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You were on a date.
Well, you weren’t really sure if it was a date. It was more of one of those “Hey, wanna hang out?” sort of invitations — but you felt that was probably the best Yusuke Urameshi could do, given his brief history with women.
You were new in town, having moved here for a job opportunity. Yusuke owned a ramen cart and sold his delicious wares just below the office, the smell of savory noodles cooked in broth, flavored with deep seasonings of umami and topped with your favorite vegetables, was enough to make your mouth water, and you ordered from his little cart nearly every night. It was quaint, convenient, and delicious.
Eventually, you began to make small talk. You learned Yusuke grew up here, his school literally right down the street. He lived nearby with his mother, and he enjoyed being able to sleep in every day.
“A night owl, hm?” you said. “But if you work at night, does that mean you don’t ever have time to go out with friends?”
“I cut myself some slack on Sunday and Monday,” he said with a wave of his ladle.
“What do you usually do?”
“Order pizza, crash on the couch, and watch Netflix.”
You laughed. “Not as young as you once were, huh?”
“What are you talking about, woman? Alcohol goes in a separate stomach, you know? Got plenty of room for that.”
And, thus, you went on your first unofficial date with Yusuke Urameshi the following Sunday. You had a casual dinner from local food stalls, touring the town on foot — it seemed that after the sun went down was when all the excitement started, the night markets bustling with people from all walks of life. The sounds of shuffling and vehicles, pots and steamers filled your ears, music playing from the many vendors that sought to draw customers in.
You didn’t drink much, and neither did Yusuke, though he did walk around with a beer in hand as you talked with him, chatting about your day, venting to him all of your frustrations with the corporate world. He was a surprisingly good listener, saving his sassy judgments till you were done with your rant. Then, he made fun of you, asking why you chose this life.
“You could be whatever the hell you want,” he said. “It’s your fault you work in a stuffy office.”
He was right. You had never thought of that before. Your career was your choice — no one forced you into it. But, nevertheless, you shrugged. “A steady job comes with benefits. I don’t live paycheck to paycheck.”
“Ouch,” Yusuke said with a sheepish laugh. “Well, you’re right about that, but I also get to choose my hours, and who doesn’t want to be around ramen all day, you know?”
“You work in the sweltering heat all evening. I don’t know if I could handle that — besides, I’m not even that great of a cook. That’s your wheelhouse. I chose something I am decent at.”
He raised his beer can. “Just keep doing what we can.”
“I guess so.”
When the clock struck 10:00 p.m., you decided it was time to go home. You had a long day ahead of you tomorrow, while Yusuke could stay up as late as he wanted. You walked in the direction of your apartments, Yusuke’s being first.
“Goodnight,” you said as you approached the entryway. “I’ll be fine the rest of the way home.”
Your apartment was literally down the street, and it was a safe neighborhood, so you didn’t expect him to walk you home. Perhaps he would have offered anyway, but you were interrupted by a cry from above, a resounding sound that could only belong to something cute and cuddly.
“Ah, shit.” The expression on Yusuke’s face was an agitated one as a blue creature with the largest floppy ears you’d ever seen landed on his head.
You were taken aback. “What is that?” you said, pointing at it.
“Just ignore him,” Yusuke said. “You’ll only encourage him.”
“So you know this little guy.” You couldn’t suppress a giggle. “I mean, he’s kind of cute. What is he?”
“A hairy turd with basset hound ears — what does he look like to you?”
“Oh, come on. He looks so friendly.”
The creature approved of your compliment, eyes widening and beak smiling. He let out a cry of agreement, nodding vigorously.
Yusuke relented with a sigh. “His name’s Puu. He knows he’s not supposed to fly around near other people, but I guess he got excited to see me or something.”
“You have a funny way of showing your appreciation,” you said, turning both of your hands palms up, inviting him to come to you. Puu accepted your gesture and hopped into your arms, beginning his cuddly onslaught; he seemed particularly happy to be accepted, relishing your touch. He reminded you a bit of a puppy or kitten. “I mean, how dare this little guy give you affection!”
“Yeah, yeah, the sucker’s just begging for attention.”
“And I’m gladly reinforcing his behavior.” Puu snuggled into your chest, the tuft of hair tickling your chin. “Oh, my goodness,” you said. “I think he might just have to come home with me.”
Yusuke glared at him. “Ugh, he’s more of a ladies’ man than any guy I’ve ever met.”
You fondled one of Puu’s droopy ears, giving him a knowing grin. “If you were more open-minded, he could be your wingman. Get it?”
“Only if you’re taking me home, too.” He said this was a straight face, eyes gleaming in subtle tease.
You took a step back. “Well, okay! Let’s slow down just a little bit,” you said. “I’ve got work early tomorrow morning, but maybe afterward? I know you don’t work on Monday evenings. We could start with dinner at my place?”
“Dinner sounds great. It’s like you know I like food or something.”
“You’re going to bring Puu, right?”
“Is that part of the deal?”
“That’s your ticket through the door! He’s your wingman, after all.”
Yusuke rolled his eyes to the side as he took Puu back from you. “Yeah, fine. I guess the feathered turd needs some time out of the apartment, too.”
“Would 5:00 p.m. work for you? You can show me all your cool ramen-making skills.”
“What? I can’t give away all my secrets yet. It’s the only thing I got to keep you coming back.”
“That’s right. It’s certainly not your dazzling personality.”
He chuckled. “All right, already. Let’s get you home.” He began walking, Puu perched back on his head. “Well, come on. I can’t come over tomorrow if I don’t know where you live.”
You couldn’t help give him a small smile, wondering just how tomorrow evening would go.
