Chapter Text
It wasn’t like him to be so distracted. Usually he’s able to keep himself together, to keep his facade up when in public. But today was different. Special even. He was buying a gift for his date.
Hifumi, or Hifumin as he told Ramuda to call him, asked him out after the Division Rap Battle last week and he gratefully accepted. Despite the two being on opposing teams he always admired the Host and the admiration was reciprocated. For that he was glad. But despite all of this, Ramuda felt a deep pit in his stomach as he walked around the store. He wondered if he should really go through with this date. After all, Hifumi doesn’t know the full extent of Jakurai and Ramudas past. He doesn’t know about his involvement with Chuuoku and what he did to Yotsutsuji. He tried to shake off these thoughts and focus on the trinkets in front of him. He picked up a pair of golden cufflinks shaped like a rose and hummed to himself “Maybe this would be good. I remember last time I saw him, his entire outfit was pretty roughed up from the battle. I probably should’ve held back.” He shook his head at the thought. “No, there’s no point in looking back with regret. We won the Division Rap Battle because we didn’t hold back. Plus, roses are part of his brand. Why wouldn’t he have extra rose cufflinks?”
Ramuda hopped over to the next section in the store, hoping for more luck there. “Maybe a new cologne. He would definitely appreciate a fancy smelling cologne. He’s always so put together. It’ll be perfect.” He mused. After glancing through all of the different selections, he contemplated asking for help but he didn’t want to draw too much attention to himself. The pit in his stomach seems to grow bigger the more he walks around. Eventually he stumbles across a familiar looking bottle. “Bvlgari Pour Homme. I swear I’ve seen that before.” He picked up the package and examined it. The realization hit him a little too hard for his comfort. “Ah. This was the one me and Jakurai bought for Yotsutsuji that day…” Ramuda put down the bottle, hands shaking. ‘I can’t seem to escape that kid, or at old fart today. They’re not even in Shibuya but I feel like they’re both still haunting me.” He signs. “Let’s try something else.”
He walks around, glancing at every aisle hoping for some inspiration. For something to jump out at him. Eventually he settles, the last aisle in the store. Scarves. A cute scarf. Simple but practical. “Maybe I shouldn’t overthink this. I’m sure he would appreciate anything I got him.” Carefully sorting through the scarves, he eventually settled on something. A plaid cashmere scarf. “A neutral color. Soft, cashmere too. It’ll work with his closet from what I’ve seen.” He says excitedly. “As a fashion designer, I definitely have an eye for this. Hopefully.” Happy with his choice, he excitedly goes to pay, getting some looks from the staff. His energy is out of place in a store as uptight as that. But Ramuda could care less. He found a decent gift for his date and now he can finally meet up with him. Sure, it was a little last minute but it worked out in the end.
Hurrying to Shibuya station, he arrived just in time for the 12:45 pm train. After looking around, he managed to find an empty corner of the car. “It’s not as busy today. That’s good! I’m almost there. Nothing can go wrong~” Ramuda murmurs to himself excitedly, almost kicking his feet. His gift for Hiufmin on the seat next to him, with his hand gently resting on it. Counting down the stations until Shinjuku, almost in disbelief that he’s willingly going into “enemy” territory for a date of all things. A date with Hifumin. Ramudas face goes pink with excitement. The more he thinks about it, the more excited he gets, anticipation building up inside of him. “Now arriving as Shinjuku-sanchome Station.” He hears the announcement, practically jumping out of his seat and skipping over to the doors. Heart beating rapidly. ‘Finally in Shinjuku. I can’t wait to see Hifumin. I wonder what he’s wearing. I wonder if he’s as excited as I am.’ Thoughts like these persisted, intensified as he left the train and made the final trek to the agreed upon meeting spot.
Ramuda glances around, taking in everything about the city. Despite being close, the energies are completely different, almost like him and Hifumin. Ramuda perfectly encapsulates Shibuya youthful energy and the vibrant fashion and Hifumi is the personification of Shinjuku nightlife. This is giving him an opportunity to see it in a new light. Perhaps he’ll visit Hifumi’s host club soon. If this date goes well, it’ll be nice to see the more professional side of him. Before he knows it, he turns the corner to the meeting spot, seeing Hifumi standing patiently. Golden eyes and golden hair, shining in the sunlight. He looks as radiant in real life as he does in pictures. This isn’t the first time they’ve seen each other but seeing Hifumi standing there, waiting for him somehow makes him more beautiful. Looking around, his eyes lit up seeing Ramuda finally arrive. Hifumin walks over to him with a bounce in his step. “Hii Ramu-Chan you’re finally here!!” Hifumi beamed. “Here! I got you a little something. I really really hope you like it!” Giving him a quick hug with one arm before pulling out a gift from behind his back with the other. The mention of a gift makes Ramudas blood go cold. Realizing the lack of weight in his hand. ‘I left my gift on the train.’