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They were walking side by side through a park near the restaurant the two of them just dined in. It was a cloudless and comfortable night with a picturesque sunset in the distance. Sugimoto turned to his right to peek at Ogata’s profile, only to see Ogata already looking at him. A strange mixture of longsuffering and somehow overly fond feelings painted his face. It was completely at odds with the scathing looks and glares Sugimoto was accustomed to up until the last two months. Currently, the edge of Ogata’s lips were ever so slightly turned up. He might as well have a neon sign flashing above his head that he was happy for all that he was emoting.
The change in their dynamic happened in the blink of an eye. After spending the last three years working at the same blog, Sugimoto was resigned to the likelihood that their relationship would never progress beyond reluctant rivals. Their association had been business-like at best when they weren’t trying to outdo the other in some inane competition. The flip of the switch seemed to come out of nowhere, but it definitely was not unwelcome.
Work was a war zone from day one of Sugimoto’s arrival. The first words Ogata ever ever spoke to Sugimoto were, “This is the new hire? Is it too late for you to revoke his offer letter?”, and afterwards it was nothing but malicious jabs and tormenting pranks which had Sugimoto pulling at his hair on a daily basis.
The moment their mutual agitation turned into playful flirting couldn’t be pinpointed. The pushing of boundaries was no longer meant to enrage, but to show a deeper interest. It felt like having a childhood crush all over again with butterflies making several appearances in Sugimoto’s stomach. Instead of looks brimming with disgust, eyes were full of a mirthful challenge. Conversations became longer and less perfunctory. Once they started talking and getting to know each other, Sugimoto started to see Ogata as a fully developed person and not just the absolute bane of his existence.
If Sugimoto were to guess, maybe after a lengthy period of sizing each other up, they finally earned one another’s approval. Respect was gained for one another by surviving their ever escalating battle and maybe just maybe, the jousting that was originally meant to hurt, turned into an enjoyable back and forth volley. Their interactions began lacking their previous animosity and were now making Sugimoto smile and laugh.
The man who was the source of most of Sugimoto’s headaches, the face that had a knack for enraging him like no one ever had before, eventually became a reason why he loved going to work everyday. When Sugimoto first became aware of this development, he battled a serious wave of nausea and cognitive dissonance. After a few days of letting the new feelings sit, Sugimoto realized that he could do much worse.
And it didn’t help that Ogata was exactly Sugimoto’s type.
Sugimoto was man enough to admit that he found Ogata attractive. From Ogata’s self proclaimed “cool guy” haircut, to his stone cold charcoal eyes, and his mischievous smirk. What was worse was that Sugimoto managed to see through Ogata’s asshole facade to acknowledge his redeeming qualities. His determination, drive, and passion were second to none. Also, Sugimoto knew the man was a secret softy, he could just tell.
Now, here they were, just enjoying each other’s company on their first date. The term felt so formal, but there wasn’t a more accurate description. Ogata cornered him after work a few days ago, telling, not asking, Sugimoto they would be going out to dinner.
“Hey Sugimoto!”
Sugimoto was standing in his cubicle in the office they both worked at and whipped around when Ogata spoke. He hadn’t heard Ogata’s approach and knowing him, that was part of his plan. The look on Ogata’s face was frighteningly confident, even by Ogata’s standards, and it set alarm bells off in Sugimoto’s head. There was no way that Sugimoto was going to come out of this unscathed.
Sugimoto crossed his arms, feeling irritated that his departure was being delayed. “What do you want, Ogata? I was just about to leave.”
“No shit”, Ogata rolled his eyes and gestured to where Sugimoto was holding his jacket. “I just wanted to give you the good news.”
“Good news?” Sugimoto let his skepticism freely drip from his voice.
“You and I are going out to dinner this Friday night at 7:00 pm.”
Sugimoto cocked his head. “We are?”
Ogata walked right up to Sugimoto and leaned into his personal space. “Yes, get with the program. I’m asking you out on a date, you buffoon.”
It wasn’t fair that Ogata was getting so exasperated when he was the one ambushing Sugimoto with such a game changing demand.
“A date…”
“Yup. And make sure to dress nice. Really anything that isn’t your usual. I’ll text you the address.”
And at that, Ogata power walked away, an ominous chuckle reverberating around the corner as he turned down the hallway to exit the building. He left Sugimoto standing there with his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open, wondering what the hell just happened.
It was quite a shock that Ogata had the gall to dictate Sugimoto’s plans, but that quickly ebbed away in favor of a genuine excitement that radiated through his body. It never even occurred to Sugimoto that Ogata could have similar feelings for him and part of him worried that their dinner could just be Ogata’s next prank. But when Sugimoto arrived at the restaurant and saw Ogata waiting outside wearing a black blazer over a grey plaid button down and dark blue jeans, he realized that this was an honest to goodness date. When Ogata noticed Sugimoto, he gave him a smile that reached his eyes.
Ogata walked up to Sugimoto and put his hand on Sugimoto’s bicep. “Can’t believe I’m about to say this, but you look good”. His words had an undercurrent of warmth and his eyes were twinkling.
Sugimoto gulped, the kind words catching him off guard. He wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to survive such an overtly flirtatious Ogata. He decided to heed Ogata’s warning and put on his best dark green sweater over a white button with black jeans. “You do too. And we really have come a long way, haven’t we? But I’m really glad we’re here.”
“Good because I wouldn’t want to waste my time taking someone out to dinner who wasn’t interested in me.”
Sugimoto sighed, but met Ogata’s eyes. He was determined to push through his remaining doubts and insecurities. “Subtle fishing there, but trust me, I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
Ogata took his hand that was on Sugimoto’s arm to comb his fingers through his hair, the gesture designed to distract from the contentment that was radiating from him. “Glad to hear it”.
They stared at each other for a few moments as an anxious tension enveloped them until Ogata coughed and motioned for Sugimoto to follow him inside. Once they sat down and started talking, all traces of earlier nerves vanished and they settled back into some good natured teasing. Their dinner was nothing but smooth sailing, with excellent food, and comfortable conversation. Every box for an ideal date was checked.
Despite that, a weighty apprehension took over Sugimoto’s headspace. The urge to grab Ogata’s hand and weave their fingers together bloomed not long after their post meal mosey started. Ogata didn’t strike Sugimoto as someone who was into public displays of affection, but dammit, if they were going to be a couple then Ogata would have to get used to holding hands at the very least. Sugimoto could be a very handsy guy, but they could play the rest by ear.
Sugimoto’s hands had been hanging at his side, but he moved to clasp his hands behind his back. He was losing more of his nerve by the second and his mind provided too many reasons why his advances might be rejected. Or even worse, that he was enjoying himself much more than Ogata was, despite Ogata being the one to make the first move at every point.
Suddenly, Sugimoto was nudged out of his spiral. Without noticing, he had hung his head and started frowning, certainly not good signs to indicate Sugimoto’s enjoyment of the night. A shadow of shame swirled in his gut. He was supposed to be savoring his date’s company, not getting bogged down by what ifs. Sugimoto looked into Ogata’s eyes and saw the uncertainty clouding them.
“What’s going on in that thick head of yours, Sugimoto? You look like I’m walking you to the electric chair.”
The words were meant to lighten the mood, but Sugimoto felt the kernels of hurt hidden behind them. Ogata was many things, but vulnerable was a new angle for Sugimoto to see him from. This night mattered to Sugimoto much more than he was anticipating and there was no way he was going to let Ogata misunderstand; Sugimoto was truly ecstatic to be in this moment with him.
“Nothing! Was just lost in thought trying to identify a bird that flew by!
God, what a pathetic and completely unbelievable response. Sugimoto could feel his cheeks heating up. Ogata narrowed his eyes, but aside from a whispered “sure” under his breath, Ogata didn’t push any further.
Sugimoto willed all of his negative musings to exit stage left. He took a deep breath, steeled his resolve, and just went for it. He reached out and grabbed Ogata’s silky smooth hand, definitely a result of the copious amounts of hand lotion Sugimoto always saw him applying, and pushed through the nerves to entangle their fingers.
Nothing notable happened in the aftermath other than a small snort that undermined Sugimoto’s act of bravery. Their eyes were still locked, adding a little extra charge to the atmosphere. An eye roll accompanied Ogata’s next words, serving its intended purpose of letting Sugimoto know exactly how ridiculous Ogata thought he was being.
“You’re such a moron Sugimoto, is this what you’re so worked up about?” Ogata waved their still clasped hands in the air to accentuate his point. The features on his face softened to an out of character fondness which knocked the air out of Sugimoto’s lungs. And crazier yet, Ogata actually started swinging their arms as they continued walking. He raised an eyebrow and smirked at Sugimoto.
“Hey, don’t be an asshole! I was just nervous is all! It wasn’t long ago that we were at each other’s throats. And maybe I wasn’t sure how you would feel about holding hands in public?
Sugimoto knew he was getting a little indignant, his voice going up an octave in his defense of himself, but he stood by what he said.
“Is that the kind of thing that comes with dating you? I don’t know Sugimoto. Seems like you’re asking quite a lot of me, admitting to enjoying your company in public? That might be a deal breaker.”
The innocent mocking cut right through the fog that invaded Sugimoto’s head and it forced a large exhale of breath to bubble out of his chest. What was he fucking doing? He was wasting precious time when he should have been committing every moment of this perfect night to memory. A syrupy sweet smile overtook Sugimoto’s face, so big that his cheeks started to hurt.
“Well you’re the one that asked me out so I figured you knew what you were getting into. It’s not like you didn’t have plenty of time to mull it over.”
Ogata chuckled, this time sounding a little less monotone than usual, and shrugged. “I guess you’re right. Doesn’t mean that I can’t make fun of you.”
“Are you saying that you’re not into it?”
Ogata gave a thoughtful pause. “Naw, I’m done lying to myself about how disgustingly endearing I find everything you do.”
A tinge of pink spread across Ogata’s pale face. Sugimoto felt so incredibly lucky to get to see this side of Ogata, no doubt only shown to a select few he deemed worthy. A hallmark of Ogata was how he kept everyone at arm's length. One day, Sugimoto would get the full story of how exactly Ogata developed feelings for him, even if he had to force the words out. Just because they were maybe, something, didn’t mean that Sugimoto was going to go easy on him and he knew Ogata wouldn’t want it any other way.
A park bench came into view, situated under a blooming sakura tree. Ogata tugged Sugimoto in that direction and they both sat down, shoulders touching. They were still holding hands and Sugimoto got the feeling that something momentous was about to happen. His heart rate sped up in anticipation and he could feel his palms start to sweat. He just hoped Ogata wouldn’t notice.
“Can’t believe you actually managed to unglue your baseball cap from your head. This date mean that much to you?”
It was Sugimoto’s turn to shrug, a small amount of nerves returning at the thought of revealing all of his cards. Ogata had been nothing but charming and engaging, two words that Sugimoto never thought he would use to describe the cat bastard. His hands started to shake as the gravity of the night began to fully root. His heart was threatening to burst out of his chest.
“And if it does?”
Ogata pulled Sugimoto’s hand so he was forced to face Ogata. “Well, neither one of us are people who do things by halves.” He punctuated the words by moving his right hand onto Sugimoto’s cheek. Ogata’s eyes dipped down to Sugimoto’s lips. He paused to give Sugimoto time to back out. Sugimoto nodded emphatically, there was nothing else that he wanted more in this moment, couldn’t remember ever having wanted anything more than he wanted this.
Smooth lips were nudging Sugimoto’s seconds later, making him a little self conscious of how chapped his own were. It didn’t seem to deter Ogata, who gradually increased the force of his kiss. His eyes were closed, looking completely content with their newest advancement. Sugimoto really needed to get out of his own way. He closed his own eyes and wrapped his free arm around Ogata’s waist.
The sigh that followed was one of the hottest sounds that Sugimoto ever had the honor of hearing. He removed his right hand from Ogata’s to match the hold of his other and pulled Ogata in so their chests were touching.
A plush tongue prodded at the seam of Sugimoto’s lips, requesting access. Sugimoto opened up enthusiastically, feeling desperate to completely merge his body with Ogata’s. His tongue started stroking Sugimoto’s before curling around it. Their mouths smoothly meshed together with their tongues intertwined and Sugimoto felt like his whole body was on fire. All of his senses narrowed down to the electricity from their bodies melding together.
Much too soon, Ogata pulled back and extracted himself from Sugimoto’s limbs. He felt the loss immediately and couldn’t control the pout he aimed at Ogata for the abrupt end in their proceedings.
Ogata’s eyes were hooded and he pushed back some errant hairs which had fallen over his forehead. “I think if we kept that up much longer then the two of us would risk getting arrested for public indecency.”
Images of the two of them naked and in a much more private setting flashed through his mind and Sugimoto fought the urge to hide behind his hands. Thankfully, they were soon pushed aside by much more domestic reflections. More dates, more firsts, more momentous occasions, all filled with laughter and smiles with someone that Sugimoto never thought could be capable of behaving like that. If his life were to play out that way, Sugimoto would be the luckiest man in the world.
Ogata recaptured Sugimoto’s hand and almost like he saw the same movie as Sugimoto, spoke with a smug and all knowing tone. “Hold on to those thoughts, Sugimoto. We have plenty of time.”