Chapter Text
It took a couple of minutes for Kokichi to find a place that suited both of their preferences. Kasumi could tell he wanted to make a good first impression and it kind of made her melt. How thoughtful.
The two agree on a cosy Chinese restaurant. The walk there is quiet as the two enjoy each other's company and light small talk. They only break apart when they tuck themselves into a booth in a corner. Kasumi takes a second to admire the yellow lighting and the way it falls across her friend's? date's? face.
It's kind of intimidating how handsome he is. The light kisses his cheekbones and forehead, leaving his eyes and long, dark eyelashes (lucky) in shadow. The sharpness of his cheekbones, prominent above his darkened cheeks, gave him a sort of contoured look that Kasumi's soft face could only dream of. His shadow-darkened eyes meet hers from across the menu he's surveying. He quickly averts them, pink delightfully staining the glowing skin.
She wonders how he- beautiful and sweet and gentle him- is the one left feeling shy when she's obviously staring at him.
Well, a little suspiciously-Momo-sounding voice in the back of her head begins, he probably isn't used to the company of pretty women. You're a catch, go get him!
Pointedly ignoring the voice, Kasumi also grabs a menu and takes a look. Kokichi seems to have chosen well, there are ample choices that fit their tastes.
Both are silent as they choose what they want, shy as the safety of the movie's background sound has now been removed.
As Kasumi tries to think of something to start a conversation with, an older lady comes by to bring over glasses and water.
“Welcome. Are you ready to order or shall I come back later?” Her gaze takes in the two of them, lingering on Kokichi before she gives Kasumi a knowing wink. Flustered, Kasumi ducks her head.
“I'm ready to order if you are, Kasumi.” Is it weird that she likes how he says her name?
“I'm ready too! Could I please have the braised beef stew with daikon? No drink. Thank you.” The woman nods, dutifully copying down the order.
“I'll have the xiao long bao, with the Sichuan pepper spice option. Um, also no drink. Thanks.”
“I'll bring those out soon.” With one last look at them, she leaves.
Kasumi is determined to not let them fall silent again.
“So, how did you find the movie? I don't think I asked.” Kokichi sits up, face minutely brightening.
“I enjoyed it. There's a classic horror movie called ‘The Amityville Horror' which has a similar plot, both are based on true stories and centred around families dealing with demonic entities. So when I found out about ‘The Conjuring’ I knew I had to go see it.”
“So you're into horror movies?” Kasumi shudders. “I don't know how you do it.”
“I like movies in general, but especially horror movies.”
“Is the robot-thing on your shirt from a movie, then?” Confused, Kokichi looks down.
“Oh.” He pauses. “Kind of. Have you heard of Neon Genesis Evangelion?”
“Nope, but you could tell me about it?” Kokichi shrinks a little, and Kasumi wonders why. He looks a little embarrassed.
“Yeah, of course. It's a mecha anime that completely revolutionised the genre, maybe even anime as a whole. It covered themes that hadn't been explored before, particularly about humanity, identity and trauma.” It doesn't really sound like Kasumi's cup of tea, but she likes watching him light up the longer he talks.
“The mechas are called evangelions, or EVAs, and they protect Tokyo-2, from Angels. The Angels come from their progenitor Adam, the first Angel, and have various goals, like reuniting with Adam or finding Lilith, the second Angel. It has a bunch of religious symbolism, particularly iconography from Christianity - mostly just aesthetic rather than meaningful though - but it makes everything feel a lot more real.” He seems to realise that he's rambling and stops.
“Um, yeah, that's what it is. I didn't mean to get so carried away.” Ears a bit red, Kokichi reaches out and pours them both some water.
“I was enjoying it, you must be really into it! I'm happy to listen to you talk about your interests.” Grateful, Kasumi takes a sip of her drink, completely missing the fondness of Kokichi's gaze. “So, watching movies is a hobby of yours. What else do you do?”
An interruption in the form of Kasumi's phone buzzing pauses the conversation.
“Ah, I should probably let my friends know what I'm up to. They're probably worried.”
“Of course.” Kokichi smiles at her, his expression soft. It's suddenly harder to breathe and Kasumi feels a bit light-headed as she checks her texts.
🎀 puts the WITCH in bewitching 🎀
soooo how was it!!
i'm surprised you haven't texted us to say you'll never watch a horror movie again, i heard that the conjuring has a bunch of jumpscares 😝
anyway let us know when you get home!
I'm with someone I met at the movies right now. I'll tell you all about how much I hate horror later 😭
Praying Momo will be appeased by that, Kasumi locks her phone and stuffs it back into her pocket.
“Anyway, where were we-.” Kasumi is interrupted by a familiar ringtone and she scrambles to grab her phone again. A contact photo of Momo and Kasumi with their faces squished together greets her. Uh oh.
“Sorry, give me a sec.” She shoots Kokichi a pleading look as she accepts the call. He just nods, not minding at all. It seems she won't have any time to prepare herself.
“KASUMI MIWA. What do you mean you're on a date right now?” Momo's voice is loud enough that the next table looks over. Kasumi flushes terribly.
“I don't remember calling it a date.”
“Puh-lease.” interrupts Mai, her voice equal parts disbelieving and excited. “As if you would go out with just any random you met.” Fortunately, Momo hushes her girlfriend before she can further embarrass Kasumi.
“Is he cute?” Across the table, Kokichi starts choking on his drink. Never mind, Momo is worse.
“Momo!!! He's right here.”
“I knew it! He is!” Momo begins cheering loudly down the phone, Mai following suit.
“Okay, yes he is! Just be quiet.” The blush that is brought to Kokichi's face is unfairly endearing. She will never live this down.
“Sneak a pic of him for us?” The two teaming up against her should be illegal. Covering her face with a hand, Kasumi sinks in her chair.
“No way.”
“If you loved us, you would, ‘sumi. I can't wait to hear all about it later. Right?” Just into the chair isn't enough, she wishes she could sink into the ground. Momo has her strict teacher's voice down packed.
“Yeah.”
“We'll leave you to your cute mystery man then, have fun!!!” Momo's voice is purposefully loud. Kasumi can't bring herself to look at Kokichi's reaction.
“Use prot-” “Mai!!!” is the last thing the two hear before Momo hangs up.
Face on fire, Kasumi puts her phone on Do Not Disturb and stuffs her phone back in her pocket. She loves the couple, really, but they could be so embarrassing.
“Were those the friends you were supposed to be meeting?” Fortunately, Kokichi only looks amused.
“Yeah, that's them! Please ignore everything they said.” Kasumi begs, kinda wishing she didn't pick up the phone. Kokichi chuckles but doesn't make any further comments. She has a feeling he won't forget the conversation, how rude.
“So. Anyway. What else do you do?” Kasumi takes a couple of sips of water to cool her face.
“I just completed a Bachelor in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Honours. I'm working through my Masters now. I'm aiming to get into making and improving myoelectric prostheses.” Ah, so he's smart and nice and attractive. He's definitely out of her league, but Kasumi is ignoring that. “What about you?”
“Oh, I studied Business Management and Administration. I work at a school in a secretarial position, then after school, I help out with the after-school care.” It pales in comparison to what he has accomplished, but he doesn't seem to think so. Kokichi's expression has shifted to something much more tender.
“Of course you do. I bet all the kids love you.”
“And I love them too! The after-school care is definitely the favourite part of my jobs. Sometimes they can be little monsters, but I love watching them grow and playing with them.”
“Kids always seem to hate me, my cousins are the worst. I'm impressed.” He confesses, lighthearted.
“I have two younger brothers who I helped raise, they helped prepare me. No one will ever behave as badly as them.”
“I can only imagine.” The two of them laugh, which ends with them smiling helplessly at each other. Kasumi can't remember the last time she enjoyed one-on-one time with someone so much.
The waiter returns with their food. She wastes no time in setting it on the table.
“Enjoy. Let me know if I can get you anything else.” The two thank her as she hurries away to greet some newcomers.
The food both looks and smells delicious, a reminder that she hasn't had anything to eat but popcorn and chocolate for the last few hours.
Suddenly ravenous, Kasumi grabs her chopsticks and soup spoon. She should probably not inhale her food in front of Kokichi, but he looks like he's seconds away from doing the same.
The beef is juicy enough that she has to use her soup spoon to carry it up to her mouth - just the way she likes it. She's glad Kokichi found this place, the food is mouth-wateringly good.
Across from her, Kokichi dips a soup dumpling into his black rice vinegar, before laying it on his soup spoon. He adds some shredded ginger on top, before delicately taking a bite from the side and sucking out some of the soup before it can spill. Finally, he eats the rest.
“My brothers love soup dumplings, but they always eat them whole.” Kasumi lets the stew spill into her spoon, then places some of the chopped daikon in it.
“That is terrifying. How do they not burn their mouths?” Kokichi shudders as Kasumi shrugs. “How do you eat them, then?”
“What if I eat it like them? Would you find me terrifying too?” Kasumi teases. “I bite a hole in the thick part on top, that way it can cool and I still get the soup bursting in my mouth.” Kokichi tests it before he hums his approval.
“I think I like this more.”
“Happy to be of service.” Her stew warms her stomach in a way not unlike how spending time with Kokichi does. It's comforting.
“Would you like one?” asks Kokichi, another dumpling held between his chopsticks.
“Only if you try some of mine.”
“Sure.” Kasumi holds out her empty soup spoon. “Vinegar and ginger?”
“Of course.” He carefully dips the dumpling into the vinegar, then quickly transfers it to her spoon. The ginger soon follows.
Delicately, Kasumi bites a small hole in the top, then blows into it. The delicious aroma of seasoned pork makes her mouth water. Kokichi truly is sweet, there's no way she would be sharing soup dumplings with someone else. Finally, she tips the dumpling into her mouth and bites down. The soup coats her mouth and, while it is delicious, it's still a bit spicy for her.
She chews quickly, before swallowing it and letting out a sigh of relief. Kasumi takes a sip of water (which doesn't help) and melts a little in her seat.
“A bit hot for you?” Kokichi's eyes are warm with affection.
“... Maybe a little.” His lips curve up into a precious smile and Kasumi thinks maybe she wants this night to never end. “Now give me your spoon.”
“Is this a stickup?” Despite his words, Kokichi hands over his spoon.
Kasumi scoops up some of the broth as she carefully selects the crunchiest-looking daikon and the juiciest-looking beef. He deserves it after the soup dumpling, besides there's plenty more for her anyway. When she hands the spoon back over, Kokichi looks a bit pink. He probably noticed, but oh well!
Cheeks flushing, he surveys the stew, before tipping it into his mouth. Kokichi hums in appreciation and Kasumi can't help but notice how pretty he is.
Before she can say something embarrassing like “How do you like your eggs in the morning?”, Kasumi silences herself with some more beef. A great idea, she notes, yum!!!
“I can see why stew is your favourite food.” Kasumi nods emphatically, quickly chewing to empty her mouth. “Does your mother make something similar to this?”
“She makes nikujaga, so beef, onion and potato. There aren't any special ingredients, but it tastes like home.” It's definitely too early to invite him to try some, she reminds herself. It doesn't matter how sweetly interested he looks. “Do your parents make any foods that give you that feeling?”
Another dumpling is dunked in vinegar as Kokichi considers the question.
“Probably the sukiyaki my dad makes.”
“Yum! Does he make the hot pot style or pan-fried?”
“Hot pot.” Kasumi is glad she's already making her way through some delicious stew, the talk of food is giving her cravings.
“I'm assuming that's your favourite style, with your favourite food being stew?”
“You've got me all figured out.” The smile she gives him is a little coy. Entranced, Kokichi stares, before catching himself and averting his eyes. How easy to read he is makes Kasumi feel at ease - he's so lovely.
The pair enjoy the last of their food in a companionable silence. Charmingly, Kasumi can feel Kokichi sneaking little glances at her as they eat. It makes it hard to eat without smiling, but she doesn't mind. He finishes his food before her, so Kasumi pushes her bowl into the middle to share with him. She briefly entertains the thought of feeding him with her own chopsticks, but just the thought of bringing it up embarrasses her.
Once they've finished, Kasumi piles up their used dishes and cutlery.
“Thanks for inviting me out, Kokichi.” She plays with the hem of her shirt, suddenly a little shy. “I really enjoyed it.”
“I did too. Of course.” The look he gives her is heart-melting. She hopes she can see him again soon, the night was wonderful. Even the horror movie.
Having noticed the piled-up plates, the lady waiting on them interrupts their conversation.
“How was the food?” She gives them both a warm smile. The empty dishes speak for themselves.
“Delicious, thank you.” Her eyes lock onto Kokichi.
“So, will you be paying, sir?” A portable EFTPOS machine is placed in front of him before he can even answer.
“Yes, thanks.” Bewildered, Kasumi splutters.
“What! We didn't agree on that, please can we split it?” The lady tuts.
“Let your boyfriend do something nice for you.” The pair turn a bright red and Kokichi swipes his card, while the waitress watches triumphantly. “You picked a good one. Reminds me of my husband.”
With that, she snatches up the machine, hands Kokichi his receipt, and leaves them in peace.
“Well, that was…” Kokichi begins, then trails off.
“Yeah.” Kasumi can't help but smile. “Let's get out of here.”
As soon as Kasumi gets up, Kokichi glues himself to her side. It's sweet how his knuckles brush against hers, he's obviously still a bit nervous about initiating contact. She takes the hint, lacing their fingers together. Only then does she look up at him, but he's staring at their hands. He's so cute.
Kasumi lightly tugs him towards the door and he allows himself to be pulled towards it. When they reach it, she holds it open from her, which breaks him out of his daze.
“Hey, I was supposed to get that for you.” He sounds so indignant. Kasumi laughs.
“You were too busy staring.” Under her fond gaze, Kokcihi burns red. He mutters something nonsensical, before he shuffles out the door, pulling Kasumi behind him. “What was that?”
Once the door is shut, Kokichi squeezes her hand.
“I said,” His voice quietens, flustered. “I can't help that I like how your hand fits in mine.” And what is Kasumi supposed to say to that?
“Oh.” Shyly, Kasumi averts her eyes. “I like it too.”
The pair move away from the entrance, before naturally coming to a stop. Kasumi shifts her weight from foot to foot, a little hesitant. There's a question on her mind that she needs to ask to put her mind at ease.
“I don't think I'm reading this wrong, since you paid for us both, but… that was a date, right?” She chances a look up at him. Adorably, he looks kind of like his brain is restarting.
“I mean. I would like it to be a date, but if you don't then that's fine.” His unique brand of sweet, yet a little awkward, is enchanting.
“I want it to be a date too.” This particular smile of Kokichi's is particularly breathtaking, Kasumi finds. She's smitten.
“I think this is the part where you give me your number, right?” Kokichi appears caught off guard, before letting go of her hand.
“Oh, um, yeah.” Dazedly, he fumbles for his phone, taps a couple of times and hands it to her. In return, she opens a new contact on her phone and hands him it.
Kasumi wonders what she should name herself. Would something cute be better? Or funny? Or just her name? She's not used to flirting.
The choice is too much, so she just settles with Kasumi 💙. The blank contact photo taunts her, so she snaps a quick selfie, before saving the photo. When she looks back up, Kokichi is watching her.
“Do I have to take a picture too?” He sounds a little wary.
“Do you not like photos? I could take one with you.” Kasumi examines his expression, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. “No pressure.”
Kokichi considers it for a second before his uncertain expression melts into something more teasing.
“I guess you need a picture for your friends.” Remembering the phone call, Kasumi groans.
“I thought I told you to ignore that.” He hands her back her phone and crowds into her space. Kasumi quickly opens up the camera and smiles, before snapping a picture.
“Some warning would be nice.” Kokichi grumbles as Kasumi admires the picture. He's not looking at the camera, of course, but at her. The unfiltered, uncomplicated admiration in his eyes makes her stomach flip, she's glad she didn't warn him.
“I think this picture is perfect.” She saves the picture. It's worth the inevitable teasing from her friends.
“Of course you do, I doubt you've ever had a bad picture taken of you. I wasn't even looking at the camera.” Kokichi pulls a face and Kasumi giggles.
“So, you're telling me you don't want this sent to you?” Kasumi teases. Instantly, his demeanour changes.
“I didn't say that.” Satisfied, she texts him the picture and he immediately opens it, then saves it.
Silent, Kokichi stares at the picture for a couple of seconds. His cheeks flush pink under Kasumi's gaze.
“You can text me whenever, Kasumi, even if you don't have a reason to.”
“I'll be messaging you all the time then.” She jokes, leaning against him.
“I wouldn't mind.” His reply comes out rushed.
It kept flustering her when he said such sweet things out of the blue like that, but it wasn't a bad thing. She likes hearing them, sue her.
While Kasumi wasn't exactly unpopular, it had also been easy to be overlooked while around friends like hers. Mai has always been rich and drop-dead gorgeous. Momo has always been unfairly cute and friendly. Not to mention, the two always seemed to have a special bond even before they got together. They always seemed to be hanging out and unknowingly in sync in a way Kasumi couldn't join.
So someone so sweetly interested in her and open about it was kinda nice. Especially someone she had all to herself. It was a first.
“The same goes for you. I'd like to see you again.” Kasumi confesses, a little shyly.
“Oh.” Kokichi looks wonderstruck before he shakes himself out of it. “I would like that too.”
Giddy, they both smile at each other.
“I guess I'll be seeing you around, then. Thanks for dinner.” Kasumi takes a little step back, part of her unwilling to let the night end. “I should probably head back, I have work tomorrow.”
“I'll be looking forward to it. And, uh, it was my pleasure.” Kokichi's smile softens.
“I'll pay next time.” It's hard to sound like that isn't up for debate when she's so happy.
“We'll see about that.” Kasumi pulls a face. Of course, he would say that.
“Don't you dare.”
She takes a second to let her eyes roam his face, committing it to memory. Kokichi appears to be doing the same and it makes her heart race.
“I'll see you around, Kokichi.”
“Bye, Kasumi.” With a parting wave, she turns and begins to head back to her car.
Kasumi opens her phone to respond to the many texts that have accumulated from her (nosy) friends. The picture from before greets her. She takes a second to privately admire his features again before she sends it to her friends. Immediately, a flurry of excited texts pop up on her screen.
Just before she rounds a corner, she looks back towards Kokichi, only to catch him also turning back around. Flustered, Kasumi gives him a little wave, which he returns. She can see him blush, looking equally embarrassed at being caught before she turns back around. Seconds later, a text from a new number pops up.
Kokichi
How do you feel about The Croods?