Chapter Text
It was a typical normal day at work, the banters from his colleagues, orders from his boss and the endless stack amount of paperworks pilling up on his desk. Nothing was out of ordinary for Luca Kaneshiro.
"Am i missing something?" Luca mumbles while staring at his messy desk.
"Whatever you are looking for needs to come last, clean your desk first" Vox Akuma stated holding a bunch of papers in his hand as he appears and disappears outside Luca's office.
Before Luca could even react, Uki Violeta appeared with another stack of paperworks. He jumps and looks at the big stack in awe.
"M-More?" Luca asks as Uki nodded.
As Luca remained slumped over his desk, contemplating the life choices that led him here, a small paperclip hit him square on the forehead.
Ping!
He blinked and slowly lifted his head, only to spot Alban Knox peeking through the open door with a mischievous grin and a rubber band cocked between his fingers.
"Bullseye," Alban whispered triumphantly, slipping away before Luca could retaliate.
"ALBAN KNOX!" Luca shouted, bolting upright and knocking over his pen holder in the process. Pens and sticky notes scattered like confetti.
Just as he tried to compose himself and return to work, the office lights flickered—once, twice, and then went out completely.
A collective groan rose from nearby cubicles. Someone cursed in the distance.
"I swear if it's the server room again..." Uki's voice trailed off from down the hall.
Seconds later, the emergency lights kicked in, casting a dramatic red glow over everything. Luca glanced around like he was in some low-budget heist film.
A voice crackled through the intercom: "Attention all employees, please remain calm. We are experiencing a minor... um, technical difficulty. The elevator is currently... occupied. And stuck. We are working on it. Thank you."
There was a long pause.
"...Alban Knox, please stop pressing all the elevator buttons."
Luca pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why is it always Alban?"
Just then, Vox returned, still composed despite the chaos, and set a fresh stack of signed documents on the desk. His crimson eyes barely reflected the red lights.
"Power outages don't excuse you from deadlines, Kaneshiro."
"I think we're under siege," Luca muttered in disbelief. "Or cursed."
Vox shrugged. "Welcome to corporate."
A distant crash echoed from the break room, followed by someone yelling, "Who microwaved fish again?!"
Luca turned to the growing tower of paperwork, the flickering lights, and the faint scent of burnt tilapia wafting through the vents.
Yep. Just another day at the office.
.
.
.
Night fell over the city in a blaze of artificial light. Neon signs flickered. Streetlamps cast long shadows over hurried pedestrians desperate to get home before the chill deepened.
Emerging from one of the towering office buildings were Luca and Vox, both looking thoroughly spent. Vox rubbed his temples with a groan while Luca massaged the knot in his neck.
"I need a drink," Vox muttered, feeling the dull throb of tomorrow's workload already looming in his head.
Luca shot him a sidelong look. "You need a drink every night."
But Vox wasn't listening. He grabbed Luca's arm in a vice-like grip.
"Let's go!"
"W—wait!" Luca protested, stumbling as Vox hauled him along.
After a while...
They ended up at a dimly lit bar, one of Vox's regular haunts. After only a few glasses of beer, Vox was already slumped over the counter, snoring softly, his face squished against his arm.
Beside him, Luca nursed a martini, swirling it idly as he eyed his unconscious colleague.
"Dammit, Vox," he muttered, knocking back the rest of his drink in one go. "How the hell am I supposed to drag your giant ass home?"
"Whoa, easy there," came a voice from across the counter.
Luca blinked blearily and lifted his gaze. The new bartender wasn't anyone he recognized. The guy had long, raven-black hair tied loosely at the back, a crisp white shirt under a black apron with the sleeves rolled up to show surprisingly strong forearms. The overhead light gave his pale skin a warm glow.
Luca froze, his eyes dragging over the man's features—from his full lips to his straight nose and finally those sharp, dark eyes.
"God, he's beautiful."
He didn't realize he'd said it aloud until the bartender's eyes widened in shock.
"S—sorry, what?"
Luca felt his face heat. "Uh—I mean—so gorgeous..."
The bartender coughed, his cheeks going pink as he awkwardly glanced away. "O-oh... um, thanks."
Between them, Vox shifted in his sleep and slurred, "He'sh dwunk...h-hiccup... your honor..."
Luca let out a strangled laugh, embarrassed but trying to save face. He extended a hand across the counter.
"Sorry about that. I'm Luca. Nice to meet you."
The bartender glanced down at Luca's offered hand, then smiled a little shyly before shaking it.
"I'm Shu," he said, tapping the name tag pinned to his apron. "Bartender, as you can see."
Shu's hand was warm and firm in Luca's grip. When they let go, there was a brief moment of silence between them, broken only by Vox's muffled snores.
Shu cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "So... rough day at work?"
Luca chuckled, running a hand through his messy blond hair. "You could say that. My boss over there decided to celebrate surviving the day by drinking himself into a coma."
Shu glanced at Vox, snickering softly. "He does look pretty dead. Is this... normal for him?"
"Sadly, yeah," Luca said, smirking. "But I don't usually have such good company behind the bar to distract me."
Shu's eyes widened, then darted away. "Y—you're really saying whatever comes to mind tonight, huh?"
Luca shrugged, leaning forward on his elbows. "Can't help it. You're too pretty. Makes my brain stop working."
Shu's face flushed red, the tips of his ears glowing. He bit back a smile, pretending to check the bottles behind him. "That's... very forward."
"I'm a very forward kind of guy," Luca said, his voice dropping playfully. "Want me to prove it?"
Shu let out a nervous laugh. "Careful. I've cut people off for less."
"Oh? So you're the strict type," Luca teased, raising an eyebrow. "I could behave... if you ask nicely."
Shu finally turned back, meeting his gaze with an amused glint. "I'm this close to making you drink water the rest of the night."
Luca grinned, resting his chin on his hand, clearly enjoying every second. "I'd drink anything you served me. Even water. That's how whipped I am already."
Shu snorted. "You really are drunk."
"Maybe," Luca conceded with a lazy wink. "But I'm honest. You're... hard to look away from."
Shu's voice softened despite the teasing. "You should save those lines for when you're sober. See if you still mean them."
Luca's smile turned a little gentler. "Guess I'll have to come back tomorrow, then."
Shu's lips curved into a shy but pleased smile. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear and said, almost conspiratorially, "Maybe I'll be here. Maybe I'll make you prove you remember."
Luca's eyes sparkled with promise. "Deal."
Beside them, Vox let out a spectacular snore, jolting them both back to reality. Shu giggled.
"You really should get your friend home."
Luca sighed dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. He's heavy as hell, though. Sure you don't want to come help carry him?"
Shu raised an eyebrow, amused. "Tempting, but I think I'll stay dry tonight."
"Coward," Luca shot back with a crooked grin.
Shu smirked. "Flirt."
They shared one last, lingering look before Luca reluctantly stood, bracing himself to haul Vox off the counter.
"See you tomorrow, bartender," Luca called over his shoulder.
Shu pretended to roll his eyes but smiled anyway. "Goodnight, Luca."
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The next evening, the bar was quieter than usual. Low music played from hidden speakers, casting the whole place in an intimate glow. Shu was polishing glasses behind the counter, lost in thought, when the door creaked open.
He looked up, and his breath hitched.
Luca was there. Alone this time, no drunk Vox in tow. Hair styled a little neater, shirt unbuttoned at the collar just enough to look effortlessly casual. He was scanning the room until his eyes landed on Shu—and he smiled.
Shu quickly looked down, pretending to fuss with the glass in his hands.
"Hey," Luca called as he sauntered up to the bar. "Miss me?"
Shu lifted his gaze, fighting back a grin. "You're early."
"Had to make sure you were here," Luca said, pulling out a stool and sitting down. He rested his arms on the counter. "Told you I'd come back. Sober this time."
Shu raised an eyebrow, amused. "Good. Means I don't have to cut you off tonight."
"Aw, c'mon," Luca teased. "You liked me last night."
Shu gave him a flat look, but his ears turned pink. "You were... entertaining. I'll give you that."
Luca leaned in slightly. "Just entertaining? Didn't think I was gorgeous?"
Shu snorted. "Bold of you to assume I say everything I think out loud."
Luca's grin widened. "So you did think it."
Shu pretended to consider. "Hmm. Jury's still out."
"Ouch." Luca clutched his chest in mock pain. "Guess I'll have to work harder."
Shu shook his head, biting back laughter. "What are you drinking tonight, charmer?"
Luca tapped the counter thoughtfully. "Surprise me. Something strong but... smooth. Like you."
Shu barked a laugh, finally relaxing. He grabbed a shaker and began measuring ingredients, his fingers deft and sure. "You're lucky I don't just give you tap water for that line."
"But you won't," Luca said, watching him with clear interest.
Shu shot him a sidelong look. "No. I won't."
They were silent for a moment as Shu worked, the sound of ice rattling in the shaker filling the space. Luca couldn't take his eyes off him—the way his long hair swayed, the slight crease in his brow as he concentrated.
Finally Shu poured the drink into a low glass and slid it toward Luca.
"One special drink. On the house."
Luca picked it up and took a sip, eyebrows lifting in appreciation. "Damn. That's good."
Shu's lips curved. "I know."
They held each other's gaze for a long moment before Luca set the glass down with a quiet clink.
"So," Luca said slowly, "how about this? If I finish this drink without making any terrible pick-up lines, you give me your number."
Shu tilted his head. "And if you fail?"
"Then I come back tomorrow and try again."
Shu let out a helpless laugh, shaking his head. "Persistent, aren't you?"
Luca's voice softened. "Only when it's worth it."
Shu went quiet at that. His cheeks pinkened, and he finally shrugged, pretending to be casual as he wiped the counter.
"...Okay," Shu said. "Deal."
Luca's grin was nothing short of triumphant.
And that night, the bar felt just a little bit warmer.
.
.
.
The bar had finally quieted to the point where Shu was wiping down the counter for the last time, the lights dimmed to their closing glow. Luca sat nursing the dregs of his drink, refusing to budge despite Shu's attempts to shoo him.
"You're officially my last customer," Shu said with mock exasperation.
Luca smirked. "An honor I don't take lightly."
Shu rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at his lips. He untied his apron and draped it over a hook behind the bar. His long hair fell over one shoulder as he shook it out of its tie, fingers combing through the black strands.
Luca stared. Unapologetically.
"Stop that," Shu muttered, turning away to hide the flush in his cheeks.
"Stop what?" Luca asked, his grin wide. "Appreciating you?"
Shu huffed a laugh and grabbed his bag. "I'm going home. Try not to harass any other bartenders on your way out."
"Actually," Luca said, hopping off his stool, "I'm walking you home."
Shu paused, glancing over his shoulder. "What?"
"It's late. You shouldn't walk alone."
Shu turned to face him fully, one eyebrow raised. "Chivalry, huh? Didn't peg you for the type."
Luca shrugged. "Guess I'm full of surprises."
Shu bit back a retort but relented, gesturing to the door. "Fine. But don't think this gets you out of behaving tomorrow."
Luca held up both hands in mock innocence. "Scout's honor."
Outside, the air was cool, the city hushed except for distant traffic. Shu's apartment wasn't far—a ten-minute walk at most—but Luca seemed in no hurry, matching Shu's pace easily.
"So," Luca drawled, hands stuffed in his pockets, "was the drink on the house because you like me, or because you felt sorry for me?"
Shu snorted. "Neither. I was hoping the strong alcohol would shut you up."
Luca laughed. "Ouch. Brutal."
Shu smirked at him sideways. "But you didn't do too badly tonight. No terrible pick-up lines after you made the bet."
"I take my deals seriously," Luca said, nudging him lightly with his elbow. "I want that number."
Shu rolled his eyes but didn't pull away from the gentle bump. "You're really not going to give up, are you?"
"Nope," Luca said cheerfully. "Besides, I'm pretty sure you want to give it to me."
Shu let out an exasperated sound but couldn't hide his smile. "You're insufferable."
"Charming," Luca corrected.
"Debatable," Shu shot back, but there was no heat in it.
They turned onto Shu's street, the glow of streetlamps casting their shadows on the sidewalk. Shu slowed as they reached his building.
"This is me," he said, coming to a stop.
Luca rocked back on his heels, looking at the doorway behind Shu. "Cozy."
"It's cheap," Shu corrected with a laugh.
"Even better," Luca said. "Less to clean."
Shu huffed, hugging his bag to his chest for a moment before shifting awkwardly. "So... thanks. For walking me."
Luca's grin softened into something more genuine. "Anytime."
They stood in silence for a moment, the city humming quietly around them. Luca glanced at Shu's lips, then back up to his eyes.
"...Well?" Shu finally asked, voice low.
"Well what?" Luca teased, leaning a little closer.
Shu hesitated, then let out a resigned sigh. He dug into his bag, fished out a small scrap of paper, and scribbled something on it. He shoved it against Luca's chest.
"There. My number. Don't make me regret it."
Luca took it reverently, tucking it carefully into his pocket. "No promises," he said with a wink.
Shu huffed, but there was laughter in his eyes.
Luca stepped back a little, giving him space. "Night, Shu."
Shu lingered in the doorway. "Night, Luca."
As he watched Luca turn and stroll back down the street, Shu felt a flutter in his chest he hadn't expected. He ducked inside quickly before he could smile too widely.
.
.
.
Shu locked his apartment door behind him, dropped his bag onto the tiny entry table, and let out a long breath.
'God. That man is trouble.' He thought. He barely got his shoes off before his phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: Hope you made it inside okay.
Shu snorted, rolling his eyes. He flopped onto his small couch and typed back:
Shu: I was literally at my door.
A second later:
Unknown Number: A gentleman always makes sure.
Shu felt heat crawl up his neck. He tapped out a reply.
Shu: Luca, I assume?
Luca: The one and only.
Shu: Confident, aren't you?
Luca: Honestly? Nervous as hell you'd give me a fake number.
Shu paused, thumb hovering. Then he smirked and replied:
Shu: Thought about it.
Luca: Harsh.
Shu: Accurate.
A pause. The typing dots appeared and vanished a few times before Luca sent a reply.
Luca: So... about that bet.
Shu frowned at the screen.
Shu: Oh?
Luca: I behaved tonight. No terrible pick-up lines after the bet.
Shu: Barely.
Luca: Enough that you caved and gave me your number.
Shu: Don't remind me.
Luca: Gonna cash in on the win.
Shu's heart jumped a little. He set the phone down, exhaled, picked it back up.
Shu: Luca...
Luca: Go out with me. Tomorrow. Dinner. Actual date.
Shu bit his lip, fighting a smile. He typed slowly.
Shu: You don't waste time.
Luca: I told you I'm persistent.
Shu: I noticed.
Luca: So?
Shu stared at the blinking cursor for a long moment. His chest felt tight, but warm.
Shu: ...Okay.
Three dots appeared instantly.
Luca: Really?
Shu: Don't make me change my mind.
Luca: Too late. You're stuck with me.
Shu: I already regret this.
Luca: Liar.
Shu covered his mouth with his hand, stifling a laugh.
Shu: I'll text you my schedule.
Luca: It's a date.
Shu: Goodnight, Luca.
Luca: Sweet dreams, bartender.
Shu: ...Idiot.
Luca: Your idiot <3
Shu dropped his phone on his chest, face burning, heart hammering.
"What the hell am I getting myself into?" He asked himself while cupping his face.
He couldn't stop smiling.
.
.
.
The hum of cheap fluorescent lights filled his office. Luca leaned back in his big leather chair, legs propped up on the desk—papers scattered everywhere, phone balanced on his stomach.
Outside the tinted window, the afternoon sun burned hot on the city, glinting off glass towers. He should've been drafting reports. Should've been reading emails.
Instead, he just kept staring at Shu's number in his contacts.
"You said you'd wait, idiot" He scolded himself. "Play it cool. Don't scare him off."
He stared for another ten seconds.
"Fuck it."
He thumbed out—
Luca: Hey, bartender.
He hit send and nstantly regretted it.
"Smooth. Real subtle." He stated sarcastically. He grinned despite himself. He liked that Shu always had an answer.
Sure enough, the reply buzzed in moments.
Shu: You know I have a name.
Luca's smile widened. He could see him in his mind's eye— behind the bar, rolling his eyes, arms crossed, hair falling over one shoulder.
Luca: I like bartender.
He pictured that exasperated little huff Shu did when he was annoyed but trying not to laugh.
Shu: Of course you do.
He let his head drop back against the chair with a thump.
God, he was ridiculous.
Luca: Makes me sound like the charming rogue hitting on you in a noir movie.
He imagined Shu's unimpressed eyebrow-raise perfectly.
Shu: You're about as subtle as a freight train.
Luca laughed out loud. A couple of passing coworkers glanced through his glass office wall. He didn't care.
Luca: And yet, you said yes to dinner.
He watched the dots appear and vanish.
Shu: Don't remind me.
He hesitated, smile fading a touch.
'Don't blow it.' He thought
He typed carefully—
Luca: You regretting it?
He waited. Suddenly he was bouncing one leg, biting his lip.
'Please don't say yes.' Luca pleaded desperately.
Shu: ...Not yet.
Luca let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding.
He thumped his fist lightly on the desk in triumph.
Luca: That's the spirit.
He glanced at the time. Shu would probably be at the bar already, prepping for the shift.
Shu: Shouldn't you be working?
He smirked at the comeback.
Luca: I am working.
Shu: By harassing me?
Luca: Multitasking. I'm impressive like that.
He cackled. Leaned forward, fingers flying.
Shu: Go be productive.
Luca: I am being productive.
Shu: How?
'Hooked.' Luca thought triumphant.
He tapped fast.
Luca: Securing my date for tonight.
He bit his lower lip, grinning at the screen.
Shu: I already said yes.
He's so stubborn.
Luca: I need confirmation you haven't come to your senses.
He watched the dots flicker.
Shu: 🙄
Luca: That's not a no.
Shu: It's also not a yes.
He actually barked out a laugh and startled himself.
Luca: Shu
Shu: Have to keep you on your toes.
He sat back, shaking his head in wonder. God, he's fun.
Luca: So dinner? Still on?
That pause felt so long. He drummed fingers on the desk.
Shu: Still on.
He exploded out of his chair, throwing a silent cheer.
Luca: Yes!
Shu: Calm down.
Luca: Can't. Too excited.
Shu: Dork.
He hesitated, thumb tapping the edge of the phone. He typed slowly, meaning it.
Luca: Your dork <3
He swallowed hard after sending it.
He watched the screen. Waited.
'Come on' Luca pleaded impatiently
Shu: ...Be here at 9.
His heart did a weird flip.
Luca: Count on it.
Shu Don't be late.
Luca: I wouldn't dare.
He stared at the screen, smiling like an idiot.
Last one, he decided.
Luca: Shu?
Shu: What?
Luca: Looking forward to it.
He tossed the phone on the pile of reports and leaned back, closing his eyes with a grin.
'Shit,' he thought. ' I'm so gone for him.'
.
.
.
He read the last text again.
Luca: Looking forward to it.
Shu's fingers went slack around the phone. The screen dimmed once before he tapped it awake, just to read it again.
Luca: Looking forward to it.
His chest felt tight—like someone had cinched a belt around his ribs. Not painful, exactly. Just too full.
He set the phone gently on the bar top, face-down. He couldn't look at it.
He braced both hands on either side of the cutting board, arms locked, head bowed. Long hair fell around his face like a curtain. He closed his eyes and let out a long, slow breath.
'God. Why does that get to me so much?' He thought.
He wasn't new to flirting. People hit on bartenders all the time. Drunks slurring about how cute he was, clumsy pick-up lines, sleazy business cards. He was used to deflecting it.
But this felt different.
It wasn't even the line. It was that it sounded real.
He pressed his lips together, feeling the corners tremble. He wasn't sure if he wanted to laugh or groan or hide behind the bar forever.
He felt...stupidly warm.
Embarrassed at himself for liking it so much.
When he straightened up, he wiped a hand across his mouth, like he could smother the stupid smile trying to form.
He snatched his phone up again, staring at the message. His thumb hovered over the keyboard, shaking slightly.
'Don't encourage him,' he told himself firmly.
'But god, I want to.' He caved
He didn't type 'Me too.'
He didn't send anything at all.
He just locked the screen and pressed it to his chest.
He felt the steady thump of his heart beneath it, faster than normal.
He let his eyes slip closed, and for one unguarded moment, let the thought in—
'I'm actually looking forward to it too.'
The quiet bar around him was filled with the scent of citrus, the distant hum of the fridge motor, and the lingering ghost of that text.
He exhaled shakily and pressed the phone even closer.
"Idiot," he whispered aloud.
And this time, the word didn't sound annoying at all.
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TO BE CONTINUED