ShouxHiroto - Alice Nine - Fate Meeting - Chapter 9
Title: Fate Meeting
Author: leona_green
Beta Reader: marshkitten
Pairing: ShouxHiroto, ToraxSaga, KaixNao
Rating: PG/PG-13
Disclaimer : None of these boys are mine…
Summary : Shou is a playboy. Hiroto is a playboy hater. What will happen when the two meet?
Note : This is NOT an update...aki_shouxpon told me that she couldn't see chapter 9 of Fate Meeting ans i just remembered that marshkitten who had help me post the chapter on her lj when i couldn't update had deleted her journal. So here's the chapter nine for those who wants to read it :)
Chapter 9
Quietly, a tall boy opened the door to his house as not to wake the boy on his back. He got in and threw the key carelessly on the floor before kicked the door close. Gently, he balanced the unconscious boy on his back and continued carrying him upstairs to his room.
**
“…mmm…” the small boy moaned as Shou tucked him in to the bed.
Hiroto wriggled in his sleep, kicking away the blanket that Shou had carefully put over him.
The taller boy picked up the blanket to cover the other boy again. Not even a minute later, Hiroto kicked it away again. Sighing, the taller boy fixed the blanket again and gave the small form a glare, silently daring him to move again. Fortunately, Hiroto stayed still this time.
Feeling satisfied, Shou got up and was about to leave when a small hand grabbed his shirt. The taller boy tried to release the hand but once again, the grip was too strong. It was like the roof incident all over again. It seemed like the boy had a habit to hang on to someone in his sleep. Giving up, Shou just sat on the bed and petted Hiroto’s hair.
“..nt…lea…e…” Shou heard the small boy mumbling something. He leaned down to hear more clearly. “…don’t leave…” Hiroto murmured again and the grip on the taller boy’s shirt tightened.
Shou was startled to see a tear rolling down from the closed eyes. Gently, he wiped the tears with the back of his hand. Looking at the boy in his vulnerable state made his protective side come out. What could make a strong boy like Hiroto cry?
“I won’t leave.” He whispered back. Slowly but surely, the grip on his shirt loosened bit by bit but the thought of leaving never crossed his mind a second time.
**
“Kyaa!” Shou jumped into awakeness at the shouting voice. “What are you doing here?!”
Shou rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Huh?” he looked at Hiroto with a sleepy face. He was never a morning person so his mind still a little foggy. The younger boy just looked at him with his awake face and messy hair. “Morning.” Shou greeted sleepily with a smile and unconsciously tugged at their holding hand.
Realizing this, Hiroto blushed and untangled their intertwined fingers before he held his hand against his chest protectively. It felt warm. Shou must have been holding his hand for quite a long time. He saw the other boy get up from the chair he slept on and crawled onto the bed. Hiroto felt a slight pain on his cheek as the taller boy pinched him.
“Ouch, what are you doing?!” The small boy scowled and pushed the other away.
Shou grinned and gave him a tight hug. “You’re okay!”
“Get off!”
The older boy never thought that he would feel happy to be told to go away. He felt really relieved at the familiar yell. Hiroto was back to his stubborn self.
Hiroto glared at him when he finally moved away from the little student. “Why are you in my room?”
Shou snickered and turned his guest’s face around the room.
The younger boy widened his eyes as he looked at the unfamiliar room. “What am I doing in your room?!” he squeaked. Just then he just realized that he wore an oversized shirt instead of his yesterday shirt. “What did you do to me?!”
Shou smirked at the panicked look on the other’s face. He moved closer to Hiroto, making the other scooted back until his back hit the wall. Hiroto’s heart beat faster when Shou’s face was inches away from his.
“What do you think?” he whispered. “You’re in my bed with my clothes.” He raised an eyebrow with his suggestive expression.
“Gya! Pervert!” Hiroto blushed and hit Shou’s face with a fluffy pillow before he hid himself with the blanket.
The taller boy laughed at him and tried to remove the blanket from the squirming boy. “Pon, come out. I’m just kidding! I only changed your clothes.” He confessed when he failed to remove the soft material.
Hiroto peeked from under the blanket. “Really?” he asked with a small voice. Shou nodded. “Oh, okay then.” Slowly, the small boy came out from his hideout.
“Do you remember about yesterday?” the older boy asked.
Frowning, the small boy tried to remember yesterday’s events. He remembered waking up, meeting with Shou, eating ramen and going to the amusement park. After that his mind went blank. “What happened?”
“You fainted at the amusement park.” Shou replied as he got up from the bed. “I brought you to the park’s staff for help.” He looked at the smaller boy seriously. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were exhausted?”
Hiroto looked down and fidgeted nervously on the bed. “I-I didn’t want you to tell the teachers about the part time thing…” he admitted. He didn’t feel well that morning but he was afraid of what the other would do if he canceled the date.
Shou sighed. “I’m not that cruel. I won’t hold it against you if you just tell me.”
The small boy looked away guiltily. “I know…I’m sorry…” he felt a hand ruffled his already messy hair.
“It’s alright. I’ve been too pushy all this time.”
“Aaa!” Suddenly Hiroto yelled again, making Shou jumped in surprise.
“What is it now, Pon?”
“My mom! She must be worried!” the smaller boy tried to get down from the bed but Shou pushed him back.
“Don’t worry. I told her that you’re staying over.” Shou calmed down the panicked boy.
“How did you know my home number?”
Shou grinned. “From your cell phone, of course.”
Hiroto just sighed and plopped back into the bed.
“Why are you so exhausted, anyway?”
Hiroto was debating whether he should tell the other boy or not. Oh, well maybe he should just tell him. Shou had helped him after all. The least he could do to repay him was telling him what he wanted to know.
“I haven’t gotten any decent sleep lately.” he began. “And I stayed up all night on Saturday doing my school work--” Hiroto’s eyes widened as he remembered something. “School!”
“Oh, no. You rest!” Shou pushed him again to the bed.
“I want to go to school!” The small boy folded his arms and pouted.
“Why do you insist going to school?” Shou sighed at the stubborn boy.
“Is it wrong for wanting to go to school which my mother paid with her hard work?”
Shou’s heart softened as he heard the reason. He poked Hiroto’s forehead. “No, it isn’t wrong. But you need to rest if you don’t feel well.” He reasoned as he pushed Hiroto to lie on the bed and covered him with the blanket again. “Rest.” He commanded. “Not going to school for a day won’t hurt. After all, your mother wouldn’t want you to get sick, right?”
“…”
Shou smiled in satisfaction at the sulking boy. “Good boy.” He got up and rummaged through his clothes drawer.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m searching for my uniform.” Shou answered without looking at the small boy.
Hiroto sat up. “You’re going to school?”
Shou nodded. “Yeah, after all I shouldn’t waste my parent money, right?” he threw a playful glance at the pouting boy on his bed, earning a pillow thrown in his face.
“Don’t tease me.” Hiroto said tiredly.
Shou walked back to the bed, giving the pillow back to the small boy. “Now be a good boy and stay here, okay?”
Hiroto threw the blanket over his head. “Go away already!” The small boy faintly heard the other laughed before he heard the sound of the door being opened and closed. Slowly, he pulled down the blanket and looked at the empty room.
The room was painted with a mix of blue and white. There was a study desk on the corner which filled with scattered papers and a black laptop. In the middle of the room, there was a big cabinet with a television along with the CD and DVD player on it. There was also a big dresser and a mirror beside the bed Hiroto lay on. All in all, the room was not as messy as the small boy imagined.
“Pon?”
Hiroto turned to the door. Shou was standing there with a mischievous look. “What?” that look couldn’t be a good sign. The taller boy walked closer to the younger boy and leaned down, his hand on either side of Hiroto’s head.
Hiroto’s heart was beating wildly as Shou leaned further in. “Wh-what?” he stammered nervously.
“I haven’t gotten my date kiss from yesterday.” Shou replied casually.
“What?! No!” Hiroto blushed. “No date kiss for you!” he struggled but the taller boy was bigger and stronger.
“But a kiss on a date is a must!” Shou pouted. “Hold still, Pon.”
Hiroto shut his eyes tightly as the other’s face got closer and closer until he felt something warm pressed on his forehead. He looked up and saw Shou smirked at him.
“Okay, the date is officially over now that I got my kiss. Our agreement is over.” Shou ruffled his hair and got up. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep my promise.”
As the younger boy saw Shou walking to the door, he suddenly remembered something important that he should be asking ever since Shou told him to rest. “Wait! What about your parents? Wouldn’t they mind if I stay here?”
“Don’t worry, they’re not home.” Hiroto thought he saw a bitter smile on the other’s lips as he answered. But before he could make sure, Shou closed the door and left him alone.
Hiroto sighed and lie back on the bed. He really couldn’t understand the tall boy. Sometimes he acted so evil and other times he acted so nice that Hiroto often forgot that he should hate him. His forehead was still tingling from the kiss. It had been a while since someone other than his mother kissed him that way.
The small boy closed his eyes peacefully. How long it was since he lie down on the bed like this? It was always the same routine everyday. Waking up, breakfast, school, work, home, study, and sleep, only to be repeated again on the next day. There was no time to just lie down and take a rest.
He snuggled the fluffy pillow beside him. It felt really nice. Well, it couldn’t be hurt to sleep again for awhile.
**
When Hiroto opened his eyes again, the sun was already high in the sky. Feeling refreshed, he got up and found his clothes on top of Shou’s dresser. Quickly, he changed and peeked out the room. Seeing no one, he walked out and went downstairs. It seemed like Shou was telling the truth. There was no one in the house. He walked past the kitchen and saw a plate with an omelet and a note with a key on top of it.
The note was telling him-- more like commanding-- to eat and that he should lock the house if he wanted to go home. Hiroto shrugged and sat on the chair before poking the omelet with a fork. The shape was kind of weird but it still looked decent enough.
He took a bite and froze at the taste. It was horrible! The taste was as weird as the shape. Being the food lover that he was, he forced down the small bit of egg in his mouth. He bit his lips. What should he do? He was torn between wanting to throw the food away or eating it. It was rude to throw it out since Shou obviously didn’t have any ill intentions toward him. He wondered what the other boy ate every day since it was obvious that the boy didn’t cook much.
Besides, his mother always told him about the hungry children that couldn’t afford to eat so Hiroto had to appreciate any food given to him. .He shut his eyes as he took one more bite and grimaced. He changed his mind. Maybe Shou did have ill intentions toward him.
**
At the school, Shou sneezed and rubbed his nose.
“Bless you.” Saga covered his face with his hands.
“Geez, someone must be praising me out there.”
Saga laughed and threw a pencil at his friend. “You’re really hopeless.”
Shou threw the pencil back and grinned. “By the way, what happened between you and Mr. Annoying? You guys were all friendly at break.”
The shorter man grinned. “First, he’s not annoying. You were. And second, I’m just following your advice to go after him.”
Shou sulked. “You and Tora aren’t a couple yet but you already chose him over me.”
“Don’t be silly. Now just do your work!” Saga tapped at the microscope on the laboratory table.
“Yes, boss.” Shou rolled is eyes before he sneezed again.
**
“Kai-chan!” Nao entered the café with a wide smile.
“Don’t call me Kai-chan, Nao.” The dark haired man came out from behind the counter to greet his boyfriend. He was glad the café was always empty at this time. It gave him a little time with his younger boyfriend.
The young student giggled. “But it is so cute!”
Kai shook his head. “Whatever, Pooh-chan.”
“What did you call me?” the younger man blinked.
“Well… you always said that you looked like Pooh Bear,” Kai shrugged. “So from now on I’ll call you Pooh-chan!”
Nao beamed at him. “A pet name? For me? How sweet!” he hugged the older man.
“Kai-chan…”
“Pooh-chan…” Both of them were staring at each other, lost in their own world.
“Guys, I’m here too you know…” Hiroto said, breaking their moment. He just walked out of the staff room when he saw the two were being silly again. He giggled a little at the two of them. It was cute how they were always acted so loving towards each other, though he would never say that out loud.
“Ah, Hiroto! I was so worried! Are you alright?!” Kai glared at his small waiter as Nao turned his attention to his absent friend and fussed over him.
Hiroto just stuck his tongue out at his boss.
**
“Thank you. Please come again.” Hiroto bowed as he opened the door for the customer. He sighed and looked at the watch. It was five thirty in the afternoon already but Shou hadn’t come. Maybe because he already got a date, or maybe he got bored with him and decided not to come again? Hiroto’s heart dropped at the thought. He put his hand inside his pocket, feeling the metal cold of Shou’s key.
“Ah, Hiroto, you’re here!” Tora entered the café with Saga trailing behind him.
Hearing the older boy came in, Nao hurried to Hiroto and nudged at him to get his attention. “Pssst…. I told him that you slept over this morning and decided to just stay at home.” He whispered.
“Thanks!” the small waiter whispered back to his friend. If the older boy know that he collapsed and stay over at Shou’s, there would be a war. He looked warily at the boy behind Tora.
“Don’t worry, he won’t tell anyone.” Tora said as if he could read his little friend’s mind. He pulled Saga to sit on one of the empty table.
“Ah, Saga-kun! I didn’t see you come in! You’re friends with him, Tora-shi?” Nao asked his older friend.
While the two of his friends were talking, Hiroto touched Saga’s shoulder. The other boy looked questioningly at him. “Where’s Shou?” he asked quietly so Tora wouldn’t hear him.
“I don’t know. He was gone as soon as school was over.”
“Oh…” Hiroto looked down.
Saga smiled knowingly at the small boy. Maybe Shou was not as hopeless as he thought. “Do you miss him?”
“I don’t!” the part timer huffed.
“…I found out that Saga here is supposedly good at Dragon Ball.” Tora said, patting Saga’s shoulder.
Saga turned his attention to his crush and smirked at him. “I’m good.” He bragged. After his outburst at the amusement park yesterday, he felt it was easier to be himself around Tora.
“Really?” Nao widened his eyes. “He’s good at Gundam, too!” Nao said in excitement.
Two girls came in and Hiroto left the chatting trio to serve them. It’d be awhile until his friends stopped chatting and ordered something. Besides, he knew he better hurry before Kai yelled at him. Forget the angelic smile he usual wore, the man was really a monster when it came to work!
Though that night, Hiroto couldn’t help but keep glancing at the door, hoping Shou would show up.
End of chapter 9
Perfect
Author: leona_green
Beta Reader: marshkitten
Pairing: ShouxHiroto, ToraxSaga, KaixNao
Rating: PG/PG-13
Disclaimer : None of these boys are mine…
Summary : Shou is a playboy. Hiroto is a playboy hater. What will happen when the two meet?
Note : This is NOT an update...aki_shouxpon told me that she couldn't see chapter 9 of Fate Meeting ans i just remembered that marshkitten who had help me post the chapter on her lj when i couldn't update had deleted her journal. So here's the chapter nine for those who wants to read it :)
Chapter 9
Quietly, a tall boy opened the door to his house as not to wake the boy on his back. He got in and threw the key carelessly on the floor before kicked the door close. Gently, he balanced the unconscious boy on his back and continued carrying him upstairs to his room.
**
“…mmm…” the small boy moaned as Shou tucked him in to the bed.
Hiroto wriggled in his sleep, kicking away the blanket that Shou had carefully put over him.
The taller boy picked up the blanket to cover the other boy again. Not even a minute later, Hiroto kicked it away again. Sighing, the taller boy fixed the blanket again and gave the small form a glare, silently daring him to move again. Fortunately, Hiroto stayed still this time.
Feeling satisfied, Shou got up and was about to leave when a small hand grabbed his shirt. The taller boy tried to release the hand but once again, the grip was too strong. It was like the roof incident all over again. It seemed like the boy had a habit to hang on to someone in his sleep. Giving up, Shou just sat on the bed and petted Hiroto’s hair.
“..nt…lea…e…” Shou heard the small boy mumbling something. He leaned down to hear more clearly. “…don’t leave…” Hiroto murmured again and the grip on the taller boy’s shirt tightened.
Shou was startled to see a tear rolling down from the closed eyes. Gently, he wiped the tears with the back of his hand. Looking at the boy in his vulnerable state made his protective side come out. What could make a strong boy like Hiroto cry?
“I won’t leave.” He whispered back. Slowly but surely, the grip on his shirt loosened bit by bit but the thought of leaving never crossed his mind a second time.
**
“Kyaa!” Shou jumped into awakeness at the shouting voice. “What are you doing here?!”
Shou rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Huh?” he looked at Hiroto with a sleepy face. He was never a morning person so his mind still a little foggy. The younger boy just looked at him with his awake face and messy hair. “Morning.” Shou greeted sleepily with a smile and unconsciously tugged at their holding hand.
Realizing this, Hiroto blushed and untangled their intertwined fingers before he held his hand against his chest protectively. It felt warm. Shou must have been holding his hand for quite a long time. He saw the other boy get up from the chair he slept on and crawled onto the bed. Hiroto felt a slight pain on his cheek as the taller boy pinched him.
“Ouch, what are you doing?!” The small boy scowled and pushed the other away.
Shou grinned and gave him a tight hug. “You’re okay!”
“Get off!”
The older boy never thought that he would feel happy to be told to go away. He felt really relieved at the familiar yell. Hiroto was back to his stubborn self.
Hiroto glared at him when he finally moved away from the little student. “Why are you in my room?”
Shou snickered and turned his guest’s face around the room.
The younger boy widened his eyes as he looked at the unfamiliar room. “What am I doing in your room?!” he squeaked. Just then he just realized that he wore an oversized shirt instead of his yesterday shirt. “What did you do to me?!”
Shou smirked at the panicked look on the other’s face. He moved closer to Hiroto, making the other scooted back until his back hit the wall. Hiroto’s heart beat faster when Shou’s face was inches away from his.
“What do you think?” he whispered. “You’re in my bed with my clothes.” He raised an eyebrow with his suggestive expression.
“Gya! Pervert!” Hiroto blushed and hit Shou’s face with a fluffy pillow before he hid himself with the blanket.
The taller boy laughed at him and tried to remove the blanket from the squirming boy. “Pon, come out. I’m just kidding! I only changed your clothes.” He confessed when he failed to remove the soft material.
Hiroto peeked from under the blanket. “Really?” he asked with a small voice. Shou nodded. “Oh, okay then.” Slowly, the small boy came out from his hideout.
“Do you remember about yesterday?” the older boy asked.
Frowning, the small boy tried to remember yesterday’s events. He remembered waking up, meeting with Shou, eating ramen and going to the amusement park. After that his mind went blank. “What happened?”
“You fainted at the amusement park.” Shou replied as he got up from the bed. “I brought you to the park’s staff for help.” He looked at the smaller boy seriously. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were exhausted?”
Hiroto looked down and fidgeted nervously on the bed. “I-I didn’t want you to tell the teachers about the part time thing…” he admitted. He didn’t feel well that morning but he was afraid of what the other would do if he canceled the date.
Shou sighed. “I’m not that cruel. I won’t hold it against you if you just tell me.”
The small boy looked away guiltily. “I know…I’m sorry…” he felt a hand ruffled his already messy hair.
“It’s alright. I’ve been too pushy all this time.”
“Aaa!” Suddenly Hiroto yelled again, making Shou jumped in surprise.
“What is it now, Pon?”
“My mom! She must be worried!” the smaller boy tried to get down from the bed but Shou pushed him back.
“Don’t worry. I told her that you’re staying over.” Shou calmed down the panicked boy.
“How did you know my home number?”
Shou grinned. “From your cell phone, of course.”
Hiroto just sighed and plopped back into the bed.
“Why are you so exhausted, anyway?”
Hiroto was debating whether he should tell the other boy or not. Oh, well maybe he should just tell him. Shou had helped him after all. The least he could do to repay him was telling him what he wanted to know.
“I haven’t gotten any decent sleep lately.” he began. “And I stayed up all night on Saturday doing my school work--” Hiroto’s eyes widened as he remembered something. “School!”
“Oh, no. You rest!” Shou pushed him again to the bed.
“I want to go to school!” The small boy folded his arms and pouted.
“Why do you insist going to school?” Shou sighed at the stubborn boy.
“Is it wrong for wanting to go to school which my mother paid with her hard work?”
Shou’s heart softened as he heard the reason. He poked Hiroto’s forehead. “No, it isn’t wrong. But you need to rest if you don’t feel well.” He reasoned as he pushed Hiroto to lie on the bed and covered him with the blanket again. “Rest.” He commanded. “Not going to school for a day won’t hurt. After all, your mother wouldn’t want you to get sick, right?”
“…”
Shou smiled in satisfaction at the sulking boy. “Good boy.” He got up and rummaged through his clothes drawer.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m searching for my uniform.” Shou answered without looking at the small boy.
Hiroto sat up. “You’re going to school?”
Shou nodded. “Yeah, after all I shouldn’t waste my parent money, right?” he threw a playful glance at the pouting boy on his bed, earning a pillow thrown in his face.
“Don’t tease me.” Hiroto said tiredly.
Shou walked back to the bed, giving the pillow back to the small boy. “Now be a good boy and stay here, okay?”
Hiroto threw the blanket over his head. “Go away already!” The small boy faintly heard the other laughed before he heard the sound of the door being opened and closed. Slowly, he pulled down the blanket and looked at the empty room.
The room was painted with a mix of blue and white. There was a study desk on the corner which filled with scattered papers and a black laptop. In the middle of the room, there was a big cabinet with a television along with the CD and DVD player on it. There was also a big dresser and a mirror beside the bed Hiroto lay on. All in all, the room was not as messy as the small boy imagined.
“Pon?”
Hiroto turned to the door. Shou was standing there with a mischievous look. “What?” that look couldn’t be a good sign. The taller boy walked closer to the younger boy and leaned down, his hand on either side of Hiroto’s head.
Hiroto’s heart was beating wildly as Shou leaned further in. “Wh-what?” he stammered nervously.
“I haven’t gotten my date kiss from yesterday.” Shou replied casually.
“What?! No!” Hiroto blushed. “No date kiss for you!” he struggled but the taller boy was bigger and stronger.
“But a kiss on a date is a must!” Shou pouted. “Hold still, Pon.”
Hiroto shut his eyes tightly as the other’s face got closer and closer until he felt something warm pressed on his forehead. He looked up and saw Shou smirked at him.
“Okay, the date is officially over now that I got my kiss. Our agreement is over.” Shou ruffled his hair and got up. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep my promise.”
As the younger boy saw Shou walking to the door, he suddenly remembered something important that he should be asking ever since Shou told him to rest. “Wait! What about your parents? Wouldn’t they mind if I stay here?”
“Don’t worry, they’re not home.” Hiroto thought he saw a bitter smile on the other’s lips as he answered. But before he could make sure, Shou closed the door and left him alone.
Hiroto sighed and lie back on the bed. He really couldn’t understand the tall boy. Sometimes he acted so evil and other times he acted so nice that Hiroto often forgot that he should hate him. His forehead was still tingling from the kiss. It had been a while since someone other than his mother kissed him that way.
The small boy closed his eyes peacefully. How long it was since he lie down on the bed like this? It was always the same routine everyday. Waking up, breakfast, school, work, home, study, and sleep, only to be repeated again on the next day. There was no time to just lie down and take a rest.
He snuggled the fluffy pillow beside him. It felt really nice. Well, it couldn’t be hurt to sleep again for awhile.
**
When Hiroto opened his eyes again, the sun was already high in the sky. Feeling refreshed, he got up and found his clothes on top of Shou’s dresser. Quickly, he changed and peeked out the room. Seeing no one, he walked out and went downstairs. It seemed like Shou was telling the truth. There was no one in the house. He walked past the kitchen and saw a plate with an omelet and a note with a key on top of it.
The note was telling him-- more like commanding-- to eat and that he should lock the house if he wanted to go home. Hiroto shrugged and sat on the chair before poking the omelet with a fork. The shape was kind of weird but it still looked decent enough.
He took a bite and froze at the taste. It was horrible! The taste was as weird as the shape. Being the food lover that he was, he forced down the small bit of egg in his mouth. He bit his lips. What should he do? He was torn between wanting to throw the food away or eating it. It was rude to throw it out since Shou obviously didn’t have any ill intentions toward him. He wondered what the other boy ate every day since it was obvious that the boy didn’t cook much.
Besides, his mother always told him about the hungry children that couldn’t afford to eat so Hiroto had to appreciate any food given to him. .He shut his eyes as he took one more bite and grimaced. He changed his mind. Maybe Shou did have ill intentions toward him.
**
At the school, Shou sneezed and rubbed his nose.
“Bless you.” Saga covered his face with his hands.
“Geez, someone must be praising me out there.”
Saga laughed and threw a pencil at his friend. “You’re really hopeless.”
Shou threw the pencil back and grinned. “By the way, what happened between you and Mr. Annoying? You guys were all friendly at break.”
The shorter man grinned. “First, he’s not annoying. You were. And second, I’m just following your advice to go after him.”
Shou sulked. “You and Tora aren’t a couple yet but you already chose him over me.”
“Don’t be silly. Now just do your work!” Saga tapped at the microscope on the laboratory table.
“Yes, boss.” Shou rolled is eyes before he sneezed again.
**
“Kai-chan!” Nao entered the café with a wide smile.
“Don’t call me Kai-chan, Nao.” The dark haired man came out from behind the counter to greet his boyfriend. He was glad the café was always empty at this time. It gave him a little time with his younger boyfriend.
The young student giggled. “But it is so cute!”
Kai shook his head. “Whatever, Pooh-chan.”
“What did you call me?” the younger man blinked.
“Well… you always said that you looked like Pooh Bear,” Kai shrugged. “So from now on I’ll call you Pooh-chan!”
Nao beamed at him. “A pet name? For me? How sweet!” he hugged the older man.
“Kai-chan…”
“Pooh-chan…” Both of them were staring at each other, lost in their own world.
“Guys, I’m here too you know…” Hiroto said, breaking their moment. He just walked out of the staff room when he saw the two were being silly again. He giggled a little at the two of them. It was cute how they were always acted so loving towards each other, though he would never say that out loud.
“Ah, Hiroto! I was so worried! Are you alright?!” Kai glared at his small waiter as Nao turned his attention to his absent friend and fussed over him.
Hiroto just stuck his tongue out at his boss.
**
“Thank you. Please come again.” Hiroto bowed as he opened the door for the customer. He sighed and looked at the watch. It was five thirty in the afternoon already but Shou hadn’t come. Maybe because he already got a date, or maybe he got bored with him and decided not to come again? Hiroto’s heart dropped at the thought. He put his hand inside his pocket, feeling the metal cold of Shou’s key.
“Ah, Hiroto, you’re here!” Tora entered the café with Saga trailing behind him.
Hearing the older boy came in, Nao hurried to Hiroto and nudged at him to get his attention. “Pssst…. I told him that you slept over this morning and decided to just stay at home.” He whispered.
“Thanks!” the small waiter whispered back to his friend. If the older boy know that he collapsed and stay over at Shou’s, there would be a war. He looked warily at the boy behind Tora.
“Don’t worry, he won’t tell anyone.” Tora said as if he could read his little friend’s mind. He pulled Saga to sit on one of the empty table.
“Ah, Saga-kun! I didn’t see you come in! You’re friends with him, Tora-shi?” Nao asked his older friend.
While the two of his friends were talking, Hiroto touched Saga’s shoulder. The other boy looked questioningly at him. “Where’s Shou?” he asked quietly so Tora wouldn’t hear him.
“I don’t know. He was gone as soon as school was over.”
“Oh…” Hiroto looked down.
Saga smiled knowingly at the small boy. Maybe Shou was not as hopeless as he thought. “Do you miss him?”
“I don’t!” the part timer huffed.
“…I found out that Saga here is supposedly good at Dragon Ball.” Tora said, patting Saga’s shoulder.
Saga turned his attention to his crush and smirked at him. “I’m good.” He bragged. After his outburst at the amusement park yesterday, he felt it was easier to be himself around Tora.
“Really?” Nao widened his eyes. “He’s good at Gundam, too!” Nao said in excitement.
Two girls came in and Hiroto left the chatting trio to serve them. It’d be awhile until his friends stopped chatting and ordered something. Besides, he knew he better hurry before Kai yelled at him. Forget the angelic smile he usual wore, the man was really a monster when it came to work!
Though that night, Hiroto couldn’t help but keep glancing at the door, hoping Shou would show up.
End of chapter 9
Perfect