Work Text:
The name Miyuki Kazuya was known throughout the culinary world. It was impossible not to know him. After all, Kazuya was a prodigy. He was discovered at the age of 12 (at a school festival of all things), and was handed a business card by a woman twice his age. It wasn't until he turned 15 that he made headlines. From then on, Kazuya didn't really have a "normal" life. He missed a lot of school appearing on talk shows and touring around Japan and the world. When he returned, he was outcasted. (He didn't blame them. He couldn't remember the names or the faces of his classmates.) Eventually, he gave up trying. His popularity only got worse as he aged. Kazuya had never been bad looking, but with puberty came his official dubbing as an ikemen. His fanbase grew exponentially. He became a teenage heartthrob and every mother's adoptive son or desired son-in-law. By 18, Miyuki Kazuya had cemented his position in the culinary world, and by 18, Miyuki Kazuya knew that he wasn't himself. A facade, he deduced. An image made and nurtured to be sold for money.
"Rei-chan," Kazuya stared out the company car window as his manager, Takashima Rei, recited his schedule for the day.
"What is it Miyuki-kun?"
"I want to go to university."
"What?"
"Rei-chan, I've been in the spotlight nonstop since I was 15 years old. I want to have a taste of a 'normal' life."
"You can never be 'normal,' Miyuki-kun." The car came to a halt. "We'll discuss this after your book signing."
Kazuya sighed.
"Don't give me that. Remember to smile." Rei exited the car, and walked around it to open the door for him.
Never, huh? He stepped out of the car to a hoard of a screaming fans. He waved. We'll see about that.
~ ~ ~
"I can't believe Rei-chan." Kazuya looked up from the room number scribbled on a sheet of paper he held between his index fingers and his thumbs.
"Classes have already begun, Miyuki-kun. This was the best I could do. Don't be so disappointed. Look, if you do well, maybe they'll accept you for real next semester."
"Watch where you're going!"
"S… sorry…" A startled Kazuya responded to the brunet boy who brushed past him.
~ ~ ~
"I'm gonna be honest with you. I really don't wanna be here right now (at least not like this). However, that doesn't mean my class is going to be easy, and that doesn't mean I won't hesitate to fail you either. Are we clear?" The students nodded their heads in unison. "Good." He confirmed.
"Sorry I'm late."
"You..."
"Huh? Oh, you're that guy from before."
That guy? "You have a lot of nerve being late to my class."
"Sorry, sensei,"
"What's your name?"
"Sa… Sawamura Eijun..." Kazuya turned to a girl with reddish-brown hair tied in a ponytail sitting in the corner of a classroom.
"Yoshikawa-san, was it?"
"Y... Yes…?!"
"There's an open space next to you, right?"
"Yes!"
"Please take a seat next to Yoshikawa-san, Sawamura-san. Partner up everyone!" Kazuya tied an apron around his waist. "We'll be making tempura today. Has anyone ever made tempura before?"
"Nice to meet you." Sawamura whispered as he took his seat beside the girl named Yoshikawa.
"Nice to meet you too, Sawamura-kun. I'm Yoshikawa Haruno." She smiled at him.
"I'm Sawamura Eijun."
"Is this your first time here? I've never seen you in this class before."
"Ah, yeah," He replied. "The teacher looks quite young."
"He is young. He's only a year older than us."
"Really?"
"Miyuki sensei~!" A girl from across the room called. "Am I doing this right?"
"Sawamura-kun, you can use a knife, right? Can you cut those vegetables for me?"
"Sure!"
Kazuya seized helping the girl who had (very obviously) been flirting with him, and walked across the room to the brunet with smiling golden eyes. "Move over." He commanded. Kazuya removed the knife out of Sawamura’s hand, their skin brushing from the action. "Your knife skills are horrible."
"I’m sorry?"
"Look." Kazuya demonstrated the correct way to hold a knife. "Your fingers should be tucked in like this. See? Rest your knife on your knuckles. Now you try." Kazuya carefully passed it back to him. "Good." Kazuya watched Sawamura from over his shoulder. "I'd prefer the vegetables to be cut evenly, but this will do for now."
"I can do it myself!"
"If you say so," Kazuya began walking over to the girl he had been instructing.
"Ouch!" Kazuya's head whipped around fast at the sound of pain.
"Sawamura-kun, are you okay?" Yoshikawa, who had been washing rice, abandoned her station, and scurried over to Sawamura.
"Excuse me." Kazuya pushed past the crowd of students that had gathered around them. "What happened?"
"Oil splashed on Sawamura-kun's hand."
"It's nothing, sensei. It doesn't hurt."
"Let me see it."
"Really, sensei, I'm fine."
Kazuya grabbed Sawamura by his uninjured hand, and led him over to the sink. With his free hand, he turned on the faucet, and tested the water's temperature until it was cold.
"Keep your hand under this for five minutes. Yoshikawa-san, can you get me the first aid kid?"
"Give me your hand." Kazuya dried it off with a towel after the five minutes elapsed.
"Here's the first aid kit, sensei."
"Get me the gauze, please, would you?"
"Yes!" She opened the box, and rummaged through its belongings before handing him the roll of gauze.
His hands are soft, Eijun thought as Miyuki wrapped his hand in the white bandage. For a moment, it seemed like they were the only two in the room. Miyuki was careful and gentle. "Does it hurt?" He asked. "No." Eijun replied. Truthfully, it did hurt, but Eijun was too in shock over his high nose, his long eyelashes hidden behind his glasses frames, and thin lips to give an honest reply. He can't possibly real, he concluded. Miyuki met eyes with him.
"That should do it." He lightly patted Eijun's injured hand.
"Miyuki sensei,"
"Hm?"
"You can let go of my hand now. Everyone's staring."
"Ah," Kazuya cleared his throat. "Back to work everyone!" Eijun moved to return to his previous activity, but Miyuki's voice stopped him. "Except for you, Sawamura. You sit out for the rest of today."
"But Yoshikawa-"
"I can handle the rest, Sawamura-kun. You helped me a lot already."
"I'll help Yoshikawa-san."
"I… I can do it myself, sensei!"
"The last time someone in this team said that, he burned his hand. Allow me."
Eijun sat on a stool in front of previously his and Yoshikawa's counter space. His attention drifted to his hand before he found himself staring at Miyuki as he cooked. Miyuki had broad shoulders, but his hands were gifted and small. Yoshikawa was clumsy. She mixed up baking powder and baking soda upon Miyuki's first instruction (a common mistake actually), but he was patient with her. He didn't yell; in fact, he didn't scold her at all. He just pointed out that she had brought him the wrong box, and told her to grab the other one. He's completely different than when he was helping out that other girl, Eijun observed. He was kind to me too.
"Sawamura, taste this." Eijun snapped out his daze.
"Huh?"
"If you're going to just sit there, you can get out of my class."
"You told me to sit here!"
"I didn't tell you to be useless."
I take it back. He isn't kind at all.
"Ah… I can't use my hand…"
"Sheesh, I guess it can't be helped." Miyuki reached over the table with his pair of chopsticks, and held out a piece of hot, vegetable tempura to Eijun. Eijun blew on it before taking the sweet potato he had sliced earlier in his mouth.
"How is it?" He asked as Eijun chewed.
"I think I'm in love."
"Huh?"
"With the dish!" Eijun added. "It's really good."
"That's a relief considering your shitty knife skills."
Never mind. You deserve better, Eijun.
"Shouldn't you be more careful with your language, sensei?"
"It'll be our little secret then." Miyuki flashed the brightest, whitest smile Eijun had ever seen.
Fuck. Eijun's forehead met the black countertop.
"Sawamura-kun, are you okay?!"
No, he silently answered Yoshikawa's concern. I'm not.
~ ~ ~
Eijun sighed.
"Okay, what's wrong?"
"What?"
"Tell me what's on your mind. I'm getting sick of your sighing."
"Kuramochi senpai, I've got a problem."
"I can see that."
"I think I like my teacher."
"You think, or you know?"
"I don't know!"
"Let's start at the beginning. What's her name?"
"Miyuki is a he."
"Miyuki...?"
"I didn't catch his first name. Help me out, please?"
"No."
"Huh? I haven't even said anything!"
"I'm gonna regret asking this, but what does he look like?"
"Um, well, he's tall and he wears glasses."
"I can't believe he's here."
"Who's here?"
"Miyuki Kazuya," Kuramochi clarified. "I went to high school with him."
"So you know him!"
"Not really," Kuramochi replied. "He hardly attended class."
"Why?"
"Google search him, Sawamura. Don't make me do all the work."
"Fine, I will."
"Speak of the devil," Kuramochi tossed the TV remote aside. "Oi! Sawamura! Come here! Your boyfriend’s on TV!"
"HOLY SHIT, SENPAI, HE'S A FAMOUS CHEF! WHAT AM I GONNA DO, KURAMOCHI?! OH MY GOD I'M SCREWED, SO SO SOOO FUCKING SCREWED! Oh, hey, that’s Miyuki sensei. WAIT A FUCKING SECOND!"
"You're sooo out of his league, idiot. I almost want to help you."
"Please help me, senpai."
"Not in this lifetime, kiddo, you're on your own."
"Fine, I'll seduce him myself. You'll see."
"I'm looking forward to it."
~ ~ ~
"Yoshikawa-san!"
"Sa... Sawamura-kun...?"
"So that's the famous Sawamura-kun? He's cute."
"I've been searching everywhere for you."
"For me?"
"Mhm!" He outstretched a box with a pink bow on it to her. "Your birthday's today, right?"
"Y... yes..." She hesitantly accepted it, and opened the lid to find an assortment of colorful cookies.
"I hope you like macarons."
"I do! They're so pretty."
"Sorry if they taste weird. I've never made them before."
Yoshikawa blinked. "You made them?"
"Ah! It probably doesn't look like it since I recycled the box I used to taste test them with, but I promise you, they're all mine!"
"You're amazing, Sawamura-kun! Thank you!"
"A-amazing?" Eijun blushed. "I-I wouldn't go that far. I just do this as a hobby."
"That makes you even more amazing, Sawamura-kun! What other desserts can you make?"
"Well-"
"You two look close."
"Mi-Miyuki sensei!"
Crap!
"Yo ♡"
"Miyuki sensei, would you like one?"
"Huh?"
"Sawamura-kun made them for my birthday."
"Ah, is that so Yoshikawa-san? Happy birthday."
"Hold it right there, sensei!"
"Huh?"
"I made those macarons for Yoshikawa-san!"
"Sawamura-kun, it's okay. There's plenty to go around."
"I'll pass. Thank you. You two enjoy them. You look good together."
~ ~ ~
"I fucked up."
"I can't believe you ordered a pizza."
"I was hungry!" Eijun justified himself. "Besides, I needed to talk to you."
"You couldn't wait until after my shift was over?"
"No, this is an emergency."
Kuramochi sighed. "I don't get paid enough for this." He sat down, and grabbed a slice of pepperoni pizza.
"You know those cookies I spent all night making?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I gave them to a girl in my class because it was her birthday, and now I think he thinks we're dating."
"Only you could screw up this badly."
"You have to help me!"
"I already told you no, Sawamura."
"Please, Kuramochi senpai? I really like him."
"First of all, get better taste. Please. Second of all, how many times do I have to tell you? Miyuki and I aren't-"
~ ~ ~
"Miyuki Kazuya!"
Youichi didn't think his life to be that bad. Sure, he had hit a few bumps along the road, but it could've been worse. He could've murdered someone.
Youichi thought himself up to be a pretty nice guy. Last week, he helped the old lady next door carry her groceries up the stairs. The week before, he found the owner of a lost cat (despite him being allergic).
So why was it that the universe had decided to curse him with Sawamura Eijun?
"Kuramochiii!"
"Fuck!" Kuramochi jumped at the bathroom door slamming open. "What the fuck Sawamura?! Don't scare me like that! I'm trying to shave here!"
"But, senpai, you don't have anything to shave."
"What do you want?"
"Oh, um, I can wait."
"Out with it, Sawamura. I've already nicked myself. The damage is already done. What is it?"
And that was how he ended up hunting down Miyuki Kazuya, the boy he was happy to leave behind back in his high school memories, for his dumbass, head over heels roommate Sawamura Eijun.
Kuramochi Youichi was too nice of a guy.
"Yes?"
"Did you get taller?"
"Do I know you?"
"Kuramochi Youichi? Ring a bell?" Kazuya tilted his head in thought. "Seriously? Look, I know you didn't go school often, but you can't remember the name of the person who sat in front of you for three years?"
"Ah, Ku... Kuramochi Youichi... right? What're you doing here?"
"It almost sounds like you're saying I'm not smart enough to be here. I remember now why I hate you."
"I wasn't saying that at all."
"Listen, I need a favor."
"I don't do autographs, interviews must be approved by my manager, and I won't take pictures. With that in mind, what can I do for you?"
"Well, aren't you the celebrity?" He mocked. "What if my favor involves none of the above?"
"I'm intrigued, but I also sense I won't like this."
"You see, I have this roommate,"
"He speaks regardless!"
"Let's talk cooking, shall we? He's not the... sharpest... knife in the world, but he gets the job done."
"I'm not going to date him."
"Is that in your contract too?"
"No, it's a personal belief."
Well, I tried, Sawamura.
"If that's all, I have a class to get to."
"Wait!"
"What?"
"Mentor him."
"Excuse me?"
"You see, he sucks at cooking, well, most cooking, and you're a famous chef, so-"
"No."
Kuramochi slung an arm around his shoulder. "Miyuki, my boy, my man, have I ever told you I love you?"
Sawamura's gonna owe me big time for this one.
"You said you hated me a minute ago."
"That was then. This is now. Things change. I'm a forgiving person."
"No."
"Oh, come on!"
"That would be unfair to my students, Kuramochi. They'll all start wanting private lessons, and I don't have the time or energy for that."
"Okay, fine, you got me. I'm only doing this because Sawamura promised me a girlfriend."
"Sawamura?"
"Yeah, my roommate," Kuramochi sighed. "Look, he has this massive crush on you. I tried to tell him, but he's very persistent, and it's hard to say no when he's so pure, and-"
"I'll do it."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I'll break the news to him. Wait, what? Did you just say what I think you said?"
"Yes."
"Are you feeling okay?" Kuramochi put his hand to Miyuki's forehead.
"I'm fine."
"But just a second ago-"
"You said it yourself, Kuramochi. Things change."
"Don't tell me you like him."
"Well… he's... interesting… that's for sure…"
"Miyuki, if you play with that boy's heart I swear on my entire baseball card collection, I will hang you by the apron."
"Your baseball card collection?" Kazuya raised an eyebrow.
"The point is, be gentle with him. Sawamura's a dumbass, but he's a good kid."
"What do you take me as? Heartless?"
"More like an asshole,"
"Nothing I haven't heard before."
"Don't say that."
~ ~ ~
Kazuya learned the hard way not to take Sawamura grocery shopping.
("Isn't that Miyuki Kazuya?" "Who's that guy he's with?")
"Let's go."
"Huh? But we haven't bought all the ingredients!"
"We're leaving." Kazuya led him out of the store by the hand. Neither of them noticed they were still holding hands when they reached Kuramochi and Sawamura's apartment, but perhaps, it was because it felt right.
~ ~ ~
"There goes today's lesson."
"It's okay. I can order a pizza."
"Oi, Sawamura, do you know how much you've racked up on my tab? I'm gonna-"
"You work at a pizza delivery place?"
"Got a problem with that?"
"No, not at all,"
"Kuramochi senpai, have you ever made a pizza before?"
"No, I just deliver them."
"How about you, Miyuki sensei?"
"What kind of question is that? He's a chef, Bakamura."
"Actually, I've only made one once."
"Can we make one then, Miyuki sensei?"
"I told you. You can drop the sensei when we're not on campus."
"But can we make one?"
"Sure."
~ ~ ~
"You're on campus today?"
"Contrary to popular belief, I actually go here."
"You look different." Kazuya noted Kuramochi's usually styled hair down in his face and the dark circles under his eyes.
"Shut up." He chuckled as Kuramochi sat down on the grass next to him. "So, how's it going between you and Sawamura? Home run? Ew, I can't believe I just asked that."
"Foul." Kazuya sighed. "Just last week, he almost burnt the kitchen down."
"Really? That's surprising."
"I yelled at him, of course, as any teacher would."
"I heard." Kuramochi laid down on the grass, using his arms as a pillow. "Well, it'll work out somehow. You both like each other. If the universe decides you're a match, it'll be smooth sailing from here on out."
"How's the universe working out for you, Kuramochi?"
"Shittily." He replied.
"Kuramochi!"
"Oh, Nabe, what is it?"
"Here's the notes you asked for."
"Oh!" He smiled. "Thank you. You're a lifesaver, Nabe. What would I do without you?"
"Fail math," Nabe passed the book over to Kuramochi. "Try not to get coffee on them this time."
"Hey, hey, that wasn't my fault. Nori's gotten better at serving too."
"Who's this?" Nabe's attention turned to Kazuya.
"Him? No one special. Just a lovesick fool. Carry on."
"Lovesick... fool...?" Kazuya repeated.
"Oh, I'm sorry. You just looked familiar."
Kazuya grinned playfully. "I get told I look like Miyuki Kazuya a lot."
Kuramochi wanted to smack him.
"Ah, I can see the resemblance. Don't forget, Kuramochi. I need those notes back as soon as you're finished copying them. We have an exam on Tuesday."
"When have I ever let you down?"
"I can think of a couple times."
"You seem to be good friends." Kazuya remarked as Kuramochi waved to Nabe in the distance.
"He's good at note taking. I missed class for this lesson because an emergency came up. I owe him a whole pizza now. Why am I telling you this?"
"I don't know. Why are you, Kuramochi? Do you secretly enjoy my presence? Have you perhaps fallen for my charm?"
"As if! You're almost as much of a pain in the ass as Sawamura."
Kazuya clutched his stomach as he laughed. "I have to work harder then."
"Huh?"
"I don't like losing."
"Fuck off."
~ ~ ~
"What's the worst gift you've ever received?" Kuramochi asked later that day. Miyuki had called him in after seeing him in the hallway to talk about Sawamura, but it had segwayed into gifts.
Kazuya thought about it. "Hmmm... maybe... handmade chocolate?"
"No way!"
"I'm serious!"
"Wow, I wish I had your problems."
"Oh, Sawamura, did you need something?"
"Ah, on second thought, no,"
"What's that behind your back?"
"Huh? Ah... these...? Yoshikawa-san gave them to me as a gift. Nice, right?"
"Oi, Sawamura, isn't that the box you-"
"Would you look at the time? I forgot there's a sale at the market today. Bye Miyuki sensei! See you later, Kuramochi senpai!"
"He heard."
"What?"
"Sawamura," Kuramochi clarified. "He spent all afternoon yesterday making those chocolates for you."
"Fuck, why didn't you tell me?!"
~ ~ ~
"I'm such an idiot." Eijun slumped on a bench on the quieter part of campus. "I just went ahead and made him something without asking him what he likes." He ran his long, slender fingers through his hair. "Well, these are too good to waste. They'll melt if I don't eat them right now."
"Snacking on my gift, huh?" Miyuki leaned against a pillar.
"Miyuki!" The book of chocolates almost fell onto the floor. "No... I wasn't... who told you?!"
"Kuramochi," Miyuki walked over to sit beside him on the bench. "Are you crying?"
Shit, I hadn't realized I was. Eijun wiped his eyes with his sleeve. "No, I just got an eyelash in my eye. That's all."
"Huh? Let me see." Miyuki brought his face closer to Eijun's. Eijun swallowed as he tried not to think about how red he probably was right now, and how if he moved, he could kiss Miyuki.
"I don't see anything. I thought you had a sale to get to?"
"Huh? Oh, I do."
"What do you need to do that for?"
"Powdered sugar." Sawamura answered. "I need it for icing."
Icing? "Then I'll make this quick." Kazuya leaned back, taking a piece of chocolate from the box with him, and popped it in his mouth. "It's good." His eyes widened in surprise.
"Of course it's good! I even had Kuramochi taste test them!"
"I thought you didn't make these, Sawamura." Kazuya laughed at Sawamura's gaping mouth.
"You said you don't like handmade chocolate."
"I don't; in fact I hate sweets."
"Then why did you...?"
"I don't believe in accepting gifts from people I don't like."
"Huh?"
"Come to think of it, you made macarons for Yoshikawa too. Are you good at baking?" Kazuya glanced at his watch. "Ah, is it this late already? Sorry. I have an interview in two hours. I'll see you tomorrow, Sawamura!"
"Oi, Miyuki Kazuya! Don't just avoid the question!" Eijun leaned his head back over the bench, and brought his hand to his chest to feel his beating heart.
What was that?
~ ~ ~
"Sawamura! Hold on a sec."
"Mi... Miyuki..."
"Are we on for tonight?"
"Ah, actually, sorry. I'll have to cancel."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, something more important came up."
"Sawamura!" A boy with short blond hair and tan skin ran up to them. "Your place or mine?"
"Mine works. Kuramochi's covering for someone tonight."
"Cool, let's get going then."
"Ah, you can go on without me, Kanemaru. I'll catch up in a second."
"How about next week?" Sawamura turned back to Kazuya. "I'm free after Wednesday."
"Next... week...?"
"I'm sorry, Miyuki. I have to go. I'll make it up to you! I promise!" Miyuki watched the brunet's hair bounce as he ran in the direction of the blond haired boy.
~ ~ ~
"Oi, Miyuki Kazuya," Kuramochi tossed the rag he had previously been using to wipe down tables over his shoulder. "How long are you gonna mope there?"
"Huh?"
"You've been sitting there for the past" Kuramochi looked down at his wristwatch. "two hours." He placed his hands on his hips.
"Is that a problem?"
"Yeah, it's called loitering. Order something, would you?"
"But I don't want anything."
"I don't want to get fired either."
"I'll have a water then."
"Water's free."
"You said something."
"Yeah, something that costs money."
"Fine, how about a Coke then?"
"We're a fucking pizza restaurant, Miyuki, and you-" Kuramochi sighed. "Never mind. One Coke coming right up."
"Thanks." Kazuya took a sip from the glass as Kuramochi slid it onto the table. "You're not delivering tonight?"
"Nope, I got promoted."
"To... table cleaner...?"
"No," Kuramochi pulled up a chair from a nearby table, and sat backwards in it. "For your information, I'm a waiter, asshole. Business is just slow today."
"Sorry."
"Look, I don't like you, not even a little bit, but you look so pathetic right now, it'd be a sin if I didn't help you." Kuramochi removed the black apron around his neck over his head.
"What're you doing?"
"I'm taking a break. What's up?"
"It's Sawamura."
"Of course it is."
"Did I do something to him? He's been acting... weird..."
"You're gonna have to be more specific."
"He's been avoiding me. I don't get it. Doesn't he like me? You said he does."
Kuramochi pulled out his phone from his pants' pocket, and tapped in a number. "Sawamura,"
"What're you doing?"
"Kuramochi senpai? You never call me. What do you want? I'm busy right now."
"Sorry. Do you still like Miyuki?"
"Huh?!"
"Just answer the question."
"No, why this all of a sudden?!"
"Answer it!"
"Ugh, I do, but-"
"Thanks. Good luck on your studies."
"Wait! Sen-" Kuramochi hung up the phone. "Satisfied?"
"No."
"This couldn't be because of Kanemaru, could it?"
"Who?"
"Kanemaru Shinji? Blond hair? Tall? Tan? Constantly looks angry?"
"You're not exactly easy on the eyes either, Kuramochi." Kazuya muttered.
If Kuramochi didn't hate Miyuki Kazuya already, he sure would've after that remark. "Get out."
"Huh? I didn't mean it like that!"
"He didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"Sawamura's failing English. Kanemaru's his English tutor. Seriously, you two are such a handful. Are you jealous?"
"No! Okay. Maybe a little. Help?"
"Tell him how you feel."
"Right, tell him how I feel. Tell him how I feel?! That's easier said than done, Kuramochi! I mean, he likes me, but I can't do that."
"I didn't take you as the shy type, Miyuki."
"Shut up."
~ ~ ~
"Miyuki?" Sawamura entered the kitchen of his and Kuramochi's shared apartment. "What're you doing here? More importantly, how did you get in here? I never gave you a key."
"I asked the landlady to unlock it. Don't look so surprised. Have you seen my face? It was all legal."
"It's a very nice face." Sawamura mumbled.
"What was that?"
"I said that was very nice of her."
"Sit down. Dinner will be ready soon."
"That's nice, but-"
"It's nothing special. I just used what's in your fridge. I hope you don't mind. It was going to go bad soon anyway."
"Miyuki,"
"What?"
"I appreciate the thought, but I don't have time for dinner tonight."
"Huh?" Kazuya noticed two plastic bags of groceries on the table. "Oh, what are those?"
"They're for Kuramochi."
"Kuramochi?"
"Yeah, it's his birthday today."
"When's your birthday, Sawamura?"
"Huh?" Sawamura stopped unpacking the supplies. "The 15th, why?"
Kazuya blinked. "The 15th of May?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?!"
"You never asked!"
"Seriously, I would've made you something."
"You would've?"
"I mean… since you've been baking things for me and all… it's only fair I return the favor. How did you get started baking?" Kazuya quickly changed the topic.
"I have a friend back home. She loves sweets."
"She...?"
"Yeah." Sawamura smiled. "Ah, she's not my girlfriend! Well, she is a girl and my friend, but we're not dating or anything like that. She's my best friend! Her name's Wakana."
"I see. So you make cakes and stuff for her?"
"I make everything but cakes."
"What?"
"I can make bundt cakes though!" Kazuya tried to hold in his laughter, but his emotions got the best of him. "Hey! Don't laugh at me. Can you bake?"
"No."
"Huh, so the famous Miyuki Kazuya is bad at something,” Sawamura grinned.
"I'm not perfect."
"I never thought you were."
"You never thought I was perfect?"
"No, are you kidding me? Speaking of cakes, pass me a shortcake."
"These are store bought."
"Kuramochi won't know the difference." Kazuya passed him the package. Sawamura cut the plastic open with a knife. "You're always teasing me."
"Oh."
"But," Sawamura scooped a dollop of whipped cream onto the cake. "it makes me happy when you compliment me,"
"Oh."
"Would you like to help me?" Sawamura turned to him.
"Sawamura, I don't know how to-"
"I think you can handle washing strawberries. They're in the fridge."
~ ~ ~
"I'm finished." Sawamura stood back and looked proudly at his plate of miniature strawberry shortcakes for his roommate with a candle stuck in the middle of the one at the top. "Ah, I'm hungry." Sawamura grabbed a strawberry, and dipped it in the leftover whipped cream. "Do you want one? I bought a lot. Ah, wait, you don't like sweets, right? How about we eat the food you made then? It's probably cold, though. I can warm it up!"
"Sawamura," Kazuya exhaled, a pink hue dusting his cheeks.
"Hm?"
"Can I kiss you?"
There was a brief silence before Sawamura answered. "I thought you'd never ask."
Sawamura took advantage of Kazuya's surprise, and closed the gap between them. It was awkward and inexperienced obviously, and Miyuki tasted like strawberries and whipped cream to Eijun, but he was happy, so sooo happy to the point where he felt like crying. Scratch that. He did cry—but after Miyuki left, though; even if he wasn't cool usually, he wanted to be the cool one today.
"You taste sweet."
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Your personality, however, is sour."
Kazuya chuckled. "I get that a lot. I guess it's not a secret anymore that I like you."
"You do?"
"Truthfully, Kuramochi told me about... your feelings… I only agreed to this because… I like you too…"
"You don't like me now?"
"Idiot, if I didn't like you now, would I have kissed you?"
"You're right." Sawamura's voice grew quieter. "Miyuki, I have a confession too."
"What?"
"I'm a history major."
"Oh."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It's just... everything makes sense now..."
"Am I really that bad at cooking?"
"Let's just say I'd rather eat instant ramen."
"Is that supposed to be insulting?"
"I'm a chef."
~ ~ ~
"I'm home."
"Happy birthday Kuramochi senpai!" Sawamura walked carefully into the living room with a lit platter of strawberry shortcakes. "Make a wish!"
"Why is he here?"
"Doesn't matter. Blow out the candle, senpai!"
"Did you make this yourself?"
"Mhm!" Sawamura smiled as Kuramochi examined the cake.
"Liar." Kazuya muttered. Sawamura kicked him as Kuramochi blew out the fire.
"How is it?" He asked as the birthday boy bit down onto his fork.
"Good." Kuramochi swallowed. "You're not eating?" He turned to Kazuya.
"No, I've had enough dessert today."
If Sawamura's blush didn't give it away, Miyuki's smug face did.
"You're disgusting."
"Haha, thanks!"
~ ~ ~
like hell i'll regret it
i like the one place where i belong
i like the comrades who set me on edge
this is the only thing i haven't given up on
with a tough style, let's pierce through
a lifetime, GO MY WAY
"Kuramochiii senpaiii!"
"For the love of Buddha, Sawamura, you have got to stop doing that!" Kuramochi hurried to cover his lower half with a towel.
"It's not like I haven't seen your dick before."
"This isn't about my dick!"
"So can I talk about Miyuki's?"
"What? No! Wait, you two already banged? Fuck, no, don't answer that. This is an issue of privacy, Sawamura."
"Senpai, I sing in the shower too."
Kuramochi groaned as he lined his toothbrush with mint toothpaste and began brushing his teeth. "What do you want?"
"Miyuki's here. We'll be filming an episode soon for his fanclub, so-"
"... so you're kicking me out."
"Well... when you put it that way... yeah… pretty much..."
"Unbelievable." Kuramochi turned on the water and spit into the sink before walking out into the hallway, towel drying his hair. "Just when I think I finally got rid of him, he shows up again and my roommate fucks him."
"Hey, that's not true! He took me out to dinner first."
"Oh, my apologies, he has manners."
"Good morning, Youichi,"
"Ah, just the face I wanted to see first thing in the morning. Don't call me so casually."
"Pretty, isn't it?"
"No, I'm resisting the urge to punch it in."
"What were you two talking about?" Kazuya slung an arm around Sawamura before kissing his boyfriend's cheek.
"You." Sawamura answered.
Kazuya's eyes sparkled. "Oh? I'm intrigued."
Kuramochi groaned. "Okay, new rule, since I have a feeling this won't be the last time I'm seeing the two of you together, no acting all lovey-dovey while you're under my roof... or at least in my line of vision… Got it?"
"Got it."
"And absolutely under no fucking circumstances will there be sex in this household. Do you understand me?"
"Why're you looking at me when you say that?" Kazuya asked.
"Because out of the two or you, anyone can see that you're the more responsible one."
"Hey!"
"Still, I question your credibility after what he's told me."
Kazuya crossed his arms. "What did you tell him, Sawamura?"
"Nothing!"
~ ~ ~
"I'm leaving!" Kuramochi slipped on his shoes, and saluted before slipping out the front door.
"Do you think he'll stop letting me live here?"
"No, he's a good friend."
"He is."
~ ~ ~
"Sawamura, is the camera ready to go?"
"All set! In 3… 2… 1!" Sawamura gave him the 'OK' signal.
Miyuki bowed. "Hello everyone! You're watching 'Cooking with Miyuki Kazuya'. I'm Miyuki Kazuya. As you've probably noticed, I'm not in my usual kitchen today. Today, I am in my cameraman's home making omurice."
~ ~ ~
Kazuya flipped the egg. "Oi, just where do you think you're filming?"
"Oops," Sawamura laughed. "I got caught."
"You're supposed to be filming my food, not my face."
"I know, but it's for the fans!" Sawamura justified himself.
"What?"
"Do you really actually genuinely believe people watch you for your cooking?"
"You certainly don't." He turned off the stove, and began plating the dish, drawing a red heart on the top of the egg with a squeeze from a ketchup bottle.
Sawamura stepped backwards, flustered. "No... I..."
Kazuya smirked. "Maybe I should give you a taste."
"Oi, Miyuki, what're you- mmph" The camcorder slipped out of Sawamura's hand.
Rei-chan is going to kill me, Kazuya winced at the sound of the device hitting the hardwood floor. Oh well, he thought as Sawamura's hands yanked him forward by the hair. Sawamura stepped back until Kazuya had him bending over backwards over the counter.
"Glasses," Sawamura broke their meeting of lips to breathe. Kazuya nodded, not really paying attention to what his boyfriend had requested, before diving back in to kiss him again, glasses continuing to be a nuisance (much to Sawamura's discontent).
~ ~ ~
"Kuramochi's gonna kill us."
"If he finds out, you mean." Sawamura lifted his head to be met with Kazuya's soft, loving, after sex gaze. "What're we gonna do about the camera?" Sawamura whispered.
"Prepare for the worst?" Kazuya spoke, lips against Sawamura's forehead.
"Can we do that later? I'm tired." Sawamura pulled himself closer to Miyuki, circling an arm around his waist.
"Sawamura, I need to put the food away before it spoils. We just left it in the kitchen."
"30 minutes." Sawamura negotiated.
"Fine," Kazuya gave in. Kuramochi had been right about Sawamura's protests. "but only 30. You wanted to see a movie today, right?"
"Ah, shit, I forgot."
"Seriously, Sawamura," Kazuya cupped his cheek and lightly kissed him.
~ ~ ~
"You did what?!"
Probability of Rei-chan being mad at Sawamura for breaking the camera? 100%. "Now, now, Rei-chan, calm down. Anger isn't a good look on you." She glared at him. "Sorry."
"Honestly, Miyuki-kun, how do you expect me to explain... well... well this?!"
"Accidents happen?" He attempted a guess.
"How could you be so careless?"
"Rei-chan, you're starting to sound like my mom."
"I'm too young to have a kid."
"Rei-chan, how old are-"
"And you," She cut off Kazuya, and snarled at Sawamura. "You're not off the hook either, mister. Do you know how expensive that camera was? I told you to be careful with it."
"Sorry." Sawamura muttered.
Rei sighed. "I'm heading back to the office right now. I'm going to send this memory card to the editing department, and start looking into new cameras." She exited the coffee shop, the bells tinkling behind her.
"Ah." The realization hit Eijun.
"What is it, Sawamura?" There was a pause. "Oh shit." He made a scramble for the exit. "Wait here!" Kazuya called. The door slammed behind him, startling the customers sitting nearby. "Rei-chan!" Eijun could hear him shout from inside the café. "Don't watch that video!" Eijun felt the people in the coffee shop's eyes on him. Eijun wanted to sink into the booth whose leather color matched his face and disappear forever at that moment.
~ ~ ~
TO: FANS
FROM: MIYUKI KAZUYA OFFICIAL WEBSITE STAFF
SUBJECT: IMPORTANT NOTICE - 6/24
Due to an unexpected situation which unfortunately led to camera failure, there'll be no new "Cooking with Miyuki Kazuya" episode this week. We deeply apologize, and thank you for your continuous love and support ♡