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Suo received an unexpected call. The screen flashing Togame's name. He almost forgot he even had his number to begin with.
" Togame San, didn't expect you to call me of all people,"
" I'm sorry if I've caught you at a bad time, should I call later?"
"Nope. I'm available right now. Speak freely,"
"Everyone else seems to be busy, but there's a festival and I need some extra hands to work on the Yakisoba stall, could you perhaps join me?"
" You want me to spend new years behind a stove for hours, haha. No wonder everyone else rejected,"
"Ah you hurt me Suo,"
" Well, What's your offer? You don't seem like the kind of person to ask for something and give nothing in return,"
" I'll give you my time. After the shift, all the hours for the new year's eve are yours,"
"Don't you think you trust me too much Togame San?"
"Should I be worried?"
"No and I accept. What time do you need me there by?"
"8pm sharp please,"
The time on Suo's watch currently says 7:45pm. He enters the street market and is hit by all the noise and smells of the festival. The kids running around and a helpless parent chasing them, the sizzling of hot oil and the aroma of different meats, vegetables and carbs being cooked.
Suo remembers from their last visit which stall belongs to Togame's friend, it's in the same location. Togame seems to already be busy setting everything up. A towel on his neck, a chopper in hand. He looks up from his work to greet Suo.
"Ah you're early!"
" I needed to make sure of the location, so I decided to come early,"
"Well you're at the right place,"
Togame says he goes to wash his hands, leaving the half done work.
" I know I called you and didn't really tell you much, sorry about that,"
"I could guess what needed to be done. But I wouldn't mind a walkthrough,"
" First things first, how are you with a knife?"
"I can use it if needed but I'm less of a cooking and more of a baking person,"
" You're on inventory duty then,"
" Where's the owner?"
" He's coming with the produce,"
"But before that"
Togame says, he shuffles around his pockets and pulls out a strip of cloth.
"Here, put this one, will make it much easier for you to move around,"
Suo holds the strip of clothes in his hand, it's a tasugake.
"Hmm, Togame San, I've never put one of these on; myself. Could you help me out?"
Togame pauses for a bit, catches himself staring and then replies
"Sure,"
Suo tosses back the piece of fabric and Togame catches it. He first goes to fix his collar,
"Your hand is cold,"
"Sorry I just washed them,"
He places an end of the fabric on his shoulder, slides his hand to position it.
He's able to notice the rise and fall of Suo's chest as he breathes. He guides the other end to wrap one of the sleeves then moves to his back and creates the standard cross shape.
" This usually fixes your posture too but I don't think you need help in that regard,"
" Thank you,"
Suo smiles, he adjusts a bit afterwards but Togame has done this alot you can tell from how secure it is.
They both see a small Van pull up right by their stall.
"There he is!"
Togame greats the man who walks out
"Togame! And who is this young boy?"
" It's my friend, his name is Suo!"
"Nice to you meet you!"
Suo says bowing a bit.
"He'll help us out."
Suo helps unload the truck. He counts and measures everything. He helps to make sure everything is clean and in their proper places while Togame gets through most of the chopping along with the owner.
The customers start coming and Suo's at the front, he greets, he takes orders and he serves. Everything goes smoothly for the most part.
When the crowd dies down the owner asks Togame and Suo to leave, so that they can enjoy the festival.
"Thanks for all the help, enjoy the rest of your night,"
He says and hands them some dishes.
Suo tugs at the bow of the tasugake and unwrapping it with one hand with expertise that only comes after years of practice.
Togame holds back a laugh and tries not to stare.
"So since the rest of your hours are mine, I do have a request,"
" Go on,"
" I've always wanted to ride on a boat at the lake nearby. Do you think you could fulfill that wish of mine?"
" Of course, I will,"
Togame says.
"But first don't you want to eat?"
The true answer to the question is no but Suo can tell Togame does, so he nods and they walk to a bench. Sharing a meal together.
Suo doesn't eat much but it's cute to watch Togame happily eat, all the exhaustion just melting away.
" Don't like my cooking?"
"No it's good! I'm just not that hungry,"
Togame twirls his chopsticks and picks up some noodles from his portion that he raises towards Suo's mouth.
"Yours is a bit different than mine, it's chewier,"
Suo says after swallowing the bite.
"Yours is probably a standard order, I like to get the noodles out of the water a little early,"
"It's good!"
" I'll make you my version again sometimes,"
Togame grins. He takes the box from Suo and throws them away.
"Let's go to the lake,"
Togame says getting up, he lends a hand to Suo who graciously takes it.
As they leave the festival Suo realizes how cold it actually is. They're no longer surrounded by people. He checks his watch to see the time which says 11:40, it's about to be the start of the new year in 20 minutes.
They're able to rent a paddle boat. The lake water is calm except for the disturbance their presence brings, it's foggy and unclear but the moon shines bright. The moonlight making it seem like a black and white movie.
Suo touches the water, he expected it to be cold but it's at freezing temperatures. It's so clear that he can see the shadows of fish. Suo eventually pulls his hand back because of how cold it is.
Togame watches him intently, although it almost seems he spaced out and Suo was in his line of sight.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Suo asks which snaps Togame back to reality.
" Was wondering how I got so lucky today,"
"Hmm?"
Togame moved closer to Suo, holding his freezing hand with his burning hot ones.
" Did you pull your hands out of an oven, how are they this warm,"
Togame laughs and squeezes his hand with both of his own. He then brings his hand to his mouth and kisses it, closing his eyes. The sensation is so intimate, Suo can feel his own face heating him.
" You were the only one I called to come here today, Suo,"
Togame says letting go of his hand.
"I knew that,"
Suo says chuckling.
Togame looks down smiling, he's trying to hide the flush creeping up his neck. The light isn't enough to see the colour on his face but his sheepishness gives it away.
" Thanks alot for coming, I mean it. This night wouldn't have been the same without you-"
The fireworks start exploding right above them, they both look up marvelling at the sight.
" I wish this moment would last forever"
Suo whispers to himself. But the day will end just like every story does in its own way.