2. Appointment

"It's really not necessary, Himuro-san."

After their first session on Thursday, Tatsuya invites Kuroko to the café he works at, citing his appreciation for the other's time and a desire to treat him something as thanks.

Kuroko is reluctant, but follows nonetheless, so Tatsuya considers it a minor victory. He carries Kuroko's book bag for him, because he couldn't bear seeing those thin arms strain with the weight. Kuroko is indignant at the implication that he cannot carry his own things. "I'm not a girl, Himuro-san," he tells him irritably. Tatsuya smiles and shifts the sack to his other shoulder.

Watching Kuroko's face out of the corner of his eyes, Tatsuya makes small talk as they walk. He finds out that Kuroko was in the literature club in high school and holds a passion for basketball. "I'm not very good though," Kuroko says matter-of-factly. "My friend, however, is quite brilliant at it."

Tatsuya volunteers stories about street basketball he used to play in the states. Remembering his own childhood friend, he smiles bitterly at Kuroko's admission. "Sometimes," he says quietly, almost to himself, "the world is quite unfair."

Kuroko hums thoughtfully. "I think," he says, "Himuro-san is one of those people that others are envious of."

Tatsuya isn't sure what to say (as he knows from experience that there isn't really a right response), so he settles for silence.

"Himuro-san is good-looking and gentle," Kuroko elaborates without a hint of embarrassment. "And," he adds, almost as an afterthought, a little sulkily, "Himuro-san is tall."

Willing away the faint blush in his cheeks, Tatsuya manages to say, "Thank you." He's not accustomed to compliments stated so bluntly, plainly, and without ulterior motives. An unintentional smile forms on his face at the sight of Kuroko's almost pout. You're adorable the way you are, he wants to tell him, but it's an unconventional and slightly creepy (and possibly offensive) thing to say to someone he has met only twice. Tatsuya changes the topic and inquires about Kuroko's favorite foods. "So I know what to recommend you at the café," he justifies to Kuroko's skeptical look.

They arrive at the café a little more than twenty minutes after leaving the library, Tatsuya having chosen a route that wraps around a few blocks twice. It's a fashionable establishment, a half-open space of white walls, birch furniture, and frosted glass. Kuroko gives him a wary look but allows Tatsuya to open the door and herd him into the store.

"Welcome to Café Wisteria!" a cheery voice greets them. The waitress is a junior from his international trade seminar. "Eh, Himuro-senpai?"

He smiles at her politely. "I'm with a friend today."

She blinks, confused, before her eyes land on Kuroko a half-step behind him.

"Oh!" she exclaims, "O-of course. This way please."

Pulling the chair out for Kuroko (and ignoring the latter's frown of annoyance), Tatsuya asks her, "What vanilla sweets do we have today?"

Having gathered herself, she smiles professionally and rattles of a list of pastries.

"Vanilla chiffon cake with berries and cream, please," Kuroko says quietly in response to Tatsuya's inquiring smile.

"Earl Grey, milk on the side," Tatsuya adds.

"Vanilla chiffon cake with berries and cream and a cup of Earl Grey with milk on the side," she repeats. "Will that be all?"

"Yes, thank you."

Placing his hands casually on the table, Tatsuya watches Kuroko, who is looking around with a blank expression. "How do you like it here so far?"

"It's… nice here. I'm not used to places like this. The few times I have been at a coffee shop was because Momoi-san insisted."

Keeping his voice level, Tatsuya asks, "Would she be your girlfriend?"

Kuroko is momentarily distracted from the conversation by the return of their waitress, who lays down the tray with their orders on the table, bows, and leaves. Kuroko claims his cake, poking cautiously at it before splitting off a piece with his fork and topping it with a generous amount of whipped cream.

Tatsuya clears his throat, a bit impatiently. Kuroko looks at him, bemused. "Don't you want your tea, Himuro-san?"

"Thank you," Tatsuya says as graciously as he could. "So about Momoi-san…"

"Momoi-san?" Kuroko seems surprised at the idea, which is reassuring. "No, she's a childhood friend."

"She and Aomine-kun are practically married, anyways," he adds wryly.

"Aomine-kun?" Tatsuya asks obligatorily, internally heaving a sigh of relief.

"A middle school friend of ours. He's really good at basketball too." Kuroko glances at him before adding, "It seems like I'm doomed to be surrounded by ridiculously tall people."

"I'll have to make sure that I become someone distinct from the group of ridiculously tall people then," Tatsuya replies lightly.

Kuroko stares at him doubtfully. "Is Himuro-san trying to become shorter?"

Amused, Tatsuya clarifies, "I'll work toward having something other than tall be the first word that comes to your mind when you think of me."

Kuroko says nothing, watching him intently. He waits until Tatsuya picks up his cup for a sip before speaking, "the first word that comes to mind when I think of Himuro-san is not tall, but manipulative."

Tatsuya almost chokes on his tea. He lowers the cup as steadily as he could manage and wipes his mouth with his napkin. "I'm sorry?"

Kuroko looks disappointed at his composure, but indulges him nevertheless. "Even though Himuro-san looks easy-going, I always end up doing what Himuro-san wants." He frowns at Tatsuya reproachfully. "Tricking people with smiles isn't fair."

Tatsuya blinks at him. "No one has ever said that about me before."

Swirling the last of his berries and cream into a purple and pink vortex, Kuroko licks his spoon before replying. "It's because everyone is dazzled by Himuro-san's charm."

Smiling ruefully, Tatsuya says nothing. Kuroko really has a way of rendering him speechless, and it's both impressive and a little scary at times.

Kuroko quietly finishes the last of his dessert. Glancing at his watch, he informs Tatsuya that he must get going. "It's getting rather late, Himuro-san," he says, somewhat regretfully, though that could have just been Tatsuya's wishful thinking, "I must get going. Thank you very much today."

"I guess it's too bad that my charm doesn't work on you," Tatsuya jokes. Smiling wistfully, he says, "It'd be nice if you can stay a little longer."

With a soft chuckle, Kuroko grabs his bag and together they make their way to the front counter, where Tatsuya manages to distract Kuroko long enough to pay.

"Let me walk you back to the dorms," Tatsuya insists.

Shaking his head with a little smile, Kuroko bows. "There is somewhere I need to be in ten minutes, so I really must avoid being talked into being here any longer by Himuro-san." Before leaving, Kuroko motions for Tatsuya to lean down.

"Anyways, I'd never said that Himuro-san's charm doesn't work on me," he whispers in Tatsuya's ear and disappears.