Chapter Text
It was around 7 p.m.
Kazui was dressed to the nines, or well, that's what his adoptive daughter; Yuno, told him. She really helped him to prepare for this “special day”. He was somewhat flustered because he couldn't stop thinking about the outcome of a blind date, even more scared because at his age things like this never usually tend to have a good outcome.
The noise from plates and cutlery touching each other was kind of distracting enough just to forget and start to double-guess his daughter's decisions. She and one of her friends were the ones that actually were behind and orchestrated a big part of this date. But he wasn't sure of how much participation that friend had on the presentation of the guy that was supposed to be his date… Wait…? A guy!?
Kazui just realized that this was his first time trying to be with another guy. The first time he was trying to date someone seriously. Even if he probably wouldn't even be here if Yuno didn't push him so much to look for a romantic partner, the worst part is that he didn't even know what he looked like. Probably about his age maybe, Yuno hinted that the man was younger but he didn't know how young he was.
Kazui checked his phone
7:00 P.M.
Yuno Kashiki: how’s everything going, old man?
Yuno told him that the guy should've arrived at 7 o’clock, but Kazui didn't think much about it. Its two minutes, not a really big deal
Kazui Mukuhara: Everything seems fine, but he hasn't arrived yet.
Yuno Kashiki: Oh, shucks… give him some time not everyone is as punctual as you
Kazui Mukuhara: Haha, Okay Yuno, take care. Do not open the door to any strangers, Okay? (Read)
Kazui closed the messenger app, then he opened the camera app, just to check himself out, just so he can make sure that he looks good. He knew his looks were kind of average. But that never really stopped him. He raised his phone so he could check his hairstyle with more detail, he didn't really like the way in which his daughter styled his hair. He ruffled his hair with one hand, he liked the messy vibe his hair now had. He smiled confidently at his own cellphone’s camera and took a photo, to immortalize a memory out of this new situation.
Then Kazui started to check out his own clothes, Yuno chose fancy garments for him. Really fancy ones, it made sense she did choose those due to the nature of the restaurant he was in. He tried to accommodate his black tie. Which was the only one that Kazui was allowed to choose. It was silly, even if other colors like blue or yellow complimented the man’s outfit. The reason behind the decision was silly, ridiculous even. It was his lucky tie. He chuckled remembering how his daughter rolled her eyes when he was putting that tie on, but he let him be. If the date failed, she could always blame the tie for the outcome if anything.
He closed the camera app on his phone
7:05 P.M.
5 minutes late… It really wasn't a problem for him, but it was quite embarrassing to be sitting alone at a table that was booked for two. Kazui tried to look at his surroundings, looking for any guy that was lost to see if maybe his date was also looking for him. But the only thing he could see was people sitting, in similar situations but all of these people were with someone else. Having conversations happily, he couldn't help but to envy them.
Kazui Mukuhara: Hey Yuno, do you know anything about my date?
Yuno Kashiki: Huh? What do you mean?
Yuno Kashiki: He hasn't arrived yet?
Kazui Mukuhara: Yes
Yuno Kashiki: Be patient dad, from what I know this guy works at a hospital so maybe something got on his way
Yuno Kashiki: He should be on his way though, from what Mappi-chan told me this guy was very excited about this date… If anything happens tell me, OK?
Yuno Kashiki: Try to use this time to make sure you have everything you need. (Read)
Kazui read the message, and checked his pockets, the ones on his blazer and the ones on his pants. He reached for the right pocket of his pants, his house keys were there, no problem with that. He reached for the left one, he could sense his wallet. Good thing, if he wants to impress his date he could pay for both of them. Well, he could do that, as long as the place didn't turn out to be very expensive, or at least that was what he thought to himself.
He reached to the right pocket of his blazer, his car keys. Just in case he has to take his date somewhere after dinner. He sighed in relaxation. Confirming that he had everything he needed. That would probably leave a good impression on his date.
Suddenly, a lady approached his table.
“Excuse me, sir. Are you ready to order?”
“Oh, no. I'm waiting for someone else”
“Well then, Whenever your partner comes, don't doubt to call me so I can take your orders”
Shoot… Was the guy really late? Now even the waiter thought that he was all by himself. Poor of him, he actually was embarrassing himself. What would the rest of the people in the restaurant think of him? That he’s actually a loser that was left standing up? It actually felt… pathetic. He started to look at one of the menus that the waitress left on the table. Looking at the options, most of the prices were moderate, which was somewhat relieving, he had the opportunity to pay for the other’s meal. Which secured that he could treat his date, in the case that he actually shows up.
It's been at least 15 minutes of trying to think of the best meal for myself. What if they kissed? he would have to pick something that couldn't leave him with bad breath. What if they kissed but passionately? He would have to eat something that wouldn't leave anything trapped on his teeth. He used a similar thought process with everything that was on that menu.
He started to look over at the drinks section, it had plenty of them, going from normal juice to mocktails, cocktails and straight up pricey wine bottles. He thought about it for a moment, he liked consuming alcohol to open up easily, but he was scared about it. What if he had to drive him somewhere busy. Causing a traffic accident was not on his plans, and probably that would screw up his chances with any guy out there. The vibrating sound of his phone next to the empty glass that had been sitting there for almost 25 minutes catched his attention.
7:25 P.M.
Yuno Kashiki: hey dad, check up on you again.
Yuno Kashiki: do you like him?
Kazui Mukuhara: He hasn’t arrived yet.
Kazui Mukuhara: I think I should leave.
Kazui Mukuhara: We can get some spicy ramen when I get home.
Yuno Kashiki: what?!?!?
Yuno Kashiki: wait a moment, let me talk again with Mappi-chan again
Yuno Kashiki is typing…
Kazui stared at the screen waiting for an answer from his daughter. Was he clinging onto something that was never going to happen, probably the other guy actually saw him and ran away. He never was good-looking but at least he thought his face was decent. His head wrapped in situations that could explain the reason why his blind date would turn him down without even talking with him.
His phone vibrated again indicating that he got an answer from his beloved daughter.
Yuno Kashiki: she told me that there was an inconvenience on the way there
Yuno Kashiki: she sent me his number so you could contact him
Yuno Kashiki: Dr Kirisaki 🩺❤️🩹
Yuno Kashiki: don’t mind the contact’s name. That's how Mappi-chan has him on her phone
Yuno Kashiki: his name is Shidou Kirisaki
Yuno Kashiki: good luck old man! (Read)
Kazui smiled when that message popped on his screen, he was fortunate to have a daughter like her. Even if the idea of your daughter arranging a blind date for you was quite ridiculous, he still appreciated how much she worked on finally getting her father a boyfriend. It would be sad if her hard work was all for nothing.
Kazui doubtfully pressed the contact on his screen and at first he sent him some messages.
7:27 P.M.
Kazui Mukuhara: Hello.
Kazui Mukuhara: It’s Kazui, I'm your “blind” date.
Kazui Mukuhara: I wanted to check on you ‘cuz you are quite late.
Kazui Mukuhara: If i can help you with anything, don't be afraid to reach out!
~Shidou Kirisaki is typing…
Oh lord. He was… typing!
It ends up being that most of the imaginary scenarios that Kazui was thinking about were false. Now is when the main realisation kicks in. He was about to flirt with a man. He had some experience with women, but between men and women, the difference was very clear. Probably the best he could do for now was to “be himself”, something which was hard before and even more hard now.
7:29 P.M.
~Kirisaki Shidou: I’m so sorry, Kazui!
~Kirisaki Shidou: I’ll explain everything to you when I get there.
~Kirisaki Shidou: I’m near, wait two minutes more, please! (Read)
Kazui was now more familiar with feeling relieved than ever. His expression eased, he was about to answer his texts when the waitress from half an hour ago approached his table, still alone.
“Sir, it's been 30 minutes, if you still plan on eating here you’d have to order right now or leave. It's the restaurant’s policy.”
Kazui looked at the lady quite shocked, as dumb as it sounded, Kazui wasn't in the mood to fight with restaurant personnel especially now that his date may arrive at any time.
“I'm so sorry, but my date is about to arrive. Can't you wait a little bit more please?”
“Sir, as I've said before it can't let you have a table if you are not going to order anything”
To be continued…