Alright, last chapter was set ten years after Life at the Shinozaki's, now let's jump back to just after the end of LatS. This chapter is basically a quick telling of their first date. Important thing I feel to note is that the quality might be a bit lower as this story is not a required part of this series and is unbetaed. This is basically fluff for those who may have wanted it. Be that as it may I will still do my best to create something enjoyable for my readers.
Life Together
Chapter Two:
Yoshiki frowned as he looked at his phone. Noting the time he sighed, realizing that in his excitement he had arrived a little too early. '9:25.' Glancing around he noticed that a number of couples were meeting up for dates and heading off together while he remained alone. 'She'll be here soon.' He told himself, looking at the text that she had sent him.
{I'm on my way. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes.}
According to the time stamp that was about ten minutes ago. Yoshiki breathed a shaky sigh, this was it. This was the day he had been waiting for over the last year. Today was the day he and Ayumi would be going on their first, and hopefully not last, date.
Yoshiki smiled ruefully as he remembered the teasing his sister and Hinoe had given him earlier before leaving his apartment. "Have her home before dark, Kishinuma-kun." Hinor had said with a smile while Miki snickered.
"Yeah, and don't be too eager, and Ayumi-san might let you kiss her."
Yoshiki had frowned as Miki and Ayumi's sister had shared a laugh.
Suddenly Yoshiki looked up and saw her making her way over. She was wearing a light blue dress that went down to her knees, with a white jacket. Her hair was in it's trademark twin tails but the blond noticed something different about her.
'She's wearing make-up.' He observed, noticing that Ayumi's lips were a very light shade of red and that the rest of her features we're subtly highlighted. It was only a light bit, and Yoshiki had the feeling that if he weren't paying attention he might not have noticed. It was nice to know that she also wanted to make an effort for this date. The notion that Ayumi also wanted this to go well encouraged Yoshiki.
"Hello, Kishinuma-kun." The dark haired girl greeted him, trying to emit her usual cheer.
Realizing that he was staring Yoshiki quickly tried to cover up his nervousness. "Hey, Shinozaki..." He greeted and then silence.
The two teenagers glanced at each other awkwardly for a moment, waiting for the other to make the first move. The blond inwardly frowned as the silence persisted for a moment longer before clearing his throat. "You look very nice today." He complimented, causing Ayumi's ears tips to turn red at his unabated form of flattery.
While it was embarrassing for him to come out and say it Ayumi could appreciate his words The fact that someone she considered important could pay her such a compliment made her happy.
"Thank you, Kishinuma-kun." Ayumi told him after a moment, honestly appreciating his effort.
The blond smiled in returned before shoving his left hand in his pocket and feeling the tickets for the museum. "Let's get going before we miss the train." The dark haired girl nodded agreeably before following him.
With it being a weekend and people being out and about the train was fairly packed, but thankfully the two were able to find a seat. The blond glanced at his left to peek at Ayumi, she seemed to be slightly nervous as well, but was doing her best to keep things from becoming awkward.
The past week since he had confessed and asked her out had been interesting. While they did for the most part act as they usually had, there was an air of nervousness around them now. Normally it was when they would first meet up in the morning or when they would sit to work on homework together.
Thankfully the awkward air didn't seem keen on sticking around and after a little while of being in each others presence they their usual dynamic would return. 'I guess it's just a matter of getting use to this.' He thought to himself as he remembered the day of the culture festival.
The results of his confession had been better than he could have hoped. Ayumi, while she hadn't claimed to feel exactly as he did, was giving him a chance. 'She wants to give me a chance.' He reminded himself as he recalled that day. Her wide expression as he told her how important she was to him, thinking about that brought a smile to his face.
He was cut away from his thoughts as he suddenly felt a smaller hand holding his own. Making a soft noise of surprise he turned to look at Ayumi, whose gaze was focused forward, but had a light bit of pink dusting her cheeks. Looking down he noticed that she had grabbed his hand, smiling he decided not to comment on it and instead gave her hand a light squeeze.
They rode the train in silent, just simply holding hands. And when they got up and made to leave she didn't let go.
The museum was roughly a ten minute walk from from the station. They only thing that stuck out about the teenaged pair holding hands, was Yoshiki's bleached hair amongst a sea of dark hair.
When they arrived at the museum Yoshiki handed the tickets to the woman directing patrons in. After entering the blond was surprised to see Ayumi pulling out her sketchbook.
Upon noticing the blond's questioning gaze Ayumi explained. "Since you said we were going to an art museum I figured I would bring my sketchbook to take notes or draw something up if I get inspired." She felt a little self conscious at his gaze.
The blond found her answer to be pretty endearing. A few months back during their summer break she had expressed her desire to be an illistrator. He very much supported her dream, even if, according to her, her parents were against it.
"That's cool." He told her with a smile that was able to put her at ease. "Would you mind letting me see if you do draw anything?" He would very much like the chance to see her artwork. Over the last few months she had occasionally shown him bits and pieces, but she wasn't always eager to share. He had learned about how self-conscious of her work she was through Hinoe. He greatly appreciated it whenever the twin tailed girl decided to show him anything.
The dark haired girl looked surprised at his request but decided not to deny him. "I-if you want to, I guess." She told him. Despite having shown him a few of her drawings she still didn't like letting people see her works that she wasn't confident in.
The blond nodded, not too deterred by her weak response. "Of course, I always like seeing your art." Yoshiki felt the need to compliment her, which caused her face to redden slightly.
After a moment Ayumi willed the heat away from her cheeks and offered her friend an appreciative smile. "Thanks, Kishinuma-kun." She knew that Yoshiki wasn't the type to lie to someone to make them feel better. So when the blond complimented her she knew it was genuine.
The pair walked around the museum taking in the various types of paintings and sculptures. As Yoshiki lead the way Ayumi watched with rapt attention all of the exhibits while jotting down notes.
After nearly an hour of walking they took a seat on a bench. "Whew." The dark haired girl said as she took a moment to rest her feet. Now that she was sitting she realized that she was thirsty, reaching into her bag she pulled out a water bottle and opened it.
Yoshiki watched from the side as she took a quick drink. So far this date was going pretty well. He and Ayumi hadn't really spoken a whole lot since they arrived. However the dark haired girl seemed to be enjoying herself, evidence to this was how her face would light up as she took note of the various styles of techniques the pieces of art incorporated.
Feeling his eyes on her the dark haired girl turned her attention to the blond ex-delinquent. Meeting his grey eyes she offered a hesitant smile. "This has been pretty nice so far, Kishinuma-kun." She told him with a kind smile.
Truthfully she was enjoying herself. An art museum like this was the sort of place she would enjoy going to. So it was points in Yoshiki's favor that he had picked a place she ended up liking. At hearing that she was enjoying herself the blond felt himself be elated. "I'm glad, Shinozaki." He told her, happy that while the beginning had been a little awkward that the date was proving to be a pleasurable experience.
Ayumi smiled as she pulled her sketchbook out and turned to the most recent page she had written on. The dark haired girl had drawn a few rough sketches in similar styles to the artwork she had seen thus far. She felt that some of the techniques she was picking up could help improve the quality of her artwork.
Remember the presence of the blond beside her Ayumi sent him a brief glance to see that he was simply watching the people around them. Biting her lip she remembered his request to look at anything she might draw, and decided to grant it. Clearing her throat she captured his attention before offering her sketchbook for him to browse.
The blond teen looked at the dark haired girl, slightly surprised at her offer. A small smile graced his lips as he accepted the sketchbook. It wasn't often that Ayumi handed her work over for him to see.
The rest of their time spent at the art museum was pleasant. After Ayumi allowed Yoshiki to peer through her drawings, they continued exploring the exhibits before they felt they had seen all they could. After leaving they decided to grab something to eat at a small diner.
The two teens had just finished ordering their food when Ayumi addressed him. "You know, Kishinuma-kun. I'm glad we did this today." She told him genuinely happy to have gone on this date with her blond friend.
The gray eyed teen looked mildly surprised by her admission, before a small smile graced his lips. "I'm happy that you enjoyed this." He told her, pleased that things had gone so well. "I was worried that today might go wrong." He admitted with a sheepish expression.
The dark haired girl offered a small smile. "Thankfully it didn't. This was really nice." She told him. Even if she didn't consciously think it, she hoped that future dates between them would be just as pleasant.
Their food arrived shortly after that, and the two teens ceased conversation in favor of eating. Once they were finished with their meal Yoshiki paid for the food and they left.
The train ride home was spent mostly in silence. They had originally met up a couple hours before lunch time and had spent a few hours at the museum. Yoshiki glanced over at Ayumi who was currently watching the scenery pass by. The blond smiled at viewing her profile. he never would have thought he would have had a chance to enjoy a day like this with her.
When they arrived at her doorstep Ayumi surprised her blond friend by inviting him in. "Okaa-san did say if you wanted to stay for dinner you're more than welcomed to." The twin tailed girl had told him, responding to his expression.
The grey eyed teen allowed a small smile to grace his features as he followed Ayumi into her home to enjoy a nice meal with her and her parents.
Later that night after returning to his apartment he was greeted by much warm teasing from the likes of Hinoe and his sister, the latter of which had talked to him over the phone. Despite their large smiles and playful comments regarding his affections for a certain twin tailed girl, Yoshiki couldn't find it in himself to be annoyed.
It was the end of the first of many dates between him and Shinozaki Ayumi.
And there's the end of the second chapter. I'll admit that I didn't go into a whole lot of detail with this one, but that wasn't really the point. This chapter was just to sort of give the reader an idea of what the first date would have looked like between these two. Pleasant but nothing mind blowing. Anyways I hope everyone enjoyed this, this was relatively fun to write.