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He bit his lip as he unpacked his supplies. Feeling extra shitty after having arrived to his first “Life Painting” class late, he had missed the professor’s introduction and explanation of the day’s subject matter. Looking the the center of the class he did feel slightly relieved to see that whatever the subject was he hadn’t missed any time as it wasn’t on display yet. He finished unpacking his things and sat down, waiting patiently for their cue to start.
After a minute or two had passed a large man entered the room. He was well over six feet tall and was noticeably buff even under his robe. He made his way to the professor and talked quietly, Kakyoin even being only a few feet away couldn’t make out most of the conversation but managed to understand that the professor was explaining the model’s first pose to him. A moment the larger man nodded his head and headed for the middle of the room. The professor explained how much time they’d have per pose and when the model would take breaks as the man removed his robe. After the professor was finished the model struck his pose.
Kakyoin finally looked at the man and realized how attractive he was, his muscles were amazing, not to mention his chiseled face and beautiful slicked back hair. Before he realized it, the art student was blushing. He looked down, trying to compose himself quickly, at least before anyone else noticed. Feeling less flustered he started his painting, trying to capture the model’s beauty in his own piece. After getting over his initial shock Kakyoin still found himself awestruck by how perfect the man’s figure was.
An hour and a half of painting passed and Kakyoin felt pretty confident with his work, although it couldn’t really capture the man’s true beauty. He felt he’d never be able to capture that much beauty in his art. The professor moved to the center of the class and dismissed both the students and the model, reminding the former of their upcoming due dates. Kakyoin cleaned up his station, excited to go home for the day and crash, however somehow feeling bummed out that he’d probably never see the model again.
A few days later Kakyoin decided to stop by a nearby flower shop on his way home from classes. He figured that he might as well pick up a few flowers and practice his still life as his class had been cancelled that day. Entering the shop he noticed how cute it was, small but filled to the brim with assorted fresh flowers. The petals were a multitude of colors, and they gave off wonderful smells, his problem now would be deciding on just a few flowers.
Eventually he made his decision, red poppies up at the top of the display. He figured that he might as well ask for help from an employee as the flowers were just out of reach. Moving toward the front of the store he peered around the counter but still didn’t see anyone. Noticing a bell on the counter he rang it.
“Be right out,” a low voice called out from somewhere in the back.
Kak waited for a moment, not paying too much attention, until he heard someone clear their throat. Startled, he let out a small gasp and jumped. Immediately he blushed, feeling embarrassed at his reaction. Looking up his face reddened even more upon realizing that the employee was the same man he’d painted nude earlier that week. Snapping him out of his flustered state, the employee spoke up.
“Can I help you?” he asked, picking up on Kakyoin’s strange behavior.
“Um,” the shorter man cleared his throat, “I’d like a half dozen red poppies please,” he managed to stutter out.
“Sure,” he replied.
Jotaro, Kakyoin thought to himself, reading the man’s nametag.
“Getting these for your girlfriend?” Jotaro inquired.
Stiffening, Kakyoin shook his head no and averted his eyes.
“Eh, ex girlfriend?” the other asked, not actually sounding that interested.
Kakyoin could feel his blush reemerging, “A-actually, I’m gay,” he replied sheepishly, looking up at Jotaro.
“Oh…” Jotaro replied, feeling dumb for assuming, “Boyfriend then?”
“No, they’re just for a painting. I’m an art student,” the redhead replied.
Grabbing a bag for the flowers Jotaro looked back at him, “Do you have one? A boyfriend I mean,” he asked, feeling unusually nervous.
Kakyoin could feel his blush getting hotter once again. He couldn’t believe the beautiful model was flirting with him. He shook his head slowly still trying to take it in.
Jotaro flashed a small smile, reaching up for the flowers, “They match your hair,” he noted.
“Yeah?” Kakyoin agreed as he realized it was true.
“Pretty color,” the other replied, only deepening Kakyoin’s blush, “It’ll be $10.”
“Oh, of course,” Kakyoin shook his head, snapping himself out of his thoughts.
He handed over the money and took the roses, wishing he was gutsy enough to ask the other out. He contemplated it in his mind, Jotaro had been flirting with him right? At least he was pretty sure. Even though he thought so he still wasn’t able to will himself to say anything as he left the shop, a missed opportunity weighing on his mind on his walk home.
He walked into his apartment, removing his shoes and coat and set the flowers down, going to get his supplies to paint them. Once he set up his easel and paints he returned to the bouquet, setting the flowers in a good position and lighting, it’s then when he spots the card in the bouquet.
It read, “Free tomorrow night? Call me. -Jotaro”
Kakyoin felt himself blush yet again. Reading over the note and the phone number connected he smiled, deciding he’d call the next morning.