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Kazuma Asougi was always a person who sought out perfection, whether it may be acing tests, fencing, or even speech contests. Though what he didn’t expect that today, of all days would take an immediate u-turn on his plans.
Teito Yuumei University always held culminating activities for English Month, every year had a different competition of course. This year, to Asougi’s sheer luck, the competition was actually a dumb match of tongue twisters. Everyone in the class had to choose two tongue twisters of their choice and recite it in the room five times each without stuttering or blurting out different words. This would then lead to the final round to which the winner would represent their class in the batch meet.
“Everyone, have you all chosen your tongue twisters?”
“Yes, Ms. Books.”, the class had answered in unison.
To leave it at that, Asougi was called second to the last in their class of forty-three, to be fair, he thought that he would smoothly go through this despite having no practice, as he knew that this would be a piece of cake. The others did well, but of course, no one would match to the great Kazuma Asougi.
“I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen, I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen, I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen, I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen, I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.”
“Nicely done, Asougi! Your next tongue twister of choice, please.”
“She sells seashells by the seashore, she shells sheashells by the seashore, sea sells sheasells– argh!!”
“That’s alright, Asougi, thank you for your wonderful effort though, your very first one was remarkable! I would have to call on Naruhodou now, okay?”
Naruhodou Ryuunosuke, was the boy who always sat behind him in class, he tended to be a nervous wreck all the time, and perhaps a little bit scatterbrained so he doubted that this guy would actually surpass him. Despite of what Kazuma had thought, he does think the spiky-haired boy was actually kind of cute.
“Naruhodou, if you would please start?”
“Y-yes, ma’am!”
“Four fine fresh fish for you, four fine fresh fish for you, four fine fresh fish for you, four fine fresh fish for you, four fine fresh fish for you, we surely shall see the sun shine soon, we surely shall see the sun shine soon, we surely shall see the sun shine soon, we surely shall see the sun shine soon, we surely shall see the sun shine soon.”
Asougi was at awe. He couldn’t believe that this amateur student would actually pull it off, with no pauses between the tongue twisters in the least, too.
“T-that was...amazing! I think I would be making the correct choice if you were to represent us in the batch meet next week?”
“I...uh, of course Ms. Books! T-thank you...”, the boy’s eyes started to dart again from place to place.
Since this elimination event was held at their last subject, everyone was really eager to head home, but Kazuma wanted to catch up to the amateur who had beat him greatly, too bad that when he turned his head up, Naruhodou was nowhere to be found.
I might catch him if I run fast enough to the school gates..!
Indeed his train of thought was correct that he saw Naruhodou’s bag in a sea full of crowded students.
“Naruhodou!”
The boy turned around, it seems that Asougi was successful in gaining his attention so he quickly pushed over some students just to get to him in a few seconds.
“Asougi? What is it?”
“How the hell did you even pull those tongue twisters off?! You...you spoke so eloquently.”
“Oh, that..? It’s kind of funny actually,” Naruhodou rubbed the back of his neck and sheepishly smiled at the person in front of him, “I do tongue twisters as a sort of...I don’t know, I guess it’s my hobby? If that counts.”
It was official. Kazuma Asougi has never met a student any weirder than Naruhodou Ryuunosuke, though what he blurted out next was also something he didn’t think about that much too.
“W-will you teach me more of it?!”
“What..?”
“The tongue twisters I mean, I would like to improve on mine!”
Naruhodou glanced at his shoes and then back to Asougi’s determined eyes that sparkled like the stars in a night sky, he then stared for a moment and nodded with a smile that would rival the sun.
“Sure, Asougi! Are you free right now? I don’t start on my work for at least four more hours...”
“Okay, yes. Where do you suggest we go?”
“If it’s alright with you, let’s go to the Sunken Gardens, I’m sure it’s near here, just a short walking distance away.”
He agreed and they proceeded to walk side by side in awkward silence, none of them willingly started a topic, whilst their fingers brushed each other’s. Asougi was confused on how he felt, why did he think of wanting to hold Naruhodou’s hand, it was only for a little while that they had met each other, and he even assumed the worst from the guy. Was this what they call...?
Asougi’s train of thought went to a halt when Naruhodou suddenly spoke that they have arrived. He wasn’t much of a person who usually hangs out with friends, considering that he doesn’t have much or any for that matter, so it was his first time in seeing the place.
The Sunken Gardens looked very peaceful, the white tissue-like layer of mist covered the wide area, made it as if the coldness gave them comfort. There were a lot of vendors who sold a variety of treats, from noodles to street food and to ice cream.
Naruhodou’s eyes widened when he saw the stand that sold giant ice cream cones, Asougi was not so sure of himself that the other looked like he wanted to buy ten of each available flavor.
“Hey, Asougi? I’m going to go and buy ice cream! Do you want some?”
“Sure, here,” Asougi handed him the money, “it’s my treat since you have beaten me in the contest earlier.”
The other looked back at him softly and said, “No, it’s okay, this one’s on me. I did choose the place after all, maybe next time you could pay for both of us?”
There is a next time..? He actually wants to spend time with me?
“O-okay...next time then.”
The two students then headed towards the stand and Naruhodou had paid for both of them, as he had said earlier. When Asougi was asked what would he liked, he just asked him to get his favorite flavor, which was strawberry, the other nodded in confirmation. Though he really wasn’t surprised when Naruhodou bought two big ice cream cones for himself, one chocolate and one cheese on his other hand.
Both of them then headed to the grassy open area and Naruhodou had encouraged that they finish their food first before it melted, because this would definitely take them such a long time after.
“Hey, Asougi? We didn’t actually introduce ourselves properly didn’t we?”
“Huh,” Now that Asougi had thought about it, he actually just knew Naruhodou as that nervous amateur at the back of his seat during some of his classes and just heard about his name a few times here and there, “I guess you’re right. You go first then.”
“Mhm. I’m Naruhodou Ryuunosuke, second year English Major student at Teito Yuumei Uni. Nice to meet you Asougi!”
He was distracted at how radiant the other’s expression and continued to drown in it, Asougi then let out a small cough as he realized it was his turn to reply.
“I’m Asougi Kazuma, second year Law Major student. Nice to meet you too, Naruhodou Ryuunosuke.”
“Law?! You’re so cool, Asougi! Tell me more about you sometime!”, Ryuunosuke was beaming at him and showed a lot of interest for his studies.
“I-uh...sure, and thank you...”, Sure that he did receive a lot of praise from others but why did it feel so different when it came to Naruhodou? It sounded really genuine and sweet when it came from him...
He was snapped out of his thoughts when Naruhodou told him that they should probably get started on their practice.
“Let’s get started! I’m going to give you a fairly easy one, this is one of my favorites actually. So try saying Aka-hachimaki, Ao hachimaki, Ki hachimaki. ”
“ Aka-kahachimaki- argh!”
“Hey, hey, it’s okay! We can always try again!”
They continued on practicing that one tongue twister ‘till Naruhodou sadly said that he had to get to work his shift in the café. Asougi stood up from their comfortable place on the grass and held out his hand for Naruhodou to take, the chills from the cold air were replaced by warmth as soon as their hands had touched.
“So, where are you heading then? I could walk you to your workplace if it’s not far from where I usually go to.”
“Y-you don’t have to! I work at 221B Café, it’s really close to my apartment too, so no worries!”
It turned out that they were both going to the same place anyway after all, since Asougi frequently went to the place to study during any special tests or exams.
“It’s okay, I’m heading there too, I usually stay there to study for the activities I have next week. If you don’t mind, though, can I be there long? I have a lot to read.”
“I don’t mind at all! It’s your choice anyway, I would be leaving you to your studies, I wouldn’t want to distract.”
Once again, another awkward silence had loomed between the two, but soon, it was replaced with ringing laughter from Naruhodou as he teased the boy beside him as they walked.
It felt as if Asougi and Naruhodou were in a tiny little bubble of some sorts, they had all the world to themselves as they both kept bantering, it may be about the beef hotpot in the store next door or the time they both got drunk and did silly things.
Drunk? I think I’m drunk with your laughter. It makes me feel warm.
“Hey, partner, looks like we’ve arrived. I’ll be sitting in my usual place, the corner with the few lights.”
“P-partner?!”
Asougi blushed, the red color rose up to color his face, it was as if he embarrassed himself in front of the class once again. The same could be said for his partner.
“I mean, if you’re okay with me calling you that, we are after all...”
“It’s more than okay, partner.”
“O-okay! You’re almost late let’s get inside and I’ll take my seat too.”
“It’s fine, Holmes is a very lenient boss, he’ll understand. Would you like anything to order though?”
“I’ll order whichever drink is your favorite.”
Naruhodou nodded, and they both proceeded to walk in the café. Holmes was on the counter, kept it squeaky clean, while Iris stitched embroidery on her second apron.
“Narudie! You’re back! I stitched a little mouse on your apron an hour ago,” Iris glanced at the person beside Naruhodou, “I hope you like it! I was thinking of calling him Chuunosuke hmm...and hello to you too Narudie’s boyfriend!”
“N-no! I’m not his...”
“No! No! Iris, this is Asougi Kazuma, he’s a law student and he usually goes here to study.”
“Hm...I don’t see you a lot around here though...”
“I’m mostly sitting in the deserted corner over there, it’s peaceful.”
“Oh, that explains why. Enjoy your stay, Kazumie!”
Kazuma was pretty much sure his blush is still on his face as he made his way to the table on the very corner, but actually, the feeling of being Naruhodou’s boyfriend sure is nice. Eventually, he snapped out of it and started digging through his books and drowned himself in work.
-
“So, Master Naruhodou, you didn’t tell me you were bringing someone here? Do I need to give him the talk?”
“N-no! Why would you even do that? We just met!”
Naruhodou ignored the winning smile on Holmes’ face as he grabbed his apron, with the tiny Chuunosuke embroidery by Iris, and took a little glance at Asougi.
He actually wears glasses..? Why does he look so..?
He stopped his train of thought and realized that Asougi had requested his own personal favorite drink, but the problem was, he liked the whole menu. Though if Naruhodou were to choose...
Maybe I’d make him something special, the special recipe I made for myself at home.
“Hey, Holmes? Would you mind me creating my own special for Asougi?”
The older barista chuckled, “Of course not, go and give him a drink made with love.”
Ryuunosuke also ignored that statement and just nodded, while he noticed that Sherlock had went back to texting on his phone, probably on a chat with Mikotoba Yuujin. The young barista then took an averagely sized white cup, and started to pour his preferred coffee, adding little chocolate pieces with it. Once he filled the cup to the brim, he took the foam and drew a latte art full of hearts, as he liked to do. Naruhodou then took a little post-it note and wrote a short message.
This is a special one I always made for myself, it’s on the house. Goodluck, Asougi!
When Naruhodou finished the coffee, he immediately walked over to Asougi’s table and saw that he was really immersed in his work. He thought that the post-it note really was a good idea, so he just left the drink beside the soon-to-be attorney’s other work. The other did notice him though, Naruhodou gave a quick glance back and beamed as well.
This afternoon’s shift wasn’t much exhausting, unlike the days where he worked in the early mornings. Only a few people came in here and there, Holmes was at the register like the usual, and little Iris brought joy to each customer by giving welcoming greetings. Despite the long hours in the café, Naruhodou saw that his friend was still deeply engrossed in the book he was reading.
“I could close up shop for today, Holmes. You and Iris go ahead, I’ll take care of this.”
“Okay, Narudie! Take care of yourself too, alright?,” Iris pulled Holmes’ hand and headed towards the exit to head to their cozy home across the street.
“Don’t head home too late, Master Naruhodou!”
He still didn’t know why Holmes called him that for years but nonetheless, he was fine with it.
“I won’t! Take care, both of you too!”
“Oh, your shift is done. What time is it, partner?”, Asougi was suddenly standing beside him and asked softly.
“A-asougi! You startled me! Were you waiting for me to finish? It’s around eight in the evening, shouldn’t you have headed home earlier?”
“It’s okay, I wanted to wait for you, let me walk you home?”
“My apartment’s just near here, it’s alright...but if you insist, I guess I won’t be stopping you there, huh.”
“Glad you know that, partner.”
The barista had finished closing up shop while the law student collected his books from his seat in the café, and same as any other, they started to banter once again up to the time where they reached Naruhodou’s apartment.
“I enjoyed the latte you made me, Naruhodou. What was it?”
“It’s actually a personal recipe of mine, it doesn’t have a name yet but...I’d gladly make another one for you, Asougi.”
The lights flickered around the two students, with the wind blowing past, the night was peaceful as they both said their farewells. Naruhodou went inside his apartment, and Asougi kept his hand inside his pocket, where the note that was written for him, rested.
-
The rest of the school days went like a breeze, and college did seem a lot of fun whenever Naruhodou was around. Asougi and his partner, they had continued to practice that same tongue twister, until he finally won against the odds and surprisingly did not stutter. Ever since then, he wore a red hachimaki as proof of his victory, and his first meeting with the barista.
It was another not that busy shift in 221B Café, and just like their old routines, Asougi had waited for the barista to finish his work so that he could walk him home.
As these times passed by, the soon-to-be attorney kept discovering and discovering his true feelings for Naruhodou Ryuunosuke. Why is it that his cheeks burn whenever he gets a compliment from the other, why is it that he badly wanted to hold his hand, why is it that he felt as if he always wanted to protect and be there for him? Is this what they call love..? He was not sure in any way but he definitely knew that this was more than platonic.
“Asougi? Hey, Asougi?”
“Naruhodou? What is it? Did you get in trouble again?”
“No! You just spaced out for a bit there, are you okay?”
“Partner, I am more than fine, of course you’re here to accompany me.”
“O-oh, okay then...well we’re almost near my apartment so, I’ll be seeing you next week again, yeah?”
Kazuma nodded, and gave a fond smile as Ryuunosuke gave him one back. As the shorter man opened the door to his home, the other suddenly spoke.
“Naruhodou?”
“Hm? What is it, Asougi? Do you need something?”
I wanted to say that I actually am in love with you.
“Take care, okay? Have a good night’s sleep.”
“You too. Goodnight, and sweet dreams.”
Now that Naruhodou had closed the door behind him, the law student stayed for a short while longer and had let out the words he hadn’t said earlier.
“I’m in love with you.”
Little to his knowledge, Naruhodou Ryuunosuke was still leaning on the other side of the door, and heard him loud and clear.
-
The next week suddenly came by quickly, with Asougi being entirely busy not even having time to drop by the café anymore from being in the university overtime, but he was exceptionally distracted. Distracted at the fact that he confessed at Naruhodou’s doorstep and internally panicked if the boy actually heard him. He didn’t mean to tell him at the time, but it did feel like it was the only chance he’ll ever have because after that, he thought that Naruhodou would reject him and their friendship would be entirely over.
Asougi’s panic was actually backed up with evidence, since three days ago, Naruhodou didn’t meet up with him during breaks or lunches, or even actually saw him at class for that matter. He didn’t know what to do about it, he was terrified.
It’s okay, Kazuma, there’s possibly no way he absolutely heard that.
The soon-to-be attorney then decided that he would visit 221B later to check if Naruhodou was there. But for now, he had papers to finish if he wanted to get there in time.
-
The sun had set and he checked his watch, it had told him that it was already seven in the evening. Asougi quickly grabbed his things from the school library and ran to 221B Café. As he arrived, he saw Holmes and Iris exiting the shop tiredly, but the little girl had noticed him coming their way.
“Kazumie! You’re here! It’s been a while since you came back...”
“I’m sorry, this week has just been so busy and I ended up staying at school for longer hours...though I have something to ask.”
“Master Naruhodou didn’t go to work three days ago too, Iris brought him tea and cookies for those times but she always came back quickly because he told her he didn’t want to pass on his fever.”
“H-how did you know I was going to ask about that? And fever? He was having a fever for three days already?!”
“It’s elementary, dear Asougi! Nothing slips out of the Theatre of Logic and Deduction! And yes,” Holmes looked gloomily at him, “had me and Iris worried, but he always said he could take care of himself. Could you go and visit him perhaps?”
Kazuma Asougi had wasted no time and thanked both Sherlock and Iris for their information before he ran towards the direction of Naruhodou’s apartment, to where he confessed days prior. It made him nervous sure, but the other had needed him, isn’t this what he wanted to do? To protect him in any way he could?
He knocked on the door twice, all he got as an answer was a slightly muffled voice.
“Holmes..? Iris...? Isn’t it kind of late?”
“Partner, it’s me, Asougi. May I come in, please?”
“Asougi...” Naruhodou let out coughs in response again but at least he managed to tell the law student that there was a hidden spare key in the plant pot near the door.
As he opened the door, he saw Naruhodou on the couch wrapped in two different colored fluffy blankets, with a glass of water that stood on the small table. His apartment was kind of a mess, with lots of school papers laid out here and there, and some books with it too. Asougi picked some of it up and organized before he headed to his dearest’s side.
“Naruhodou? You’re burning up, let’s get you back to bed I’ll put on a cold cloth for you. Have you had your medicine today?”
“ ‘M not sure... I think?”
He slightly frowned, but he kissed the top of Naruhodou’s head and gently carried him to a more comfortable place. As he slowly ran his hand through the other’s hair, Asougi saw that his partner’s face had relaxed a bit, and he took that chance to grab him a cold towel.
“Kazuma...don’t leave.”, Naruhodou had grabbed his right arm as he stood.
The law student was surprised at the use of his first name, but he then gently ran his hand again through the sick barista’s hair and promised that he would be back very quickly.
“Ryuunosuke, it’s okay. I won’t be leaving you until you get better.”
The rest of the night was spent with Asougi stroking the other’s head for comfort and gave him the medicine that he needed. Kazuma had filled the night with endless stories about the most random things and about the busy week he had, and he also said that he was glad that Naruhodou allowed him to come in his apartment, while his partner had slept peacefully with the sound of his voice.
-
It had then been past eleven-thirty when Ryuunosuke had woken up again, but this time, his fever had slightly cooled. He saw that Kazuma was still on the chair near his bed, so he gently woke him up.
“Asougi...? Asougi...? Kazuma? Wake up, your back would hurt if you sleep there.”
“Nngh..? Naruhodou...are you alright?”
“Yeah, I think I am, a bit...but the bed’s big enough for the two of us. Here, sleep beside me.”
“Are you sure..? You would be more comfortable if you have it to yourself.”
Naruhodou just nodded at him, so Asougi stood up from his spot on the chair while Naruhodou made space for him to sleep on. The law student then laid beside him, too exhausted to even think about how he was beside the love of his life, clinging with each other, he drifted to sleep again quite easily, finding comfort in the night.
-
It was another morning, Asougi had woke up to something warm. As he opened his eyes, he noticed that he held Naruhodou comfortably while he was still asleep. He was contemplating whether if this was caused by the other’s fever making him delirious or if it was a chance that he liked him back.
Naruhodou’s eyes suddenly squinted, and he shuffled a bit to see that Asougi had still has his arm around him, “Goodmorning...I hope I wasn’t much trouble last night...”
“No, it’s quite alright. I wanted to take care of you, please tell me next time if you’re not feeling alright. You had me worried.”
“Oh...alright. But Asougi, why are you doing all of...this?”
It is now or never...Kazuma.
“It’s because that I’m in love with you, Naruhodou Ryuunosuke.”
“Kazuma..? So you really did say that back then.”
The red color both colored their faces, with Asougi being a little bit more embarrassed that Naruhodou had actually heard him.
“We could stay as best friends if you don’t want to answer to th-!”
Kazuma was caught in surprise as Ryuunosuke had caught his lips for a quick kiss.
-
The two were back to their usual routine again, spending their lunches and breaks together, supporting each other during classes, but now, they held hands most of the time and stole quick kisses from each other whenever they wanted. On their way to 221B Café, Iris and Holmes were delighted to see that they finally were together, Naruhodou then let go of the law student’s hand and put on his apron with the embroidered Chuunosuke, and Asougi went to the seat in the corner once again.
The young barista then took an averagely sized red cup, and started to pour his preferred coffee, adding little chocolate pieces with it. Once he filled the cup to the brim, he took the foam and drew a latte art full of hearts, just like the first time. Naruhodou then took a little post-it note and wrote a short message.
I’m in love with you too.