Parallel Affection

Chapter 2

The man took Shinichi's hand as a gesture to follow him and Shinichi obliged without saying a word. He was somewhat expecting that along the way, the man would further attest his sudden psychic ability. The man led him down the aisle between the tables. As they walked past the rest of the patrons, Shinichi stole a glimpse of their demeanors. To his relief, most of them were minding their own business and carried on with whatever they were doing. Yet, there were still a few of them gawking at him in horror, as if they were seeing a ghost. Shinichi brushed them off and followed the man closely.

"This way, sir,"

It was a quiet corner and Shinichi assumed that the table was a private area, in a sense. There was an elegantly designed portable room divider that partially fenced the square table with its chair of two. Next to the table was an undisturbed window, hiding behind its blind. The man pulled back one of the chairs and Shinichi sat down in waver. Since earlier, he was already uncomfortable with the man's conduct, but even more troubled by the racing of his heart and the burning heat across his chest. Seemingly sensing Shinichi's uneasiness, the man gave him an assuring smile and walked towards the window. He then drew the blind up and pushed the window open, and Shinichi could immediately smell the sweet fragrance of lilacs. Beyond the window was the scenic view of the garden beside the cafe.

The man turned to Shinichi and gave him a polite bow. "I shall bring you your iced coffee shortly,"

Shinichi furrowed his forehead perplexingly. "How did you know about my favorite drink?"

"It's just my guess, my lovely,"

Shinichi's face instantly turned bright red. The 'lovely' had taken him by surprise. If a hand kissing was not substantial enough, such flirtatious designation would suffice. As far as Shinichi could tell, the man was parading his intention very candidly.

Shinichi tried, with much difficulty, to bid himself to do something normal, for instance, to stamp out of café in disgust or at least, confront the man about his eccentric behavior. But Shinichi would not stand a chance to act, for the man had already walked to his side. Getting down on a knee, the man insistently, but at the same time, gently took Shinichi's hand. Shinichi did not put up any resistance. He simply could not. He could only allow his hand to be guided to man's lips, once again.

It was a long lingering kiss. Failed to feel it the first time, the touch of the man's lips against his skin was soft and warm. Shinichi beheld the man in silence and genuinely thought that he was indeed very attractive. The man had his eyes closed, giving Shinichi the opportunity to take notice of his long beautiful eyelashes. Aside from his natural flamboyance, the man had this boyish handsomeness that almost masked his maturity, and Shinichi admired the way his work attire fitted his tall taut body perfectly. Compared to Shinichi's height, he was almost half a head taller and Shinichi was certain that he was a typical lady's dream man.

Ending the kiss with a soft smack, the man gazed at Shinichi with his alluring indigo eyes. When he saw Shinichi was smiling shyly at him, he smiled a smile that could easily melt Shinichi's heart.

"…what's your name?" Shinichi asked in a faltering voice.

"Kaito, Kuroba Kaito," holding Shinichi's hand still, Kaito fondled the smooth skin with his thumb. Shinichi was startled by the touch but he did not withdraw his hand. "What about you? How would you like me to address you?"

"Kudou…just Shinichi will do…"

"Okay, Shinichi," grinning widely, Kaito got on his feet. "I'll be right back with your drink,"

When Kaito let go of his hand and walked away, part of Shinichi's heart was ripped off and left hollow. Deluged with anxiety, he began to wonder if he had seized the right message from the charming man.

Fortunately, Kaito did not leave him in obscureness for long.

Enjoying another sip of the cold beverage, Shinichi beamed in indulgence. The iced coffee was truly something. It was custom made for his taste buds. The chocolate chips muffin was also satisfying, and so the blue berry pie, but it was the complemented books that dispelled Shinichi's worry. Though old and tattered, those books were rare treasures. Shinichi was captivated just by reading a few lines. By now, it was safe to infer that Kaito wanted to have him in the café longer, and Shinichi was more than willing to accommodate.

The place where he was seated was pleasant. It was as if Kaito had exclusively set the table for him. Besides having the pleasure of viewing the beautiful garden outside, Shinichi was partly shielded from the prying eyes by the divider. Hence, without any disturbance, Shinichi was able to immerse into the book. He was moving his eyes from line to line of the text in a fast pace, pursuing the prime of the plot, until a familiar voice broke his concentration.

"It has been a while, Saki-san. How have you been doing?"

Shinichi turned to the direction of the voice and saw Kaito was standing just a few tables away. He was talking to an elderly couple in a warm manner. As Shinichi delightfully observed how the diligent man carried himself at work; his generous smiles, his friendly disposition and his polite speeches, everything he perceived in Kaito was beautiful. Putting the book away, Shinichi propped his chin in the palm of his hand. So long as his view was not obstructed by the divider, Shinichi's eyes followed wherever Kaito were. It was only when Kaito surprised him with an abrupt eye contact, Shinichi finally realized he had been stalking Kaito with his eyes for quite some time. Embarrassment ensued, but it did not stop him from acknowledging the little wave Kaito gave him. The smiles that the two exchanged were obviously the overflowing joy that spilled from their hearts. Shinichi could not but to let his heart fluttered in bliss, and he secretly hoped Kaito felt the same way too.

To have such deep feeling for someone he had just met, even his pride was at stake, Shinichi would not demur with the outcome of this sweet mystery. All the piqued curiosity about the clairvoyance and the déjà vu he had experienced, they did not matter to him anymore. If at all, he was thankful for the unknown that had conveyed him to this café.

Hence, Shinichi stayed contentedly at his table with the book in his hand and watched Kaito from time to time whenever he had the chance, till the evening stealthily approached.

"Shinichi?"

Upon hearing his name being called, Shinichi lifted his eyes from the book. When he saw a noticeable weariness in Kaito's face, a tinge of affliction stung his heart. "You had worked hard, Kaito. You must be tired,"

"Not at all," Kaito spoke convincingly, bending forward to lean closer to Shinichi. "Thank you for accompanying me here, Shinichi. I'll be closing the café in an hour's time so—"

"I'm sorry, I'll leave now…" Shinichi fumbled for his wallet but Kaito stopped him by grabbing his hands.

"No, no, Shinichi. I just want to ask if you'd join me for dinner after that,"

A simple nod was all that was needed to form a broad smile on Kaito's lips. He wanted to talk to Shinichi for a little while but unfavorably, one of his employees asked for his assistance. Before excusing himself, Kaito apologized to Shinichi for making him spending another lonesome hour in the café. But Shinichi did not feel lonely at all; the anticipation for the following hour had kept him occupied. At the back of his mind, however, the possibility of missing the last train after dinner did bother him mildly.

Even so, the moment he saw Kaito escorting the last costumer to the door, all the cares in the world, bit by bit, evaporated into the thin air.

TBC

Thank you so much for reading!