Work Text:
Numbers and graphs filled the screen. Paperwork filling the other side of the desk. Post-its fill the walls of the small cubicle. Keyboards clicking busily, people moving hurriedly here and there. Time was slowing down as if it could just stop at any minute. That was the usual day at the office for Neon. She got up from her seat, making the third cup of coffee for the day. She saw Hanma, busy stirring a cup for himself.
“Hey, Hanma. Busy day, isn’t it?” She said, filling hot water in her cup. Hanma looked at her, his face looked a little pale.
“I haven’t slept for two days just to get that bloody contract for that fat asshole,” Hanma said, sipping his coffee. “I’ve been staring at my computer screen for five hours straight now. I think my eyeballs are gonna fall out anytime.” Neon replied sluggishly.
The two stood side by side, drinking their coffee in silence. Hanma looked at her, a grin plastered on his face.
“Say, Neon. Tomorrow’s your day off, right?”
“I guess.”
“I just have this great idea.”
“Spit it out already, Hanma.”
“I think we both need to let off some steam. Let’s go for some drinks.”
“When?”
“Tonight? How about it? We haven’t had a proper drink in a while.” He sipped his coffee.
“Where? There’s plenty of bars here. I don’t know which one is good.” Neon asked.
“Leave that to me. I’ll get Mucho to tag along. That bastard needs a fucking break. Fatty has been forcing him to work even on his off days.” Hanma quickly pulled out his phone and texted his friend. Minutes later, he got himself a reply. “He said he’s coming. You don’t mind right?” Hanma asked.
“Of course not. Yasuhiro senpai is my idol. I’ll be more than glad that my eye candy is there.” Neon said.
“Great. Get your hopes up this time. The bar is really great.” Hanma assured her.
“You’re not taking us to someplace shady, aren’t you?” Neon scrunched her face.
“C’mon, Neon. We’ve been friends for years now. When did I ever take you to shady ass places?” Hanma chuckled. Neon looked at him with a ‘are you fucking serious face’.
“Hanma, remember that creepy chicken restaurant? Or that one time when we went to a literal roadside pop-up store to eat grilled beef? It was fucking raining and the water killed the grill.” Neon reminded him. Hanma laughed his ass off, almost dropping his cup of coffee.
“Okay, okay. Just those couple of times. I swear it isn’t shady. It’s my favorite bar after all.” Hanma winked, then walked away. He popped his head a couple of seconds later, surprising Neon. “We’ll go after work. We’ll take my car.”
Neon finished her cup of coffee and went back to work. She received a couple of glares from the other female workers. That’s right, she almost forgot who Hanma is. A managing director of the company whereas Neon was just a unit chief. There’s a huge difference in their positions. To make things even worse, Hanma was a very well known playboy. Ever since Neon entered the office, it's clear that Hanma casually sleeps with different women at times. There’s even a rumor saying he slept with men. Neon could care less about it, befriended Hanma and here they are years later. Weirdly enough, she never saw Hanma as more than her best friend. Ignoring the stares, Neon walked to her seat.
She might physically be there but her mind already wandered off to a bar, clinking her glass with Yasuhiro and Hanma. She cringed at his name. Hanma better not fool her again. She knows he likes to tease her all the time but no matter how annoying Hanma got, she managed to tolerate his goofy actions. Time passed by really quickly as Neon immersed herself in work. By the time she picked up her coat, Hanma was already waiting for her, leering at her.
“What the fuck, Hanma! You almost scared the crap out of me.” She hit his chest, a little angry because she couldn’t reach his face. Hanma laughed, bringing an arm to cover his chest and made a very ugly face. “Neon, you pervert~” He teased. Neon sighed, looking around for Yasuhiro.
“Where’s-”
“Mucho? He said he’ll be waiting at the lobby.” Hanma said, looking at his watch. “C’mon, let’s go.” He said, letting her walk first. They arrived at the lobby and saw Yasuhiro, busy looking at the files scattered on his lap. His brows were in a frown, his eyes carefully scanning the document in his hand.
“Mucho, what did I say about working after hours? You’ll get a headache if you think too much.” Hanma said, taking away the paper from Yasuhiro’s hand. “I was just analyzing the figures,” Yasuhiro said, snatching the paper from Hanma’s hand. “Let’s go already.” He said, arranging the papers and putting them all in his bag.
Hanma brought them to his car, an Aston Martin Rapide S. Black, with a sleek jet shaped design, it’s a really good car for a very high price too. There’s no way in hell that Hanma could afford such a thing. “Are you sure this is your car?” Neon said, looking skeptical.
“Of course this is my car. She’s my pride and joy. I saved up for years just to buy her.” Hanma said, lightly patting the roof of his car. “Spacious interior, beautiful design, she can even run 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. How about that?” He smirked.
“Hanma, just open the door already,” Yasuhiro said, tapping lightly. “I have work tomorrow. I don’t want to stay up too late.” He continued. Hanma shrugged and got into the car. Neon went with Yasuhiro to the back seat.
“What are you guys? My customers?” Hanma stared through the rear mirror. Neon grinned and gave Hanma a thumbs up. “Get to it, Mr. Driver.” She laughed. Hanma shook his head and drove.
*
In about fifteen minutes, they arrived at a small building surrounded by bamboo trees. Neon looked at Hanma and he looked at her back. “This is the place?” Yasuhiro said, looking around. Neon carefully observed and it seems like there was no bar around. “Where’s the bar?” She asked. Hanma pointed at a little sign of an angel. Neon and Yasuhiro were confused.
“You’ll see.”
Hanma led them to a flight of stairs, descending deeper and deeper into the underground. They found a door, with a neon sign that says ‘Tenjiku’. A bell greeted them as they walked in the dimly lit bar. It was a pretty broad space to their surprise. Classical music played softly in the background, filling the space with soothing music. The store also had a faint vanilla scent to it. Near the counter, two men stood, each of them greeted them with a short, courteous bow.
“Welcome to Tenjiku. I see you brought your friends over, Hanma.” One of the bartenders said with a soft smile on his face.
“This is Neon, and this is Mucho,” Hanma said, taking a seat near the counter. He nodded, fixing his glasses. “I’m Kisaki Tetta. I am the head bartender and also the owner of this establishment. This is my worker, Kakuchou. He’s an excellent bartender and a great cook.” he said, looking at Kakuchou. The other male waved his hand, a big smile on his face.
“Hello, I’m Kakuchou but you can just call me Kaku. It’s nice to meet you!” He said cheerfully. Although the scar on Kaku’s face shook Neon a bit, he looked like a very nice person. “It’s been a while since you came, Hanma-san!” He said, hands busy cleaning the glasses.
“So, what would you want for this lovely evening?” Kisaki asked, his eyes looking straight to Neon. She could feel her cheeks getting hotter and hotter. Kisaki was a very handsome man, and she couldn’t deny that.
“Give me a dirty martini. Also, do you have anything to go with it?” Hanma ordered. Kaku brought his hand to his chin, thinking. “Best option would be a shrimp cocktail but could you settle with white bean crostini instead?” Hanma nodded. “Anything at all. I’m quite hungry.”
“For me, Manhattan. Could I ask for Carpano Antica?” Yasuhiro said. “Of course, Mucho-san. Do you want anything to go with it?” Kaku asked. “Hm, nuts. Just those.” Kaku nodded. “And for the young miss?” He asked, but Kisaki held his shoulder.
“I’ll take her order.” He said, his voice deeper than before.
“Um...It’s been a while since I drank so I’m not sure what to choose.” Neon said. Kisaki smiled at her. “Would you mind if I mix you something?” He asked. Neon nodded as words just couldn’t come out from her mouth because of Kisaki’s intense stare.
“Well, I hope you will like it.” He winked.
The two bartenders were busy making drinks. Glass softly clinking against the counter as they start making them. The sound of liquid being poured carefully and mixed together was harmonious. Kaku surprised them. Although his cheerful exterior, he looked very focused and serious when he’s making drinks. He finished Hanma’s drink first, putting the olives carefully and handed it to him. Then, he swiftly made Yasuhiro’s Manhattan, never forgetting the Carpano Antica. He handed him the drink and went to prepare the food.
Kisaki was done making his drink for Neon. A vodka soda with grapefruit juice and lime. The drink looks really pretty too. “What a beautiful color.” Neon said, pulling out her phone to take pictures of it. “A beautiful drink for a beautiful lady,” Kisaki said, making Neon blush. Kisaki wasn’t just handsome, but he’s also a good flirt.
Later on, Kaku brought Hanma his white bean crostinis and Yasuhiro’s plate of mixed walnuts and hazelnuts. “Well, enjoy.” Hanma ate with gusto, scoffing the bread into his mouth. “Oh my god, Hanma. Have some decency, you’re embarrassing us.” Yasuhiro said, sipping his drink as he picked up the nuts and popped it into his mouth. Neon wanted to smack Hanma at the back of his head but because Kisaki was around, she was trying to be polite.
“Hanma, please wipe your mouth. It’s rude to act as such in front of a girl.” Kisaki said, handing him a napkin. Hanma grinned, wiping his mouth. “I’m sorry my friend is so rude to you, Neon. He’s been like that since forever. I hope you can tolerate him.” Kisaki apologized. Kaku was trying to hold his laughter, failing to save a chuckle.
“It’s fine. He acts like that sometimes around the office too.” Neon smiled.
"How long have you been friends with Hanma?" Neon asked, sipping her drink.
"Around middle school maybe?" Kisaki replied.
"That's amazing." Neon smiled again.
Kisaki stared at her for quite a while, his mouth forming a smile. “You have a very beautiful smile.” He said as he looked down, straightening his uniform. Neon again, couldn’t help but blush at the sudden statement Kisaki made. She tried to make herself busy, fiddling with her fingers. She looked around and realized that there weren’t as many patrons since they walked in.
“Why do you keep the place so hidden, Kisaki-san? Isn’t it hard for people to find this place?” Neon asked. “Just Kisaki is fine. A friend of Hanma is already considered as my own. You don’t have to be so formal around me. As for your question, I really wanted my guests to come and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere where they could enjoy a little privacy amongst themselves. If you noticed, there’s only me and Kakuchou around to serve them. I want them to feel very comfortable when they are in my bar. I also want to have a more private connection between me and my customers, so I could understand and serve them better.”
Kisaki bent forward a little, placing both his hands on the counter. “Especially with such an exquisite guest as yourself.” He said, just inches away from Neon. She could hear her heart beating so loudly, trying to jump out from her chest. Her whole body felt hot although the place was well air-conditioned. She blamed it on the alcohol but Kisaki Tetta was something else.
“Oh my god, he’s such a good flirt. Does he do this with all of his customers?” Neon’s little heart whispered.
“Don’t worry, Neon. I only do this with you. ” He whispered softly, loud enough for only Neon to hear. It’s like he could know what she was thinking just by looking at her. Neon shook her head, drinking all the alcohol left in her glass. “Um, Hanma, Yasuhiro senpai, should we go now?” Neon asked. The two looked at her and looked at each other.
“Well, to be honest with you, I want another drink,” Yasuhiro spoke. Hanma nodded. “Yeah, I agree with Mucho. What’s the rush Neon? The night is still young.”
“I’m already a little tipsy. Also, it’s dangerous to drive a car when you’re drunk.” She said, finding an excuse. Kisaki heard her, looking a little worried.
“I thought you could handle your alcohol well.” Hanma frowned. This time, Neon really wants to smack him. She looked at Hanma, trying to get him to read the situation. “I’m fucking embarrassed right now and I need to go home, idiot! Get the message already. Being around Kisaki makes me feel weird!” Then, she looked over to Yasuhiro. “You’re my only hope, Yasuhiro senpai!!” Unfortunately, he was busy talking to Kaku.
“If you want to rest, I can take you upstairs.” He offered. Neon squeaked a little, she lifted her face and looked him in the eye. “First the flirting, now this? Dear heart, please survive!” Neon thought.
“It’s alright. I think I just need some water.” Neon said. Kisaki looked at Kaku and the boy quickly fetched her a glass of water. “I hope you’re alright. You seemed a little feverish.” He gently placed his hand on Neon’s forehead while putting the other hand on his own, comparing the temperature. He then removed his hand from her forehead. “As I thought, you are a little feverish.”
He moved from the counter, slowly approaching Neon. “Come with me. I have some medication upstairs. You need to rest for a little bit. Kakuchou, look after the bar while I accompany Neon. I won’t be long.” He said, grabbing Neon’s hand and softly pulling her up. Kaku nodded, giving him a thumbs up. Neon didn’t know what was happening but as soon as she realized it, they were already in front of the door to the first floor. “Please, after you.” He spoke gently.
“You can put your coat on the sofa. Feel comfortable to undo some of the buttons on your shirt. It’ll help you sweat better. I’ll get some medication for you so please feel free to sit on the sofa. I’m sorry that my house is a little messy at the moment.” He disappeared into the kitchen area. Neon took a peek of the place. It was very clean and sophisticated, like Kisaki himself. He came from the kitchen with a glass of water and some medicine. “Here. After you take this please lie down and rest,” he said, giving her the glass and pills. Then he vanished only to come back with a fresh blanket and some pillows. “I thought inviting you to my bedroom would sound rude so if you don’t mind you can lie down on the sofa.”
Neon took the pills and hurriedly gulped it down with water. She gave him the glass and lied down. Kisaki pulled the blanket to her chest, again pressing his hand gently on her forehead. She could smell a faint scent of cologne on him because he was so close to her. “Still feverish, I see.” He looked at the clock and looked back at Neon. “I have to go now, please rest well.” He smiled and walked to the door. “I’ll inform the others about you. Don’t worry, just sleep.” he said as he closed the door.
Neon couldn’t sleep. She was wide awake. The whole place smells like Kisaki. Her head is filled with Kisaki. Heck, all she could think of is that sexy bartender. “I wonder why am I so special to him…” Neon whispered. Her eyes were getting heavier and heavier. She let out a yawn and fell asleep.
*
Neon woke up, rubbing her eyes as the piercing light that escaped from the curtains stings her vision. She grabbed her phone by the nightstand and checked the time. “Eight a.m” She flopped down on the bed, burying her face into the soft pillow. She remembered last night’s drink. How she met this wonderful bartender that made her heart beat faster than the speed of Hanma’s car. She didn’t remember how she got home though. “Must be alcohol.” She murmured.
She felt something odd though. Her bed was never this comfortable and her bedsheets were white, not grey. Then, she realized something strange. She sniffed the pillow, confused. “Why does it smell like…” She then looked around. This is not her room. That is not her bed. The pillows aren’t hers and so is everything else in the room.
She rushed to the door, not careful, hitting her head as the door opened. The man in front of her rushed to her, holding her in his arms. “Oh my god, Neon. I’m so so sorry. I thought you were still asleep. Are you alright? Let me see your head.” Kisaki cupped her cheeks and checked her head. She quickly pushed him away, looking away in embarrassment.
“Why am I here? Where’s Hanma and Yasuhiro senpai? Why am I in your house?” She asked him. “Neon, calm down. When they checked on you, they thought you were better off staying with me so they left you here. Hanma told me that you don’t have work today so I thought it’d be okay if you stayed here for a while.” He explained.
“Then, how come I was not on the sofa?”
“Neon, it would ruin my image if I let such a beautiful lady like you sleep on a sofa. I swear I didn’t touch you more than necessary.” He clarified.
“I… I’m sorry. This is just too much for me to process.” She said, rubbing her head. There was a little bump there.
“I think you should ice that,” Kisaki said, extending his arms, pulling her up. She sat on the sofa, ice on her head. Kisaki cleared his throat.
“Neon, I know this would probably make you uncomfortable but…” Neon looked at him, waiting.
“Ever since I saw you walked into my bar, I don’t know why but I have this strong urge to get to know you even more.”
“We met yesterday, Kisaki.”
“I know, I know, but somehow I just want to get to know you better. I know it's too early to ask you out but can we start off as friends first?”
“You know friends don’t constantly call the other friend exquisite or beautiful while trying their best not to make it look like they’re flirting with you.” Neon said.
“So, it’s a no?”
“I didn’t say you can’t be my friend, Kisaki. Who knows with time we can be more than that,” She smiled. “You’re really convincing when it comes to flirting.”
Kisaki snorted, which was a little bit out of character. “You have no idea how nervous I was.” He took her hand and held it tightly. “I thought I was about to die.”