CHAPTER 13

Kaoru hadn't thought he could be so bloody-minded. Apparently, neither had Hikaru.

Ah, well. Life is an eternal quest for knowledge, self- or otherwise.

Gently, he eases the chilled cheesecake out of its mold. A translucent, pale pink film of lychee gelée glistens enticingly atop the creamy champagne cheesecake. With a piper, he decorates the surface with a filigree lace of cream and miniature cubed fruit.

To serve, he heats a sharp, thin-bladed knife under hot water, dries it on a towel and cuts a modest slice for Kyouya-san.

The kitchen is depressingly quiet without Haruhi. What is it about people that make you miss them? Hikaru is hunched in the corner munching on a chorizo, capsicum and potato quiche during his break. The pie is a product of his hands, Haruhi's mind.

Pessimistically, Kaoru wonders if it is their fate to be unlucky in love. Maybe their parents used up all the blessings allocated to their family.

At five minutes past seven, Kyouya-san comes in to have dinner like clockwork. Really, you can set your watch by that man.

"Quiche and salad on the table," Kaoru directs him. He extends a plate towards the boss. "Dessert is lychee and champagne cheesecake."

Wordlessly, Kyouya-san takes it.

The world stops rotating on its axis.

Kaoru's hand hangs limply in midair, forgotten.

Even Hikaru comes out of his funk to marvel at the miracle. They take their shift outside with the customers despite being atypically loath to do so, re-entering the kitchen excessively to see if Kyouya-san actually eats the confection.

He does. Oh my god.

"Is it good? Do you like it?" Kaoru jumps on him in his eagerness, happily clutching his shoulders from the back and leaning in to press his face too close to Kyouya-san's. He feels an all-consuming need to know: "How is it?"

Kyouya-san chews and swallows.

"Sweet."

"Oi, Kyouya-san," Hikaru throws in his two cents' in a tolerant tone at odds with the point he's making, "If you're gonna be an asshole about it, it'll seriously be better for you not to try it."

Kyouya-san darts a fleeting glance his way, feathers unruffled. Hikaru smiles sardonically and rolls his eyes.

Hyper-jittery, Kaoru gropes for another cake and immediately shoves it at Kyouya-san. "Try this one instead!"

Mint caramel, fresh mint crémeux, chocolate ganache, chocolate shortbread and aerated chocolate.

"Cloying."

"But the mint!" Kaoru wails. "This one, then!"

Mango sablé shell, genmaicha ganache, mango agar, caramelized rice crispies.

"Sugary."

Hikaru cracks up, shamelessly entertained.

Traitor, Kaoru glares even while he is reaching for the triple layer wine mousse.

"The bitterness of the alcohol makes this really great on the palate!" he implores.

"Sweet," Kyouya-san sighs, closing his eyes.

Kaoru bites his bottom lip, somewhat taken aback at how devastated he feels.

"How 'bout the matcha cupcake? It's light, I prom – !"

Kyouya-san silences him by softly brushing those slender fingers through his flame-coloured fringe. "Dinnertime is over."

Hikaru's eyes go saucer-round, replicating Kaoru's own.

Walking past Hikaru, Kyouya-san withdraws a postcard from the inner pocket of his waistcoat and presents it.

Puzzled, Hikaru takes it.

"Haruhi had this postcard sent to the shop – she will be returning at a much later date. Truly, even in the worst of times she is naturally likeable. It's not so very surprising that you should admire her," he allows. "You may keep it."

Having receded almost completely from view, he adds mildly, "Happy birthday."

.

15/04/2012