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Nakamura placed down his school bag, he had made it a habit to arrive early. Not for any academic reasons, no that was his cover up to getting up so early. In reality it was to squeeze out more precious minutes of being in home room, as Hirose happened to be placed in the same class. Nakamura glanced around before pulling out his notebook, holding it semi closed as he had shoved a manga into it so he could read without nosey people judging his cover, or worse Hirose seeing. Nakamura glanced down at his book; it was the latest addition to Loveable-lunches, a BL manga he had been reading as a guide to find his way into Hirose's heart. A guilty pleasure of his as the concept of boys' love and anthropomorphic bento boxes was pretty out there– but at least the romance was good. Nakamura scanned over the pages keeping a mental note at how the main characters had been able to flirt with one another. Though his reading was interrupted by Hirose walking in, weirdly earlier than usual.
Quickly shoving his notebook into his bag Nakamura pulled out a different one, one actually for school work. He held it up peering over the top to sneakily ogle at Hirose. Oh Nakamura could just get lost in Hirose's eyes, such a gorgeous hazel color they were. Not to mention they perfectly showed off exactly what he was feeling even when hidden behind his soft brown hair. Before Nakamura could admire any longer the bell rang and Nakamura quickly snapped his eyes back to his own paper. Hoping to hide his burning face in case anyone pointed it out. He knew that his facial expressions weren't anything but subtle, any emotion he felt was written all over his face. He shook his head and scolded himself for being so pervy towards his classmate. Now trying to shake the image of Hirose that was floating around in his mind.
After the 15 minute homeroom for attendance and checking dress code, which Nakamura has been doing exceptionally well on as his budget for clothing and hygiene had "mysteriously¨ gotten better since he and Hirose had become friends. The bell rang and the homeroom teacher waved goodbye walking outside leaving the classroom unattended for a brief few minutes, of course Nakamura took this time to try and squeeze in reading a few more pages of Loveable-lunches, as he flipped open the pages excitedly he felt a tap on his shoulder.
“Huh” Nakamura muttered.
“Nakamura?” Hirose asked, still holding his hand near Nakamura's shoulder.
“Huh” Nakamura repeated before turning around. “Oh! Hi-Hirose!” Nakamura laughed nervously, his mind instantly going blank seeing Hirose's face, he was talking to him- directly! God it was even better than his fantasies. Nakamura quickly slammed his book shut and turned around to face Hirose. Doing an awkward arm movement trying to lean on his hand to feign nonchalantness.
“Hi Nakamura, you wanna walk home together?” Hirose asked, tilting his head a bit after.
“It's totally okay if not-” Hirose laughed a bit seeing Nakamura’s face pale a bit. “NO- I. IT’D BE MY PLEASURE TO WALK WITH YOU!” Nakamura blurted out, scrambling to sit up straight, hoping his face didn’t give away how excited he was for this opportunity.
“Oh and you live near umm…” Hirose trailed off looking off to the side trying to remember. “Dangogaoka, right? They have a lot of dessert stores there right!”
Nakamura nodded his head and cleared his throat.
“Y-yeah I mean so I've heard. I wouldn't know since I uhhh… try to stay fit.” Nakamura responded, a complete lie since Nakamura had given up on ever becoming fit since he got protein poisoning in class from that shummy protein shake and vomited in front of Hirose.
“Oh, I'll just get something for myself then, I wouldn't want to ruin your progress. I'll see you after school Nakamura.” Hirose smiled softly and patted Nakamura on the shoulder before walking away.
Nakamura exhaled softly, staring wide-eyed before shaking his head. Hirose had just asked him to hang out after school! From the way he worded it, it was originally supposed to be to go get dessert with him. Nakamura gripped his notebook tighter, going out for dessert sounds just like a cliche date— he had just read about this in Loveable-lunches. In a chapter the main character has asked his love interest out, and they had even shared an indirect kiss while sharing a spoon. Yes!
All those nights of binge reading had paid off; a perfect opportunity to flirt with Hirose has practically served itself on a silver platter! Nakamura was giddy with excitement, if only this school day could just hurry up.
For the entire rest of the day Nakamura hardly got anything done, too caught up in his fantasies and “what if’s” about the end of the day, the time he’d spend with Hirose. Eventually though the last bell rang, Nakamura hit his face lightly and inhaled, trying pathetically to hype himself up. Pushing away from his chair he let out a shaky exhale and grabbed his bag. Glancing down and adjusting his collar nervously as he walked down the stairs. He didn't even know where he and Hirose were supposed to meet! Though he did have his contact texting first just screams desperation. Eventually though luckily while turning a corner to get to a staircase he spotted Hirose. He was standing in front of a vending machine,pulling out his phone. Nakamura gripped his bag nervously, what a weirdo he thought to himself. Hirose and I are friends! How can I still not be able to talk to him? Nakamura nearly jumped, seeing Hirose turn to look behind him.
“Oh Nakamura, I was just about to text you” Hirose chuckled softly, putting his phone away. Nakamura stiffened seeing Hirose walk over to him. Nakamura's thoughts were racing seeing Hirose look up and him, quickly composing himself he started walking tilting his head to gesture for Hirose to follow.
“Dangogaoka is a good walk away. We should try and get there quickly so we can…visit a cafe.” Nakamura mumbled, already regretting mentioning a cafe. Him? Hirose? In a cafe? Like what, a pair of lovers! So blunt.
During the walk uphill towards Dan Gogaka Hirose was making small talk, the school day, favorite foods, his sister, octopi, stuff like that. Eventually they made it around where all the cafes clustered together. Aromas of baked goods and sweet desserts lingered in the air. Chimes of doorbells into cafes occasionally ringing as indistinct chatter joined the background noise of the town. Glancing around Nakamura couldn't help but notice all the couples, sweets were a popular gift for a significant other. Maybe that's why Hirose was here, maybe he got a new girlfriend. Though Nakamura wasn’t entirely sure his heart could handle Hirose having another girlfriend, this time he’d surely die of grief– or heartbreak. Probably both. Hirose poked Nakamura on the shoulder, tilting his head and pointing to a small cafe. It had a nice blue and brown color scheme with fish and an octopus painted on the glass.
“Are you hungry? We can stop for some food, I'm sure they have some healthy stuff for you.” Hirose asked. Nakamura blushed a bit. Gah, how kind Hirose remembered his fake diet and picked out a cafe with his favorite animal painted on it.
“Yeah, we can swing by and get something- I’ll pay, my treat.” Nakamura laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck.
“Oh dude you're too kind. I’ll get you back, I swear.” Hirose chuckled playfully, pushing Nakamura. Hirose walked in front of Nakamura, the small bell on top ringing as Hirose held the door open for Nakamura. Hirose walked up to counter Nakamura hovering behind him.
“Hello, can I get a parfait and a small box of strawberry mochi to go?” Hirose asked, pointing down at the photo on the small menu at the counter, glancing over at Nakamura who blinked at him before catching on.
“Um. I'll take a parfait too…and-two strawberry fruit sandos to go.” Nakamura added on.
“My apologies, we seem to be out of parfaits for the meanwhile, we only have one at the moment if that's okay.” The cashier said. Nakamura grumbled to himself, not a problem though he would've let Hirose have it anyway.
“Huh, oh not a problem, it's okay we can share.¨ Hirose laughed. Walking off to grab a table as Nakamura quickly pulled out three bills, tossing down 3000 yen which was more than the price before walking over to sit next to Hirose who had picked a two seat table by the window.
Nakamura sat down across from Hirose. It felt as if the room had heated up multiple degrees. No amount of Loveable lunches or any manga for that matter could've prepared Nakamura for this. Uncomfortable silence dragged on while waiting for their food. At least that's what was running through Nakamura's mind, Hirose seemed largely unaffected instead looking at all the sea themed decorations and people watching.
“There's an awful lot of couples here huh?” Hirose chucked, putting down the little octopus themed salt shaker he was holding. Nakamura glanced around, yeah there were a suspicious amount of 2 seater tables and couples sitting around.
“Shaking a parfait kinda makes us look like a couple too huh?” Hirose joked, laughing to himself after. Nakamura on the other hand felt like he was about to pass out. He and Hirose, as a couple. Oh what a dream, but Hirose was joking about it. Does that mean he's making fun of the idea– is he flirting with me!? Is this Hirose's subtle way of hinting their on more than a friend date– and- and it's just a date!? Nakamura fidgeted with his hands nervously, pinching himself to keep a straight face and stop his thoughts from spiraling.
“Ha ha… You're funny Hirose.” Nakamura laughed along. Swallowing nervously as he did everything in his power to not stare at Hirose or blurt out anything stupid.
Eventually he was saved, the food was finally ready. Thank god for that too because if anymore blood rushed to his head he might've passed out. Nakamura cleared his throat and excused himself. Going to the counter and placing his two fruit sandos and Hirose's six sakura mochis in his bag. Holding the parfait with his right hand he grabbed two spoons with his left. He sighed, hyping himself up, again. To go sit back next to Hirose. Sliding over the parfait Nakamura sat down before handing Hirose his box of 6 sakura mochis.
“Thank you,” Hirose smiled, grabbing the box and putting it in his bag, grabbing a spoon and just holding it.
“You can take the first bite, you paid for it after all.” Hirose said, pushing the parfait closer to Nakamura. Nakamura shook his head, he had been planning on taking the second bite, maybe even getting a bite from where Hirose had taken some. Sharing food, maybe even spit. Nakamura shook his head, both to scold himself for being so creepy and to let Hirose take the first bite.
“No it's fine–like I said ,my treat you can have the first bite, you ordered it first.¨ Nakamura insisted, pushing the parfait back. Hirose smiled, pushing it yet again towards Nakamura. Pausing for a bit Nakamura pushed it away again. A silent battle at who would break the ice and take the first bite. After maybe 5 times of this ordeal Hirose sighed and took the parfait, grabbing the spoon and grabbing a small scoop with a piece of strawberry on it. Nakamura sighed in relief before the spoon was suddenly shoved in his face.
“Come on, take the first bite I insist.” Hirose insisted, leaning over the table trying to shove the spoon towards Nakamura. Nakamura wheezed and flinched back feeling a blush creep up his neck.
God this was just like the Loveable lunches scene! The indirect kiss! Come on Nakamura this is your golden opportunity– sharing a spoon with Hirose. Nakamura swallowed nervously and glanced at Hirose, quickly looking away before leaning forward. He had raised his hand under the table, originally to take the spoon instead of being spoon fed by Hirose but had decided against it. Nakamura closed his eyes and leaned closer, opening his mouth, letting Hirose spoon feed him. Hirose scoffed, pulling the spoon back trying to hold back a smile.
“See, it's good.” Hirose said, scooping his own piece with the same spoon. Nakamura was still reeling from the moment. He and Hirose had just done one of the couple cliches, and they weren't even a couple. He couldn't even focus on the taste of the parfait, the nice blend of strawberry honey as he was too preoccupied seeing Hirose eat from the same spoon his mouth had just touched.
“Psh I bet we look just like all the couples here.” Hirose said.
“Yeah- but we're just friends were- were not a couple.” Nakamura laughed nervously as Hirose shrugged, continuing to eat his parfait. Throughout their short stop at the cafe Nakamura was appreciating his golden opportunity to stare at Hirose shamelessly and smile about the fact Hirose had indirectly kissed him. Even if it was accidental. Eventually they finished up, tossing away the spoons and container. Nakamura kept his, of course, as a souvenir. The doorbell chimed as they walked out.
“My house isn't too far from here but it's on a completely different route from your house.” Hirose shrugged. Nakamura blinked before nodding.
“Walk safe home, Hirose.” Nakamura mumbled out, pausing before saying his name as if he was trying to hold on to the last of this moment. Hirose smiled before pausing and stepping closer looking up at Nakamura.
“Nakamura…” Hirose whispered out, leaning in closer, holding a hand up reaching for Nakamura's face. Crap, Nakamura thought to himself. Sure he had read this exact moment in many mangas before but the whole “goodbye kiss” thing in real life was definitely too much for him. Nakamura tried to stutter out something, anything. His face heated up as he stared at Hirose's hand. He gasped softly and instantly shut his eyes, yeah that's what was supposed to happen during moments like this right? Nakamura braced for the eventual moment. But there was no warmth on his lips. He opened one eye cautiously when he felt Hirose's hand near his cheek.
“You got some cream on your face.” Hirose said, wiping off the small splotch and flicking it away.
“ oh- thanks…” Nakamura exhaled, both relieved and disappointed. As he was calming down Hirose had already walked away. Nakamura stood there cautiously touching the spot on his face Hirose did. Glancing down at his hand he bit back a small smile. Wow, he thought to himself. He quickly shook his head and shoved his hands in his pocket. He’s not gonna look like some cheezy idiot in the middle of the street. Nakamura quickly turned on his heel and walked away.