chaptered: week (3)
Wednesday
Yuichi was early for the bus that morning. He stood waiting patiently playing with his tie. In the other hand he held his satchel. The bus came on time and it was one of those rare occasions when he was one of the first people to board.
He noticed Koki immediately, his stomach doing a quick jump. He sat beside him a little too eagerly, disturbing the other man out of his reverie. He smiled as he saw Yuichi sit next to him and took off his headphones.
“How are you today, Nakamaru?” Koki asked looking genuinely interested in the reply. Yuichi was inwardly happy that he’d remembered his name.
“Tired.” Yuichi replied rubbing at his eyes to extenuate his words.
“Long night?”
“I just couldn’t sleep.”
Koki nodded at Yuichi’s response, “I know what you mean.”
There was a long pause before Koki began talking again, “About what I said yesterday,” He paused his face contorting as he figured out the words, “I wasn’t in a great mood. I didn’t mean anything by it... I wasn’t... you know.”
Yuichi waved a hand as if brushing away Koki’s words, “its fine. I know what you meant. I agree.”
“You agree?” Koki looked surprised by the answer.
“I was thinking about what you said all day. I just do the same things each day. Everyday is just a repetition of the last and I don’t even bother to do anything about it. I think I’ll take your advice. Or at least have the intention to.”
Koki laughed. “Glad I could be of help.”
Yuichi smiled back happy that there seemed to be nothing bad between them. The anxiety of the night before seemed so unnecessary now. Although, he was still very much puzzled as to how he was finding himself caught constantly in thoughts about a man he’d only had a conversation with once and how concerned he was with how the man perceived him.
“So, Nakamaru, Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?”
“What do you want to know?”
Koki shrugged, “I dunno. Your favourite colour, siblings, what you had for breakfast? Anything.”
“Purple, a sister and cornflakes.” Yuichi listed off. “Now tell me something about you.” It came out a lot more forward than he felt.
Koki laughed, “Yellow, two younger brothers and I usually skip breakfast.”
“You know it’s the most important meal of the day, right?”
Koki laughed again, “So I get told. You know, apparently you can tell a lot by what a person’s favourite colour is.”
Yuichi looked at Koki sceptically, “Really? So what does it say about me then?”
“Ah Purple.” Koki paused cocking his head to the side as he tried to reach for the relevant information in the back of his mind. “Purple.” He repeated. “Purples strive to better themselves; they’re readers always trying to seek knowledge. They’re perfectionists and can be overly critical.” He gave Yuichi a pointed look at that ‘and then something about God or something. I bet some of that is right.”
“I’m more impressed that you even knew all that.”
Koki shrugged again, “I read it on the internet somewhere.”
Yuichi nodded unsurprised at the given information. “What about you then? Yellow. Are you happy rays of sunshine?”
Koki threw his head back and laughed at the comment, “No. Yellows are intellectual, wise and methodical. We use our minds, are thoughtful. We are confident, eloquent, good at chess and make excellent world leaders.”
“That has to be exaggerated.”
Koki looked at him in mock horror, “It’s completely accurate. I’ll show you the web page. I, for one, think it hits the nail on the head. That’s me in a nutshell.”
Yuichi laughed. Koki was already managing to put him in a good mood for the day ahead.
“See, I feel like we know each other so much more now. Bless the colour spectrum.”
Yuichi laughed again, disappointed when he realised his stop would be next.
They exchanged goodbyes and promises to speak again before Yuichi left the bus and made the short walk to his office block.
He felt elated as he walked. It was a much more refreshing feel after the anxiety of the words they shared the previous day. He was happy and swung his satchel as he walked. He even greeted Kamenashi as they shared the lift together who asked him once again if he was able to make the work meal on Saturday.
Yuichi agreed.
It was only afterwards when the words had tumbled out of his mouth that he realised what he’d said. He didn’t particularly like hanging out with his work colleagues but now he’d agreed there was no way he could back down. He had been so into his own thoughts he hadn’t been paying much attention to the things around him.
Kamenashi on the other hand was delighted. “I’m so glad you can finally make it. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
They left the lift and both headed their separate ways to their work areas.
Yuichi flopped down on his chair, the feelings after the bus journey having dissipated after his careless mistake.
Junno greeted him cheerfully from the desk beside his.
Yuichi smiled back, “Good morning.”
“I’ve been waiting for you. I’m already logged in. What do I do now?”
Yuichi smiled softly to himself and helped Junno with what to do at the beginning of the day.
Throughout the morning they both helped with each other’s work. Junno was still trying to grasp the ropes so Yuichi made sure he kept an eye on him. Working together they managed to get more done than two people would usually combine in a morning. Yuichi was actually beginning to warm to the guy and started finding many of his odd nuances quite sweet. He liked the way Junno would beam at him once he’d accomplished something no matter how trivial.
That lunch time Junno had bugged him constantly to eat a proper meal. “You’re so skinny.”He had complained, “You need get a proper meal down you. Here have some rice.” And so Yuichi had just let him do what he wanted not really feeling like arguing. Already knowing Junno enough to know he wouldn’t listen.
Choosing a table, Yuichi was pleased to see that his usual lunchtime companion was sitting alone eating a homemade lunch.
Yuichi guided Junno over to sit with the man.
“Hello, Ueda.” Yuichi greeted.
Ueda greeted back, eyes settling on Junno in surprise. Yuichi noticing introduced the stranger who was already comfortably sat at the table.
“This is Taguchi Junnosuke, a new employee I’ve been told to look after. Junno, this is Ueda Tatsuya.”
They both shook hands.
“So how are you finding the Job, Taguchi?” Ueda inquired.
“Oh,” Junno stopped his hand in midair from shovelling rice into his mouth, surprised to have been addressed. “It’s a lot more complicated than I thought it would be. Nakamaru has been really helpful though.”
Yuichi blushed slightly at the compliment and Ueda grinned at him. “That would be a first.”
Yuichi slapped him on the arm lightly “Oi! I’ll have you know I’m extremely helpful when I need to be.”
Ueda continued grinning but let it lie, “Have you heard about the big work meal on Saturday? Kamenashi’s been going around trying to get everyone to go.”
“He’s just trying to get points.”Yuichi retorted.
“What? Is there something wrong with it?” Junno asked confused.
Yuichi placed down his chopsticks to give Junno his full attention, “Kamenashi is the kind of guy who tries to please everyone especially those in a higher position than him if you get what I mean. He couldn’t give a damn about the likes of you and me.”
“He seemed nice yesterday.”
Yuichi ignored Junno’s statement and continued, “This Saturday’s meal is just so Kamenashi can show everyone how amazing he is. He makes me sick.” Yuichi picked up his chopsticks and began eating again.
“That’s why Nakamaru and I aren’t going. Spending social time with work colleagues like that isn’t really our scene.”
“Actually,” Yuichi began, “I am going. I accidently agreed this morning.”
“How did you do that!?” Ueda exclaimed putting his face into his hands. “Now I’m going to have to go too. I can’t be the only one who’s not.”
“Sorry.” Yuichi mumbled. “He just sort of cornered me.”
Ueda, face still covered by his hands, made a noise as if in pain.
“Don’t worry,” Junno piped up grinning “I’ll make sure we’ll all have fun.”
In the afternoon it poured with rain. Yuichi watched through the window as he stood up to photocopy some paperwork. He looked out at all the raindrops making their way down the window. He sighed as he swapped papers around. The bus home was going to be very busy with this sort of weather. He hadn’t thought to bring an umbrella or even anything remotely waterproof. Despite that, he liked the rain. There was something calming and refreshing about it.
Junno, it seemed, didn’t like the rain. For the entire rest of the afternoon he complained constantly. Yuichi was relieved when it was time to leave and he could go home and relax.
It was still raining as they left the building, the raindrops bouncing off the concrete. He ran for the bus stop with his satchel covering his head, leaving Junno standing under the shelter shouting at him to come back. But Yuichi ignored the calls and scrambled under the bus shelter where many people were already cowering in a bid to cover from the rain.
The bus came late and it took another 5 minutes before Yuichi could get on the bus. It was so crowded that he had to stand up. He hated standing up after being at work all day but there was nothing he could do about it. He was surprised to see that a few people away Koki was also standing up, his hand grabbing one of the holds hanging from the ceiling. He pushed his way pass the people uttering “sorry” as he did so and found himself standing in front of Koki holding another one of the holds with Koki grinning at him.
“Hi, glad you could join me.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Yuichi replied.
They both smiled at each other not leaving eye contact as they wobbled about.
“How was your day?” Koki began.
Yuchi nodded, “It was okay. Very work like.”
Koki nodded in understanding.
“How was college?” Yuichi inquired.
“Very college like.” Koki smirked, “Pretty boring to be honest.”
The bus slowed and came to a halt. As more people were let on Yuichi was pushed further forward and into Koki who put his arm around his waist to steady him. He kept it there as the journey continued with Yuichi pressed against him.
They were in silence for a moment, Koki with his arm around Yuichi, their eyes never leaving each others.
“I was wondering,” Koki began breaking whatever trance they were in his breath warm on Yuichi’s face, “are you doing anything tonight? We could grab something to eat.”
Yuichi merely nodded.
“I don’t know where there is to go on this bus route though. We should have stayed in town.” Koki words drifted off as he stood in thought.
“I could always cook us something at my place.” Yuichi didn’t know where the words came from and they were spoken very quietly that he was unsure if Koki ha heard. Part of him hoped he hadn’t. Koki was still a stranger. What was he doing inviting him into his home?
“That would be nice.” Koki replied with a soft smile.
The rest of the journey was spent in silence. Yuichi was silently panicking about what he had just let himself into and hoped that he actually had food in the house. He was quickly trying to figure out something simple that he could cook the both of them. As they left the bus he’d decided it would have to be noodles.
Koki followed him as they walked the short walk to his house. He was too nervous to talk. He was trying to remember whether he’d left the house in a mess.
Eventually they reached his front door and Koki waited as he riffled through his bag for his keys. Yuichi getting more embarrassed every second. Once he’d pulled them out his bag he unlocked the door and let Koki into his house.
“Sorry for the mess.” He said kicking off his shoes and rushing to move magazines strewn on the coffee table and plates still left over from the night before. “I’m sorry; I don’t have much time to clean.”
“It’s fine.” Koki replied taking his time over his own shoes somewhat amused watching Yuichi rush about attempting to make the place neater.
“It’s fine.” He repeated more forcefully as he walked over to Yuichi.
Yuichi nodded, quickly shoving some papers in a drawer. “Sit down and I’ll put some food on. Feel free to watch to TV.”
Koki complied and Yuichi wandered into the kitchen to see what he had in his cupboard and fridge. He settled on a simple dish of udon noodles he stir fried with vegetables. He was going to add chicken but he was unsure about how long it had been in the fridge.
He could hear the TV on as he prepared the food. Not long after Koki himself entered the kitchen and leaned over the sideboard to watch what Yuichi was doing.
“It looks tasty.”
Yuichi scoffed. “It’s really simple. Just something I’m throwing together.”
Koki laughed. “I don’t think you should tell guests that. Besides, sometimes the simplest things are the best. I’m looking forward to eating your food.”
Yuichi blushed and hid his face pretending to be deep into his cooking.
“Do you need any help?” Koki asked after a few moments of silence.
“No thanks, I’ve got it covered.” Yuichi replied continuing his movements.
They fell into silence again. Yuichi was aware of Koki still behind him. He was sure he was watching his movements. He suddenly became self conscious. He wondered what Koki must think of him. He hadn’t even offered him a drink.
“Ah!” Yuichi turned addressing Koki who was looking straight at him. “Sorry, I’m not a very good host. I forgot. Help yourself to a drink.”He motioned to the fridge. “There’s no beer I’m afraid. I wasn’t expecting any company tonight.”
“That’s fine.” Koki replied as he grabbed a can of Coke from the fridge. It hissed as he opened it and he went back to his position of watching Yuichi, slipping his drink.
“You know, you don’t have to stay here while I make the food.”
Koki merely nodded and wandered back into the living room. Yuichi stared at the empty space for a second before continuing with the cooking. He was a little disturbed by Koki’s sudden lack of words and was quite worried he’d upset the man. Maybe he shouldn’t have dismissed him the way he had. The thoughts swirled around his head as he cooked and soon he had finished and was carrying two plates into the living room.
Koki was slouched on his sofa, his feet resting on his coffee table, laughing at some inane comedy show. He quickly sat up as Yuichi handed him the plate.
“Have you seen this? This is hilarious.” Koki said gratefully taking the plate.
Yuichi shook his head sitting beside the other man.
“That guy there is such a dumbass. He keeps doing these stupid things like...” Koki burst into laughter as the man in question banged into a glass door. “See,” Koki said pointing to the screen with a chopstick, “That’s priceless! Oh, this is really nice by the way” He added as an afterthought pointing to the food.
Yuichi thanked him.
He kept his eyes on the man, watching him as he continued to laugh at the antics on screen. Yuichi studied him. He had taken off his jacket and was wearing a sleeveless top underneath. Yuichi stared at the muscles on his arms remembering the feeling as it had held him securely from falling over earlier. He followed his arm to his bare shoulder and up to his face. He liked the way the corners of his eyes crinkled when he laughed.
At some point Koki noticed Yuichi’s gaze. “I’m sorry, am I being boring?” He apologised.
Yuichi shook his head vigorously, “Not at all.”
Koki pressed the mute button and shifted his position so he could face Yuichi to talk to him easier. “You have a nice house.” He commented trying to start a conversation.
“Thanks, it’s not much. It’s probably a bit big for just me though.”
“I bet its nice living on your own, not having to worry about whose turn it is to take the rubbish out, everyone scrambling for the shower and stuff like that. I live with a couple of friends. It can get pretty hectic.” He laughed to himself presumably remembering some example as he spoke.
“It can get pretty lonely living on your own. I guess there are upside’s and a downside’s. It’s nice having company. People don’t come over very often.”
Koki looked a little surprised, “How come? I would have thought this would be the talk of the town. Plus you make delicious food.” He said motioning to the now empty plates lying on the coffee table.
Yuichi blushed, “There are other places to go and work tends to take up a lot of time. Sometimes I have to stay a few extra hours and more commonly I just don’t feel like entertaining after a long day at work.”
Koki nodded in understanding. “What about weekends?”
“Weekends are more for going out. Like this weekend, I accidently agreed to go out for some work meal.” Yuichi groaned at the memory and his stupidity.
Koki put his hands on Yuichi’s shoulders, “It’s going to be okay.” He said rubbing them lightly. As quickly as they were there they disappeared. “It’s a shame you won’t be free this weekend. We could have done something cool. We could have gone to my place!” Koki’s eyes lit up at the thought.
“We can’t though.” Yuichi mumbled despaired at the very thought of spending time with people he opted to avoid. They both fell into silence something that Yuichi was disappointed to realise happened a lot.
“C’mon.” He said tapping Koki’s knee encouragingly, “I’m going to start doing the washing up.”
Koki gave him a sceptical look but complied anyway pulling himself off the sofa and following him to the kitchen. “I’ll dry then.” He announced picking up the towel hanging on the hook beside the sink.
They spent the next five minutes working together. Yuichi washed the dishes and handed them to Koki who dried them and placed them neatly on the sideboard having giving up trying to find their designated places.
They spoke happily to each other as they worked. Koki told Yuichi of a project he was working on as part of his course and all the problems he was encountering.
When Yuichi had finished up with the washing and handed the last plate to Koki. He poured away the water and realising Koki was holding the only towel in the room, he put his hands out towards him wanting him to pass it once he’d finished. Koki noticing took a step forward and grabbed Yuichi’s hands with the towel carefully drying them. He took his time over each finger. Yuichi stared down his face reddening. When Koki was finished he discarded the towel and kept Yuichi’s hands in his own. Bringing them to his lips he kissed them softly.
“You have really nice hands.” He commented his eyes moving up to meet Yuichi’s own. It caught his breath and he replied with a squeaky noise in the back of throat not managing anything more coherent.
The corners of Koki’s mouth lifted slightly and he dropped Yuichi’s hands taking another step forward to press his lips firmly against Yuichi’s own.
Yuichi’s eyes widened at the contact. He wondered where this had come from and somewhere in the back regions of his mind he realised that in some strange way he’d wanted this since his first conversation with the other man.
He closed his eyes and kissed back. He felt Koki’s hands on his back pulling him closer. The kiss deepened and Yuichi found himself being pushed back into the sideboard. He put his hands behind him to steady himself, clutching at the edges of the worktops. He hadn’t felt so close to someone in such a long time. His mind was in turmoil as thoughts and feelings rushed around senselessly.
It was in that moment the phone decided ring. It’s shrill call cutting through the atmosphere like a knife. As Yuichi broke the kiss, Koki pulled away and Yuichi rushed passed him not giving any eye contact. He ran into the living room and grabbed the phone only to hear a dial tone when he put it to his ear.
He slowly put the receiver back down and glanced at the kitchen door to see Koki there looking at him. He looked away quickly and sat down on the sofa. The TV was still on mute and he stared at the parade of images. His head was trying to grasp what had just happened. He had never thought about kissing or being affectionate in any way towards Koki. He had never really understood what he felt towards the other man and now it was even more unclear.
They stayed in the same positions for a long time neither of them making a move. Yuichi knew that Koki was looking at him and couldn’t find the courage to turn around and face his feelings. The only sound breaking the silence was the soft ticking of the wall clock counting the minutes they stayed in silence.
“I should get going then.” Koki suddenly announced softly. He could tell without the need to look that he was still standing in the same place.
Neither of them made a move for a long while until he heard the shuffling of Koki behind him. He then felt the cold draught indicating the door had been opened.
“I’ll see you on the bus tomorrow then.” Koki said. When he got no reply he left the house closing the door softly behind him.
Yuichi dropped his head into his hands in despair.
Thursday