Nostalgic (cont)
before
Oh, of course not. He is not missing anyone, right now.
No. Not even when he leaves the Jimusho without taking his luxurious sports car and walks to the subway station instead. Ueda walking through the crowded streets on a hot summer day is definitely no proof that he is missing someone.
And it’s still a ‘no’ even when he’s looking for one - or two - certain chairs in that station, on which he would like to sit and so he waits for ‘that train’.
“Wait, Uepi!” The tall man followed him to sit on their usual seats. “Wait for me… don’t you know that today is very hot?” The man took an uchiwa from his bag and used it as a fan to cool himself.
“Seriously, Taguchi. Morning Musume? Are you one of their fans too?” Ueda asked as they waited for the train.
“So, what? Uepi, you too should listen to them some time... Oh, forget it!” Taguchi quickly added upon seeing the frown on Ueda’s face.
“Anyway, are you serious about going to the music store? I mean, it’s Sunday, Uepi. Come on, we can use a day off - and being Sunday, let’s go have fun somewhere. Moreover…” and at this point maybe it was the reflection from the light but Ueda saw a slight blush on Taguchi’s cheek, “Moreover, isn’t it our first weekend… as a couple...” He stopped, clearly he had lost his power to continue, his face bright red and he could not utter one word more.
“So, what? I want you to know just how fun music stores are. There are so many instruments that could make you relax. The piano will clear your mind and didn’t you say that you like the sound of my guitar? We will go there, that’s what we decided since last night. No more argument! Or, we’ll just stop going out”.
That last sentence really shook Taguchi and forced him to cease his argument and instead pouted and mumbled something like, “I never meant to say no…”
---
Ueda walked from one hallway to the other lined with various pianos. He tried playing as he examined each in detail. He was so caught up that he was unaware of how bored Taguchi looked on.
Once done with the piano, he moved to his favourite instrument, the guitar. He walked from one to next, strumming each as though trying to make sure that everything was just right, just like what he wanted, until finally he picked one and handed it to the cashier. While waiting at the cashier, Ueda’s eyes wandered in search of his company. He then saw Taguchi looking at some drum sets and playing with the cymbal. Taguchi was obviously bored.
Upon asking to send the guitar straight to his home, Ueda paid and walked over to Taguchi. He lightly touched him on his elbow, a touch that caused Taguchi to jump in surprise. Taguchi looked at him and Ueda said, "Hey, let's go to the game centre after this" Taguchi returned Ueda's warm smile with an excited grin.
----
Ueda lowered his head down to hide his sleepiness on his face and at the same time voices from game machines echoed in his ears. He definitely doesn’t get what was so fun about all of these games? Trying to kill each other only to get the highest score? It sounded ridiculous to him.
Contrary to what he thought however, Taguchi looked extremely excited and played like the boss. He kept moving from one game to another that Ueda even lost him a few times. ‘Maa ii ka’, and his sleepiness doesn’t get better but he knew Taguchi would find him eventually when he’s done. He was ready to nod off into sleep when he felt someone touch his shoulder. Surprised, Ueda turned his head only to have come face to face with a….rabbit?
The next second, Taguchi popped out from behind that rabbit. “Look Uepi... I did it! I finally managed to get the best bunny for you. Look, isn’t it cute?” Taguchi said while looking at Ueda with soft eyes.
Stunned by Taguchi’s ultimate intention to have won him the greatest prize and not as he had originally thought - that is, just him being lost in his games and had forgotten about him, Ueda was speechless. But Taguchi understood perfectly and softly caressed Ueda’s face with his hands as proof of his understanding.
That game center is still as crowded as it was a few years ago, and Ueda is just as clueless as he was then. He still wonders how people could find enjoyment ‘killing’ each other on a monitor and which is only done for a mere score. How embarrassing was it all! And could these people willingly embarrass themselves by shouting in public places whenever they lose or win? He doesn’t understand and maybe he never will.
No. Of course he’s not missing anyone… and not even when he takes out his phone and starts typing an email.
To: Taguchi
We’ll go to dinner tonight at 7. Wear your best suit.
He doesn’t need to wait more than 5 minutes when he feels his phone vibrating.
From: Taguchi
Eh, Hontou? You read my mind! I wanted go out today as well and was about to call you. Sure thing, 7 it is.
To: Taguchi
Hai. Just make sure that not to be late.
Sure he’s not missing anyone or a particular moment, regardless of his smile as he puts his cell phone away, nor when he steps foot into his favourite Italian restaurant and makes a reservation for their best table in preparation for their night ahead.
“Taguchi-sama, Ueda-sama, here is your table. Please let us know when you are ready to order”. The waiter walked away once satisfied that his customers were comfortably seated.
“You really wore that suit”, Ueda asked Taguchi.
“Uh… yes. Though it’s sort of oversized in parts, hence I had to fold the pants a few times to fit---”
“Taguchi… I don’t need to hear the details”, Ueda sharply interrupted, “and you don’t need to be nervous. Come on, it’s me, okay?”
Taguchi moved slightly in his chair, “sorry”, he uttered.
“That’s better. And, uhm… you look awesome in that suit…” Taguchi tilted his head slightly upon hearing Ueda’s compliment, “stop that. Don’t act so oblivious” and silence followed the statement.
“Can I …kiss you?” Ueda lifted his head to see what Taguchi’s reaction might have been upon suddenly hearing such a request, but in the middle of his thought he only felt something brushed swiftly but softly against his lips. Taguchi had kissed him. Ueda blinked at the surprise and took quite a while to absorb what had just happened. Taken by surprise, Ueda blinked in confusion before he quickly reprimanded Taguchi, "If you want to kiss me, then do it the right way!” he yelled but soon after grabbed his offender's collar and pressed their lips together.
After making sure that his suit and everything else are perfect, Ueda grabs his car key and steps outside and that’s when he realizes one thing. He hasn’t told Taguchi where he had made the reservation. Shit!
Immediately he gropes in his pocket for his cellphone but only to realize that he’s low on battery. Double shit!
Should he pick Taguchi up from his apartment? He glances at his watch which reads 6:50 - just 10 minutes before they should meet. With this, he wouldn’t make it to Taguchi’s apartment since it’s in the opposite direction of his apartment, not to mention that he’ll be late to arrive at the restaurant. Triple shit!
No. Of course he’s not missing --- Oh, fuck it.
He is missing every moment that he’s been together with Taguchi and today he just wants to spend time with him no matter what. And what’s wrong with that? And all those little moments flowing through him all day do not help but only make his longingness stronger.
Busy with his thoughts, Ueda doesn’t realize his own arrival at the restaurant. It seems like he would have to cancel their reservation after all. Well, he can always make another one anytime. Maybe now he’ll go to Taguchi’s apartment and pick him up and they can go for a drive somewhere - it’s a beautiful night.
He walks inside the restaurant to proceed as plan but is surprised by the familiar someone waiting at reception. Taguchi is dressed in his best suit… the same one he wore years ago. Silently, he stands waiting on Ueda.
“Uepi. You’re late”. Ueda only nods still trying to overcome his surprise.
Looking at Taguchi, there’s something inside those eyes that never change. No, it’s not the sharpness of his stare, but maybe it’s that they always sparkle and are captivating, always pulling him in, “How did you…?”
“How did I know? I don’t know… I just know, I guess”, Taguchi shrugs as if it’s only natural to know what Ueda is always thinking.
And again, those eyes and that smile too.
“Come…” Ueda says, walking towards the hostess but not more than 3 steps after, he feels a hand grab hold of his and grips him tightly and before he knew it, Taguchi’s lips kissed him fast and softly, but before Ueda could deepen the kiss, Taguchi pulls apart.
“Feeling nostalgic, huh?” He smiles, staring into Ueda’s eyes.
“Didn’t I tell you years ago, Taguchi? If you want to kiss me, then do it the right way.”
And nostalgia it is. Ueda soon places his hands around Taguchi’s neck, tiptoes and pulls his head to an accurate position to meet his lips. Ueda passionately kisses Taguchi with such deep feeling - they closed their eyes and melted into each other, both completely enjoying the other… whenever one gestured to stop, the other would pull him back into a kiss until finally satisfied, they pressed their forehead and enjoy the affection they share, both smiling at their beautiful moment - such beautiful nostalgia.
“Let’s go inside?” and they finally enter the restaurant with fingers tightly intertwined.
End
Oh, of course not. He is not missing anyone, right now.
No. Not even when he leaves the Jimusho without taking his luxurious sports car and walks to the subway station instead. Ueda walking through the crowded streets on a hot summer day is definitely no proof that he is missing someone.
And it’s still a ‘no’ even when he’s looking for one - or two - certain chairs in that station, on which he would like to sit and so he waits for ‘that train’.
“Wait, Uepi!” The tall man followed him to sit on their usual seats. “Wait for me… don’t you know that today is very hot?” The man took an uchiwa from his bag and used it as a fan to cool himself.
“Seriously, Taguchi. Morning Musume? Are you one of their fans too?” Ueda asked as they waited for the train.
“So, what? Uepi, you too should listen to them some time... Oh, forget it!” Taguchi quickly added upon seeing the frown on Ueda’s face.
“Anyway, are you serious about going to the music store? I mean, it’s Sunday, Uepi. Come on, we can use a day off - and being Sunday, let’s go have fun somewhere. Moreover…” and at this point maybe it was the reflection from the light but Ueda saw a slight blush on Taguchi’s cheek, “Moreover, isn’t it our first weekend… as a couple...” He stopped, clearly he had lost his power to continue, his face bright red and he could not utter one word more.
“So, what? I want you to know just how fun music stores are. There are so many instruments that could make you relax. The piano will clear your mind and didn’t you say that you like the sound of my guitar? We will go there, that’s what we decided since last night. No more argument! Or, we’ll just stop going out”.
That last sentence really shook Taguchi and forced him to cease his argument and instead pouted and mumbled something like, “I never meant to say no…”
---
Ueda walked from one hallway to the other lined with various pianos. He tried playing as he examined each in detail. He was so caught up that he was unaware of how bored Taguchi looked on.
Once done with the piano, he moved to his favourite instrument, the guitar. He walked from one to next, strumming each as though trying to make sure that everything was just right, just like what he wanted, until finally he picked one and handed it to the cashier. While waiting at the cashier, Ueda’s eyes wandered in search of his company. He then saw Taguchi looking at some drum sets and playing with the cymbal. Taguchi was obviously bored.
Upon asking to send the guitar straight to his home, Ueda paid and walked over to Taguchi. He lightly touched him on his elbow, a touch that caused Taguchi to jump in surprise. Taguchi looked at him and Ueda said, "Hey, let's go to the game centre after this" Taguchi returned Ueda's warm smile with an excited grin.
----
Ueda lowered his head down to hide his sleepiness on his face and at the same time voices from game machines echoed in his ears. He definitely doesn’t get what was so fun about all of these games? Trying to kill each other only to get the highest score? It sounded ridiculous to him.
Contrary to what he thought however, Taguchi looked extremely excited and played like the boss. He kept moving from one game to another that Ueda even lost him a few times. ‘Maa ii ka’, and his sleepiness doesn’t get better but he knew Taguchi would find him eventually when he’s done. He was ready to nod off into sleep when he felt someone touch his shoulder. Surprised, Ueda turned his head only to have come face to face with a….rabbit?
The next second, Taguchi popped out from behind that rabbit. “Look Uepi... I did it! I finally managed to get the best bunny for you. Look, isn’t it cute?” Taguchi said while looking at Ueda with soft eyes.
Stunned by Taguchi’s ultimate intention to have won him the greatest prize and not as he had originally thought - that is, just him being lost in his games and had forgotten about him, Ueda was speechless. But Taguchi understood perfectly and softly caressed Ueda’s face with his hands as proof of his understanding.
That game center is still as crowded as it was a few years ago, and Ueda is just as clueless as he was then. He still wonders how people could find enjoyment ‘killing’ each other on a monitor and which is only done for a mere score. How embarrassing was it all! And could these people willingly embarrass themselves by shouting in public places whenever they lose or win? He doesn’t understand and maybe he never will.
No. Of course he’s not missing anyone… and not even when he takes out his phone and starts typing an email.
To: Taguchi
We’ll go to dinner tonight at 7. Wear your best suit.
He doesn’t need to wait more than 5 minutes when he feels his phone vibrating.
From: Taguchi
Eh, Hontou? You read my mind! I wanted go out today as well and was about to call you. Sure thing, 7 it is.
To: Taguchi
Hai. Just make sure that not to be late.
Sure he’s not missing anyone or a particular moment, regardless of his smile as he puts his cell phone away, nor when he steps foot into his favourite Italian restaurant and makes a reservation for their best table in preparation for their night ahead.
“Taguchi-sama, Ueda-sama, here is your table. Please let us know when you are ready to order”. The waiter walked away once satisfied that his customers were comfortably seated.
“You really wore that suit”, Ueda asked Taguchi.
“Uh… yes. Though it’s sort of oversized in parts, hence I had to fold the pants a few times to fit---”
“Taguchi… I don’t need to hear the details”, Ueda sharply interrupted, “and you don’t need to be nervous. Come on, it’s me, okay?”
Taguchi moved slightly in his chair, “sorry”, he uttered.
“That’s better. And, uhm… you look awesome in that suit…” Taguchi tilted his head slightly upon hearing Ueda’s compliment, “stop that. Don’t act so oblivious” and silence followed the statement.
“Can I …kiss you?” Ueda lifted his head to see what Taguchi’s reaction might have been upon suddenly hearing such a request, but in the middle of his thought he only felt something brushed swiftly but softly against his lips. Taguchi had kissed him. Ueda blinked at the surprise and took quite a while to absorb what had just happened. Taken by surprise, Ueda blinked in confusion before he quickly reprimanded Taguchi, "If you want to kiss me, then do it the right way!” he yelled but soon after grabbed his offender's collar and pressed their lips together.
After making sure that his suit and everything else are perfect, Ueda grabs his car key and steps outside and that’s when he realizes one thing. He hasn’t told Taguchi where he had made the reservation. Shit!
Immediately he gropes in his pocket for his cellphone but only to realize that he’s low on battery. Double shit!
Should he pick Taguchi up from his apartment? He glances at his watch which reads 6:50 - just 10 minutes before they should meet. With this, he wouldn’t make it to Taguchi’s apartment since it’s in the opposite direction of his apartment, not to mention that he’ll be late to arrive at the restaurant. Triple shit!
No. Of course he’s not missing --- Oh, fuck it.
He is missing every moment that he’s been together with Taguchi and today he just wants to spend time with him no matter what. And what’s wrong with that? And all those little moments flowing through him all day do not help but only make his longingness stronger.
Busy with his thoughts, Ueda doesn’t realize his own arrival at the restaurant. It seems like he would have to cancel their reservation after all. Well, he can always make another one anytime. Maybe now he’ll go to Taguchi’s apartment and pick him up and they can go for a drive somewhere - it’s a beautiful night.
He walks inside the restaurant to proceed as plan but is surprised by the familiar someone waiting at reception. Taguchi is dressed in his best suit… the same one he wore years ago. Silently, he stands waiting on Ueda.
“Uepi. You’re late”. Ueda only nods still trying to overcome his surprise.
Looking at Taguchi, there’s something inside those eyes that never change. No, it’s not the sharpness of his stare, but maybe it’s that they always sparkle and are captivating, always pulling him in, “How did you…?”
“How did I know? I don’t know… I just know, I guess”, Taguchi shrugs as if it’s only natural to know what Ueda is always thinking.
And again, those eyes and that smile too.
“Come…” Ueda says, walking towards the hostess but not more than 3 steps after, he feels a hand grab hold of his and grips him tightly and before he knew it, Taguchi’s lips kissed him fast and softly, but before Ueda could deepen the kiss, Taguchi pulls apart.
“Feeling nostalgic, huh?” He smiles, staring into Ueda’s eyes.
“Didn’t I tell you years ago, Taguchi? If you want to kiss me, then do it the right way.”
And nostalgia it is. Ueda soon places his hands around Taguchi’s neck, tiptoes and pulls his head to an accurate position to meet his lips. Ueda passionately kisses Taguchi with such deep feeling - they closed their eyes and melted into each other, both completely enjoying the other… whenever one gestured to stop, the other would pull him back into a kiss until finally satisfied, they pressed their forehead and enjoy the affection they share, both smiling at their beautiful moment - such beautiful nostalgia.
“Let’s go inside?” and they finally enter the restaurant with fingers tightly intertwined.
End