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Itoshi Sae was by no means a man with time or patience on his hands. Hence he only comes back to Japan if he needs to renew his passport. So why was he currently on his way to Japan only for one single person. He must be out of his mind, he glanced at his phone again, seeing the last message he received before the plane started.
Unknown number: Im gonna be waiting for ya at the airport saechan ♡
Sae rolled his eyes at the obnoxious use of that nickname and the heart emoticon at the end. Deciding there was no use to make a fuss out of this he put on his headphones and slept through the entire flight from Spain to Japan.
In Sae’s words it was a mere coincidence that he was in Japan, he totally didn't ask his manager for a break from his club activities and he totally didn't align it with Blue Lock’s break time as well. So it was really just pure coincidence and luck that he somehow let it slip during a call with Shidou that he was gonna visit Japan soon. And like the eager man Shidou was he couldn't let this opportunity slide as he begged for a date with him.
Yes, a date. Not a meeting and catching up between acquaintances. A proper date. The first and very last one they would have, Sae’s words.
The older Itoshi really couldn't believe it. He was flabbergasted, distraught even. He was standing in front of a café, waiting for Shidou to arrive. HE was the one being early even though he never properly agreed to this date. How lukewarm of him.
As Shidou finally arrived exactly 11 minutes later, not that Sae kept count, Sae felt his body tense up. He was notnervous at all. It's not like he spent the entire morning getting ready for his date. He just happened to wake up earlier than usual and took his sweet time, yeah that's the reason why he's standing in front of Shidou with some nice clothes on and even a small souvenir from Spain in his bag.
„Sae-chan! I'm sorry for being lateeee. I happened to see a nice shop on the way and got you this.“ Shidou placed a keychain of a seagull in his hands and grinned from ear to ear. The midfielder only raised an eyebrow at the gift but despite his blank expression he put it on his keys with a warm feeling in his chest.
It was certainly a special gift. Sae found it endearing because that means Shidou paid attention to when he would tell him stuff about himself. Seagulls were his favorites after all.
Sae just gave a light nod before handing Shidou some Spanish snacks without saying a word or even a change of expression. Nonetheless Shidou was over the moon.
The date continued as they both went into the café and ordered some drinks and food. For Sae it was a simple cappuccino and a cheesecake while Shidou had to order a whole 5 in 1 menu starting with an oversugared iced coffee, slice of chocolate cake, some funky looking strawberry milkshake, a croissant and to top it off he got a tuna sandwich as well.
Sae could only look at him in disgust as he swallowed everything whole, to Shidou’s defence, he didn't have time to eat breakfast today since he got so nervous for their date that he forgot to sleep so he passed out in the morning.
„Sho how wash madwid?“ (So how was madrid?) Shidou had asked him, his mouth full with food since he didn't bother to swallow first before speaking. Gross. Sae thought before he rolled his eyes. „Have some manners, filthy demon. But to answer your question, it was decent. I'm going back soon though since I'm only here to renew my passport.“
Upon hearing Sae's reply the blonde haired let out a crude laugh. „But Sae-chan, won't you miss your dearest boyfriend when you leave again?“ He asked with a teasing smirk on his lips.
„I'm sure you have the patience to wait another few weeks for me right?“ Sae replied without thinking much. Yes, to everyone's surprise, Sae knew of his own attraction and interest towards the other man. There was no other reason why he would go out of his way to spend time with him if he could've been training instead. But for some reason Shidou didn't seem to get it, always complaining about how Sae should give him a chance and that he could be such a good boyfriend for him.
Shidou only laughed at his words, not getting the implication the other just made. It's like the words went in one ear and left through the other ear. No thoughts, just eating. It's not like Shidou is that oblivious though, he just can't differentiate between a serious advance and a teasing comeback from Sae if the other keeps saying everything in the same tone with the same deadpan expression. So if anyone was at fault it was Sae.
On the other hand the redhead didn't understand Shidou at all. He never refused him, he never made a fuss when Shidou would randomly call him during the day, hence he even picked up after the first ring. So how did the other not get the hint already? Oh but there is another issue to the whole pining thing, Sae was not ready ro vocalize his honest feelings. He would rather die than admit he likes Shidou and even worse ask him out to be his partner.
So here they were, a cat and mouse game except it wasn't. Both had feelings for the other but one side didn't notice the obvious flirting back and the other was… just Sae.
After they finished their meals and drinks, the midfielder insisting to pay for it, they continued their date walking through the streets of Shibuya. Their conversations was mostly Shidou rambling about God knows what came to his mind, the shorter one listening to him, silently giving nods or even a sound of acknowledgment. This was pleasant.
The most comforting thing about Shidou is that he didn't mind the bluntness or almost cold demeanor of Sae. He couldn't care less for his short or nonexistent replies because he knew deep down Sae just has a different way of showing his emotions and he was very content with it. How the blonde didn't understand that these emotions were romantic is beyond comprehension.
They were window shopping right now as they entered the shopping area, a pair of matching shirts caught Sae’s eyes. He only stole a quick glance but that was enough for Shidou to notice as he dragged him into the store wordlessly.
„I bet ya would look great in this Sae-chan ♪.“ Shidou practically begged for him to try the matching zebra patterned shirt on with him. After five minutes of silence Sae gave up and they tried it on and even bought it. He will never hear the end of this.
Matching shirts, café date, even gifting each other things. How oblivious can Shidou be?
The day was nearing it's end and so was Sae's patience as he stopped walking all of a sudden.
„Shidou.“
Short, articulated and ice cold.
Shidou’s head snapped into his direction and he cocked an eyebrow at him.
„Hm, Sae-chan?“ Sae was fed up. He looked at him with an are you serious? Expression before he let out an exaggerated sigh. „Isnt there something you want to say to me?“
Shidou was having an Isagi moment when he's on the field because he definitely has no fucking idea what Sae could possibly want from him. So he listened to his heart and the following words went past his lips. Oh how he wished they didn't.
„Eh..uhm today's date was pretty rad! I didn't know you would even agree but this probably means you finally acknowledge me as your friend.“
Cringe. Sae felt like his entire body stiffened at the word friend. There was no way he got friendzoned by this cockroach. He rarely gets agitated at such few words but in this moment the redhead was sure he could crush his skull right now. He exhaled loudly, the crease on his forehead deepening.
„Does a parasyte like you even have a brain in that head or yours? Please reconsider your words before I fucking make you, octopus.“ Sae was furious and Shidou’s instinct told him he messed up somehow. He wasn't sure how but he did.
„S-sae-chan? What did I do?“ He all but whined at the younger, his appearance more resembling a kicked puppy than a demon.
Before anyone could even react Sae grabbed him by the collar and whispered into his ear.
„I'm leaving tomorrow 5am. I expect my boyfriend to bid me goodbye.“
That was all Shidou registered before he was left dumbfounded in the middle of shibuya.
Sae had just left him here alone after dropping the bomb on him. HIS WHAT? SAE HAD A BOYFRIEND AND DIDNT TELL HIM?
Shidou felt his world crumble down in front of his eyes as he tried to rethink of any conversation that could reveal that he had a boyfriend. His mind was absolutely in overdrive mode right now as the older couldn't get around the idea of Sae having a boyfriend who isn't him.
So here he was, 5am at the Tokyo airport, hat and sunglasses on to mask himself as he searches for the midfielder. He knew this was kind of weird but he had to know who this mysterious boyfriend of Sae was. They were friends so why couldn't he know who his boyfriend was, right? He's not jealous or anything just simply curious.
His eyes landed on the younger male who was looking as pretty as always in his maroon colored sweater and trackpants on. But no one except his manager was in sight. Did Sae lie to him? No way, there was no reason to. He kept waiting until it was ten minutes left until the boarding and he noticed the way Sae would sit in the chair, impatiently tapping his foot on the ground. What kind of asshole boyfriend wouldn't appear to say goodbye to THE Itoshi Sae. Shidou was mad. This guy is taking his precious Sae-chan for granted and he can't let that slide. So like the good friend he was he decided to walk up to Sae.
„Sae-chan! I wanted to say bye to you before you leave.. but where is your boyfriend? What a shitty bastard that is that he won't even see you off before you leave again.“
Sae looked at him unimpressed before standing up, his gaze conflicted. There is no way he still didn't get the hint.
„Well at the same time.. I'm kinda bummed because how could you hide the fact that you have a boyfriend from me Sae-chan? I thought we are friends.“
Cringe. Sae cringed again. His manager looked between the both of them with worry on his face before Sae told him to go ahead without him. To say the least Sae was fed up.
„The boyfriend in question is supposed to be you, you useless stupid imbecile.“ Sae spat out at him, his eye twitching the slightest in annoyance. „Why else do you think I agreed to go on a date with you during those few days I stayed in Japan? Why else would I get you a gift? Why else would I buy matching boyfriend shirts with you?“ He started to go on and on about all the obvious hints he gave Shidou that he in fact reciprocated his feelings.
When he finished his face remained the same. Nonchalant but there was a slight reddish color arising on the tip of his ears that gave everything away. Itoshi Sae was flustered.
Before Sae could even react Shidou closed the distance between them with a soft peck on his lips.
„Shit, Sae-chan you never fail to amaze me.. so you liked me back all this time but were to shy to tell me?! God, you truly are adorable ♪.“
Shidou was head over heels in love with this man and he was practically swooning right now. Sae on the other hand had to process what just happened. He kissed him. The younger touched his lips and gave him a glare.
„Next time, kiss me.. when I come back from Spain…okay?“ He murmured uncharacteristically silent and even shy.
Just as Shidou was about to reply they both heard the final announcement for Sae's flight.
„I.. will wait for you Sae-chan. As your boyfriend it is my task to be the first one to greet you once you come back, right? ♪.“
Sae chuckled as a rare occurrence and give him a gentle peck on the cheek.
„Good. I will text you once I land. Let's see each other soon again.“
Shidou grinned from ear to ear as he waved his new boyfriend goodbye.
Sae-chan ♡: Just landed. Let's call once I'm back in my apartment.