Onodera shifted in his spot for the umpteenth time whilst waiting in queue. His emerald eyes lowered to the ground, focused on nothing. He suppressed a tired sigh as more people squished up together in wait for the signing event to begin, but was ready to get out of the steamy, cramped bookstore that he landed himself in. But he had come early to queue up fast, and this would probably be the only chance he could meet the author he had admired, who had come from overseas to meet his international fans. The brunet cursed himself for being so absorbed in books while he was overseas - perhaps he wouldn't have found himself in this situation if he hadn't.
The rush eventually came. The moment the announcement came off for the author's event to begin, everyone began to lose formation, and Onodera found himself being the scrutiny of being shoved to the back of the line.
"Ouch–!"
A particular shove sent the brunet stumbling back onto other people, who had only looked at him with distaste before moving ahead of him as well. Irritation flooded his sense. It wasn't his fault! He sighed as he brought himself back to the queue, much farther from where he was initially. He would've protested, but with an international author comes fans from all over the country. He wasn't ready to deal with Westerners at the moment.
"Oi! Move back! This guy's with me!"
Onodera blinked up at the booming voice, bringing his head out of the queue to see who exactly yelled out - and quite rudely, if the brunet had to be honest - so unabashedly in public. Then their eyes met.
Wordlessly, the stranger beckoned him over to stand beside him, with everyone else staring in a mix of awe, annoyance and shame. Onodera didn't want to turn the other down - after all, he had made such a ruckus for him - so he complied and slowly walked up to the other and stood beside him.
The entire event went by without a hitch after that, and Onodera found himself walking out with said stranger who had helped him earlier that morning.
"I have to say, even though it wasn't really necessary, thank you for helping me out back there." Onodera smiled politely as he faced the other properly. It was only then that he knew.
'Ah…!'
"Saga!" The brunet exclaimed, smiling brightly now. Said man grinned in returned and sighed as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "Took you long enough to notice. I thought you realised it was me the moment I called out for you."
"I didn't really think back then, if I had to be honest. I don't like to make a fuss in public spaces. But I should've known it was you, definitely." Onodera chuckled, stepping forward to pat the raven on the chest. "We've always had similar tastes in books, even back in high school."
"Of course, you were always recommending me books to read. I think I kept some of the ones that you bought me." The taller reflected, before changing the topic. "Ah, right. Did you remember? It's Takano now, not Saga."
"Eh? Ahhh , right!" Onodera laughed as he scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. "Sorry, I forgot. I always called you Saga back in high school, so–"
"Nah, don't worry about it." Takano waved his hand dismissively, gazing at the brunet. They fell into silence despite the bustling noise around them, but they kept their gazes steady at each other, not feeling awkward about it in the slightest. After a few seconds, Onodera took it as a sign to leave, but Takano had other plans.
"While we're here, do you...want to grab some lunch? My treat." The raven offered, turning a little to head further into the city. Onodera was surprised by the request, but immediately jumped on board with the idea, joining Takano's side.
'After all, it's been ten years, I might as well ought to spend some time with him after reuniting with him…'
"Since you're paying, I'll definitely go!"
"Oi, don't think that I'm gonna do this next time."
"There's a next time?" Onodera teased, laughing when he noticed that Takano realised what he had said himself, but tried to play it off.
"Well, if you want." Takano started off tentatively, but grew more confident when Onodera nodded and smiled shyly as he kept his head low.
"I'd like that."
"I'm really glad to see you're doing well, Takano." Onodera admitted after swallowing a portion of his meal and placing his cutlery down. Amber eyes flickered up from his food, and the raven smiled in earnest as he placed his own cutlery down.
"I feel the same. You seem happy." Takano rested his chin in his hand as he gazed at the other. They had shared a pleasant exchange with each other, talking about trivial things, sharing good title to read and having a laugh about some events in their lives. Though, every now and then, Takano's phone would buzz or ring, interrupting the flow they had. The raven would raise it up to read it, but would never make a gesture to reply to call back. While Onodera didn't particularly mind, he wondered who was constantly messaging him. Lips stretched in amusement, Onodera rested his chin on his clasped hands, eyes painted with mischievousness.
"Now, now, Takano-kun, you shouldn't leave your girlfriend hanging like that. What ever shall we do if the poor girl starts to cry?" Onodera hid a smile behind his hand when Takano laughed into his hand to keep the noise levels low.
"Well," The raven started, having recovered from his small fit. "I'd just have to make it up to her then." Strangely, Onodera felt a lump in his throat.
'No, be happy for him.'
"Wait-was that really your girlfriend messaging you? You shouldn't leave her like that!" The brunet scolded seriously now, feeling terrible for the other girl waiting on the raven.
"Nah, you don't need to worry. 'Sides, who are you to talk?" Takano challenged teasingly. "Sounds like you have some tips from past experience." Onodera just rolled his eyes in response as he looked out the window.
"Nah, not really. I mean, I have a fiancée, but our situation is a little convoluted, to put it shortly." Takano's eyes widened just a fraction at the sudden confession, but kept his cool as he responded calmly.
"Ehh, well either way, I should congratulate you." The raven started politely. "Two years younger than me and you landed yourself in marriage faster than I did. Damn." Onodera snorted at the comment, turning his head back to nod in agreement, keeping the air light.
"I suppose so."
"I had a nice afternoon with you. Thanks for exchanging numbers with me, by the way. I really hope to see you again soon." Takano admitted honestly, walking down with sidewalk with the brunet by his side.
"It's not a problem. I want to catch up some more. I had a nice time with you." Onodera wanted to say more, but opted to suppress them, afraid he would let the raven in on his true feelings. Little did he know, Takano felt the same. The pair reached the train station, and Takano decided they should part ways there, since the brunet was going to take the train home, but he had brought his car.
"You sure you don't want me driving you home?"
"It's alright, I'm visiting a friend."
"If you say so."
They tried to lengthen the time they had together unknowingly, but Onodera was aware that he would miss the train if he stayed any longer. So despite what he had learnt of Takano earlier, and before he second-guessed himself, the brunet stepped forward suddenly and wrapped his arms around the raven's neck, embracing him tightly. Relief flooded his senses once he felt Takano returning the embrace with a tight hold of his own. They separated almost instantly, not wanting to bring up any more unnecessary feelings than they already had.
"..."
"I'll see you soon, Onodera."
"...yeah, see you."
With that, they took their respective departures.
"Ritsu, you know it's like-what? 8pm on a work night. You need to go back home!" Nao sighed as he fell back on the couch beside the brunet, who had dropped by a few hours ago to talk to him. He knew the brunet was still hung up over Takano, but he was annoyed why Onodera didn't seem to make a move. He sighed once again when he caught a glimpse of the brunet's moping expression, and landed his hand on the brunet's head roughly to mess his hair up and distract him a little.
"Nao!"
"You know, things might be less awkward between you two if you just told him you want him." Nao explained, feeling sympathy for his best friend who seemed to fall further into a saddened state.
"That's the issue. He has a girlfriend."
"Wait, seriously?!"
"Masamune, are you trying to get yourself shitfaced on a work night? You do realise that there's a meeting tomorrow morning." Yokozawa grumbled as he watched his best friend take swig of his drink before he snatched it settled it down on the other side of the room.
" God... I think I fucked up."
"I don't see how you 'fucked up'. You met Onodera, had a nice lunch with him, gave him a hug. I mean, those are all signs that he misses you as well. I don't get why you're so worked up over this." Takano sighed as he ran a hand through his hair before slamming his forehead against the table.
"Oi!"
"That's the thing, Yokozawa." Takano groaned as he ran his fingers through his hair. "I was pulling a joke that I had some annoying girlfriend messaging me - even though it was just Hatori notifying me about the situation back at Emerald - and now Onodera says he has a goddamn fiancée."
"Oh, shit."