Work Text:
The morning sun had just barely peered through the curtains when Gou’s cell phone suddenly rang. Fancy Foxtrot music blared from its speaker across the room, stirring its owner awake from his deep slumber. Gou, however, did nothing but grumble and turn his body away from the gadget, pillows stacked atop his head to block the noise. He could have rejected it immediately, but decided it was too much of an effort at the moment. After all, it was probably just someone dialing the wrong number, so he simply ignored it.
The phone kept ringing for a couple of times more before it finally stopped. Either the caller gave up or they were directed to the mailbox. Whatever ended their attempt, the room was quiet again at last. Gou could finally heave a sigh of relief now.
Hinomoto Gou never liked phone calls in the first place, weekend or not. Not that he disliked social interactionsーin fact, he loved going to parties and surrounded by people. But that was because he was willing to invest his time and energy to engage in those kinds of social activities. Phone calls, on the other hand, came mostly unwanted and intruded his me-time and sometimes his privacy.
He let out a yawn and heading back to sleep again. It wasn't long until he felt drowsiness taking over him. Unfortunately, right on the verge of falling asleep, the damned cell phone started ringing once more.
Gou cursed under his breath. Whoever it was, they were extremely ignorant or just plain dense for contacting someone at this hour. Ugh, he really should remember to turn off his phone next time. Irritated, he grabbed his phone atop the table and wasted no time rejecting the call, before slamming it to the mattress. Wrong number or not, this person was messing with him. He shut his eyes a bit tighter this time, forcing himself to ‘get back in the mood’. But honestly it got increasingly difficult to do so since his sleepiness had begun to fade away. This rest was necessary for a complete recharge after the hectic week he just went through, but destiny wasn't being nice to him today as the mysterious, persistent caller once again launched another attack.
Losing his temper, he groaned angrily and finally answered the call, not bothering to look at the caller ID, "IT'S FRIGGIN FIVE IN THE MORNING. YOU'D BETTER FIND SOMEBODY ELSE TO PRANK, PUNK, OR I'LL KICK YER SORRY ASSー"
"Unfortunately, I have better purpose than just playing a prank on you, Gou. Although, the prospect of bugging you to bits sounds tempting," an all-too-familiar voice Gou thought he’d never hear again replied from the other side of the call. The surprise was too overwhelming, his desire to do nothing but laze around today was obliterated completely.
"Look who’s finally called. What a fine surprise~ how have ya been, Hasebe? Bet ya work your fine ass so hard there, eh, Manager-san?"
Gou could almost see Hasebe grinning from ear to ear as he replied, "You bet I am. After all, a chance like this didn't come twice. I mustn't let our shachou down. On the other hand, I am pretty sure the office feels way lot better now without me around, hmm?"
"Tricky question. If i said no, you’re gonna call me a liar. But if I said the opposite, someone’s gonna sulk~"
"Oh, I see a development here. You're finally getting smarter~"
"And you're surely still a massive pain in the ass."
"You know, that should be my line."
Gou couldn't help but burst to laugh over the innuendo, "Missing that already?"
Hasebe clicked his tongue on the other side of the call, "It's only been a week, pervert. If someone is missing it, it's definitely you. But eh, knowing you, you're gonna find someone else to sleep with soon."
"Ooh, am I sensing some jealousy here?"
"In your dream. Talking about dream, it's Sunday morning there? Did you have a good sleep?"
Gou raised from his bed lazily then put the call on loudspeaker, before he wore his trousers, "Yeah it’s 5.30 in the morning here. And uhhh… Not really. I slept at 2 AM. I had to burn the candle at both ends this week. Office deadlines, ya know. You literally just became my morning call on the only day where I can rest."
"Uh, sorry," the reply was spoken almost like an embarrassed mumbling.
"Huh? Did Kunishige Hasebe just apologize to me?"
"Nevermind. It is still 4.30 PM here in USA. I just got home," Hasebe said, followed by the sound of clothes rustling.
"You're changing clothes?"
"No video call or I’ll hang up."
"Psht, no fun. Anyway, any urgent matters you need to tell me? Something regarding the business?" Gou inquired seriously this time. Hasebe had always been asking him for advice in work a lot during their work together before. It wouldn’t be a surprise if that was why his co-worker-slash-part-time-sleep-buddy’s reason called him so early in the morning.
Unexpectedly though, Hasebe stayed quiet for a moment, as if he hadn’t expected getting that question from Gou. He even stuttered when he eventually answered, "Um… Sorta… But seeing you just wake up, perhaps I'll talk to you later. Don't forget to eat your breakfast. Also, the forecast said it's gonna be raining in Tokyo today. You might wanna take your laundry before the rain gets to them."
"...Uhh? I'm awake now, you could just talkー"
"Wait, the bell's ringing. I'll call you again later, see ya," and Hasebe hung up, leaving Gou dumbfounded.
What in the world? Why didn’t Hasebe just directly tell him what he needed to the point he had to call Gou so early in the morning?!
Leaving his well-sculpted chest and abs open, Gou walked out the room while wondering multiple possible reasons behind Hasebe’s odd action. He spent a good five minutes staring at the phone while having breakfast, hoping Hasebe would call again. But even after Gou finished showering thirty minutes later, the awaited call never came.
Oh well, since he had been warned about the weather forecast, perhaps he should take the laundry inside after this.
The rain did pour hard at 11.30 AM and thank God, Gou didn't forget to carry his umbrella. Nonetheless, the distance between the convenience store and his apartment was a bit too far to walk through under this weather, especially while carrying two large plastic bags full of groceries. So he decided to stop by the nearest cafe to get a coffee.
The cafe he walked into was a cat cafe. The interior was dominated with warm brown and honey yellow colors. Soft sofas were placed strategically on every corner of the cafe. Cats strutting elegantly across the room over wood tiles, accompanying the customers as sweet cakes and hot beverages were served.
With his muscular-195 cm statureーaccompanied by his scruffy yakuza-like look, Gou totally didn't fit in the fluffy atmosphere of the adorable cat cafe. The moment he walked in, all eyes (mostly women) were on him, but he could care less. This wasn't the first time he visited here, actually. Someone had taken him here before; when he said he yearned for a break from routine and a good coffee to relax with. That particular person was none other than Kunishige Hasebe.
Talking about Hasebe…. Beside some work related mails, Gou's phone had been quiet since that unexpected morning call. He couldn't help but to wonder why his co-worker, who was now on some overseas duty, contacted him on such odd hour. Sure, it was still evening on his side, but no way he wasn't aware that it was still so damn early in Japan. Additionally, Hasebe wasn't the type who does things for no reason, so pretty sure it was something crucial? But what was it? A work-related problem? Was he finally figured how to sort it himself, or was it a tremendously huge deal he couldn't tell Gou just yet? Now that made Gou a bit worried.
"Hinomoto-san, here's your coffee," a waitress snapped him back from his daydream. Gou flashed a small smile and nodded to her before she left. He took the cup and was about to sip it, when one of the orange cats jumped onto his lap.
"Oi, careful, kiddo," an amused chuckle escaped his lips. He was caressing its back when he noticed that the cat wore a red choker with a heart motive imprinted on it. Aha, this was the same cat that he played with during his first visit with Hasebe. So this cat remembered him. Cute…
Slowly, the memory of what happened that day emerged one by one. It was a nice 'first date', although messy. Hasebe had been rejecting his official dinner invitation for God knows how many, even after the countless spicy nights they had spent together before (literally and figuratively… Gou couldn't simply forget that cursed spicy fried rice Hasebe once cooked for their breakfast). Then one day, perhaps exactly two months since their first accidental ‘date night’ at Gou's apartment, Hasebe finally accepted his offer. They ended up at this very cat cafe. Everything was going smooth and rather heartwarming, when all of a sudden, one catーthis one particular cat with heart-shaped motive on his chokerーdecided to claw on Hasebe's arms when he tried to cuddle it. The accident carved a long scar on Hasebe's left hand which Gou playfully nicknamed it 'The Love Scar'.
They did go on several dates and dinners afterwards, but never once an actual 'kokuhaku' ーlove confessionーever occured. Few times Gou had teased his co-worker; throwing a half-joking, half-serious statement of 'I love you'. But Hasebe's responses were nothing but a light smack on Gou's head. Gou didn't push further, either, for he himself was also questioning whether he perceived his relationship with Hasebe as something serious or just another casual fling. Deep down, Gou knew both of 'em enjoyed this state of relationship with no commitment.
"Meow…" The cat on his lap had curled into a soft, orange fur ball. Gou gently stroked its back a couple more times while drinking his coffee. In a flash, an idea struck him. He fished in his pocket for his cell phone and snapped some adorable photos of this cat. Then, he mailed them to Mr Manager, who he believed was on the way to sleep at this hour. A mischievous grin curved on his lips: sweet revenge time!
He put down his phone after that and sat back with a winning smirk. An angry-sounded mail would come anytime soon… or maybe in a few hours if Gou wasn't fast enough….
What Gou wasn't expecting though, was the incoming of another call.
Shit, what now?
Gou picked his phone while lowering down the volume. His heart skipped a beat as he read the caller's name: it was Hasebe.
Having all the cafe's attendants’ gaze on him and a sleeping cat on his lap, Gou rejected the call. He didn't want any more attention than this. Plus, wasn't it supposed to be Hasebe's sleep time? He did wait for Hasebe to call him before, but hours passed by without any means of contact and now the idea of agreeing to engage in a call had already been pushed away completely. Gou was back to it-is-holiday-please-text-unless-it-is-urgent mode again.
He rushed to open the mail application to type: what? But on the way of typing the last letter, Hasebe called once moreーand he hastily rejected it again. The last 'T' was successfully typed and he sent it to Hasebe. But instead of getting text as reply, Hasebe was still stubbornly calling him.
"What?" Gou half-whispered to the phone; after putting down the cat and then hiding inside the toilet.
"You're at the cat cafe? You, of all people?" Hasebe’s tone was heavy with mockery as he muffled his laughter.
"Shut up, I need some coffee!"
"Bfft, ha ha ha. Bet the customers there are looking at you like some kind of freak."
"Hahaha, funny. Good guess, Manager-san," Gou responded dryly.
"That cat loves you, eh."
"Not as much as I love you, though."
"......" a long silence followed after Gou's retort instead of an angry lash.
"Oi, Hasebe?"
"Have you eaten lunch?"
"What?"
"No, forget it. Give my regards to the cafe manager. Also, you'd better eat a proper lunch. I know you are too lazy to cook when it's Sunday. Good night."
"Wait, you insisted to call me just to tell me that?!"
"Night," and once more the call ended up abruptly.
What the heck….
Gou scratched his nape in even more confusion than this morning. What happened to Hasebe?! One week without any contact after he went to USA and then suddenly this? What was Hasebe's intention?!
Gou growled in frustration as he stepped out of the toilet, inviting curious gazes. He finished his coffee and paid the bill before leaving the cafe. The rain hadn't subsided yet, but it was better to walk under the umbrella surrounded by this rain to help distracting him from numerous questions that occupied his mind now.
For the next six days, uncommon calls from Hasebe Kunishige had become some sort of a daily routine. Even if Gou sent him regular preemptive text not to call him and please just chat or mail instead, Hasebe still called, nonetheless. One time Hasebe forced to call him during a meeting and Gou had to drop some of his lamest excuses to his superior to cover up for that. When he told Hasebe about it on mail after the meeting was over, Hasebe called him again just to laugh at him then hung up.
Some calls were actually important. For example, progress of work-related stuff that needed to be conveyed to their superior in Japan or a serious discussion about the continuation of their current project. But most of the time, the calls were short and dare Gou said, utterly meaningless. For the first five days, Gou didn't think much of it. But then on the sixth day, things had grown too fishy for him not to notice.
That day, Gou forgot to turn off his silent mode. Deadlines had caught up again and he had no choice but to comply and worked harder than usual. When he clocked out that evening and finally remembered to check his phone, he was amazed by the number of missed calls from Hasebe: twenty missed calls. Even though he disliked phone calls, Gou called Hasebe first that night out of worry. Works might have been too much and everything might go downhill on Hasebe's side and he possibly required Gou's advice. But instead, Gou was greeted with a relieved, "Thank God you are okay," from Hasebe, before ending the call all of a sudden again with no further explanation. Even when the day had shifted, Hasebe never said anything on why he had tried to call him twenty times before.
Gou might be a little slow sometimes, but he was no fool. These calls were neither pranks or simply random calls from co-worker that could be important at times. It was much simpler than that…
"You missed me, didn't ya?"
"Excuse me?"
"You missed me, Baby," Gou repeated, absentmindedly changing the TV channel while talking to Hasebe on phone. It was Sunday again and he was currently having a small me-time before going to sleep.
"Psht, in your dream."
"Yeah I dreamed of this a looot of times. True. But I'm pretty sure I wasn’t dreaming this entire week, Hasebe."
Hasebe went silent again. Gou could hear him clearing his throat. An image of Hasebe contemplating things instantly popped out on his mind. Ah, come to think of it, it had been two weeks since the last time he saw Hasebe. If he dug down to his deepest feelings, Gou himself perhaps did miss Hasebe. But he subconsciously locked it in the farthest corner of his heart. It was silly for a Hinomoto Gou to miss anyone. He was Mr Charming With No Commitment for 40 years of his life, through and through. It should be no difference with this Hasebe guy… But why imagining his cute pout as he tried to respond to Gou's inquiry at the moment brought warmth to his chest?
"....You’ll laugh at me."
"What? Noーwell, probably. But it is not like this is the first time I laugh at you, Babe."
"Stop calling me Babe, Idiot."
"Geez, chill. Okay, Hasebe, sorry."
"Hmph."
"Gah, sorry, okay?" Gou chuckled. Hasebe was as grumpy as ever… and that was the cute side of him.
Heh, why all of this sentimental feelings hit him like a truck?
"...Hey, Hasebe."
"What?"
"You haven't answered my question."
"What question?"
"Don't evade it… You missed me. You knew well I don’t fancy phone calls, yet you kept calling me."
"Because I was making fun of you."
"'Thank God you are okay!!!'" Gou mimicked Hasebe's relieved remark the other day "...Yeah, making fun huh?"
"....."
"Hasebe…."
"....."
"Ya know, Hasebe…. I think I miー"
"I miss you, I want to hear your voice. I want to do a video call, but I am afraid I can't control my emotions if I go face to face with you," Hasebe's voice sounded distant. As if it wasn't him to begin with.
Gou was the one being silent now, trying to digest what he just heard, "Hasebe…."
Hasebe heaved a long sigh on the other side of the phone, "See, you are going to laugh at me, right? I've been trying to shrug off this stupid feeling since last week that is why I didn't call or text you…. But…. Ugh. This is my last call. Please forget everything that has happened until now. It was fun. Goodbyeー"
"I love you, Hasebe."
"....."
"I love you, I miss you so badly too. Thought you will forget me when you are focused on your work there."
"That should be my line…"
"Now it is mine."
"....Idiot."
"Well, sorry."
"Didn't you sleep with somebody else instead while I'm gone? I mean, you are free and I know you have your eyes on that new secretary shachou recruited the other day…"
"Who told you that? I want to sleep next to you everyday."
He could hear Hasebe gasped on the other end of the line.
"Liar. You are playing with me."
"Let's change to video call and prove that I'm lying."
"....No."
Gou wasted no time and ended the phone call to switch to video call. Hasebe rejected the calls again and again, but Gou never gave up. His effort was not in vain when finally his screen displayed an image of Hasebe… And his beloved Hasebe was crying.
"Hasebe?"
"What? Satisfied? I ran back to my flat here just so no one would see me break into tears like in some kind of soap opera."
"Sorry…"
"What now?" Hasebe was avoiding to look at Gou ever since the video call started.
"...Baby, look at me."
"No."
"Kunishige Hasebe, look at me."
The use of his full name jolted Hasebe from his sobbing state. Slowly but sure, he turned his head to face the camera. The view broke Gou's heart to pieces. Hasebe's eyes were red from crying and trails of tears were visible on his porcelain-like cheeks. If only he were there, he would immediately embrace his precious Hasebe to his chest.
"Hasebe…. I love you," Gou repeated his words once more. His dark purple orbs gazed onto Hasebe's own. The usual playful grin was gone. Nothing but determination was drawn on his visage at the moment.
Funny. Hasebe wasn't the first guy he slept with. Gou was aware of his habit (and reputation) as the number one playboy in the office. A few women and men had ended up on his bed, prior to Hasebe's recruitment, and they were no more than just an outlet for his desire. Commitment never ever crossed his mind, for those who had shared a passionate cuddle with him also look at it purely as an entertainmentーa small break between routines. It was fun and effortless, no headache or heartache whatsoever.
But, with Hasebe, it was anything but casual. It started like any other relationshipーa bit of flirting here and there, angry arguments, sexual tension, and eventually they were tangled in an intimate dance. But then it grew into something Gou never thought he'd experience. Hasebe was harsh and strict, but actually a softie inside and a compassionate guy. Soon, Gou found himself waking up next to Hasebe almost every morning, then having his breakfast and coffee already prepared even before he sat on the dining table. Gou ended up looking after Hasebe when he was falling ill for a full week then helped his younger co-worker finishing his first project more than he should. Furthermore, he also found himself buying Hasebe's favorite snack from time to time and thinking what kind of tie that matched Hasebe's beautiful Wisteria-colored irises that he could give to him on his birthday.
He had doubts about his own feelings for Hasebe before, if he might be so honest. However, no other men or women could have sparked this endearing feelings he was having now when he saw Hasebe criedーand that was the moment he was sure that Hasebe was the one.
Hasebe was made for him and he was born for Hasebe.
"Gou… Are you… serious?"
"Haha, should I buy a ticket now and fly there, Babe?"
"Don't call me Babe…"
"Do you love me too…?"
Hasebe looked away and covered the lower half of his face before replying, "....God, this is ridiculous… and embarrassing… Ughhh…. I hate you! You messed up with me!"
Gou laughed out loud: a whole-hearted laugh, "Yeah, I know I'm handsome and sexy."
"Go to hell."
"Anywhere as long as I'm with you~"
"...Then you should wait," Hasebe averted his gaze again, pink hues coloring his face up to his ears, "two more weeks to go."
"Quicker is betterーbut nah, I've been waiting for you my entire life after all."
Hasebe snorted as he shot Gou a disgusted look, "Cringeworthy. So cheesy."
"Said the one who called me twenty times a day~"
"AGH. GO TO SLEEP!!! I'm busy now!"
Gou laughed again and then sent a flying kiss to the camera, "I love you. Call me again tomorrow, yeah?"
"....Hmph."
"I miss you, take care, Hasebe."
On the screen, Hasebe sighed and then tapped the camera on his side as he replied, "I miss you, too. I'll come back soon."
"I'll be waiting."
Hasebe smiled at this and Gou could feel butterflies fluttering inside his stomach, "Aa, good night….. Gou."
"Night, Hasebe."
The call ended and Gou lied down on his sofa. A big, dumb, happy grin could no longer be contained as he rolled to his side and then started fiddling with his phone. A minute later, a candid photo of a surprised Kunishige Hasebe adorned his phone’s home screen. He laughed at how cheesy it was, but a little change to celebrate a new dawn of his life wouldn’t hurt, right?
Hinomoto Gou never liked phone calls before, but from this point onward, it would be his favorite activity to end the day.