Bossun sits back in the chair, the front legs tilting slightly off the ground, his feet crossed at the ankles. His phone sits open in one hand while the other rests on the dining table, fingers drumming rhythmically on the wooden surface. His eyes skim over a new message. From Switch huh?
To: Bossun
From: Switch
Yo, how is our fearless leader today? Hungover?
Bossun snorts in mild amusement which attracts Himeko's attention. With her hands already poised over the stove, she tilts her head in his direction. "Something funny?" she questions curiously.
"Switch wants to know if I'm hung over. Really, was I that drunk last night?" he asks this lightly and jokingly, but a frown gives him away. Himeko grins.
"Well you did trip over your own feet more than once and fall flat on your face. Switch kept having to sit you down so you wouldn't hurt yourself any more than you already had" she teases before returning her attention to the stove.
Bossun groans in embarrassment before quickly typing a reply.
To: Switch
From: Bossun
No you menace I'm fine and dandy. Looks like I didn't drink as much as you thought I did! How about you? How did Momoka react to your drunken ass?
His phone gives a loud ping announcing a new message and Bossun chuckles at the familiar quick replies of Usui Kazuyoshi.
To: Bossun
From: Switch
Now now, I drank the least out of us three…
Momoka was quite amused actually. She wanted to let you and Himeko know that she was sorry she couldn't be there. Work's been keeping her busy. -Enough of that though, are you free later? Momoka wanted to see if you and Himeko would join us for a movie? I believe she'll tell Himeko herself later. Reply ASAP. This is a matter of life and death! *Dramatic music*
What a weirdo Bossun thinks with a shake of his head before sending a rushed "Sure, why not."
"Well?"
Bossun starts at the sound. "Huh?" His eyes fly to Himeko, taking in her batter smeared face. She blinks suspiciously at his open shock.
"Did he ask you about tonight?" she asks. "It was actually me and Momoka's idea. She texted me last night to confirm it. I guessed she'd invite you too if you happened to be around."
"Oh. Yeah, I said I'd go" he answers absentmindedly, eyes focused on a glob of pancake batter pressed to her flushed cheek. Although she's confused by the vague reply, she chooses to carry on cooking, shoving her unruly hair away from her face.
Bossun sits forward once again in the chair and after a moment, gets to his feet. Unaware of his sudden movements, Himeko sighs, brushing more pancake mix across her neck as she hurries to rid her hands of the sticky mess. Heart thudding in his chest, Bossun sidles up next to her and reaches his hand out. His fingers twitch impatiently. "Oi, Himeko…"
"Yeah, what is- WOAH!" she starts, taking in his nearness. She watches him warily at first, fleeting glances across his face and then to the burning pancakes. "What- what is it?" She manages.
Instead of answering he grips her shoulders; forcing her to face him. Himeko's body grows tense all at once. What the hell? WHAT THE HELL?! She screams internally. Oblivious to the war raging inside her, Bossun releases his hold of her with one hand; bringing it to rest against her face. She shivers involuntarily. "Bo-Bossun-" she attempts. His thumb brushes across her cheek before returning to his side where he then lifts it and presses it against his lips. She watches in silent wonder as his tongue slides over it.
"You had pancake mix on your face" he explains.
"Oh, okay…" she says huskily, purple eyes glazed over ever so slightly. Still in a daze, she doesn't move.
"It's going to burn" he says and the corner of his mouth twitches.
"What?" she asks. Suddenly it dawns on her and then she snaps back to herself. "Crap, the pancakes!"
A heavy silence falls over the room after that. Intent on distracting himself from analysing his own actions, Bossun shuffles across the room to where the TV sits. He settles himself onto the couch, but before he can press power on the remote, a treacherous thought skates through his mind. What the hell am I doing?
Hi guys! Sorry for the incredibly late update..
I can't promise the next one will be done soon (although I want to be optimistic), but I can promise you this: this is not going to be one of those incomplete stories a few of you have expressed concerns about. There will be a happy ending!
Thanks for the continued support :)
Ps. Don't stress over the length of this chapter, I'll try to pick up the pace and draw them out more from now on!