Chapter Text
"Could I take you out some time?" That's what started this mess! Chuuya had approached her right after Akutagawa walked right past her after scoffing and ignoring her presence, rejecting her once again.
Higuchi looked at the mirror for what seemed like the hundredth time as she bit her nails anxiously and stared back at the clock in her apartment. Her black dress seamlessly fell right exactly at her knees; she even let her short blonde hair down for the special occasion.
Three knocks
She sprung up and saw Chuuya, still timeless and elegant but much more casual than his work outfit. He held a bouquet of pink tulips and white roses.
"Thank you, they're beautiful," she smiled to herself as she put the bouquet on a nearby table.
They then hopped onto Chuuya's bike. Higuchi's arms were wrapped tight around his waist as he revved the engine and made it purr loudly. He made sure to go slow enough so her dress wouldn't fly up too high, but still quick enough for excitement.
They arrived at a small and fancy restaurant a few walks away from the seaside, the air smelt fresh as night crept on.
Clinks of ice cubes against the cold wine glasses, Higuchi admired the nighttime scenery as she listened to Chuuya talk about a certain shared interest: dogs.
The waiter interrupted the conversation by serving all of their dishes, seafood actually.
"You keep looking outside, do you want to go for a walk later?" She nodded her head back at Chuuya.
Halfway through, the air conditioning got colder; maybe Higuchi shouldn't have picked a sleeveless dress to wear tonight. Cloth then grazed against her skin as Chuuya gave up his jacket for her. Goosebumps on skin turned smooth, she wasn't blushing from the cold anymore; now it was from his mannerisms.
He'd always been a gentleman, the idea of elegance had always been engraved into Chuuya's attitude when he trained under Kouyou's wing.
The shore waved towards the sand, leaving a salty scent wafting through the air. A cute bark was heard behind them, soft sand crunching against the four legs of a golden retriever when it ran towards Chuuya happily.
"Awwww! Who's your owner, boy?" He patted the dog on its head.
"I don't see a collar... I think he's a stray." Higuchi looked around for a tag, but its neck was bare with no signs of any tag or anything domestic about it.
Chuuya played around with the dog lovingly, which made Higuchi think of how nice life would be living with him—a sleek but cosy penthouse, and a friendly dog cuddling with them as they sipped from cold champagne or wine.
God, what was she thinking?!
When he promised he could treat her better than Akutagawa ever did, she never expected him to be right, but thinking about her future with Chuuya was way too far and crazy, even for her!
He insisted on walking her back to her apartment, going as far as to stay with her in the elevator. The silence was delicate, but the tension had so many words in itself, loud and clear.
One was overthinking, wondering if Higuchi didn't enjoy their time together while she freaked out internally about how she moved on so quickly from her old, unrequited love.
Ding
The pair stepped off the elevator, and she rustled through her purse to find her keys. Cute keychains were hung off of them, and it made a jingling noise as she unlocked her apartment door.
"Did you...want to come in?"
"Did you want me to...?"
Silence
"Look, Higuchi, did you enjoy the date tonight? Be honest. I'd like to be straightforward and say I'm interested in you, but I want my loyalty to be mutual."
"Maybe we could go on a few more dates again?"
"I would really like that, thank you."
She invited him inside once more, and soon they found themselves on her couch, cuddling while watching a movie.
Slowly he leaned into her as she leaned closer as well.
Closer...
Closer..
Closer.
RINNNNGGGGG
Chuuya grumbled with annoyance as the boss called him for another job.
Higuchi never knew she'd move on this quick