[Fic] Caramel, Not Salted - Part Five [Final]
Title: Caramel, Not Salted
Pairing: RyoDa
Rating: G
Genre: Humour, Fluff
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 Five [Final]
Nishikido’s plan instantly falls apart when Ueda returns and they get on the cabin of the Ferris wheel together. Because Ueda abruptly takes his hand, looks him straight in the eyes and says:
“Please reciprocate my feelings.”
Nishikido has always assumed he would be the one confessing. Dumbfounded, all he could do was stare blankly in response. It was only when Ueda’s expression slowly changes from anticipation to dejection that Nishikido manages to mutter a weak “yes”.
Ueda’s face lights up instantly and he smiles impishly.
“What are you thinking of right now?”
It takes another long pause before Nishikido recollects his thoughts.
“How I should be the one confessing instead?”
“Why?”
“Because…”
“Because?”
Nishikido curses inwardly; how can he be tongue-tied at this crucial moment? And why does Ueda always ask questions he can’t answer?
“In fairytales, the princess is never the one taking the first step.”
“Oh please lover boy, you were always hemming and hawing when we touched about the topic on relationships. I thought I might have well entered the grave by the time you finally pluck your non-existent courage to confess.” Ueda gloats before coming to an abrupt stop. “Wait, are you calling me a princess?”
“Took you long enough to realise. Guess your brain capacity is truly the size of which I evaluated when I first met you. And if I have non-existent courage, who was the girl screaming in the haunted house a while ago?” Nishikido concludes with a smug shrug.
Right after the rebuttal, Nishikido resists the urge to hit himself. Who in the right mind would be picking a fight with the person you like right after getting together?
“No one screamed in the haunted house.”
Although it is a blatant lie, Nishikido summons every ounce of willpower to stop himself from coming up with a rebuttal. He fails to stop himself from letting out a taunting laugh though.
“And if you call me princess again, I’ll hit you.”
“Princess.”
Opps.
Ueda raises an eyebrow and twitches.
“I’ll take it that I didn’t hear anything.”
“Princess,” Nishikido repeats himself. The first was a slip-of-tongue but the second is definitely intentional. He earns himself an elbow in the guts.
No wonder they say love hurts.
***
Although the flower in his jacket is crushed by Ueda’s blow and only one measly petal is left intact, Ueda accepts it gratefully. While Ueda smiles and ravishes the fact that a guy like Nishikido can actually buy flowers, Nishikido resists the need to spoil the moment and comment on how ugly that crap looks. He has always been truthful (hey, just take a look at his reviews and one will know).
Hand-in-hand, they got off the Ferris wheel. Romantic prospects aside, Nishikido really needed some support after Ueda’s blow.
Also, he needs to remember the fact that Ueda works out and every hit hurts like crazy. It’s time he tames his vicious tongue or Ueda would just have to stop being so petty. Although the latter is doubtlessly the better option, it also falls under the ‘impossible’ category.
***
Nishikido has barely made it past the genkan when his phone lights up with several notifications. The name of the sender makes him scowl a little; no doubt the content of the messages are going to grate on his nerves.
Message from Uchi: So… Ueda confessed to you huh? I have my ways of knowing. Don’t be surprised.
Message from Uchi: I’m letting the entire office know about you tomorrow. And since Ueda has violent tendencies, I figure you’ll undisputedly bottom in the relationship.
Message from Uchi: That’s sooo tragic. Ueda looked pretty demure. How unexpected.
Message to Uchi: You suck.
Message to Uchi: No wonder Hitomi rejected you three months ago.
Message from Uchi: What? Who’s Hitomi? Are you still giddy with happiness that you’re sprouting nonsense?
Message to Uchi: Two can play the stalking game.
Message to Uchi: I also know that you are trying to woo the pretty new fashion journalist who just joined the company.
Message from Uchi: Yamapi talks too much when he is drunk. He's dead.
Message to Uchi: Good luck.
***
“So, how did the date go?”
When Yamapi turns up for work on Monday, Nishikido reckons Uchi failed in his mission. However, judging by how clueless Yamapi is about the outcome, Nishikido knows Uchi hasn’t been the big mouth he promised to be.
Taking a quick look at Yamapi’s work desk, Nishikido advices the other man to continue working on his article about personal privacy.
“Practice what you preach, asshole.”
“What a grouch,” Yamapi snorts in response. “My guess is that you got rejected and he tossed you into a ditch which you took all night to crawl out from.”
“Nice try, but you aren’t getting anything out from me,” Nishikido deadpans as he returns to his work. He hasn’t even reached his seat when his boss asks for him and hands out the weekly list of movie premiers he has to attend.
Upon knowing that tomorrow’s screening will be at Ueda’s workplace, Nishikido tries hard to conceal the beam on his face (he is most definitely not letting Yamapi into this). Although Ueda’s shifts have been changed to the weekends, Nishikido vaguely recalls that the other man studies in a university nearby. Heck, he even lives around the vicinity. A quick detour before leaving the district shouldn’t be a problem.
And even though Nishikido still whines about the rising gas prices, such things are pretty much secondary now.
***
Although Nishikido doesn’t have the habit of reading the magazine he writes for, he picks up a copy of it at the nearest convenient store on his way home. He has heard rave reviews about the fashion column and decides that he is going to need a little help at that aspect (besides his colleague’s constant teasing, Ueda seems oblivious of his efforts). He can’t possibly be dressed in a tee and jeans all the time (rotating the combination doesn’t really help) when Ueda has never worn a repeating outfit.
Diligently flipping through the magazine’s pages, Nishikido carefully selects his outfit. He tries on one set after another, only to find fault in each and every of them.
Stupid occupational hazard.
It’s nearly two in the morning when Nishikido finally settles on what he is most comfortable in - t-shirt and jeans.
Nishikido wonders why he even bothered with this entire fashion fiasco. Ueda probably doesn’t even care about his dressing.
Message to Uchi: I don’t even know why I’m starting to get conscious of the clothes I wear.
Message from Uchi: You woke me up at 2am to whine about your insecurities? Get a life.
Message from Uchi: Why don’t you direct them to Ueda? You shove me into a bush for him, remember?
Message to Uchi: You're still not over it? Call yourself a man.
Uchi doesn't respond to that.
***
Nishikido has never found a 158 minute action film lengthy till today. It gets a little difficult to control his urges to sprint off and look for Ueda when the hero finally gets to kiss his girl. Having the lights on again in the cinema has never been a more wonderful occurrence.
Driving to the address given, Nishikido gets a pleasant surprise; he never knew Ueda studies at a prestigious academy meant for fine arts and music. A normal tee and jeans seems way too off when everyone is dressed to their nines. He should have done a search on the address instead of wasting his time on… clothes.
Oh well, too late for anything now.
Although Nishikido has a spare change of formal wear meant for unexpected interview with stars who turn up randomly at movie premiers, Nishikido thinks it’s not worth the effort when he is just making a quick visit before returning home.
But the school environment certainly explains how Ueda can get about his day with eyeliner and magic sparkles on his eyelids. Nishikido figures it takes rainbow hair for someone to turn and look at you twice. Or when you are dressed like a scruffy beggar named Nishikido Ryo.
He sighs.
Avoiding eye contact (he thought he was over his image after high school; today's happenings prove otherwise), Nishikido hurriedly attempts to locate the School of Music. Which proved to be no easy feat when he ends up at the School of Dance instead and has to call Ueda for instructions.
“What will you do without me?” Ueda is mocking in speech and Nishikido regrets even making an effort to come, with lunch no less. “Stay still and Romeo will be there to rescue his lost floundering damsel in no time.”
Nishikido grimaces and briefly considers tossing his homemade lunch into the bin nearby. The rising cost of ingredients and a near empty wallet prevents him from doing so.
***
Sitting together at a random bench, Nishikido chokes when he sees the lunch Ueda has prepared on his own. Although he is no food critic, Nishikido knows enough that scrambled eggs shouldn’t be looking like black charcoal.
“What?” Ueda questions defensively after he catches Nishikido for staring too long.
“You’re eating that? I’m surprised you’re still alive.”
“My hands are meant for the piano. Not the pan.”
“My hands deal with the pen, pan and three instruments,” Nishikido snorts as he takes out the bento set he prepared for Ueda. “I must be perfect being."
Except when it comes to shooting games at a funfair.
But Ueda doesn’t have to be aware of it.
Expecting a snarky comment right back at his face, Nishikido is taken aback when Ueda thanks him for the food and starts digging in. Looks like food is a way to inch deeper into Ueda’s heart.
***
Nishikido thought it was sweet of Ueda to lean closer to him after the meal till he discovers Ueda’s true intentions; Nishikido is sorely disappointed to find his tako missing and that Ueda has been pinching his food. It’s a mystery as to where Ueda puts all his food that quickly and how he is still eager for seconds.
“Do you play the guitar well?” Ueda asks out of the blue and Nishikido thinks it’s a distraction technique to allow more time for Ueda to devour half his rice box.
“Well enough to compose.”
Nishikido shoves his lunch to Ueda. He’ll settle his hunger pangs later with some onigiri at a convenient store.
“Do you have stage fright?”
“Don’t think so. I was a pub singer during my university days.”
“Guitar in your car boot?” Ueda continues with his questions.
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“Great,” Ueda concludes as he cleans up the last grain of rice from Nishikido’s lunch. “It turns out that Nakamaru can’t play the guitar. I included a guitar portion in my music so… you’ll do. I have a graded recital later.”
Although Nishikido is pretty much done for the day (cheers to flexible hours), he isn’t exactly prepared for an impromptu performance. Sure, he is assured of his guitar expertise but having only an hour to master a piece can be tricky. And the fact that Ueda’s results hinges on his playing as well gives him undue pressure.
He has a million and one reasons to reject Ueda’s proposal. However, a pout is sufficient to banish all of his excuses to oblivion.
“Don't you guys practice? After losing your accompanying guitar, how can you still be calm enough to have lunch with me?”
“Like you said previously, I have magical glittery eye shadow,” Ueda chuckles as he puts away the containers and utensils for lunch. “Look how it brought you to me.”
Oh bother.
Nishikido wonders when he started falling for disgustingly corny lines that would put any movie below a lowly rating of 3 stars.
***
Movie critic. Cook. Impromptu guitarist in a graded recital held at a prestigious music school. Long suffering boyfriend.
Nishikido starts to see where his future might be heading.
***
Strumming the first few chords, Nishikido stops his playing.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Ueda queries immediately, slight anxiety finally showing in his voice. “Too difficult?”
“It’s pretty good actually.” Nishikido picks up the musical sheets for a closer examination. “Despite your tiny capacity for mathematics, you can really compose beautiful music.”
“And you’re couth enough to know music,” Ueda snorts.
“Is verbal abuse all I’m getting for my help?” Nishikido threatens but there is no heat in his voice. “If that’s the case, I’m leaving.”
As he fakes his leave, Ueda tugs gently on the hem of his shirt and gives a pleading look. Nishikido goes right back to his guitar.
Ueda is catching on to his weaknesses a little too quickly.
***
Grateful that Ueda actually volunteered to fetch his formal suit from his car boot, Nishikido changes hurriedly and makes an effort to comb his hair for the day.
“It would be good if you had a blazer,” Ueda comments absentmindedly as he adjusts his collar for the seventh time in the mirror backstage.
“If I donned one, I would be stealing all the limelight,” Nishikido teases. Hopefully some humour would ease Ueda’s nerves. “You won’t want that to happen, do you?”
Ueda throws him a dirty look but laughs.
“No way you’ll be able to achieve that feat. You’re lacking in the impressive height factor.”
If that was meant as an insult, Ueda sure is faring badly in it. Even if Ueda has his poker face on, Nishikido can hear the unease in Ueda’s voice.
“It’ll be fine,” he encourages. Walking to Ueda’s side, Nishikido takes his hand and gives it a light squeeze. “This isn’t the first time you’re playing in front of your assessors right? I’ll be there to support you. Play without worries. It wouldn’t be good if fear shows through your music; it isn’t what you wish to portray. ”
Ueda lets out a shy smile and gives Nishikido a brief hug before his name is called next.
***
Nishikido is almost distracted by how Ueda’s fingers fly across the piano keys, producing a lovely tune that captivates Nishikido’s heart. Thankfully, he manages to pull himself back at the crucial moment and strums the chords he is supposed to.
It's a simple story behind the upbeat melody - a bashful bard trying to impress the rich man's daughter. There's playful teasing in the notes and Nishikido is certain they have portrayed the flirtatious nature of the music. Nakamaru be damned if he had truly known the guitar.
After the very last note, applause echoes through the auditorium and Ueda walks over from his seat by the piano to take Nishikido's hand. Nudging him into a bow, their fingers remain lock together even after they are off the stage and along the corridors of school.
“Not afraid of gossips?” Nishikido lets out a low whistle as he poses the question casually.
“No.” The answer sounded obvious. “Why would I be?”
Nishikido wonders why he is the only one cursed with teasing friends and judgemental colleagues.
“Does that mean if I turn up at your office during lunch one day, you’ll refuse to acknowledge my existence?”
"Why don't you try?" Nishikido chuckles. "But please, bring a decent meal. My stomach can do without your block of carbon."
***
Ueda treats Nishikido to dinner for his help and before parting, Nishikido plants a kiss on Ueda's cheek. He is feeling pretty accomplished for initiating their first kiss till Ueda blushes and captures Nishikido's lips in a straightforward manner.
"If you want to kiss somebody, do it properly."
***
The very next day, Nishikido receives a call from the secretary minutes before lunch hour.
"A person by the name of Ueda Tatsuya is looking for you."
Having more enemies than friends, Nishikido can't pinpoint the bastard who tuned his telephone to 'loudspeaker mode' for the phone call. Highest suspicion belongs to Yamapi for being the closest to the phone but Nishikido doesn't eliminate the probability that Uchi could be pulling some strings behind this.
"Hurry up, Ryo," Yamapi teases with an unnaturally high and whiny voice. "You wouldn't want your precious Ueda to wait, do you?"
This elicits even more looks of interest from the rest of the office and Nishikido swears Yamapi will get the retribution he duly deserves in due time.
Declaring that Ueda is prettier than all of Yamapi's past girlfriends, Nishikido excuses himself. He even contemplates inviting Ueda to the staff canteen for a meal so every nosey parker out there can get jealous and cry their lonely hearts out.
***
Ueda chirps a cheerful 'hey~' when Nishikido appears in his sight at the lobby.
"I thought you got your tie jammed in a photocopier or something. What took you so long?"
Insinuating that Ueda is probably the only one dumb enough to get stuck in such a predicament, Nishikido directs his attention to the bento boxes wrapped neatly in Ueda's hands. He also notes the numerous cuts on Ueda's fingers and can't help but feel the pain instead. Although Ueda insists that they weren't caused by cooking, Nishikido knew better. The scars weren't there yesterday.
"Where to?" Nishikido asks as he helps Ueda with the bentos. "Your wish is my command. That's the least I can do after you've travelled all the way over from your dorm, by bus no less. It should have taken hours."
"It's cold but it would be too much to request somewhere nearby. We could try the park."
And Nishikido complies. The warmth from Ueda's thoughtfulness is capable of melting even the harshest winters, metaphorically.
***
The park is crowded yet Nishikido manages to notice the return of the ugly ass oversized red sun hat in the midst of the white plains.
Disregarding the intrusion of Uchi, the long-dreaded food tasting session follows and Nishikido gets a pleasant surprise that there is a slight improvement in Ueda’s cooking skills overnight. The eggs have retained their rightful colour and the rice tastes somewhat chewy. Since sausages and ham are already processed, Ueda didn’t do anything to ruin them fortunately.
“It’s edible,” Ueda grumbles upon noticing Nishikido’s hesitation. “Nakamaru helped and he ate some too. I hadn’t received any calls to the hospital yet.”
“Why the sudden urge to have lunch with me?” Nishikido takes a bite. The food tastes edible enough. “You sacrificed your fingers, no less.”
“Paper cuts from my music scores.” Ueda fidgets. “Thank you for yesterday too.”
“When did you start learning manners, huh?”
“Don’t test my limits.” Ueda forces a smile. “I can still take you out whenever I want.”
Nishikido mocks a look of fright and feigns hurt when Ueda gives him a light jab. A bout of laughter later, Nishikido is about to start on his lunch proper when his phone rings with a new message.
Message from Uchi: Would you mind turning the volume a little louder? It's no fun watching a mute romance movie. You ought to know better.
Returning his phone to his back pocket, Nishikido asks if Ueda would like to meet his friends.
"Why not?"
***
It's a weekend evening. Nishikido invites Uchi and Yamapi out for a movie.
"We're not as cute as your Ueda," Uchi reasons as they approach the cinema. "Spit your devious scheme out for us to hear."
"You wound me with your false accusations," Nishikido dramatizes. "I just thought you would like to meet Ueda up close and personal and quit it with your stalking game."
"Do I sense defeat?" Yamapi supplies.
Rolling his eyes, Nishikido directs his friends to the popcorn counter while he heads towards the ticketing booth. Yamapi doesn't need to know that they are in for a horror film while Uchi can remain oblivious about their very own flavour of spicy popcorn that Ueda has prepared in advance (how lucky that Ueda's manager is on a holiday).
Although Nishikido rarely heaps praises, he has to admit that Ueda and him do make a good pair in more ways than one.
Even if he has to work extra hard to compensate for Ueda's intelligence.
~ The End ~
Author’s Note: Sorry I took such a long time. I was stuck coming up with an ending. I hope the last chapter didn't disappoint! Please go easy on my first attempt?
Many thanks to Google, Wikipedia and pimp posts about Nishikido! I would have never finished the story without them D: I don't know when I'll be writing a RyoDa again but thank you for reading :3
Pairing: RyoDa
Rating: G
Genre: Humour, Fluff
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 Five [Final]
Nishikido’s plan instantly falls apart when Ueda returns and they get on the cabin of the Ferris wheel together. Because Ueda abruptly takes his hand, looks him straight in the eyes and says:
“Please reciprocate my feelings.”
Nishikido has always assumed he would be the one confessing. Dumbfounded, all he could do was stare blankly in response. It was only when Ueda’s expression slowly changes from anticipation to dejection that Nishikido manages to mutter a weak “yes”.
Ueda’s face lights up instantly and he smiles impishly.
“What are you thinking of right now?”
It takes another long pause before Nishikido recollects his thoughts.
“How I should be the one confessing instead?”
“Why?”
“Because…”
“Because?”
Nishikido curses inwardly; how can he be tongue-tied at this crucial moment? And why does Ueda always ask questions he can’t answer?
“In fairytales, the princess is never the one taking the first step.”
“Oh please lover boy, you were always hemming and hawing when we touched about the topic on relationships. I thought I might have well entered the grave by the time you finally pluck your non-existent courage to confess.” Ueda gloats before coming to an abrupt stop. “Wait, are you calling me a princess?”
“Took you long enough to realise. Guess your brain capacity is truly the size of which I evaluated when I first met you. And if I have non-existent courage, who was the girl screaming in the haunted house a while ago?” Nishikido concludes with a smug shrug.
Right after the rebuttal, Nishikido resists the urge to hit himself. Who in the right mind would be picking a fight with the person you like right after getting together?
“No one screamed in the haunted house.”
Although it is a blatant lie, Nishikido summons every ounce of willpower to stop himself from coming up with a rebuttal. He fails to stop himself from letting out a taunting laugh though.
“And if you call me princess again, I’ll hit you.”
“Princess.”
Opps.
Ueda raises an eyebrow and twitches.
“I’ll take it that I didn’t hear anything.”
“Princess,” Nishikido repeats himself. The first was a slip-of-tongue but the second is definitely intentional. He earns himself an elbow in the guts.
No wonder they say love hurts.
***
Although the flower in his jacket is crushed by Ueda’s blow and only one measly petal is left intact, Ueda accepts it gratefully. While Ueda smiles and ravishes the fact that a guy like Nishikido can actually buy flowers, Nishikido resists the need to spoil the moment and comment on how ugly that crap looks. He has always been truthful (hey, just take a look at his reviews and one will know).
Hand-in-hand, they got off the Ferris wheel. Romantic prospects aside, Nishikido really needed some support after Ueda’s blow.
Also, he needs to remember the fact that Ueda works out and every hit hurts like crazy. It’s time he tames his vicious tongue or Ueda would just have to stop being so petty. Although the latter is doubtlessly the better option, it also falls under the ‘impossible’ category.
***
Nishikido has barely made it past the genkan when his phone lights up with several notifications. The name of the sender makes him scowl a little; no doubt the content of the messages are going to grate on his nerves.
Message from Uchi: So… Ueda confessed to you huh? I have my ways of knowing. Don’t be surprised.
Message from Uchi: I’m letting the entire office know about you tomorrow. And since Ueda has violent tendencies, I figure you’ll undisputedly bottom in the relationship.
Message from Uchi: That’s sooo tragic. Ueda looked pretty demure. How unexpected.
Message to Uchi: You suck.
Message to Uchi: No wonder Hitomi rejected you three months ago.
Message from Uchi: What? Who’s Hitomi? Are you still giddy with happiness that you’re sprouting nonsense?
Message to Uchi: Two can play the stalking game.
Message to Uchi: I also know that you are trying to woo the pretty new fashion journalist who just joined the company.
Message from Uchi: Yamapi talks too much when he is drunk. He's dead.
Message to Uchi: Good luck.
***
“So, how did the date go?”
When Yamapi turns up for work on Monday, Nishikido reckons Uchi failed in his mission. However, judging by how clueless Yamapi is about the outcome, Nishikido knows Uchi hasn’t been the big mouth he promised to be.
Taking a quick look at Yamapi’s work desk, Nishikido advices the other man to continue working on his article about personal privacy.
“Practice what you preach, asshole.”
“What a grouch,” Yamapi snorts in response. “My guess is that you got rejected and he tossed you into a ditch which you took all night to crawl out from.”
“Nice try, but you aren’t getting anything out from me,” Nishikido deadpans as he returns to his work. He hasn’t even reached his seat when his boss asks for him and hands out the weekly list of movie premiers he has to attend.
Upon knowing that tomorrow’s screening will be at Ueda’s workplace, Nishikido tries hard to conceal the beam on his face (he is most definitely not letting Yamapi into this). Although Ueda’s shifts have been changed to the weekends, Nishikido vaguely recalls that the other man studies in a university nearby. Heck, he even lives around the vicinity. A quick detour before leaving the district shouldn’t be a problem.
And even though Nishikido still whines about the rising gas prices, such things are pretty much secondary now.
***
Although Nishikido doesn’t have the habit of reading the magazine he writes for, he picks up a copy of it at the nearest convenient store on his way home. He has heard rave reviews about the fashion column and decides that he is going to need a little help at that aspect (besides his colleague’s constant teasing, Ueda seems oblivious of his efforts). He can’t possibly be dressed in a tee and jeans all the time (rotating the combination doesn’t really help) when Ueda has never worn a repeating outfit.
Diligently flipping through the magazine’s pages, Nishikido carefully selects his outfit. He tries on one set after another, only to find fault in each and every of them.
Stupid occupational hazard.
It’s nearly two in the morning when Nishikido finally settles on what he is most comfortable in - t-shirt and jeans.
Nishikido wonders why he even bothered with this entire fashion fiasco. Ueda probably doesn’t even care about his dressing.
Message to Uchi: I don’t even know why I’m starting to get conscious of the clothes I wear.
Message from Uchi: You woke me up at 2am to whine about your insecurities? Get a life.
Message from Uchi: Why don’t you direct them to Ueda? You shove me into a bush for him, remember?
Message to Uchi: You're still not over it? Call yourself a man.
Uchi doesn't respond to that.
***
Nishikido has never found a 158 minute action film lengthy till today. It gets a little difficult to control his urges to sprint off and look for Ueda when the hero finally gets to kiss his girl. Having the lights on again in the cinema has never been a more wonderful occurrence.
Driving to the address given, Nishikido gets a pleasant surprise; he never knew Ueda studies at a prestigious academy meant for fine arts and music. A normal tee and jeans seems way too off when everyone is dressed to their nines. He should have done a search on the address instead of wasting his time on… clothes.
Oh well, too late for anything now.
Although Nishikido has a spare change of formal wear meant for unexpected interview with stars who turn up randomly at movie premiers, Nishikido thinks it’s not worth the effort when he is just making a quick visit before returning home.
But the school environment certainly explains how Ueda can get about his day with eyeliner and magic sparkles on his eyelids. Nishikido figures it takes rainbow hair for someone to turn and look at you twice. Or when you are dressed like a scruffy beggar named Nishikido Ryo.
He sighs.
Avoiding eye contact (he thought he was over his image after high school; today's happenings prove otherwise), Nishikido hurriedly attempts to locate the School of Music. Which proved to be no easy feat when he ends up at the School of Dance instead and has to call Ueda for instructions.
“What will you do without me?” Ueda is mocking in speech and Nishikido regrets even making an effort to come, with lunch no less. “Stay still and Romeo will be there to rescue his lost floundering damsel in no time.”
Nishikido grimaces and briefly considers tossing his homemade lunch into the bin nearby. The rising cost of ingredients and a near empty wallet prevents him from doing so.
***
Sitting together at a random bench, Nishikido chokes when he sees the lunch Ueda has prepared on his own. Although he is no food critic, Nishikido knows enough that scrambled eggs shouldn’t be looking like black charcoal.
“What?” Ueda questions defensively after he catches Nishikido for staring too long.
“You’re eating that? I’m surprised you’re still alive.”
“My hands are meant for the piano. Not the pan.”
“My hands deal with the pen, pan and three instruments,” Nishikido snorts as he takes out the bento set he prepared for Ueda. “I must be perfect being."
Except when it comes to shooting games at a funfair.
But Ueda doesn’t have to be aware of it.
Expecting a snarky comment right back at his face, Nishikido is taken aback when Ueda thanks him for the food and starts digging in. Looks like food is a way to inch deeper into Ueda’s heart.
***
Nishikido thought it was sweet of Ueda to lean closer to him after the meal till he discovers Ueda’s true intentions; Nishikido is sorely disappointed to find his tako missing and that Ueda has been pinching his food. It’s a mystery as to where Ueda puts all his food that quickly and how he is still eager for seconds.
“Do you play the guitar well?” Ueda asks out of the blue and Nishikido thinks it’s a distraction technique to allow more time for Ueda to devour half his rice box.
“Well enough to compose.”
Nishikido shoves his lunch to Ueda. He’ll settle his hunger pangs later with some onigiri at a convenient store.
“Do you have stage fright?”
“Don’t think so. I was a pub singer during my university days.”
“Guitar in your car boot?” Ueda continues with his questions.
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“Great,” Ueda concludes as he cleans up the last grain of rice from Nishikido’s lunch. “It turns out that Nakamaru can’t play the guitar. I included a guitar portion in my music so… you’ll do. I have a graded recital later.”
Although Nishikido is pretty much done for the day (cheers to flexible hours), he isn’t exactly prepared for an impromptu performance. Sure, he is assured of his guitar expertise but having only an hour to master a piece can be tricky. And the fact that Ueda’s results hinges on his playing as well gives him undue pressure.
He has a million and one reasons to reject Ueda’s proposal. However, a pout is sufficient to banish all of his excuses to oblivion.
“Don't you guys practice? After losing your accompanying guitar, how can you still be calm enough to have lunch with me?”
“Like you said previously, I have magical glittery eye shadow,” Ueda chuckles as he puts away the containers and utensils for lunch. “Look how it brought you to me.”
Oh bother.
Nishikido wonders when he started falling for disgustingly corny lines that would put any movie below a lowly rating of 3 stars.
***
Movie critic. Cook. Impromptu guitarist in a graded recital held at a prestigious music school. Long suffering boyfriend.
Nishikido starts to see where his future might be heading.
***
Strumming the first few chords, Nishikido stops his playing.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Ueda queries immediately, slight anxiety finally showing in his voice. “Too difficult?”
“It’s pretty good actually.” Nishikido picks up the musical sheets for a closer examination. “Despite your tiny capacity for mathematics, you can really compose beautiful music.”
“And you’re couth enough to know music,” Ueda snorts.
“Is verbal abuse all I’m getting for my help?” Nishikido threatens but there is no heat in his voice. “If that’s the case, I’m leaving.”
As he fakes his leave, Ueda tugs gently on the hem of his shirt and gives a pleading look. Nishikido goes right back to his guitar.
Ueda is catching on to his weaknesses a little too quickly.
***
Grateful that Ueda actually volunteered to fetch his formal suit from his car boot, Nishikido changes hurriedly and makes an effort to comb his hair for the day.
“It would be good if you had a blazer,” Ueda comments absentmindedly as he adjusts his collar for the seventh time in the mirror backstage.
“If I donned one, I would be stealing all the limelight,” Nishikido teases. Hopefully some humour would ease Ueda’s nerves. “You won’t want that to happen, do you?”
Ueda throws him a dirty look but laughs.
“No way you’ll be able to achieve that feat. You’re lacking in the impressive height factor.”
If that was meant as an insult, Ueda sure is faring badly in it. Even if Ueda has his poker face on, Nishikido can hear the unease in Ueda’s voice.
“It’ll be fine,” he encourages. Walking to Ueda’s side, Nishikido takes his hand and gives it a light squeeze. “This isn’t the first time you’re playing in front of your assessors right? I’ll be there to support you. Play without worries. It wouldn’t be good if fear shows through your music; it isn’t what you wish to portray. ”
Ueda lets out a shy smile and gives Nishikido a brief hug before his name is called next.
***
Nishikido is almost distracted by how Ueda’s fingers fly across the piano keys, producing a lovely tune that captivates Nishikido’s heart. Thankfully, he manages to pull himself back at the crucial moment and strums the chords he is supposed to.
It's a simple story behind the upbeat melody - a bashful bard trying to impress the rich man's daughter. There's playful teasing in the notes and Nishikido is certain they have portrayed the flirtatious nature of the music. Nakamaru be damned if he had truly known the guitar.
After the very last note, applause echoes through the auditorium and Ueda walks over from his seat by the piano to take Nishikido's hand. Nudging him into a bow, their fingers remain lock together even after they are off the stage and along the corridors of school.
“Not afraid of gossips?” Nishikido lets out a low whistle as he poses the question casually.
“No.” The answer sounded obvious. “Why would I be?”
Nishikido wonders why he is the only one cursed with teasing friends and judgemental colleagues.
“Does that mean if I turn up at your office during lunch one day, you’ll refuse to acknowledge my existence?”
"Why don't you try?" Nishikido chuckles. "But please, bring a decent meal. My stomach can do without your block of carbon."
***
Ueda treats Nishikido to dinner for his help and before parting, Nishikido plants a kiss on Ueda's cheek. He is feeling pretty accomplished for initiating their first kiss till Ueda blushes and captures Nishikido's lips in a straightforward manner.
"If you want to kiss somebody, do it properly."
***
The very next day, Nishikido receives a call from the secretary minutes before lunch hour.
"A person by the name of Ueda Tatsuya is looking for you."
Having more enemies than friends, Nishikido can't pinpoint the bastard who tuned his telephone to 'loudspeaker mode' for the phone call. Highest suspicion belongs to Yamapi for being the closest to the phone but Nishikido doesn't eliminate the probability that Uchi could be pulling some strings behind this.
"Hurry up, Ryo," Yamapi teases with an unnaturally high and whiny voice. "You wouldn't want your precious Ueda to wait, do you?"
This elicits even more looks of interest from the rest of the office and Nishikido swears Yamapi will get the retribution he duly deserves in due time.
Declaring that Ueda is prettier than all of Yamapi's past girlfriends, Nishikido excuses himself. He even contemplates inviting Ueda to the staff canteen for a meal so every nosey parker out there can get jealous and cry their lonely hearts out.
***
Ueda chirps a cheerful 'hey~' when Nishikido appears in his sight at the lobby.
"I thought you got your tie jammed in a photocopier or something. What took you so long?"
Insinuating that Ueda is probably the only one dumb enough to get stuck in such a predicament, Nishikido directs his attention to the bento boxes wrapped neatly in Ueda's hands. He also notes the numerous cuts on Ueda's fingers and can't help but feel the pain instead. Although Ueda insists that they weren't caused by cooking, Nishikido knew better. The scars weren't there yesterday.
"Where to?" Nishikido asks as he helps Ueda with the bentos. "Your wish is my command. That's the least I can do after you've travelled all the way over from your dorm, by bus no less. It should have taken hours."
"It's cold but it would be too much to request somewhere nearby. We could try the park."
And Nishikido complies. The warmth from Ueda's thoughtfulness is capable of melting even the harshest winters, metaphorically.
***
The park is crowded yet Nishikido manages to notice the return of the ugly ass oversized red sun hat in the midst of the white plains.
Disregarding the intrusion of Uchi, the long-dreaded food tasting session follows and Nishikido gets a pleasant surprise that there is a slight improvement in Ueda’s cooking skills overnight. The eggs have retained their rightful colour and the rice tastes somewhat chewy. Since sausages and ham are already processed, Ueda didn’t do anything to ruin them fortunately.
“It’s edible,” Ueda grumbles upon noticing Nishikido’s hesitation. “Nakamaru helped and he ate some too. I hadn’t received any calls to the hospital yet.”
“Why the sudden urge to have lunch with me?” Nishikido takes a bite. The food tastes edible enough. “You sacrificed your fingers, no less.”
“Paper cuts from my music scores.” Ueda fidgets. “Thank you for yesterday too.”
“When did you start learning manners, huh?”
“Don’t test my limits.” Ueda forces a smile. “I can still take you out whenever I want.”
Nishikido mocks a look of fright and feigns hurt when Ueda gives him a light jab. A bout of laughter later, Nishikido is about to start on his lunch proper when his phone rings with a new message.
Message from Uchi: Would you mind turning the volume a little louder? It's no fun watching a mute romance movie. You ought to know better.
Returning his phone to his back pocket, Nishikido asks if Ueda would like to meet his friends.
"Why not?"
***
It's a weekend evening. Nishikido invites Uchi and Yamapi out for a movie.
"We're not as cute as your Ueda," Uchi reasons as they approach the cinema. "Spit your devious scheme out for us to hear."
"You wound me with your false accusations," Nishikido dramatizes. "I just thought you would like to meet Ueda up close and personal and quit it with your stalking game."
"Do I sense defeat?" Yamapi supplies.
Rolling his eyes, Nishikido directs his friends to the popcorn counter while he heads towards the ticketing booth. Yamapi doesn't need to know that they are in for a horror film while Uchi can remain oblivious about their very own flavour of spicy popcorn that Ueda has prepared in advance (how lucky that Ueda's manager is on a holiday).
Although Nishikido rarely heaps praises, he has to admit that Ueda and him do make a good pair in more ways than one.
Even if he has to work extra hard to compensate for Ueda's intelligence.
~ The End ~
Author’s Note: Sorry I took such a long time. I was stuck coming up with an ending. I hope the last chapter didn't disappoint! Please go easy on my first attempt?
Many thanks to Google, Wikipedia and pimp posts about Nishikido! I would have never finished the story without them D: I don't know when I'll be writing a RyoDa again but thank you for reading :3