Work Text:
「i remember when i first noticed that you liked me back」
Our first date; feels like yesterday. I took her to WEEKEND GARAGE, a café belonging to my friend's father. Things went very well — even before arriving to our destination, I noticed she was already enjoying herself. Her laughter, caused by my failing attempt to start a conversation, was melodic. Like music to my ears, as I remember feeling my cheeks burning once I first heard it.
「we were sitting down in a restaurant, waiting for the check」
We chose one of the best seats — a table for two next to a wall, near the counter with a window nearby. We ordered a few dishes and drinks, and started chatting. And just like that, the night seemed to fly by, despite us being interrupted a few times by a few of my friends that were also there.
「we had made love earlier that day with no strings attached」
While we waited for the check, I caught myself thinking about our relationship. It's true that, for the last few days, we were almost inseparable. My sister and her friend had teased me a couple of times before, but I guess they were right all along — I did like her. Despite all the "affection" we showed towards each other, it was all platonic; no second intentions or emotional attachment. If I were to be honest, I wished it was something more. I wished I was more than just a friend.
「but i could tell that something had changed how you looked at me then」
Shaking off those thought off of my head, I looked back at her and, for an instant, I saw her looking at me like she never did. Before I had the chance to react, she turned away from me, her long white strands of hair covering her face. Despite not having a full view of it at the moment, I was able to notice a small tinge of red on her cheeks, which, too, made me a little flustered, but happy nonetheless.
「kristen, come right back」
Thinking of that date nowadays makes me embarassed regarding some things I said. Things I wanted to take back and say something else to cause a better impression on her. Regardless of my current embarrassment, I'll forever be grateful for that night. After all, it was that night that led to our second date — and eventually, our first kiss. If all the ups and downs we went through led us to this, then I don't regret a thing.
「i've been waiting for you to slip back in bed」
I snap back to reality once I notice the door opening and watch her enter the bedroom, a smile creeping onto my lips. I offered to spend the night at her house; it was Valentine's, after all. We were about to go to sleep, but she decided to head over to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. Now that she returned, I opened my arms towards her and, without another word, she plops onto the bed and makes herself comfortable in them. Adjusting myself, I put an arm around her waist and place my other hand on the back of her head. With one of my fingers, I tuck a strand of her hair behing her ear, smiling fondly at her. With her usual calm and gentle voice, she whispers to me:
「when you light the candle」
"Good night, Akito. I love you."