Work Text:
Popping the Question
At twenty-six-years-old, Josuke Higashikata has become taller and more handsome thanks to his Joestar genes. He was even popular among his female coworkers at the police station, and whenever he goes on patrol, a few young women blushed whenever they passed by him. Even when he became a police officer like his grandfather, Josuke still remained kind and friendly. Years ago, he had altered his stylish pompadour to make it smaller so he can pass the dress code but still prominent enough when he's not wearing his police cap. Becoming a police officer made him more serious and confident, but he still hadn't lost his fun side.
Today, Josuke is nervous. He had arrived at Cafe Deux Magots half an hour early before his meetup with the manga artist Rohan Kishibe. Rohan had been his off-and-on boyfriend; the two usually spend a few months dating each other before breaking up for over trivial stuff. The longest time they stopped dating was six years and during that time, Josuke was more busy training to be a policeman while Rohan is kept his mind on his manga. Then, one year ago, the two had a serious talk like adults, and they decided to give their relationship another chance. Ten months was the longest time they've ever been together and the two stopped being catty towards each other. In fact, Rohan had mellowed out and didn't mind eating with Josuke whenever they hang out. They're usually accompanied by their other companions Koichi and Okuyasu, but lately, it has been just Josuke and Rohan alone.
Josuke, who had outgrown his belligerent infatuation towards Rohan, realized his deeper feelings for the manga artist. For a long time, Josuke had grown fully in love with Rohan. His first love was a girl from high school but he had lost her due to a tragic incident. Josuke believed that the reason he had latched onto Rohan was partly that he wanted something to fill the hole in his heart. Of course, that led to high expectations for Rohan, who is a different person and refused to be a simple replacement of a dead girlfriend. Josuke had never appreciated Rohan's presence until during his training in the police academy, where he sometimes daydream of what Rohan is doing at the moment. When the two decided to rekindle their relationship, Rohan secretly told Josuke that he had a first love that didn't work out as well. Now that they have something in common, the two can finally move on and accept each other the way they were.
Josuke checked the time on his watch. There are only fifteen minutes left until one o'clock. Rohan said he'll be returning from S City after his meeting with his editor. Josuke was thinking of practicing his lines when Rohan suddenly appeared behind him.
"The meeting was canceled," he said in an annoyed tone.
Josuke made a high-pitched gasped and nearly dropped the small box from his hands. He quickly pocketed the box while Rohan took a seat across from him. A waitress came over and took their orders, and returned with two coffees.
"So, what did you just hide from me?" Rohan asked, as though he was talking about the weather.
"H-hiding?" Josuke stammered. He avoided Rohan's gaze. "I'm not hiding anything."
"Don't lie. You just put something in your pocket."
Josuke inhaled a deep breath and bowed his head low.
"Okay, you got me," he said. "Rohan, I called you to come here for ulterior reasons."
"I knew it."
"Listen, we've been together forever. I've been thinking about this for weeks and… I think it's time we take our relationship to another deeper level. This…"
Josuke immediately pulled out a small white box wrapped with a green ribbon.
"... This is for you!"
Rohan raised his perfectly trimmed eyebrow and took the box. Curious, he removed the ribbon and opened the box. He could not believe his eyes.
"So, Rohan…" Josuke began to blush. "Will you marry me?"
Rohan doesn't know whether to roll his eyes or laugh. "Josuke, you're proposing to me with a Ring Pop."
Indeed, sitting in the box is a wearable plastic ring with a large hard candy "jewel" that usually came in different fruit flavors.
"I don't know if this is cute or you're being cheap," Rohan commented.
"So… is that a yes?" Josuke asked hopefully. His hands are gripping the edge of the table.
Rohan placed a palm over his face, but he was smirking. "Of course, I'll marry you. Now put this ring in my finger, you idiot."
"Great!!"
Josuke happily helped Rohan put on the ring. Rohan started licking and sucking on the candy.
"Mmm, sour green apple," he said.
Josuke has a sly smile on his face, as though he's been waiting for this moment. He pulled out a small velvet box from his other pocket.
"Since you like it… Then I guess you're ready for the real thing."
In his act of surprise, Rohan's face went scarlet and he released the candy from his mouth with a popping sound.