Chapter Text
“Yawnnn…” The sunlight escaped through the curtains, causing Bachira to turn his back on it. His legs were sprawled all over the bed, and his thumb was inside his mouth. Bachira’s eyelashes bat as a sign of his stirring, and soon enough those bright sunflower-like eyes bloomed.
Bzzt… Bzzt… In this case, Bachira’s phone was like a bee, buzzing and flying and waking him up.
He lazily extended his hand to grab it, missing a few times and almost knocking his things over. After finally getting ahold of the buzzing nuisance, his sunflower eyes bloomed brighter at the contact name.
“Pa3rtnr!11! <3’ is calling…" Bachira didn’t hesitate to answer, excited to hear that voice again.
“Finally, you picked up! I’ve been trying to contact you for 30 minutes!” Hearing Isagi’s voice brought a smile to Bachira’s face.
“Oops, sorry partner… I was asleep…” “Asleep?!” there was a slight pause, Isagi was probably checking the time. “At this hour? I was planning to spend the day with you!” Bachira immediately perked up at the last part, a rush of energy flowing into his veins.
He always values time spent with Isagi, whether it was a brief conversation or long walks at the beach, just the two of them…
“Sorry, Isagi! I’ll come right now. Where are we meeting up?” Bachira springs up and starts rummaging through his closet.
“How about that cafe we always go to? Let’s get breakfast there, then we can walk around the block.” “Yeah, sure!!” His voice was slightly muffled as the shirt struggled to fit inside, making him realize was outgrowing his outfits.
1:46 PM, Saturday afternoon – Bachira ran excitedly down the streets, the keychains on his crossbody bag swaying and clinking as they created friction against each other.
His hair highlights soaked in the sun from above, making it its spotlight. Bachira becomes a blur of yellow as he speeds through, catching attention from passersby.
Isagi was patiently waiting outside the cafe, tapping his foot and observing his surroundings. Spring was at its peak, cloudless skies, the streets splashed with colors of blooming flowers, with bees dancing all around… wait, there’s a bee coming his way?
Isagi squinted his eyes, trying to get ahold of what he was seeing… but before he could react, the “bee” jumped and embraced him in a tight hug.
Isagi’s brain barely registered the moment before he managed to choke out the words, “Ah, Bachira! Give me a heads up next time!!” Bachira’s grip was tight, pouring all his feelings into it.
“Hehe, too bad!” He giggled.
Inside the cafe, the walls were painted with a soft pastel pink. The warm lighting showers the atmosphere, creating a welcoming environment. Whiffs of cinnamon and early morning coffee filled the air, finding its way to their nose. Bachira was practically drooling.
Isagi’s attention was solely focused on the menu over at the counter, muttering to himself about what he should get for breakfast. At the side, Bachira was captivated by his lip movement. His curious eyes linger on it for a while, before they move up to study Isagi’s face.
Bachira always liked how focused he is, especially during soccer matches… Ahh, he’s staring again.
Bachira snapped out of his gaze when Isagi settled on his choice of meal, consisting of soft and fluffy pancakes with a side of latte. Bachira’s attention was now focused on the menu, but his mind was somewhere else. He picked out his own choice of sunny-side up eggs and a cup of orange juice.
After Isagi registered in their order, he spoke up "Let's go take a seat nearby.” They both moved to sit at a two seat table, the one where you would see lovey-dovey couples sit at. However, it wouldn't be anyone’s fault if they misinterpreted the duo as lovers.
“Bachira, have you seen Reo’s new insta post? He booked a vacation with Nagi all the way to France!” Isagi said excitedly, the sparkles in his eyes could practically light up a whole room.
“They must be having a fun time~” Bachira adds, but beneath that voice shows a trace of jealousy. Reo always spoils Nagi in every way possible, and he wanted to spoil Isagi too. Perhaps he should get a gift for his upcoming birthday…
“...Hello? Earth to Bachira? You're spacing out,” his vision focused and he could see Isagi’s hand waving in front of him. At that moment, Bachira really wished he could hold those soft hands and embrace them in his own… but that’s a dream he can't bring into reality.
“Oh, sorry… what were we saying?” He attempted to redirect the topic and hold his smile up, but it felt like his cheeks suddenly weighed a thousand pounds. Isagi didn’t suspect anything – knowing how Bachira can be – and continued their conversation from earlier, but Bachira’s mind was somewhere else.
“Order 811!” The lady from the counter called out, and Bachira was the first to respond. Not only because he wanted to be polite, but also desperately wanting to escape the emotional turmoil stirring up in his heart – even if it was brief.
The barista smiled and handed him two trays of food and a receipt, to which Bachira thanked her with a cheerful tone. The cafe continued its busy morning, chatter filling up the atmosphere…
It wasn't long before Bachira returned to the same table. Isagi smiled softly when he saw him, a smile that Bachira never gets tired of no matter how many times he’s seen it.
“Let’s dig in so we can go somewhere later!” Isagi insisted as he took a bite out of his pancakes from the fork. Bachira watched the fork glaze over his lips, wishing that the utensil was his own lips instead. He quickly began to eat his own portion, stuffing his mouth with food before he could say something that would cast great regret on him.
The delicate tulip art made up of microfoam on Isagi’s latte faded into a mix of soft brown as he stirred the cup with a small spoon, blending the sweet and bitter flavors perfectly.
But unlike latte, Bachira’s feelings and thoughts don't mix well. The attraction he felt towards Isagi collided with his doubts of the future, wondering if he will ever get a chance to be with him. It’s bittersweet too, but it can't just be as easy to get rid of as drinking latte.
Bachira took a few bites of his meal, not as enthusiastic as he is about eating breakfast every morning. Thoughts in his head distracted him, worrying about what would happen in the future…
He can’t possibly keep up this facade, it will break him, drive him to insanity, and who knows? Maybe he could snap one day. Bachira shakes his head, attempting to dispel that thought. It makes him sick to the stomach, and he needs to save his appetite.
Isagi noticed the silence between them, and carefully spoke up. “Bachira, are you okay? Is something bothering you?” Bachira’s eyes redirected itself on Isagi again, before quickly blurted out “Ah, no no! I’m fine… just spacing out more than usual. Probably because I didn’t get as much sleep as I thought I did. No need to stress about me, I’ll manage!’
The last thing he wants is Isagi suspecting him of something and worrying about it. The blue head raised an eyebrow at his seemingly anxious tone, but didn't comment any further.
Bachira struck up another conversation to distract Isagi, and the tension in the air dissipated. Giggles and laughter came out of both of them, whatever they’re talking about seemed lighthearted.
He avoids talking about his feelings, and smoothly changes the topic whenever Isagi brings it up. It was getting hard for Bachira to keep up the usual buzzy demeanor, especially with the anxious weight in his heart.
They both eventually finished their meal and paid, leaving the cafe with high spirits and a full stomach.
Sticking to Isagi’s earlier suggestion, the duo browsed through the busy streets of Tokyo together. Cherry blossoms are at their flowering stage, sprouting beautiful and delicate petals tainted with a pastel pink tint.
The brilliant sun’s light reaches every corner possible, leaving nothing in the dark. It really does seem more bright and colorful.
Bachira turned to look at Isagi’s face, and was almost blinded by his beauty. Staring at those deep ocean blue eyes made it feel like he was drowning in a vast sea, but in a good way.
Isagi noticed his stare and tilted his head to return the gaze. Their eyes lock onto each other, refusing to break contact.
A minute passed, then another…
Bachira couldn’t form words in his throat.
…