quickly and he ought to be driving towards the cinema to ensure that Ueda doesn’t leave before he reaches. Throwing on a casual tee and jeans, matched with a vest and scarf, Nishikido realises his efforts are wasted when he puts on his winter coat, effectively hiding his outfit.
When did he turn into such a moron?
Leaving his car keys, Nishikido calls for a taxi. He can’t really trust himself to drive when there are probably a thousand butterflies fluttering in his stomach and his limbs feel weak from all the quaking caused by the mere prospects of meeting Ueda again.
***
“Hi sir, what can I get for you today?”
Ueda’s face reveals genuine shock when Nishikido is the next in line.
“I’ll take whatever you want to eat.”
“That’ll be hotdogs, nachos, a box of salted and another box of caramel popcorn,” Ueda notes happily before going off to prepare the massive order while humming a happy tune. “I get to eat both flavours since someone doesn’t have a liking for salted ones,” he continues his sentence when he is back with the entire order. Nishikido doesn’t think he’ll be able to carry all the food by himself so Ueda laughs and says he’ll leave it at the counter till he gets to knock off. He only hands Nishikido his usual box of caramel popcorn and coke, though he is charging a whooping sum.
“You aren’t kidding, huh?” Nishikido frowns as he pays Ueda the correct amount in proper bills. He still feels like a bastard whenever he recalls their first meeting whereby he paid everything in coins of small denominations. Ueda lets out a mock sigh of relief before thanking him for his purchase and whispering that he is full of anticipation for Nishikido’s choice of movie.
For once, Nishikido actually feels the perks of being a movie critic. He should really stop ranting about his boss and earn some karma points to score on dates with Ueda.
***
Nishikido declares his undying love for caramel popcorn and reaffirms his hatred for salted ones. Because he enjoys the little jolts of electricity coursing through his veins whenever Ueda reaches over to his box and their hands come in contact.
Even though they are watching some romance comedy that has Ueda both in tears and laughter at the same time, Nishikido feels like he is filming his own love story whereby the male lead wishes to confess his feelings towards the female lead (or male lead in his case) for the first time.
Since Nishikido has watched the movie before as an assignment, he catches himself staring at Ueda the whole time. The way his eyes sparkle with delight before morphing to sadness and eventually joy again - it’s magical. And since Ueda is simply wearing eyeliner today, Nishikido can no longer pin it on the wonders of glittery eye shadow.
“Show’s over,” Nishikido jumps when the cinema lights return and Ueda starts talking to him. “How do you watch a film when your eyes are constantly fixated on me?”
“I have… great peripheral vision?”
Ueda raises his eyebrow quizzically but eventually lets Nishikido off with a sarcastic reply that that shouldn’t be humanly possible and Nishikido ought to run for some Guinness world record.
Nishikido changes the topic swiftly by inquiring about the hotdogs and nachos Ueda has purchased with his money and Ueda evades answering by asking what’s for dinner.
***
“I’m surprised you aren’t fat,” Nishikido snorts as he watches Ueda calling for seconds at a Japanese restaurant. It’s inexpensive and Nishikido doesn’t mind paying but he can’t help but get a little worried about Ueda’s digestive system. “Do you not eat when I’m not around?”
“I box a lot. In fact, I’m pretty darn good in it so try not to offend me,” Ueda replies haughtily as he finishes yet another bowl of rice and finally decides it’s time to call for the bill.
Out of interest, Nishikido inquires if that was the reason why Ueda began wearing makeup; covering up bruises is a perfectly legitimate reason to do so. But when Ueda remains silent and his gaze turns stony, Nishikido figures that curiosity has indeed killed the cat.
Sensing the atmosphere, Nishikido attempts to tell a couple of gags he has learnt from their residential cartoonist, Taguchi. However, besides awkward laughter, Ueda doesn’t seem to look any happier. Nishikido makes it a point to feedback to Taguchi about what the general public think of his jokes.
***
“I’ll send you home tonight?” Nishikido offers boldly after their meal. Ueda shrugs and says it’s too much of a hassle so Nishikido doesn’t really know if he ought to insist or back off. Yet when Ueda begins sneezing in the chilly weather, Nishikido offers his coat and decides he’ll see the other man back after all.
The night is cold and Nishikido wonders if he’ll die by frostbites till Ueda takes the initiative to hold his hand and by doing so, turns the temperature up by notches. Steaming and ears reddening, Nishikido throws Ueda a clueless look who in turn merely shrugs and continues trudging on in the icy winds, offering no word of explanation.
“You’re right about the bruises. But the initial ones aren’t caused by boxing.”
Nishikido wonders why Ueda is telling him all these when he is obviously hesitant to talk about the matter.
“I don’t have a good relationship with my father. I can’t turn up at college or my part-time work with black and blue marks on my face. Concealer does a pretty awesome job of covering them up and eye makeup further takes the focus away from my swelling so yeah…”
It’s a surprising confession so Nishikido isn’t well-prepared with a response. Before he can think of any comforting words to make Ueda feel better, Ueda mutters that they’re already at the bus stand and his bus is approaching. Returning Nishikido his jacket and thanking him for his company, Ueda boards the vehicle and is gone in an instance.
Standing in the middle of the street with blasts of freezing air going against him incessantly, Nishikido regrets not being able to react better.
***
“Things didn’t go well?”
Nishikido looks up from his desk and gets a shock at how closely Yamapi is leaning over. Is ‘failure’ written all over his face today?
“What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play the fool,” Yamapi teases as he swivels his chair leisurely. “I’m obviously talking about your date with Ueda. You hardly turn up for work on Sundays. Rest days are sacred to you, no?”
“So what if I decided to be a little more industrious and finish my assignments on time? And how did you know I went out for a casual dinner?”
“Yeah, and you don’t even hold hands with me when we go out for a drinking party. Ryo, I thought we are friends! Or is it ‘were’ now?”
Ignoring Yamapi, Nishikido goes back to his report. No doubt Uchi must have been doing a fair share of stalking yesterday. Nishikido doesn't bother to confront the other man since he knows Uchi will most definitely blame it on his 'occupational hazard'.
***
Since Ueda works during the weekends, Nishikido finds himself at the cinema once again. Paying for his car’s fuel seems to be the least of his concern recently (and to think he used to whine at every trip to Ueda’s workplace). All he is worried about is being overly-attached and harassing the other man unconsciously.
Instead of spotting Ueda at the cinema, Nishikido notices Nakamaru around the vicinity. The taller man waves at him and smiles, and Nishikido reckons Ueda must not have spoken too badly of him about yesterday night (since the two are roommates).
“Despite pressing rent issues and overwhelming workload from college, Ueda has never been in a better mood after the date.”
“Really?” Nishikido replies instantly to Nakamaru’s statement. If Ueda likes him and had enjoyed dinner, Ueda sure is good in concealing his emotions.
Nodding, Nakamaru goes on to talk about how Ueda wouldn’t stop blushing when he recounts the date. He mentions how Ueda finds Nishikido an amicable person after getting over his nasty first impression and feels surprisingly comfortable enough to be talking about issues he usually keeps to himself.
“You have a pretty good shot so seize the chance! But Ueda is a little tied up with a project tonight so your appearance might pose as a problem to him,” Nakamaru goes on and Nishikido immediately excuses himself with the full intention of taking his leave. However, Nakamaru stops him from leaving till he slips a piece of paper in Nishikido’s jacket.
“It would have been a perfect night if you had text him ‘good night’ or something,” he adds innocently before bidding farewell. Gapping at the string of numbers, Nishikido swears he’ll give his thanks to Nakamaru properly on their next meeting.
***
Fidgeting with his phone, Nishikido ponders over his first message to Ueda. Would it be too abrupt to text him and how should he introduce himself? Would Nishikido be too distant or would Ryo sound too chummy? Debating with himself, it’s late in the night before he finally sends out a pathetically short message which shouldn’t have taken an hour to create.
Message to Ueda: Hey, Ryo here. Good luck for your work.
Before he can worry about disrupting Ueda, Nishikido’s mobile vibrated with a notification. And to think he spent such a long time musing over his words; Ueda hardly took a minute to reply.
Message from Ueda: If I do my best, what will you reward me with?
Message to Ueda: I’ll take you out again.
Message from Ueda: I’m free this Friday.
Message to Ueda: I’ll take the day off.
Message from Ueda: Deal.
Nishikido smiles dreamily at the last message. It's incredible how Ueda is eager to go out with him again. Deciding that it isn’t too early to begin planning, Nishikido switches on his laptop and begins pouring through recommendation sites.
He is determined to confess the next time they meet.
To be continued…
Author’s Note: I apologize for the late update ): Since it has been months when I last updated, does anyone still remember this story? I wanted to restrict this multi-chapter to three parts but it didn't feel right to end it now so expect two more updates in the future ;D
Thank you for reading!
Pairing: RyoDa
Rating: G
Genre: Humour, Fluff
Word Count: 2,039
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Summary: Nishikido is a movie critic. Ueda sells popcorn at the cinema. One day, they meet.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five
Caramel, Not Salted - Part Three
Love can make anyone do strange things. Even a snarky movie critic isn’t spared.
Nishikido can attest for that.
He doesn't really know why he started practising touching songs on his guitar ever since the informal date he shared with Ueda a couple of days ago, doesn’t really know why he is paying attention to love movies so he knows which one he can bring Ueda to next, and doesn’t really know why he wrote a lovely and humble ‘thank you’ letter to Nakamaru even though he doubt he’ll ever meet that man again.
Nishikido (to his abject horror) even realises how he has been looking through the latest winter fashion catalogue in hopes that he’ll be able to amaze the other man with a sudden improvement in his fashion sense. Unfortunately, Uchi notices the difference and wouldn’t stop seizing every opportunity to comment on that. And since word travels fast in the office, Yamapi decides to join in the party.
“80% of injuries happen at work,” Nishikido quotes the report Yamapi is currently writing on when Yamapi comments on how the weekends are finally approaching and somebody is getting all thrilled like a lovesick high school girl. Nishikido would have begged to differ instead of turning to bodily harm if he isn’t flailing (just slightly) at every mention of the name “Ueda”.
***
On Saturday, Nishikido has to prevent himself from sprinting to the cinema at the crack of dawn. Ueda doesn’t get off till six in the evening so Nishikido figures he’ll have to remain a sane human and carry out his daily routine of jogging, eating breakfast and composing some music.
Only that he finds himself unable to and devotes his entire day ransacking through his wardrobe in search of the outfit that will impress Ueda. Nishikido thinks he is falling too deep before anything has started when he contemplates the option of calling Kamenashi, a fashion journalist that he only met once at a relevant movie premier and exchanged numbers.
He is further thrown into a state of panic when five arrives too quickly and he ought to be driving towards the cinema to ensure that Ueda doesn’t leave before he reaches. Throwing on a casual tee and jeans, matched with a vest and scarf, Nishikido realises his efforts are wasted when he puts on his winter coat, effectively hiding his outfit.
When did he turn into such a moron?
Leaving his car keys, Nishikido calls for a taxi. He can’t really trust himself to drive when there are probably a thousand butterflies fluttering in his stomach and his limbs feel weak from all the quaking caused by the mere prospects of meeting Ueda again.
***
“Hi sir, what can I get for you today?”
Ueda’s face reveals genuine shock when Nishikido is the next in line.
“I’ll take whatever you want to eat.”
“That’ll be hotdogs, nachos, a box of salted and another box of caramel popcorn,” Ueda notes happily before going off to prepare the massive order while humming a happy tune. “I get to eat both flavours since someone doesn’t have a liking for salted ones,” he continues his sentence when he is back with the entire order. Nishikido doesn’t think he’ll be able to carry all the food by himself so Ueda laughs and says he’ll leave it at the counter till he gets to knock off. He only hands Nishikido his usual box of caramel popcorn and coke, though he is charging a whooping sum.
“You aren’t kidding, huh?” Nishikido frowns as he pays Ueda the correct amount in proper bills. He still feels like a bastard whenever he recalls their first meeting whereby he paid everything in coins of small denominations. Ueda lets out a mock sigh of relief before thanking him for his purchase and whispering that he is full of anticipation for Nishikido’s choice of movie.
For once, Nishikido actually feels the perks of being a movie critic. He should really stop ranting about his boss and earn some karma points to score on dates with Ueda.
***
Nishikido declares his undying love for caramel popcorn and reaffirms his hatred for salted ones. Because he enjoys the little jolts of electricity coursing through his veins whenever Ueda reaches over to his box and their hands come in contact.
Even though they are watching some romance comedy that has Ueda both in tears and laughter at the same time, Nishikido feels like he is filming his own love story whereby the male lead wishes to confess his feelings towards the female lead (or male lead in his case) for the first time.
Since Nishikido has watched the movie before as an assignment, he catches himself staring at Ueda the whole time. The way his eyes sparkle with delight before morphing to sadness and eventually joy again - it’s magical. And since Ueda is simply wearing eyeliner today, Nishikido can no longer pin it on the wonders of glittery eye shadow.
“Show’s over,” Nishikido jumps when the cinema lights return and Ueda starts talking to him. “How do you watch a film when your eyes are constantly fixated on me?”
“I have… great peripheral vision?”
Ueda raises his eyebrow quizzically but eventually lets Nishikido off with a sarcastic reply that that shouldn’t be humanly possible and Nishikido ought to run for some Guinness world record.
Nishikido changes the topic swiftly by inquiring about the hotdogs and nachos Ueda has purchased with his money and Ueda evades answering by asking what’s for dinner.
***
“I’m surprised you aren’t fat,” Nishikido snorts as he watches Ueda calling for seconds at a Japanese restaurant. It’s inexpensive and Nishikido doesn’t mind paying but he can’t help but get a little worried about Ueda’s digestive system. “Do you not eat when I’m not around?”
“I box a lot. In fact, I’m pretty darn good in it so try not to offend me,” Ueda replies haughtily as he finishes yet another bowl of rice and finally decides it’s time to call for the bill.
Out of interest, Nishikido inquires if that was the reason why Ueda began wearing makeup; covering up bruises is a perfectly legitimate reason to do so. But when Ueda remains silent and his gaze turns stony, Nishikido figures that curiosity has indeed killed the cat.
Sensing the atmosphere, Nishikido attempts to tell a couple of gags he has learnt from their residential cartoonist, Taguchi. However, besides awkward laughter, Ueda doesn’t seem to look any happier. Nishikido makes it a point to feedback to Taguchi about what the general public think of his jokes.
***
“I’ll send you home tonight?” Nishikido offers boldly after their meal. Ueda shrugs and says it’s too much of a hassle so Nishikido doesn’t really know if he ought to insist or back off. Yet when Ueda begins sneezing in the chilly weather, Nishikido offers his coat and decides he’ll see the other man back after all.
The night is cold and Nishikido wonders if he’ll die by frostbites till Ueda takes the initiative to hold his hand and by doing so, turns the temperature up by notches. Steaming and ears reddening, Nishikido throws Ueda a clueless look who in turn merely shrugs and continues trudging on in the icy winds, offering no word of explanation.
“You’re right about the bruises. But the initial ones aren’t caused by boxing.”
Nishikido wonders why Ueda is telling him all these when he is obviously hesitant to talk about the matter.
“I don’t have a good relationship with my father. I can’t turn up at college or my part-time work with black and blue marks on my face. Concealer does a pretty awesome job of covering them up and eye makeup further takes the focus away from my swelling so yeah…”
It’s a surprising confession so Nishikido isn’t well-prepared with a response. Before he can think of any comforting words to make Ueda feel better, Ueda mutters that they’re already at the bus stand and his bus is approaching. Returning Nishikido his jacket and thanking him for his company, Ueda boards the vehicle and is gone in an instance.
Standing in the middle of the street with blasts of freezing air going against him incessantly, Nishikido regrets not being able to react better.
***
“Things didn’t go well?”
Nishikido looks up from his desk and gets a shock at how closely Yamapi is leaning over. Is ‘failure’ written all over his face today?
“What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play the fool,” Yamapi teases as he swivels his chair leisurely. “I’m obviously talking about your date with Ueda. You hardly turn up for work on Sundays. Rest days are sacred to you, no?”
“So what if I decided to be a little more industrious and finish my assignments on time? And how did you know I went out for a casual dinner?”
“Yeah, and you don’t even hold hands with me when we go out for a drinking party. Ryo, I thought we are friends! Or is it ‘were’ now?”
Ignoring Yamapi, Nishikido goes back to his report. No doubt Uchi must have been doing a fair share of stalking yesterday. Nishikido doesn't bother to confront the other man since he knows Uchi will most definitely blame it on his 'occupational hazard'.
***
Since Ueda works during the weekends, Nishikido finds himself at the cinema once again. Paying for his car’s fuel seems to be the least of his concern recently (and to think he used to whine at every trip to Ueda’s workplace). All he is worried about is being overly-attached and harassing the other man unconsciously.
Instead of spotting Ueda at the cinema, Nishikido notices Nakamaru around the vicinity. The taller man waves at him and smiles, and Nishikido reckons Ueda must not have spoken too badly of him about yesterday night (since the two are roommates).
“Despite pressing rent issues and overwhelming workload from college, Ueda has never been in a better mood after the date.”
“Really?” Nishikido replies instantly to Nakamaru’s statement. If Ueda likes him and had enjoyed dinner, Ueda sure is good in concealing his emotions.
Nodding, Nakamaru goes on to talk about how Ueda wouldn’t stop blushing when he recounts the date. He mentions how Ueda finds Nishikido an amicable person after getting over his nasty first impression and feels surprisingly comfortable enough to be talking about issues he usually keeps to himself.
“You have a pretty good shot so seize the chance! But Ueda is a little tied up with a project tonight so your appearance might pose as a problem to him,” Nakamaru goes on and Nishikido immediately excuses himself with the full intention of taking his leave. However, Nakamaru stops him from leaving till he slips a piece of paper in Nishikido’s jacket.
“It would have been a perfect night if you had text him ‘good night’ or something,” he adds innocently before bidding farewell. Gapping at the string of numbers, Nishikido swears he’ll give his thanks to Nakamaru properly on their next meeting.
***
Fidgeting with his phone, Nishikido ponders over his first message to Ueda. Would it be too abrupt to text him and how should he introduce himself? Would Nishikido be too distant or would Ryo sound too chummy? Debating with himself, it’s late in the night before he finally sends out a pathetically short message which shouldn’t have taken an hour to create.
Message to Ueda: Hey, Ryo here. Good luck for your work.
Before he can worry about disrupting Ueda, Nishikido’s mobile vibrated with a notification. And to think he spent such a long time musing over his words; Ueda hardly took a minute to reply.
Message from Ueda: If I do my best, what will you reward me with?
Message to Ueda: I’ll take you out again.
Message from Ueda: I’m free this Friday.
Message to Ueda: I’ll take the day off.
Message from Ueda: Deal.
Nishikido smiles dreamily at the last message. It's incredible how Ueda is eager to go out with him again. Deciding that it isn’t too early to begin planning, Nishikido switches on his laptop and begins pouring through recommendation sites.
He is determined to confess the next time they meet.
To be continued…
Author’s Note: I apologize for the late update ): Since it has been months when I last updated, does anyone still remember this story? I wanted to restrict this multi-chapter to three parts but it didn't feel right to end it now so expect two more updates in the future ;D
Thank you for reading!