Chapter Text
As he grew older, Okuto came to realize he's a creature of habit.
His day-to-day routine provides him with a sense of security that most things rarely do these days. He knows what to expect the moment he opens his eyes in the morning.
It's so easy to just slip into the monotony of the mundane and get lost in the flow of his responsibilities.
He's sure at this point the notions of his daily weekday mornings are engraved so deep into his brain he could probably do them with his eyes closed.
Wake up, freshen up, eat something, get dressed, take the train to work.
The same movie plays every day once he gets inside the tram.
Two high school girls giggle to each other every morning over something they saw on social media, there's a woman humming a song to herself while her son dressed in an elementary school uniform kicks his feet in the air to entertain himself.
A man, seemingly a couple years older, a few steps away from him always tries his best to not snooze off while standing. A boy in a middle school uniform always spends the entire ride to his station listening to something in his earbuds while his gaze is fixated on the window beside him.
He's seen these people every day for the past few months, and yet they're nothing more than strangers that just so happen to share the same train in order to continue with their day.
His stop comes after the high school girls and the mother and child have already gotten off at theirs. When he gets off, the middle school boy is still looking through the window and the other man looks a little more awake.
His office building is a few minutes away from the train station. There are several konbinis and fast food spots along the way and he already makes the decision inside his head on which one he's going to for lunchtime.
Once he steps inside the building, there's a few seconds until a ''Nakamura! Good morning.'' comes from the front desk.
Inafume always makes sure to greet everyone at their job. Okuto has never said it to her face, but he admires that ability of hers. He can handle the few co-workers he has to acknowledge every single morning, but having to do that for every single person who enters the building seems like a herculean task.
''Good morning, Inafume.'' He nods towards her and she flashes him a smile, Okuto notices she's been wearing her hair into a high ponytail this week. He recalls she was leaving it down last week.
He makes his way into the elevator where some employees are waiting, none of them from his department though. He doesn't mingle enough in his work environment to know their names.
He gets off at his floor with enough minutes to spare. Not early enough that he's forced to wander around until he needs to clock in, but also not late enough he will get chewed by the department head.
''Nakamura, my man! How's stuff?'' A voice from the cubicle next to him suddenly rings out once he sits down and clocks in at his work station.
Kirigaya has a grin plastered on his face, his blonde hair as untamed as ever. He's leaning back on his chair with his arms behind his head.
Kirigaya made quite an impression on him on looks alone when he first started working here. Blonde hair, easy smile, gets along with everybody. Okuto would've been attracted for sure.
''Hi, Kirigaya. Just same as always, how about you?''
There is just one thing.
Kirigaya just exhales and groans. ''I got dumped yesterday! Can you believe it?! She said I wasn't taking the relationship seriously! I mean, we're only 28! Aren't we supposed to mess around for a few more years before having to seriously think about settling down?''
He's painfully straight.
By this point he's probably heard about around 10 failed relationships Kirigaya has experienced, without counting the several times he rambles about any of the prospectful women his co-worker seem to think is his one-way ticket to eternal happiness. ''I'm telling you dude, this one is the one!'' is what he always ends up telling Okuto.
He makes a non-committal noise while getting ready to start his work. Kirigaya takes that as his cue to continue to dissect his latest heartbreak and Okuto's brain just turns it into background noise. He has several stacks of papers he needs to get into spreadsheets, clients to contact and meeting materials to prepare.
Eventually Kirigaya's ramble gets cut by the sound of heels clicking on the floor and the entire room falls silent. ''Kirigaya, forgive me if I am wrong, but I was under the assumption you were supposed to start working 7 minutes ago?''
''Ugh.. Yes, ma'am. Sorry...''
She hums and passes by Okuto's spot. ''Nakamura, good morning.''
He lifts his head from his workload for the day and meets Miss Togawa's amber eyes, her brown hair is styled into a bob-cut that makes her appear professional and put together. The department head always likes making the rounds in the early morning just to see if everyone is in good condition for the remainder of the day. She's one of the better people Okuto has had the chance to work for.
He nods and shoots back with ''Good morning, Miss Togawa.'' She hums approvingly and continues making her way around the other employees. Okuto notices she has a new pair of earrings and brand new glasses today.
He focuses his attention on his work for what's left of the morning hours. The notions of his job have become predictable for Okuto, and the noises of tapping keyboards and clicking mouses are enough to block him from his thoughts. He's not passionate about his current position, but he doesn't hate it either. It's just something he can do to pay the bills.
Lunch hour arrives just on cue. Kirigaya is already off his chair, muttering something about having a lunch date with someone from another department.
He notices Miss Togawa making her way to the elevator while talking on her phone, a soft smile splattered on her face.
Okuto decides to take the stairs instead, telling himself the extra movement will be beneficial to his body in the long run.
He passes by the front desk on his way out and sees an ''Out for lunch!'' sign on Inafume's desk.
He ends up at a nearby konbini, gets two onigiris and a bottle of orange juice and spends the remaining time just scrolling on his social media accounts. On his public one he notes that Aokiyama's latest horror video has gone viral and that Tamura helped with the shooting and editing. He takes a note of sending them a congratulatory message on their group chat later.
On his more private one he scrolls through fanarts of his favorite pairings, video game news and comes across an announcement for Kawamura's next work for comiket on her art account. He decides to be bolder and leaves her a comment ''looks awesome! looking forward to this''. A few moments later she leaves a like and replies with ''!!! Thank you so much for your support :D''.
He ends up watching marine life videos (he thinks back on Icchan with a fond smile) until he's a few minutes away from having to clock back in for work.
Inafume greets him once again when he makes his way back in, he nods and shoots her a wave. He makes his way up taking the stairs and sits back down on his station with a couple minutes to spare.
Miss Togawa makes her way back in right after, a smile plastered on her face. She's positively glowing. Okuto wonders what kind of lunch would leave someone like that.
Kirigaya plops down on his chair a few seconds after and turns to Okuto. ''Dude, you wouldn't believe this! Apparently word got around that I was single again, and this cutie from accounting asked me out for lunch! She's a 10, man! We even like the same type of music!''
Okuto decides to not bring up how crestfallen he was this morning after being dumped. ''I'm glad your lunch was enjoyable.'' Is what he settles for.
''Yup, yup! Hope yours was good too!''
The office eventually goes back to its perpetual state of professional voices, printing machines, keyboards and mouses. Okuto slips back easily into his workload.
The hours tickle by until clock out time. Okuto stretches and the pop sound that comes from his joints feels satisfactory in a way only a work well done can bring.
''GOD, FINALLY!'' Kirigaya exclaims and stands up immediately. ''I thought I was gonna die there! Anyway, I gotta dash. The girl from earlier is waiting for me. We're gonna walk back home together! See you tomorrow, Nakamura!''.
Okuto doesn't have the time to say his goodbyes when Kirigaya runs off. He sighs and gathers his things and gets ready for the commute back home. He passes by Miss Togawa's office and she's still hard at work in her computer. She notices his gaze and shoots him a wave and a smile and mouths ''See you tomorrow.'' Okuto nods and makes his way down through the elevator.
Inafume is in the process of packing her stuff in her purse when she notices Okuto. ''Leaving already, Nakamura? See you tomorrow!''
''Yeah. See you.'' He nods curtly and makes his way back to the station.
Contrary to the tram on the way to work, the tram on the way back home is busier and he doesn't get to recognize any regulars. He just takes out his phone and decides to shoot a message on the group chat.
saw you guys video on the tl. congrats on blowing up lol
kwmr: yes! I saw it too! congratulations! your hard work is paying off >:D
tmr: lmao thanks guys we're already getting sponsors for the next one. exciting stuff
akym: Of course we are! Our genius was bound to get recognized eventually, it was just a matter of time!
tmr: that's internet stardom for ya just have to wait until the algorithm decides ur worthy
dont forget us when you guys are household names
tmr: well i dunno about the latter but u guys were our day 1 shooters we'll have to drag you with us to award shows
akym: Tamura is right! There's no way we'll abandon our truest friends!
kwmr: you guys... <3
The conversation devolves into Aokiyama making a plan to hangout on the weekend to celebrate hers and Tamura's channel new-found success. They manage to decide on a spot that works for everyone. Okuto is glad he's managed to keep in touch with the 3 of them out of everyone from his high school days.
Once he reaches his stop he makes the walk back to his apartment complex. His apartment is a modest one bedroom, a little bit on the smaller size, but works perfectly fine for Okuto. He takes a shower to wash off the exhaustion of his usual routine.
He decides on stir-fry for dinner with the leftover ingredients he has left, noting he'll have to do a grocery run in a few days at his current pace.
Once dinner is ready he sits down on his couch and turns on the TV. Truthfully, Okuto is not much for TV, if he wants to see something specifically, he has the internet for that. But he appreciates having the background noise on his otherwise silent living space.
He scarfs down his food and leaves the plate on the coffee table. He leans sideways on his couch, just scrolling through his social media to pass the time. He eyes the video game console he bought a few months ago, and the backlog of games comes to mind. He weighs the decision in his mind and ultimately decides against it, deciding to leave it for the weekend.
He tries not to think too hard on how they've been there for several months by this point.
He switches channels until he finds one about marine biology and decides it's good enough.
This is the least favorite part of Okuto's day, when the routine starts to wear off and he's all by himself. The mundanity just begging for the night to pass quickly so he can go back to the safety of his day-to-day life.
He tries to clear his mind of the things he’d rather not spend the remainder of his energy on, until a yawn breaks through the sounds of the TV. He notices the time and decides it's late enough that he most likely won't wake up way earlier than he needs to. He washes the remains of his dinner and shuts down the rest of his apartment.
He freshens up and tucks himself into bed. Another yawn breaks through the silence, the routine finally catching up to him.
The day has left him weary, though. He wonders if this is what life is all chalked up to be. He doesn't mind his current routine, the mundanity of it all is comforting. But in moments like these, he can't help but think ''Is this it?''
Is he just going to experience the same routine until his body physically can't anymore? Living such an existence feels awfully daunting.
He thinks of the boy he used to have a crush on during freshman year of high school. He wonders if that kind of love would have been enough to make the life ahead of him less frightening, or if it would have just crumbled in the face of mundanity.
Sleep welcomes Okuto like an old friend.
''Nakamura, a word?'' Miss Togawa is a few steps away from Okuto's cubicle. The expression on her face is indiscernible for Okuto. ''Please meet me in my office at your earliest convenience.'' She concludes and retires out of the room. That's basically code for get your ass here now.
He hears Kirigaya make an oooh~ sound. ''Dude, did you bomb a client or something? She looked pretty pissed...'' Okuto shoots him one of his signature glares for good measure. ''Alright, jeez! Don't worry, you're such a good employee I doubt they'll fire you for one blunder!'' The blonde pats his back to reassure him, it just pisses Okuto off more than necessary.
He starts making his way to Miss Togawa's office. Truthfully, he can't recall whatever he did wrong that would warrant a one-on-one with the department head, so he keeps his cool. Kawamura has told him his poker face has developed significantly since high school, and that hasn't been proven wrong so far.
He knocks on the glass door and Miss Togawa's ''Come in.'' rings out from inside.
''Ah, Miss Togawa. Good day. You wanted to see me?'' The department head is typing on her keyboard once Okuto catches her attention.
''Yes, thank you. Don't bother sitting, Nakamura. This will be brief.'' He stands still near the door as Miss Togawa rises from her seat.
''The materials for the presentation you prepared for last week's meeting were praised by our new business partners. Your effort was one of the key factors that allowed our business to continue growing. Great job, Nakamura.''
He's not so sure he believes Kawamura about his perfect poker face now, he can feel his own face on fire. He's not used to this kind of attention. ''A-Ah, uhm.'' He stammers for a few beats and he feels like a high schooler talking to his crush again. ''It was nothing, Miss Togawa. I was just-''
Before he can manage to finish his sentence, the department head cuts him off. ''You know, Nakamura. It's very rude when people go out of their way to compliment someone only for the compliment to be shut down.'' She ends with a smile.
Yup, he's definitely not built for this kind of attention. ''T-Thank you. Oh, and please don't get me wrong, but did you decide to call me here just for that..?''
She lets out a chuckle. ''Yes, I did not want everyone else in the office to start bugging you. I've noticed you prefer to keep more of a... lowkey profile. Was I wrong?''
''No, not at all, Miss Togawa. Thank you so much.'' He bows as a way to show his appreciation, Miss Togawa was already pretty high up in his list of bosses but this may have just shot her up to number 1.
''Oh, and don't bother sitting down at your desk. You can make your way out of lunch early. You're excused.'' She turns back to her computer.
He lets out another thank you very much and makes his way out of the office building. His heart pounding a bit faster and his face still warm.
''Oh, Nakamura! Did something happen? Lunch isn't for another hour.'' Inafume calls out from the front desk.
''Oh, no. Miss Togawa gave me an early lunch because, uhm.'' He takes a beat to form the sentence in his head. ''I was in charge for one of the presentations during an important meeting, so she c-complimented me.''
Inafume takes a moment to process the words and breaks into a grin. ''Seriously?! Way to go, Nakamura!'' She claps her hands before continuing. ''Maybe that promotion is coming your way soon enough~.''
They both giggle together. ''Well, don't let me keep you. Enjoy your extra hour!'' She shoos him away. Okuto shoots her a wave and makes his way out.
Now that he's outside though, his entire schedule for the day has been thrown into disarray. The place he was planning to eat at doesn't start serving the lunch menu until his usual lunch hour, and now he's got two whole hours to kill before he can make it back to work.
He suddenly remembers, a few days ago he overheard some of his co-workers talk about a cafe that served takoyaki opening relatively recently, but that it was too far for a lunch spot. A quick internet search and sure enough, it was quite the way away.
With him just being praised by his boss and having extra time to kill, he figures he can make an exception. Plus, the weather's really nice today, with spring being in full swing. Sunny enough he can feel the sunlight invigorating him, and just windy enough he won't be a sweaty mess by the time he has to come back. Perfect for a walk. Yup, he will just go for it.
He follows the instructions from his phone and makes his way to the restaurant. It leads him through some streets he's never bothered to take before and he takes in all the businesses he didn't realize were around until now. He makes note of the arcade and the karaoke in a corner of his mind.
He finally reaches the restaurant, double checking with the info on the phone to know if he's in the right place.
''Nakamura?'' He's about to step inside when his name is suddenly called from behind him.
As he turns around he comes into contact with a pair of black eyes and wavy raven black hair. The specific hairstyle triggering a flood of memories right into the forefront of his mind.
''It really is you, Nakamura.'' Matsumura says back, almost as if he's glad to see him. He's wearing a collared shirt and tie just like Okuto, but he has one of those brown coats on top of his attire that gives him an aura of sophistication.
''Hello, Matsumura. Fancy seeing you here.''
The taller man just chuckles at that, Okuto tries not to think how their height gap seems to have maintained the same despite the years. ''That's my line! I work in the area and I've never seen you around. What gives?''
''I work around here as well. Although, my work place is a bit far away from this place.''
Matsumura puts his fingers on his chin and seizes Okuto up and down. ''Hm, so you went out of your way to come to a place that you wouldn't usually come to otherwise. Is there any special occasion?''
Okuto feels a little bit embarrassed about being figured out so easily. ''Y-Yeah. My boss gave me extra lunch time today. She said my presentation really helped the higher ups on an important meeting.'' He's not usually one to brag, but today has already gone off the rails. He's feeling good, damnit!
Matsumura seems to have gotten an idea. ''Oh my, congratulations! A work well done is a work that deserves to be celebrated, I can tell why you decided to make the trek here today.'' He looks up at the restaurant logo, then back at Okuto. ''Say, would you let me treat you? This is actually one of my favorite spots to partake in. I'd like to celebrate with you, if that's okay?''
Okuto wants to tell Kawamura that she's wrong about this supposed poker face of his. He feels all mushy. Oh God, what's happening today? First his Boss compliments him and now a handsome guy wants to treat Okuto to lunch?! He can tell his face is on fire for the hundredth time today.
''W-wha- um, Is that okay? I saw that this place was kinda expensive, so...'' He's trying to look everywhere but Matsumura's puppy dog eyes, but the guy is so big it's almost impossible to manage. He has never seen anyone this eager to treat him to something?!
''Haha, believe me, money's not an issue. At all.'' And Matsumura fucking winks. Yeah, Okuto is gone.
Okuto relents with a suit yourself then and he feels Matsumura's hand on the lower part of his back, dangerously close to his waist, as he leads him inside the restaurant. A waitress greets them with a knowing smile and sits them at what she says is the best spot in the place, as the lunch rush hour hasn't started yet. The menus are already placed in the table
The atmosphere inside is cozy, the dim lighting easy on his eyes compared to the sunlight from outside. Matsumura is already surveying the menu before he asks. ''Is there any specific dish you have in mind, Nakamura?''
''Yeah, I came here because I heard good things about the takoyaki. Unless you have any other recommendations...?''
''Well, their takoyaki is indeed one of their specialties, so you're already off to a strong start.'' Matsumura nods before continuing. ''Their oolong tea is also quite exquisite, are you up for that?''
He agrees and the waitress comes to collect their order. Matsumura ends up ordering the shrimp balls.
They slip into conversation while waiting for their food. Matsumura went to college at Tokyo University, while Okuto went to one closer to home.
''You know.'' Matsumura is leaning his face on his hand, Okuto thinks his expression is a bit too soft considering they haven't talked to each other since they were teenagers. ''I always thought you would end up working with animals. I heard were you were quite the animal connoisseur from…You know. .'' The taller man just waves his hand.
''Oh, that.'' Okuto wishes he had a drink right about now, he doesn't usually talk about this unless he's hammered (according to Tamura), but he just decides to go for it. The day has already been an emotional rollercoaster. What's one more? ''I had a pet octopus in high school, Icchan. My family got him to me when I was just about to enter high school, I was really happy.''
He lets his gaze fall to his hands, averting his gaze from Matsumura's eyes. He can still feel them on him, though. ''Well, Common octopi don't live that long. Icchan passed away when I was a high school senior, the whole experience just... soured me on following that as a career.'' He shudders a breath. ''My sister told me I would just get used to it the longer I kept experiencing it but being desensitized to animals dying just... felt wrong to me, at the time. I shut down.''
When he finally dares to face Matsumura again, the taller man has a guilty look on his face. ''Forgive me, Nakamura. I did not mean to dig up a painful memory. This was supposed to be a celebration and I soured it.''
''C-Come on, it happened a long time ago. I still like sea animals! Plus, I was the one who decided to open up about it, so it's not like it's all your fault..'' He scratches his cheek as the heat makes the way back to his face. He hopes it's not too apparent.
Matsumura seems shocked for a second before his face melts down into that stupid grin he's been wearing the entire time. ''Thank you for being vulnerable with me, Nakamura. It means a lot.''
Geez, who says stuff like that? So cheesy. He thinks internally. He's saved from another embarrassing conversation when the waitress comes in with their orders.
The takoyaki looks absolutely delightful and Okuto didn't realize how hungry he was until the aroma of the food hits him square in the face
Matsumura catches his attention by clearing his throat, his teacup raised. ''I propose a toast. Shall we?'' He asks with a tilt of his head.
Okuto decides to indulge him, Matsumura is the one treating him after all, and mimics the taller man's actions. Their teacups let out a resounding clank the moment they meet halfway.
''To a work well done!'' Ends up exclaiming Matsumura, Okuto settles for a less enthusiastic Y-Yeah.
They dig into the food and oh god, Okuto could just die right there and then and he would die a happy man. He decides this is the best takoyaki in the world. He’s sure to tell the group chat about this place.
''Nakamura, would you like to try my shrimp balls? They're a well known dish among the menu.'' Matsumura is holding one of the aforementioned delicacies with his chopsticks, offering it to Okuto with a smile. ''Come on. Don't be shy. Say ah~.''
Okuto glances around the place, and while there are more patrons around than earlier, it's not bustling enough that people are paying attention to them. ''Only because you're treating me.'' Okuto leans over the table and takes the shrimp ball into his mouth directly from Matsumura's chopsticks.
''Wow, this is amazing! Is everything on the menu seriously this good? I thought the takoyaki was good enough already but this..!'' Okuto cant help the sounds he lets out, his usual routine of fast food and konbini food had made his tastebuds forget what real cuisine tasted like.
''Haha, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I know more places around I can show you next time.'' Matsumura says casually as he keeps on savoring his dish, but Okuto can't help but hang onto those words. Matsumura, polite, seemingly loaded and handsome as heck wants to keep hanging out with him?
He decides to just make a humming sound of approval as he chews on his takoyaki rather than bring more attention to it, just in case Matsumura mentions it was a slip of the tongue and that he doesn't really wanna see Okuto again. That scenario makes something ugly churn inside his chest.
The conversations become easier after that. Matsumura tells him how he went overseas after university for a while, Okuto says he's never had the chance since his family doesn't have that kind of money. ''I enjoy photography, so I took a lot of pictures from my time abroad. I can bring them to you next time, if you'd like?''
''You don't keep them in your phone?''
Matsumura slips a knowing smile into his face. ''Any moment worth preserving is best captured on a polaroid. Nothing against digital cameras, of course. Just a personal preference. Call it a quirk of mine, if you will.''
''Elitist much? Suit yourself then. Tamura would fight you on that. He can't get enough about the wonders of audiovisional technology.'' Okuto replies with a grin. Once again trying to not bring too much attention to the assumptions in Matsumura's choice of words.
''I'm open to different points of view. If he's one of your friends, he's bound to be someone I can get along with for sure. '' The look on Matsumura's face makes Okuto's heart pound just a bit faster.
They finish their meal afterwards, Matsumura footing the bill like he promised to. The waitress just smiles at them both with that same polite smile and Okuto can't help but think if she thought they were more than two estranged acquaintances catching up.
Matsumura leads him out of the restaurant, his hand once again dangerously close to Okuto's waist. His body feels particularly warm on that spot, but it's not an unpleasant feeling.
Okuto notices the street is swarming with the activity only lunch rush hour can bring and checks the time. ''Ah, I should be making my way back. I really wasn't lying when I said this place was a bit far away from my workplace. ''
''Hm, would you let me make the way back with you?'' Matsumura proposes with a smile. He's been doing a lot today, smiling. He doesn't recall Matsumura smiling at him that much when they were younger.
Truthfully, Okuto did not want their escapade to end just yet. He's been enjoying himself a lot. ''Fine by me. Wouldn't you get chewed out by your boss if you get back in late?''
Matsumura just laughs and waves him off as if to indicate that won't really be a problem. The lunch hour rush seems to be in full swing by this point, and though Okuto is of average height, the crowd would have managed to sweep him away.
Thankfully, that same arm around his waist is the one who keeps him steady through the blusting street. ''Don't get away, now.'' Matsumura whispers in his ear in a voice an octave deeper and he can feel the words traveling through his entire body.
''T-Thanks.'' He manages to stammer out and looks at Matsumura, the taller man grinning down at him.
Matsumura leads him through some alleyways where they get more breathing room, though he still won't let go of his waist. They comment on the businesses that they pass along the way, Matsumura points at a bookstore and Okuto comments on a poster promoting one of Kawamura's recent releases. ''You're friends with very talented people, Nakamura.''
Okuto just scoffs. ''I'm just lucky they didn't decide to ditch me as soon as they could. They're stuck with me now whether they like it or not, though.'' Matsumura grips his waist a little bit tighter at that.
The pair makes their way to Okuto's workplace with some minutes to spare before he has to head back in. ''Ah, this is it.'' He points at the building to let Matsumura know. He unwraps himself from the taller man's grip and he can't help the pang of disappointment at how easily Matsumura lets him go.
''Well, I had a lot of fun today. Thank you for treating me, Matsumura.'' Okuto says with a bow, he doesn't dare to imply they're friends. Not yet. If he sees Matsumura again though... Maybe he'll build up the courage to ask. ''Stay safe, bye.''
Before he can begin to make his walk inside the building, a pressure on his shirt sleeve pulls him back from walking away. Matsumura is looking at him with a soft smile Okuto can only describe as melancholic. ''Nakamura, could I have your phone number? I really enjoyed myself and I would like to go out with you again in the near future.''
Okuto is stunned for a second before he lets out an overly dramatic exhale and chuckles. ''So, we're friends now.'' He pulls out his phone and they record each other's contact info.
Matsumura stares at his phone screen for a beat longer than necessary and grins once again. ''Yes, of course.'' He surveys his surroundings before he encroaches on Okuto's personal space. ''So, as a way to celebrate our newfound friendship, could we take a picture?''
Being this close to Matsumura forces Okuto to crank his neck up. ''I thought you didn't like taking pictures with your phone.'' He replies smugly.
Matsumura barks out a laugh. ''Please, it's just a preference. They're perfectly fine, and If I knew I was gonna meet you today, I would have made sure to bring my polaroid camera along.'' The taller man puts his hand on Okuto's shoulder and grips it gently. ''Would you allow me to be so greedy?''
Okuto rolls his eyes, but the smile on his face doesn't let up. ''Go for it.'' Matsumura wraps his arm around his shoulder and makes an easy wink and smile combo. Okuto tries to go for an effortless peace sign, but Matsumura's body heat is seeping through his clothes and he can feel the heat of the blush on his face. He hopes he doesn't look as much of a mess as his high school pictures.
Matsumura analyzes the picture and pockets his phone with a satisfied smile. ''Thank you. I'll shoot you a message as soon as I am able. Have a good rest of your day, Nakamura.''
''Yeah, you too. Bye, Matsumura.'' He makes his way back inside the building. He glances back one time before heading in and Matsumura is still waving at him, one hand in his coat's pocket. Okuto can't help but think back again how handsome this man is. And he just spent the entire afternoon with you, his treacherous brain provides.
The AC of the building hits him instantly and he hopes it's enough to ease the blush on his face. Before he can make his way to the elevator (he decided he did enough walking for a day, so he forgoes the stairs.), a sudden force tackles him and wraps his arms around his neck.
''NA.KA.MU.RA! I THOUGHT THEY FIRED YOU!!'' Kirigaya spins him around and wails into his neck. ''I got really anxious when you didn't make it back from the department head's office.. I-I thought I jinxed it!''
Okuto just sighs and pats Kirigaya's back. ''Nah, Miss Togawa just let me out early as a reward. Still kicking around.''
His blonde co-worker untangles himself from Okuto's neck and wipes the tears from his eyes. ''That still scared me, dude! But I'm glad Miss Togawa recognizes you're a real one!'' Kirigaya hooks his arm around his shoulders (Okuto realizes just how gentle Matsumura's grip was compared to this) and starts rambling about the same girl from accounting-Asahi, is her name-he started seeing a few weeks ago as they make their way up to their floor.
They both catch Miss Togawa on her way out of the floor. ''Ah, department head! Late lunch today?'' Kirigaya ends up greeting her.
''Nakamura, Kirigaya. Hello.'' She nods at both of them with that professional smile Okuto is sure she has spent years perfecting. ''Yes, I had to deal with some urgent documentation, but it's all good now.'' Her gaze falls on Okuto this time as she continues. ''Nakamura, you look glowing. I take it lunch was enjoyable today?''
He takes a few beats to reply, the memories of the past couple of hours making a blush return to his face. ''Y-Yes, thank you so much once again, Miss Togawa.'' She hums approvingly and gets into the elevator.
''Whoa, dude. She's right, you're red in the face! Did you have a hot date lined up and didn't let me know?!'' Kirigaya starts prodding the moment the department head is out of ear range. ''How tall is he? Is he someone I know?!''
Okuto rolls his eyes at that. He regrets telling him he was gay all that time ago. ''Relax, it was just a friend from when I was in high school. And no, I don't think you know him either.''
''Come on, Nakamura. We both know you don't blush for ''just'' a friend. This guy has to be a total catch. We should go on a double date! Asahi would be totally be down for that.'' Okuto just grumbles something under his breath and Kirigaya takes that as his cue to back off.
He rides the high from his lunch with Matsumura all the way until the train ride back home. He's reading a conversation where Aokiyama and Kawamura discuss which popular horror story is the better choice for a movie adaption before a number he doesn't initially recognize sends him a text message.
Finally done with my stuff for the day. How was your day? ;)
Okuto takes a few seconds to assign a nickname to the contact.
mtmr: Finally done with my stuff for the day. How was your day? ;)
hey! just the same old really. that lunch was the highlight of my day for real
mtmr: I am glad you enjoyed it. It truly is an outstanding place. Will you be up for it again some time? I know a different place near your workplace
ofc. but you have to let me treat you next time lol
mtmr: I'm looking forward to our next date, then. :D
Ah, shit. That did it. The blush is coming back and he can feel his heart throbbing so hard he feels like it’s gonna burst out of his chest right there and then. It's been so long since he felt like he was on cloud nine.
He carries that same feeling all the way for the remainder of the evening. Everything feels much less mundane and a little more bright. He even goes out of his way to watch a show that Kawamura recommended him once but never got around to watch. He ought to tell her about the pairings he ended up liking.
He really wanted to text Matsumura again, but he didn't wanna impose on his personal time. He doesn't know if he has personal matters to attend to outside of his working hours.
Once he's ready and tucked inside his bed, he's figured it's late enough that most likely the other man doesn't have any other obligations that might keep him occupied.
gnight
He puts his phone down but the notification sound comes a few beats after.
mtmr: Good night, Nakamura.
Okuto is a grown man, but that doesn't stop him from burying his face in his pillow and letting out an incomprehensible sound. He ends up giggling to himself right after.
''With moments like these...'' Okuto says to himself. ''Maybe a lifetime like this isn't so bad.''
Sleep claims him as if on cue.
Kousei is tucked in his bed, one arm under his head and the other one holding his phone up, staring at Nakamura's gnight message. How painfully ordinary, how painfully charming.
Kousei can't get enough.
Ever since lunch, he's been drunk on Nakamura. Ever since they helped that child at the mall all those years ago, Kousei always felt a sort of kinship with the other guy. He was too blinded by an unavailable crush at the time to know what he could've grasped if he was just a little bolder. A little smarter.
He was worried Nakamura was gonna reject his advances. Truthfully they didn't meet under the best circumstances, both competing for the attention of another and Kousei being careless about his damned obsession. He figured Nakamura would always think of him as that weirdo that he met when he was a teenager.
But Nakamura proved him wrong, like how he proved him wrong when he helped that child. He accepted Kousei's advances in stride and that led to one of the best afternoons he had in a while. Kousei's bedroom is dark, but he's sure the smile plastered on his face would be visible through the gloom.
He pulls up the photo he took earlier that day. Kousei can feel his smile is less forced, less practiced. Nakamura's blush is evident on his fair skin, the sunlight making his hair almost glow blue. His attempt at a peace sign not coming out as it should, one of his fingers is a bit lower than the other. His smile is clearly nervous.
The picture is blurry, Kousei not being adept at taking pictures with his phone like he is with a camera. The sunlight isn't hitting like he wanted it to.
It's not a perfect picture, it's quite mediocre actually. Nothing like the ones he's been gathering over the years.
But it's oh so human, it's real. It's not something rehearsed. He wants more pictures like this.
He lets out a sigh and his ever so silent apartment answers with its usual enthusiasm.
Sleep greets him like an old friend.