Hello~
I'm back! Still alive here. Thank God! Job interview is a pain in the- cough. Pardon that.
Disclaimer : Utapri is still not mine...
Flashback
Masato understand how a rabbit would feel under the scrunity of a wolf. Because he was in the same situation now, with Ren as the wolf.
Ren have Masato cornered on the fench. His right hand was blocking Masato from escaping and his face is leaning towards Masato's seductively.
'He-he's too close!' Masato thought, horrified. He could see Ren's beautiful face in front of him contorted into a smug expression. He can even see how the evening sun was reflected on Ren's pretty eyes.
"I was right. You were the one who wrote that letter, huh?"
Masato opened his mouth to say... well, anything, but word escaped him. He just stood there gaping stupidly with a conflicted expression on his face.
'I must have look so dumb,' Masato thought while closing his mouth and ducking his head. He will have a permanently blush if Ren kept seeing his unattractive side.
"I thought you hated me."
The statement was so unbelievable and surprising that Masato lifted his head so fast he almost got dizzy. He gaped at Ren in horror.
Ren was staring at Masato expectantly. When he didn't get any reply he explained, "I mean, I remember speaking with you about class once or twice but any other time I wanted to make a conversation you always said something sarcastic or derisive. I truly thought you dislike me at the very least."
"No! N-no! I mean I don't h-ha-hate you!" Masato almost choked on the word hate. He didn't think how his attitude might gave Ren the impression that he was hated.
'Argh! Masato you idiot! Way to make an impression!' he was screaming inside his head. He can't believe he created this misunderstanding with Ren. So shameful!
"What a relief," Ren chuckles with mirth. He almost seems glad that Masato didn't hate him.
Masato can't help but admire Ren's smile and his sparkling eyes. He almost looked etherial.
"So, why exactly are you glaring and cold towards me then? Did I do something wrong?" Ren's voice snapped Masato out of his daydream.
"Uhh..." was Masato eloquent reply.
Ren cocked his head and asked, "Or are you just shy? Wow, never knew you are a tsunde-"
"No-no! That's not it!" Masato exclaimed. He was not a tsundere!
"Then?"
"It's... uhh..."
"Hmm?"
Masato knew that Ren was an insistent person. But this was the first time it was directed to him and he was at a lost on what to do.
The longer the silence stretched, the closer Ren's face are to him. He ducked his head and hide behind his bangs, hoping Ren wouldn't get any closer. But when he can feel Ren's breath on his cheek, he cracked, "T-the girls!"
"Hmm? What about the girls?" Ren asked. His voice was low and making Masato's heart do a triple jump. And he was not backing away!
"Jinguji! You're too close!" Masato tried to convince himself that he voiced that in anger instead of the pathetic squeak that it was.
Ren has the nerve to chuckles. If Masato wasn't too flustered, he might get mad but all he could feel was the vibration on Ren's chest. He was that close.
Ren leaned back a little, "I'm sorry, you were saying?"
And Masato really, really, didn't want to tell him. It was embarrassing. But when Ren moved closer, Masato hastily said, "They, they are there and I don't really like them talking a-and touching and caressing you while you just smile your beau- I mean, nice! you treated them nicely! Yes... umm... that..."
'What in the world am I talking about!?' Masato despaired. He didn't even understand his words, how could he expect Ren to get it!? He looks weird. He wanted to cry.
"You're jealous?" Ren surprised tone shocked Masato out of his self-hatred.
Masato blushed a hundred more when Ren understood his mess of words. It doesn't make it better but he still gives a slight nod.
Ren suddenly said, "You are very cute Masacchin."
Masato sputtered and automatically denied it, "I-I am not cute! G-go get your eyes checked yo-! Wait Masacchin?"
"Can I call you Masacchin? It suits you."
"O-oh." That's a unique way to address someone.
'Wait! We're on first name basis already?' Masato peered at Ren in embarrassment. His cheeks were fairly flushed and his eyes were slightly teary from the stressed. Who said confession were easy? Masato really really disagree.
Ren coughed with flushed cheeks and looked away. He seems to be having throat problem. Before Masato could inquire about his health, he said, "The cookies are very good. I like them."
The change of topic throws Masato off but he recovered. Ren looked sincere even if he keep glancing away every time their eyes met.
"I-uh... a friend of mine told me how it was made. And I thought maybe you would like it," Masato mumbled. He was secretly pleased that Ren likes his cooking. He ducks his head and peered at Ren every once in a while.
Ren cupped his eyes with a hand and muttered inaudibly, "... so cute."
"What?" Masato asked. He heard Ren said something but couldn't make out what it was.
"I'll go out with you." Ren said suddenly after removing his hand. He stared right into Masato's eyes with a serious expression.
"Eh?" Masato's brain short circuited.
"Are you free this Sunday?"
"I'm f-free but wha-" he knew he was talking but his mind were stuck at 'I'll go out with you- go out with you- go out-go out-with ME!?'
Ren took a lock of Masato's hime cut hair and kissed it. His smiled seductively.
"Meet me at the city fountain. It's a date," he winked and left.
Masato soul was already leaving his body in shock.
End of flashback
Masato was in a dazed. He still can't believe Ren agreed to go out with him. This was like a dream comes true but better.
Syo though, was in a different mood altogether.
"You believe him?" Syo's voice was thick with unidentified emotions.
"Syo-kun?" Masato was yanked out of his daydream from Syo's tone. He never heard it before. And it scared him a little.
"Ren is a playboy, Masa! He plays around every time!" Syo said vehemently.
Masato was disconcerted, "Y-yes, he is a playboy but he didn't plays around every time. Or else he wouldn't have so many fans."
"But don't you think it's weird? Saying he would go out with you so suddenly, isn't it kind of unbelievable? I mean Ren is Ren and you are-"
Masato tried listening to Syo's worry but when he heard how Syo can't believe Ren wanted to go out with him, he got mad.
"Is it that impossible that a person like me got to go out with a popular guy like Ren?" Masato stood up.
"Ma- that's not it! That came out wrong! I'm just saying that suddenly dating-" Syo was also standing and his voice were getting louder the more he spoke.
"Is it that unbelievable that I even got a date?" Masato can't believe it. Isn't Syo his friend? Shouldn't he be happy for him?
"That is not it! Masa you don't understand! It's-it's urgghhh!" Syo shouted and then stormed off in anger.
Preplexed, Masato cools off and wondered what really happen.
'Did Syo and I... have a fight?'
Sunday
Came really fast. His relationship with Syo was strained. And he didn't know what to do.
Flashback
The day after they fought, Syo was in front of his house in the morning like usual. Masato almost believed the fight was only a dream if not for Syo's expression. He was looking moody and down. He was also sporting a frown. All were never seen before on Syo's usually cheerful self.
It was making Masato feel guilty. So he man up and stride over to Syo.
Syo looked up from his staring contest with the ground and gives Masato a small smile. It lacked the usual brightness Syo's smile usually have. And Masato's heart gave a tight squeeze.
"Ohayou Masa," even Syo's voice was different.
"O-ohayou Syo-kun," Masato answered.
They walked to school in silence. Usually, Syo would start chattering nonstop about this and that. Now, heavy silence filled the air.
Not wanting the guilt to eat him up any longer, Masato blurted, "I-I'm sorry!"
Syo stopped walking and glanced at Masato in surprised. He frowned.
"What for?"
Masato fidgeted. He never like apologizing. Hated it in fact. But for Syo, for his friend, he will endured.
"Fo-for getting mad at you yesterday. I-I know you couldn't have mean that a-and I let my anger-"
"Stop."
Masato closed his mouth so fast his teeth clicked. His eyes widen and tears started gathering. He was so embarrassed. If Syo didn't want to forgive him, are they still friends? Is he only here because of their promise? Did he mess this friendship up?
"Fuck!" Syo cursed. He grabbed Masato's head and waist to pull him into a crushing hug.
"Masa, don't cry! I'm sorry! You-you shouldn't be the one to say that! I'm the one at fault! So-so, don't cry...!" Syo shouted desperately. His hold on Masato tightened considerably with every words he uttered. It was getting harder to breath but Masato never felt calmer. He returned the hug and buried his teary face into Syo's shoulder. He never wanted to let Syo go.
When he calmed down considerably, Syo released him.
"I'm sorry, Masa," Syo said sincerely, "I let my emotions get a hold on me. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Masato sniffed and nodded.
They went to school together, holding hands all the way.
But, their friendship was not how Masato remembers it to be. It was plagued by an unknown stress every now and then. When Masato asked Syo about it, his answers were always, "I'm sorry Masa, I'm figuring it out, don't worry."
Masato still worries about it.
End of flashback
Meanwhile, his relationship with Ren was improving. Ren still surrounds himself with girls but he took special care not to have the girls around when he spoke with Masato.
Masato appreciate it but not the stolen kisses on his hair, hand or cheek.
Flashback
It was after school and Masato got ready to head out to his club. He was walking in the hallway before someone came up from behind him and walked besides him.
"What a pretty boy like you doing all by himself? Aren't you scare of any predators?" was whispered into his ear.
"Ah!" a weird voice was forced out of Masato's mouth from the sensation. He quickly cupped his mouth in embarrassment and turned towards his offender.
"Ji-jinguji!" Masato's voice came out muffled.
Ren has the decency to smirk. Masato glared but he knew it didn't have any effect since he was blushing furiously.
"Sorry-sorry."
Masato grumbled but forgive him easily.
"So, where are you going?" Ren asked. He looked really curious.
Masato cocked his head, "To the club. I always go there after school."
Thinking back, he never mentioned that to Ren. Masato flushed in shame. He should be more alert! He can't expect Ren to know about him like he knew Ren! Ren's didn't even noticed him until recently!
"The cooking club right?" Ren's voice brought Masato back to the present.
"Y-yes," Masato blinks, 'How did he know that?'
"I didn't know you meet up everyday," Ren commented off handedly.
"Umm, we didn't do anything much. Just cook simple things and sometime exchange recipes," Masato answered and shrugged, "Then, we just went home."
Ren hmmed, "Alright, let's go then," and proceed to walk.
Masato went after him while asking, "Go... where...?"
"To your club of course. I have always wanted to see you in an apron," Ren grinned.
Masato turned red and sputtered, "W-what!? There's nothing to see! I-it's just an apron!"
"Of course there is," Ren looked surprised if not for the mischievous glint in his eyes, "I wanted to see my boyfriend in his element."
'B-boyfriend!?' Masato thought in embarrassment.
Ren looked as if he wanted to say something more before he was interrupted by his ringing mobile. He peered at the screen and sighed.
"Sorry, I gotta take this," Ren gave a wan smile. Masato nodded.
After a quick conversation that involved a lot of pouting on Ren's part, he ended the call with a huge sighed.
"Mou, manager-kun is a slave driver. Even though I did tell him about spending my after school with my boyfriend. He still insist on making me work today," Ren grumbled.
Masato flushed.
'He told his manager about me?'
"I-it can't be help then. We could spend time tomorrow? I-I mean if you still want to, and if you're not busy, or didn't have anything planned, it's no pressure, really," Masato stopped himself from rambling. He really wouldn't want to embarrass himself further.
"Of course I would love to," Ren chuckles, "Another time then."
Ren leaned down and brushed his lips against Masato's flushed cheek. Masato heart stuttered.
'Ren is kissing my cheek. His lips are so soft. Oh god! #oa#kla@!(unidentified gibberish)'
Even when Ren left, Masato spends 15 minutes standing there mutely and flushed from head to toe. Ren kisses were dangerous.
End of flashback
Masato knew that was a way for Ren to tease him but he can't help liking it. True, he always grumbled after the second and third time it happened, but his cheeks were always red and there was a swarm of butterflies in his stomach.
Masato faltered. Why was he blushing already!? The date haven't really started yet!
A couple of girls giggled when they walk passed him. They were blushing and whispering to each other in their 'silent' voice.
"Oh gosh, look at him!"
"*squeal, what eye candy."
"You think he's alone?"
"Of course not, who would leave THAT alone. I think he's going on a date. Look at that cute blush!"
The embarrassment. Though Masato tried not to look too much into it. Girl's talk scares him.
He tried checking himself one last time before he arrived at the city fountain.
He's wearing fashionable clothes for this date. It's his first date! It was an outfit that he bought with Syo's recommendation a few months back. He also wore a pair of contacts since Ren seems to enjoy taking away his glasses. He didn't want to end up losing his glasses halfway through the date.
He still blushed at the word date. He continue walking to the fountain with nervous energy.
What if Ren didn't like his contacts? What if the clothes looks weird on him? What if he sweat too much? What if Ren didn't come?
He stopped.
That is one of his worse fears.
Suddenly, he saw a figure from the corner of his eyes. It was Ren.
Sorry about the rollercoaster of emotions. Should I make the chapter shorter?
Yes? No? Tell me what you think!