-Ready? –
-Yeah-
After this exchange of words Makoto and Haruka started to go down the stairs. It was a cold and snowy morning, and with nothing important to do, the two men decided to go for a coffee downtown.
-Sometimes I like cold days like this- Makoto said.
-Why? You can't always swim on cold days- Haruka questioned as he looked at the steam that came out of his mouth.
-I like the feeling of being in the kotatsu drinking some chocolate; don't you, Haru? - Makoto replied, looking at his friend
-Yeah, I think-
They kept walking, but Haru was still thinking if being in the kotatsu and drinking chocolate was really that enjoyable, until he heard a particular sound.
-Meow-
-Ah! It's you! I didn't see you in the snow. How have you been? - Makoto asked cheerfully
Indeed, it was the white kitty who was always near Mako's and Haru's homes.
-Hey there- Haru said looking at him kindly.
-Are you doing all right? - Makoto asked as he knelt.
-Meow- was the only answer.
-I really like playing with you kitty, but we must go now. - He patted softly the kitty's head and stood up.
Haru looked at Makoto and then at the cat.
-Maybe when we come back- Haru said to the kitty.
The cat meowed again.
The kitty rubbed it's back on the legs of the two young men in sign of affection and then left.
-Ah, I really like the little kitty- Makoto said, but he turned his head when he felt a glare. -What's wrong Haru? -
-Nothing- He said as he turned his head to another direction as a blush started to appear. He felt busted. -I'm just cold.
Haru was hoping Makoto didn't notice he was lying.
-Of course you are! - He sounded worried. -You are not wearing gloves! -
Haruka didn't expect that, how could Makoto not know he was lying? But if this was what he wanted, he couldn't complain. He kept walking.
-I forgot them- Haru answered looking at his hands.
-Don't worry. I got this. -
-Huh? -
Makoto took Haru's hands and started to warm them with his breath.
-Better? -
Haru couldn't answer.
-I guess not yet. -
Makoto repeated what he just did for a while and started to interlace their hands. Then, he put his and Haru's hand in his jacket pocket and told Haru to keep the other hand in his own pocket.
-Better now? -
-Yes- Haru's face was all red. -T…tha… Thank you -
Makoto gave Haru a warm and soft smile that could make anyone fall for him.
Soon they arrived to the cafe.
-May I take your order? - A young waitress asked.
-Yes, please. I want a vanilla latte- Haru said.
-And for me, a hot chocolate, please-
-Sure, I'll be right back-
While they were waiting for their orders, Makoto started to look through the windows.
-Look Haru! They are skating on ice. They're awesome! - Makoto said happily. -Ah… I love ice-skating, but I'm not good at it-
Haru said nothing; he just looked down at the table. Why did Haru always had to listen to good things about others said by Makoto but no good things about him?
Haruka felt that way.
Makoto did notice that Haru was kind of sad, but he didn't know why.
Makoto started to think about that day. They talked about the kotatsu, that he really likes to play with the kitty and that he loves ice-skating; but why when he said he love ice skati…. Oh, now he knows what was going on.
-Ne Haru-
-Hm? -
Makoto took a deep breath.
-I like to go to the school with you, I like to do homework with you, I like to play video games with you. -
Haru didn't know what was happening.
And Makoto took a deep breath again.
-I really like to walk with you every day; I really like to share food with you. I really like to eat your food. -
And again, another deep breathe.
-And I love taking care of you, I love going places together, I love to say your name, I love to swim with you…-
Haru was shocked, how did he know? Makoto didn't looked his eyes before he began with all this.
How did he knew how Haru felt?
-…I love you Haru-
-I love watching your eyes, watching you while you swim. I just can't take my eyes off you-
Then it came the silence.
Haru took Makoto's hand.
Instead of letting his eyes speak for him, Haru said out loud what he felt.
-I love you too Makoto. -
Haru smiled.
The waitress arrive with their drinks
-Here you go. -
-Thanks- both replied.
Makoto drank a little of his chocolate.
-Ah! By the way Haru, did I already told you I love watching your smile? -
Haru blushed, -I love watching yours too-