Work Text:
Clients give gifts. Hosts get gifts. That’s just the way it always works.
Hosts don’t give gifts. Why would they? It’s a host’s job to entertain. They’re the ones being paid to use up some time. They’re the ones on the clock- the one who is just trying to make a living with the talents they have, right then and there. Why should they spend their hard-earned paycheck on a customer? Get paid only to turn it around days later and find a way to pay back their employer?
That’s why there’s absolutely no reason why he should be in this expensive, high-end jewelry store, shopping for two pairs of earrings.
One for him…and a matching set for his favorite customer…
He thought the idea would be cute.
Sue him.
Sighing, he shifted his weight on his feet, leaning more and more onto the glass display case. His head rested on his palm tiredly, as his normally cheery persona had ebbed away to something calmer and pacified. He was starting to feel a little antsy, and the attention on him wasn’t exactly helping.
But he was on a mission! He had been at this for hours now and it’s been a little disheartening. Four stores already and nothing came close to his standards. Sure, there were tons of cute pairs, but that’s not what he wanted.
He needed something special. No- beyond special.
He needed something for her.
As her picture appeared in his mind, he couldn’t help but feel flustered. His cheeks were turning an embarrassing shade of red as he felt his heart race. Some host he was, huh? Getting excited like a puppy and crushing over a girl, when it was against the rules to have a preference in customers. But he couldn’t help it. The feeling was too strong and he was in too deep. There was no way to fight against it or prevent it from happening.
Besides, it feels nice.
She had been his favorite for a while now. She’s always been, really. But it wasn’t her generous tips that left him feeling giddy at the sound of her voice. Nor was it the delicious desserts she would bring to cheer him up when he was feeling down that got him to all but skip to work. It was beyond that.
From the day they met, he realized just how comfortable she made him feel. Any wall he had broken down almost instantly. His line of work doesn’t always allow for deep, genuine connection on both ends, but somehow it felt completely and utterly right with her. But she never pushed him beyond his limits. She never invaded. She always waited until she was asked, and he never had a problem with asking her to step into his world. It was the sort of safety and vulnerability he didn’t think he could ever have with a girl- and it came suddenly and unexpectedly.
His eyes trailed over the room slowly, taking in the appearance of the other shoppers before settling on his own expression in a small table mirror. Instantly, his eyes caught on the sight of his infamous jacket. Another sigh tore its way through his throat as his eyes opened and closed tiredly. The store attendant should be back soon with a rare set that hasn’t been released soon. But the thought slips his mind for a second as his eyes fall back onto his jacket.
Maybe… just maybe… the next time he sees her, he’ll consider wearing his jacket off the shoulder. Just a little, anyway. It’s not much, but he won’t know until he tries it. And besides… something is telling him that she’s the right girl to try it with.
His eyes slip close again. He smiles.
Yeah… Maybe.