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Kota is not ready for this. At all.
When Hiragi invited him to check out a new cafe he heard from Tsubakino, Kota assumed Kaji would be there as well. Or any of the Furin boys for that matter.
Kota wanted to turn him down at first. He wasn’t exactly fond of having company when he went out; he felt more comfortable not having to wait on anyone or having to be considerate instead of being able to enjoy things on his own. Kota has even turned down invitations from the guys at Shishitoren, because he knows he’d still have to cater to their tastes.
But this was Hiragi asking.
Despite his reservations, Kota ended up agreeing, cheeks warm as Hiragi ruffled his hair. He wasn’t sure if he’d enjoy trying a new cafe with other people, but as long as Hiragi would also be there, Kota figured it would be fine.
On the day of, Kota had arrived at the station where they agreed to meet up just a few minutes before their scheduled time. Kota originally wanted to just meet up at the cafe instead, but Hiragi insisted on going together, keeping the cafe’s location a secret so Kota wasn’t sure of what to expect.
But what Kota didn’t expect was Hiragi showing up alone. No Kaji, no Umemiya, no other Furin boy in sight.
Panic immediately began to set in when Kota saw Hiragi walking towards him with no one else but himself. He’d assumed that there would be other people with them. Surely, because ever since they made up, Hiragi barely seeked Kota out alone. Someone was always with him.
He hasn’t hung out with Hiragi in ages. He can’t even count that party at Furin, or the festival at Hiragahara because Inugami or Kaji or the other guys were always there to make sure they wouldn’t fuck it up. To make sure Kota wouldn’t mess everything up. Again.
Now it was only the two of them, and Kota doesn’t think he’ll be able to go through the day without doing—or saying—anything stupid.
“Sorry, I missed the train trying to help someone find the right station. Did you wait long?” Hiragi says sheepishly.
Kota shakes his head. “I just got here. It’s fine,” he says, unable to look away from Hiragi.
He didn’t style his hair today, Kota realizes. Even his clothes are more… casual than how he usually dresses. The band shirt he’s wearing is on the loose side, tucked into black slacks instead of tight pants. He looks less rugged this way. Softer, but still as handsome.
“Ready to go?” Hiragi asks, tilting his head at Kota.
Kota clears his throat. “Yeah,” he stammers. He didn’t realize how long he’d been staring. “Lead the way.”
“Sure thing,” Hiragi says.
If he notices Kota’s nerves, he doesn’t speak on it.
They arrive five minutes before the cafe opens, but there’s already a short line outside. This isn’t out of the ordinary when it comes to trendy cafes, but Kota is still glad they won’t have to wait more than an hour just to get seated.
The cafe’s interior is cozy, and Kota quite likes the homey vibe it gives off. Hiragi hasn’t said a word since they got inside, only silently observing the cafe’s displays. There are art pieces hanging on the walls, record albums stacked near a corner along with a vinyl player. It feels closer to a coffee shop than a cafe, but Kota figures if the owner wants to call it a cafe, then it’s a cafe.
There are a few recommended items on the menu that interest Kota, but he looks to Hiragi first, scanning his face and trying to guess what he’s thinking. He knows Hiragi only likes black coffee, and knowing him he’d probably order a meal rather than dessert.
“See anything you like?” Hiragi suddenly asks, eyes lifting from his menu to meet Kota’s, who quickly averts his gaze. His cheeks grow warm, and he can’t figure out if Hiragi is talking about himself, or the menu.
It’s the second time Kota has been caught staring today, but at least Hiragi doesn’t seem like he plans on teasing Kota for it.
“The custard pudding looks good…” Kota tells him quietly. “We can share it?”
Hiragi hums, looking over his menu as if searching for what Kota just mentioned. “I heard their cheesecake also tastes good, we can get one of that, too.”
Kota nods, excited for their orders. Hiragi punches the items into the cafe’s mobile order system. They fall silent after their order goes through, but thankfully it isn’t long before they’re served their drinks: cafe latte for Kota, and black coffee for Hiragi.
They sip and talk while waiting, about anything Hiragi brings up, and whatever Kota feels like he’s allowed to ask.
It feels nice to be able to talk to him like this again, and as much as Kota appreciates their friends, he’s a little glad they aren’t here. He might have been nervous about being with Hiragi alone after a long time, but Hiragi makes it too easy for him to be comfortable.
When the pudding and cheesecake arrive, Kota’s already so excited to taste them that he almost forgets to take a photo—something to commemorate trying the new cafe with Hiragi. He likes taking pictures of the different food he tries for memories, sometimes just to post on social media.
He snaps one quick photo then grabs his fork, pausing to decide which one he wants to try first. But before Kota can pick, a spoonful of custard pudding is already in front of him, held up by Hiragi.
Kota raises a brow in question, but Hiragi only urges him to eat it, gaze soft. Heart thumping in his chest, Kota does exactly that, eyes widening as he tastes the sweet custard flavor.
“Is it good?” Hiragi asks, using the same spoon to scoop another bite of the pudding. Kota tries not to think about the indirect kiss as he nods, unable to trust himself to form any words.
He thinks he might pass out right here in his seat if he entertains even one sliver of that thought.
Instead, Kota offers a small slice of the cheesecake to Hiragi to return the favor, ignoring the amused expression on his face.
“Well, aren’t you kind,” Hiragi chuckles before taking a bite. “Mm, this is better than I expected.”
“We should take some back to Kaji and the others,” Kota suggests. He tastes the cheesecake as well, and finds that he agrees with Hiragi. He can see why it’s one of the more popular desserts in the cafe.
Hiragi considers it for a moment. “Nah, they can come here on their own when they find it.”
Kota tilts his head. “Why? I thought Tsubakino already knew about this place?”
Hiragi rubs at his nape sheepishly. “Uhh, I kind of made that up.”
“Huh? But—”
“I might have looked up new cafes to try and saw this one,” Hiragi admits, and it’s the first time Kota has seen him blush. Even his neck and the tips of his ears turn red. Kota wishes he could etch this specific Hiragi onto his brain.
“But… why?” Kota asks carefully.
Hiragi sighs, then rubs his face with his palms. Even this is new. Kota has never seen Hiragi this shy or embarrassed.
“I may have… just wanted to spend time with you.”
Kota doesn’t remember much after that.
The walk back to the station is silent. Awkward, even. Kota can’t even recall leaving the cafe. He only realized they were walking when Hiragi tugged at his wrist to avoid letting him become roadkill. He still hasn’t let go, and now Kota can’t think of anything except the warmth of Hiragi’s hand.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” Hiragi finally says when they get to the station. “I know you like to be alone.”
“I—” Kota starts, then closes his mouth, unsure of how to respond. Finally, he settles on: “It’s fine. I liked the cafe, and I don’t mind it if it’s you. Just— warn me next time.” Of what? Kota doesn’t even know.
Somehow, though, Hiragi seems to understand. “Sure,” he answers with a snort, squeezing Kota’s wrist. “Next time.”
They stay like that for a while, Hiragi holding onto him and Kota making no move to leave. He doesn’t want to, at least, not yet. He doesn’t want to say goodbye just yet.
Hiragi must sense his thoughts, because he squeezes Kota’s wrist again to grab his attention before shifting to hold his hand.
“I wish we could stay out longer but—I’ll call you,” Hiragi promises, raising their joint hands to his face and pressing his lips against Kota’s knuckles. “Tonight. Okay?”
Kota flushes, suddenly forgetting how to breathe. His skin tingles where Hiragi’s lips touched it, and he tries not to think about how they would feel against his own.
He nods. “Okay.”
Kota doesn’t remember much after that, either.