Work Text:
[i]
“As usual, it seems like you're hiding away.”
Sanemi had barely sat down by the empty classroom’s window after sliding it shut from the chilly air, his bento still wrapped on the desk when the door opened once again to reveal his colleague, Obanai Iguro. Sanemi scoffs at the ‘greeting’, watching the straight-haired man pull out the opposite chair to take a seat. Ah, the usual staff room must be occupied by Tomioka, today during lunch break.
“Hah! you're one to say, despite squirrelling away here anyways.” Sanemi would not say he's all buddy buddy with Obanai but they do get along. Although it definitely has to do with their shared aversion towards the P.E teacher. Besides, his colleagues are all definitely unique characters, but Obanai is somewhat tolerable.
He's definitely more tolerable than Tomioka.
The chemistry teacher unpacks his bento, and immediately, a very familiar— unique, but strangely familiar scent reaches Sanemi. He blinks down at what appears to be a couple of ohagi, wrapped in sakura leaves with an oozing pink cream. Huh, did the school cafeteria put out a new menu without him knowing? Maybe all those strongly-worded threa— recommendations have finally worked in his favour.
Sanemi's hand reached out to take one, and was immediately swatted away by Obanai with a particularly hard strike. The pair of heterochromatic eyes stare at him, unblinking and Sanemi stares back.
“Are you serious?”
“These aren't for you.”
“... I thought we were friends.”
“... Maybe… we are, but these aren't…”
Obanai trails off, looking out of the window and it arouses Sanemi's suspicions and gets his thoughts running. He's not a nosy person unnecessarily, but he's certain almost everyone in the academy knows the newest change that has happened to Obanai Iguro and his love life.
“Oh.” Sanemi barks out a low and mocking laugh, “is that something your girlfriend made for you? How precious!”
“Shut up”, Obanai hisses and is a little too late in hastily pulling up his mask to cover his flushed cheeks. Sanemi cackles loudly, leaning his elbow onto the table for some support from how hard his body shakes. Obanai Iguro who was absolutely disgusted by their other colleague Tengen Uzui whenever the art teacher got a daintily wrapped bento.
Then, he realises it really is not funny because those ohagi are definitely not going into his mouth any sooner. Sanemi straightens up.
“So, did she make these?”
Obanai glares at him, as if to express his disbelief for expecting an answer after teasing him but Sanemi's stare towards his ohagi is so intense, he is kind of afraid that man might as well snatch them like a hawk. So, Obanai hastens to answer. Mitsuri has recently picked up another new part-time job. Her soft-hearted nature found it impossible to not notice the recent rush her favourite sweet-house has been suffering due to the transitional festive spring period and thus, offered to temporarily work part-time.
As he speaks, Sanemi's fingers drum against his arm. The sweetshop by Sagiriyama station is a favourite of his. The owner is a kind and soft-spoken woman and her treats, especially her ohagi are all delightful. He quickly learns that with the approach of mid-feb, comes the arrival of that… that festival (or as Sanemi would personally term it— an absolutely foolish, modern practice that is all but a great interruption to his already distracted student populace)
Coming back to the present, he recollects his bearings and is pleasantly surprised to learn that his favourite sweet-house has launched special, limited flavours to their most popular confectionaries, that includes ohagi and is the very one Mitsuri had gifted to his colleague, that now rests temptingly in the slate-colored bento box.
“I see.” Sanemi nods, already making up plans to visit the shop after today's work is over. It's good that he's not on night duty today. He attempts to snatch a piece again but is struck immediately by Obanai and his baffled gaze.
Sanemi clicks his tongue.
[ii]
The queue is utterly, absolutely long and the cold winds aren't any better. They almost feel like a mock, as he rubs his hand over his arm, too stubborn to roll down his sleeves.
Sanemi is aware that this distinct sweetshop is popular, for a variety of reasons. The convenient location by the railway station, the pretty and kind owner and of course, its delectable assortment of confectioneries. Still, he is a little annoyed, of course. Valentine's day is nothing special, in his eyes, but it does have its pros if you count this one. If you don't, there's absolutely no pros.
Sighing, Sanemi gets to line. The old lady in front of him is quite talkative but makes for a good conversation partner only up to an hour and then, he's really started to wonder and hope for when she'll finally realise she has been talking about the same complaint by her grandson in a loop.
The line shifts and he gently nudges her, “it's your turn, Obaa-san.”
With a gentle pat on his shoulder, the woman turns around and enters the shop. She takes quite some time and after what seems to be more than twenty whole minutes, she comes out. Sanemi enters into the familiar, saccharine scented shop. It soothes his nerves after all the previous aggrieving factors. The display glass cases encasing a mouthwatering amount of unique desserts— pastries, donuts, mochi, cakes, dorayaki.
Sanemi sighs, a soft smile coming onto his face. It's a peaceful atmosphere now, and from the corner of his eyes, he sees that pink-green haired woman who waves enthusiastically at him.
“It's Iguro-kun’s best friend!”
Sanemi's eye twitches. “Not his best friend. Colleague.”
“Aw!” Mitsuri smiles softly, before leaning over the countertop, “what can I get you today?”
“The ohagi…” Sanemi trails off, crossing his hands, his eyes wandering to look for the very particular one Obanai had gotten. He can't spot it and he's almost a little scared that it's been outsold already. It did look very delicious…
Luckily, he spots the exact one in the leftmost display case and his index finger aims straight for the glass. He restrains the childlike giddiness that overcomes his voice, and speaks, “this one.”
Mitsuri giggles, following his finger and then her smile drops, curling into an apologetic frown, “ah…”
“What?” Sanemi asks, a little impatiently as the only thing that's separating him and that luscious sweet is a thin glass that is conveniently very easy to break but he'll be damned if he gets banned from his favourite sweet-house.
“Sorry…” Mitsuri giggles wryly, scratching her cheek as she stands still in her place. Sanemi is already prepared to ask for the address of the person who's booked all those sweets, if there is any, so he can personally visit their house for a ‘compromise’.
“These are couple-special only, for our Valentine's event. It's only servable if you come in with your girlfriend— or wife! or fiancee! O-Or boyfri—!”
“What the hell is this shitty marketing tactic?!” Sanemi interrupts with a growl, and Mitsuri shrieks, taking a jumpy step back and profusely starting to apologize as she explains the items’ limited attractive nature was aimed to bring in more customers, until Suyako, the owner comes in and drags her away before she can spill any further trade secrets.
Sanemi sighs, exiting the store with a couple of plainly brought ohagi and a defeated frown. He doesn't get too past the still-long queue outside the store when someone grips his elbow.
[iii]
Your day has gone the most terrible today in the last few weeks.
You were aware pursuing a specialization in an already difficult course wasn't going to be the easiest, especially the final year internships but still, you wished your seniors had prepared you for all these unique difficulties the average avian vet technician faces in their everyday life.
Thankfully, the professional vet you work under is a nice lady who's patient with you, albeit a little strict when it counts. This week has taken an exceptionally hard toll on you. The owner of the African grey parrot, your Friday appointment seemed to possess a brain equal in size to his pet, with how much the man refused to listen to your suggestions for getting a healthier diet and enrichment for his bird.
You somehow braved through it. Mouthy and confidently wrong clients have never been your strong suit but with one glare from your senior, they usually act a little more cooperative. The hyacinth macaw baby your clinic had rescued in December is growing up now and God, does it bite.
You were unfortunate enough to be able to relate to such an experience thrice.
And then— the surgery assisting, the recent almost-heart attack you got when you thought you broke a finch’s frail leg. All of that has been so, so hard for you and it must've shown on your face because at the end of today’s shift, your senior waves a discount coupon in front of your face while you prepare to leave.
The parchment of paper is decorated cutely, a neat address below and a generous 80% off. You will have to ask your senior for budgeting tips later, maybe…
It's good! Your mood has considerably brightened up a little now. You were running low on tea biscuits anyway. As soon as you're off from the clock, you head towards the station. It's a short distance, and the wind is pleasant against your cheeks, everything goes fine until you see the long queue.
With a sigh, your steps slow down as you stand behind the end of the ever growing queue. Although, there are still upsides to everything. Seeing how popular the sweetshop is, maybe it's a good thing you have a flat 80% discount off coupon. Only a few fifteen minutes had passed by when you and the other queued people all turned simultaneously to the harsh sound of someone's loud voice from upfront.
With a huff, you shift your weight to your other foot, crossing your arms. It's actually good to see that everyone is a little miserable today, it makes you feel a little less lonely. You swat the thought away as soon as the little doorbell rings and a man with spiky, white hair (Is that even natural?) storms out of the shop. The people in the front squeak and take a step back and you can hear his aggrieved mutters even from back here.
“Such a stupid, predatory marketing technique… !”
“I should've just stolen one of Obanai’s ohagi…”
With a blink, you quickly turn over the coupon in your hand, eyes taking in the fine print with a strange hurry.
❝Let Usagiya sweetshop make your Valentine's even sweeter with our limited-time couples’ menu items! Bunny daifuku, loveberry shortcake, Sakura ohagi and many more to come! Check us out with your sweetheart for a hearty treat!❞
(Special items are only available in person, and applicable to couples)
Ah, that must be it. You admit it's a funny and unique marketing tactic but then again, Valentine's is definitely a passionate public holiday and you wouldn't fault honest small businesses to make the most of it, besides, the running-cost of making these in the long run would make it less attractive, and then again, couples nowadays love doing such activities together.
Or, so you reason.
Your eyes haven't actually been lingering on that coral pink coupon in your hands, they have instead been distracted by that white-haired guy. You admit it's uncommon for you to— well, gawk at attractive strangers. It is very unlike you but honestly, could you even blame yourself when your mind is tired and an interesting thing is happening to someone, who should be getting pretty privilege (in your opinion) but is instead forced to obey the weird laws of this world?
In short, you find the man very easy on the eyes and you absolutely are horrified once your hand shoots out like a snake grown sick of its handler and wraps itself stubbornly around the man's arm— goodness, that's solid muscle.
You first see the wide, pale purple eyes that turn towards you and then his slightly surprised face and now, you really have every excuse to fault your tired mind for doing what you did. Still, somehow, it feels pity for you and gives you enough words to not make you look like a wordless fool any further.
“Sorry, I heard the commotion and… I was wondering if…” you swallow air, awkwardly pointing at him and then yourself. You immediately wish to die. Have you really reached a point in your life where you attack handsome strangers? No, no, you don't think being in the company of birds has nullified your understanding of social concepts that much!
“Oh.” Thankfully, the man in front of you is smart enough to realise what you're getting at. Congratulations! You do not have to go through the embarrassment of asking him to play house and not be seen as some weirdo with a strange fantasy.
You do hope that the skip in your heart when the man grinned deviously at your idea is because you're scared and not excited.
[iv]
Sanemi is not a religious person, nor does he really believe in the concept of angels and devils but if the former did exist, he'd classify you as the closest to being one. Of course, he hasn't been expecting to be stopped and given such a golden chance to not only that ohagi but also, to you.
He finds himself standing in the queue once again and if someone had asked him an hour ago whether he would like to stand here again or not— he probably would've performed a suplex on that person. But now?
Now, he has a far more enchanting conversation partner (with all due respect to the old lady) and so, introductions are made. He is not the type to dwell on details, and only introduces himself as Shinazugawa Sanemi, maths teacher at Kimetsu Gakuen.
You have heard of that school! You tell him so with a wry smile, as you introduce yourself with fidgety eyes. Huh, cute. He wouldn't have presumed you to be such a timid person with how boldly you had proposed this recently formed alliance.
Subconsciously, he mouths your name, it rolls off smoothly off his tongue which is pleasant and then, he's privy to the knowledge that you have a very admirable life right now, dealing with birds and all sorts. Sanemi does think it's admirable, mostly because he can't stand those Kasugai crows at the academy who are always watching out to swoop in and steal off his snacks.
He decides it's better not to say it, of course. As the time passes and the queue shortens, both of you do not bother mentioning. Finally, reaching the door again, Sanemi enters only after opening it for you, so you walk in first. Immediately, he's met by the unblinking stare of Mitsuri, who— he is quite certain, vibrating in her place. Her green eyes dart from him to his new… friend.
You haven't noticed it yet, of course, you're too taken in by the shocking variety of desserts. Wow. You really need to thank your senior, that 80% discount will work amazingly. You turn towards Sanemi, who is looking at the pretty employee and with a conclusion you decide on alone, you hook an arm around his own.
And then, you do every bit of acting like a lover should, tugging at him and pointing excitedly to the various desserts and then, to add some, you even say, “you should've called me earlier, Nemi! Look, isn't that shortcake so delicious?” In your mind, you're being very convincing about being a couple.
Sanemi never understood what Obanai or that weird, blonde kid meant by ‘heart-skipping’ but he knows what it means since now. Nemi… Nemi?! Hah, he's definitely impressed by your act and decides it's better not to tell you that he kind of does know the girl with the braids and all of this wasn't necessary but why would he say that? He's not a fool. Or Genya.
Seeing the smile on his face, you turn and don't stare long enough to register it's an amused one. You tug him gently towards the inside of the store. Sanemi hasn't ever stepped inside, actually, since most of the time he enjoyed his peace and sweets alone. So, none of you were expecting the booth-style of seats.
The two of you pause. The round tables, there is only one with four seats and the others are all double, having partitions for privacy. Hah, is this a PC cafe? But then, you turn back and see the pink haired employee’s stare and decide it's more embarrassing to give up the act midways. You tug Sanemi once again to one of the booths.
You don't hear it, nor you see it but Sanemi's cheeks flushed immediately once he hears Mitsuri’s giddy giggles before she attends to another client.
You kind of understand why this seemingly grumpy man has agreed to such a farcical situation when the pretty employee (who has already told you her name but you feel too shy to call her so) brings out several pink-rimmed dessert plates topped up with various confectioneries. You notice Sanemi staring at the red bean dessert, not yet eating it like you hoped.
Maybe he feels shy? Eating in front of someone— especially a stranger is a daunting task. You actually don't know if you're correct or not but you'd like to believe so because it's cute. He is quite cute, and handsome, you've already noticed so when he was mumbling curses and stomping past the line but with him sitting so close to you now, you really see it.
He has long eyelashes and beautiful eyes. Beautiful, in the sense of an endless abyss. You almost experience the call of the void by staring continuously at him if it weren't for the slight movement of his hand as he finally starts to eat his ohagi. By this time, you have reflected enough to not blatantly stare at him anymore and try the sweet he was so passionate for.
As soon as you bite into it, the sweet yet tart taste of strawberry chunks burst in your mouth, the smooth and velvety red bean paste almost melts on your tongue. You can see why he enjoys it so much. Literally. Because Sanemi has the most peaceful smile on his face, as well as the softened gaze of his eyes that is directed at… you?!
You have a knee-jerk reaction and the underside of the table collide with said knee, and then you just throw your hands over your face. It's warm, it's very warm. How embarrassing. Not only were you caught staring at him, he was also staring back. Or rather, you quickly realise that he had just kind of zoned out and you have now expressed how easily flustered you feel with a mere gaze.
Great!
However, you hear sputtered apologies and a broken explanation come from him and so, finally muster up enough courage to look at him again. Sanemi is also looking away, to the side and his hand awkwardly hover in front of his face and oh. You can peek the flushed red on his cheeks and his fidgety gaze.
“Sorry, I wasn't staring at you! I’m sorry, fuck, you probably feel so uncomfortable, that wasn't my intention. Damn that Obanai! If only he—”
What.
Your laugh interrupts him and you hunch over the table, half-heartedly muffling your sounds in your arm. You can't help it. You were getting so nervous from your early blunder, and then you look at this absolute hunk of a guy only to see that he's blushing? How hilarious is that? Though it's not as much as it's cute. Adorable, even.
When you look up at him again, he's pouting. The small crease of his face and the slightly sullen look he gives you. The gap moe is strong here, you decide as you give him an apologetic smile, the muscles of your face are trying their best to widen your smile.
Sanemi crosses his arms, frowning now, but it's incredibly hard to be intimidated by him now. No, not because of the side he just showed you but because he has a bit of red bean filling on the corner of his lips.
'He's cute! He's so cute!'
You're certain you would shriek just like that pretty employee with the braids if you had any less introspection skills. Sanemi scoffs, though his voice is gruff, it doesn't sound annoyed, “and here I thought you were a timid person, yet you're laughing at me.”
“I'm not!” You laugh, flailing hands as he turns away with crossed arms. You know he's not serious and it amuses you so, the ice has broken and you're actually bantering with this handsome stranger. Then, the two of you talk and conversation flows naturally. You learn about the Kasugai crows and he tells you about his family, and his younger brother.
It almost feels like a date. Which you think is concerning because you're not uncomfortable with such an absurd and sudden event. In fact, when you sense Mitsuri’s curious glance everytime she passes your booth to serve the others, you seem to preen. 'Don't we look like a couple?' It's a funny thought.
[v]
Sanemi is panicking.
The sudden realisation that this resembles a date has dawned on him the moment you laughed in that cute voice, and instead of feeling annoyed, he playfully accused you and you played along! Now, Shinazugawa Sanemi prides himself as a traditional man and frankly, he believes the simplicity of such traditions only makes life peaceful. So, now he's panicking because this is a date and he would very much not like it to be something casual or one-time.
Despite your light-hearted conversations about the Kasugai crows and his colleagues and your own, his mind is already conjecturing serious postulations. You two get along, you have a good sense of humor and aren't intimidated by his rough appearance. In fact, he might even hope to say your eyes are particularly soft when they roam on his face. Being a math teacher means drawing out equations to rationalize things and this one is working out seamlessly in his opinions.
To cut things short, Shinazugawa Sanemi thinks you would make a good wife and he would make an equally deserving husband to you. So, once you two finish up the desserts and stand at the register, he gently lowers your arm, as he pays full. (You are thankful for it. Using a discount coupon right now would've been a little embarrassing.)
Though, you still attempt to protest because it makes you feel guilty as it was a plan entirely proposed by you, however his next words catch you by surprise. He's doing that thing again, a shaky gaze averted and flushed cheeks, shielded by his hand on his nape as he speaks in an unexpectedly soft voice, “... you can pick up the next one.” (Of course, it's a convenient lie. A good husband man will never let his wife a lady pay.)
Oh. You're speechless as the two of you exit the shop and even as you punch your number in his phone. But the soft smile he graces you with has you all the more excited for all things that will unfold from this point afterwards.
Valentine's isn't actually so bad, after all.
[FIN]
extra:
After numbers were exchanged and the inevitable time to part ways occurred, you were somewhat relieved. No, not because of Sanemi's soon to be followed absence, but because...
"I can walk you home", he offered a hand, the other covering the back of his nape in that slightly awkward but earnest way of his. You were touched, but shook your head. "No, no, it's okay! Don't worry, I can go home alone."
He blinked, looking a little downcast. He really is quite adorable for a man with such a scarred face but you definitely were becoming fond of him quickly. You bid Sanemi goodbye with a little wave, to which he smiled before turning back around and walking. You waited, tapping your foot impatiently against the ground as his figure became smaller and smaller.
Finally, when you couldn't see him, you turned on your heel and rushed right back inside the store, murmuring a quick apology for cutting the line. Mitsuri greets you with a confused but spirited greeting again, and you speak hurriedly.
"I'll take tea biscuits, blueberry castella, strawberry danish—", you swallow air, eyes staring intensely at that expensive-looking chocolate cake and continue, sounding even more victorious, "t-that! and that tart too...! Please."
Mitsuri blinks at you with an impressed smile.
You happily pay with the 80% discount coupon. Whew! You almost had to take a second trip. The walk to home was slightly more heavy than usual with those brown bags in your arms but your steps were light. Bless your senior.