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Working at a pet store had its perks, especially during the night shift. Getou Suguru enjoyed the calm atmosphere, the rhythmic bubbling of the tanks, and the quiet companionship of the fish. Not many people came at 8 in the evening, so it was usually peaceful.
Except for one particular customer.
Getou was grabbing the keys, about to close up for the night, dreaming about eating some ramen, when the wind chimes at the entrance jingled. He glanced up, ready to tell the person they were closed, but stopped short.
In walked the usual disruption to his peaceful routine—a guy who looked like he’d just stepped out of a fashion catalog but was always disheveled. His white hair was a mess , his round sunglasses were askew, and—like clockwork—he was panting, sweating, like he’d run a marathon to get there.
Gojo Satoru, the bane of Getou’s existence opened his mouth, then closed it again like a gaping fish, gulping for air. He took a few minutes to get his breath back before he raised his head and grinned. His smile was blindingly bright and Getou was getting a headache looking at it. Or it could’ve been from hunger. God, he wanted ramen.
“You’re sweating all over my floor, Satoru.”
“Yeah, well, I had to see my favorite guy before the night ended.” Gojo leaned on the counter, his smirk in full effect if not for the redness surrounding his entire face and chest still heaving, struggling to fully regain his breath. “And I need a fish. A special one. Something... beautiful. Like you.”
Getou stared at him, unamused. “You’re going to get kicked out of here one day.”
Gojo ignored the warning, grinning wider. “But seriously, Suguru, what fish do you recommend for someone with... uh, an impeccable sense of style and taste?”
“None. You’ll kill it.”
“Come on, don’t be like that!” Gojo pushed up his sunglasses, clearly gearing up for more nonsense. “I need something sleek... like a betta. Majestic, strong, independent. Kinda like you. Ever notice how you’re like... the betta fish of people? I could watch you swim around in a tank all day. It would truly be such a majestic sight.”
Getou sighed, walking toward the fish tanks. “Pick a fish before I lock you in here with them.”
“Hmm, lock me in here with you? Sounds like a dream come true,” Gojo teased, following behind. “You know, Suguru, if you were a fish, you’d definitely be... the catch of the day. No, wait, the century! I’d mount you—wait, not like that—on my wall, I mean—it could be like that, not the wall, but, uh, the other thing—”
Getou shot him a deadpan look.
“Right, right! Anyway, I was thinking something with... depth. Like, a fish that really understands me. Do you think fish can feel love, Suguru? Because I think I’m falling in deep water here. Every time I look at you, I feel like I’m drowning in your eyes.”
Getou rubbed his temples. “Satoru, I’d rather drown than have to keep listening to this nonsense.”
“I’ll try poetry, then! A ballad worthy of such a beautiful being like yourself,” Gojo said dramatically, one hand over his heart. “For you, Suguru, I’d swim the deepest oceans. Fight the fiercest sharks. And if I were a clownfish, you’d definitely be my... anemone.”
Getou paused mid-step, staring blankly. “Did you just compare me to a sea plant?”
“Well, uh, metaphorically speaking, you’re the... safe harbor for my heart?”
Getou inhaled slowly. Exhaled. “Satoru.”
“Yes, my love?”
“Pick. A. Fish.”
Gojo stroked his chin, glancing at the tanks. “Uh, yeah, sure, I’ll take... that one!” He pointed to a small betta fish bumping into the glass wall of its tank continuously. “That’s a... majestic fish. Just like you, Suguru. I’m sure it’ll be magnificent if it was blessed to be in your presence every day.”
Getou pulled the small tank off the shelf, ignoring Gojo’s over-the-top compliments. The fish was a bright white, matching Gojo’s hair. Getou sighed in his heart, mourning the fish since it was sure to die soon in Gojo’s care. “You’ll need a heater since it's a betta fish.”
“Heater, huh? Well, you’re already making things pretty warm in here,” Gojo said with a grin. His cheeks reddened further. “But, uh, yeah, a heater. Wow, you’re gorgeous. Seriously, does your otherworldly beauty cause you to glow under fluorescent lights, or is it just me?”
Getou didn’t even blink. “I wear sunscreen.”
“Good idea! Wow, you’re so smart.” Gojo sighed dreamily, then added, “You know, Suguru, you really should come with a warning. Because looking at you is hazardous to my health. I can feel my heart racing—can you hear it? It’s like a tuna out of water.”
Getou put the tank on the counter. He longed his cheap ramen waiting for him at home. “You’re ridiculous, Satoru.”
Gojo leaned closer. “Ridiculously into you, maybe. Speaking of which... how about we grab some ramen after this? I know a great place. You know, to celebrate me buying this fish... and surviving a whole day without seeing your glorious self.”
Getou stopped mid-swipe at the register, looking straight into Gojo’s soul. “Ramen?”
Gojo stiffened at Getou’s intense stare. His ears now matched the tomato red of his face. “Y-Yeah! Ramen. Just... two dudes, eating noodles. Nothing fancy or anything, unless... unless you want it to be?”
Seeing Gojo so flustered, Getou suppressed a smile and cleared his throat. He shrugged, and Gojo the bagged fish and food, making sure his fingers lightly stroked Gojo’s. “Sure. I’ll meet you there.”
Gojo was frozen in shock for a few seconds. His sunglasses slid down his nose as he blinked at Getou. “W-Wait, really? You’ll go? For real?”
“You invited me, didn’t you?” Getou raised an eyebrow. “I’m hungry.”
Gojo’s eyes widened. His grin was so large he looked manic. “R-Right! Of course! Just ramen! Nothing weird, just two guys, totally chill, no pressure. Not a date! Well, unless you want it to be? But no, no pressure, just noodles. And us. Together. Sharing noodles. Like normal people do. Under the moonlight, uh, I mean regular local ramen shop lights.”
Getou stared at him. “Satoru.”
“Th-that’s me!”
“Stop talking. I’ll meet you there.”
Gojo practically stumbled out of the store, mumbling something about addresses and texting, his usual cocky swagger completely gone as he bolted out the door. The poor fish in the tank was flying everywhere as Gojo ran to his car.
Getou shook his head, locking the store behind him. “Ramen,” he muttered, already picturing the delicious bowl of noodles. He found himself excited to have a tasty meal. And maybe a little–just a little–excited to see a certain awkward guy there too.