Chapter 6

Let's Hang Out

"Congrats…that's a big change." Kukai voiced up trying to melt away the chill in the room. Though the baker could often take on heated situations, chilly ones made him feel quite uncomfortable. It didn't help that Sora and Momoko were also frozen over as they both seemed to gauge his reaction. He knew she wouldn't be able to read him, but Sora's eyes felt like purple seas of sadness because he was rooting for him. "Nothing to root for anyways." Kukai thought while getting a pen and notepad from the drawer.

"Yes…a big, unexpected change." Momoko said as she seemed to stare off with a sadden look in her eyes as well. He wished he could take it away from them both…in fact.

"Well, I'm sure you could use something mundane in your life." Kukai said while handing her a sugar cookie and throwing over one to Sora. He had to lose hold of the broom to catch it, but the smile on his face made it worth it.

"Mmm I don't think your baking could ever be mundane, but something familiar is a great start." Momoko giggled already covered in crumbs and a light smile that made Kukai's body melt from that horrible chill.

"Heh that good to hear," Kukai said while getting his notepad and pen ready. "now let's get started on that order." With a small nod, Momoko seemed to be in a better mood to tell him what she wanted. It was nice hearing her list a lot of pastries that he loved to cook and the small giggles she made remembering when she tasted them was a nice touch. He was able to suggest different flavors for her as she tried to think of what everyone wanted. Kukai could tell she wanted to make everyone happy, and he knew it wasn't easy. Especially since none of the people she tried to talk about had come to his bakery before.

As they talked, Kukai could catch glimpses of Sora putting away the rest of the supplies. He was grateful for the help and would definitely have to pay him for overtime. The longer Momoko and him talked he could tell it was getting late. He even saw Sora locking the door to deter others from coming in.

Urggrr!

"S-Sorry, I came here so late that I didn't really grab anything to eat." Momoko blushed while a smile crossed Kukai's face.

"Here why not sit and eat for a bit while I get all of this in order." Kukai said while taking a slice of strawberry shortcake from the display and placed it on a plate. He was glad that Sora left some extra plates and forks up here today.

"I shouldn't, it's already late." Momoko said looking at the clock on the wall and doing a double take. "Oh, really late you guys should be closed."

"It's alright Momoko, me and the boss have things to still do and can't turn down a request like this from one of our favorite customers. My sister would go off on me." he said while Kukai agreed with him making sure to slide the cake closer to her.

"Please?" Kukai asked softly making her stare at him just as gently then she nodded taking the cake to a table. "Sora, help me take some of the leftovers to the fridge."

"Roger boss!" Sora said while taking a pan and moving some of the leftovers to it along with Kukai. As they made their way back, Kukai could feel Sora's eyes burning a hole into the back of his head.

"Either speak or stop looking at me."

"Sorry, sorry it's just…are you ok? I honestly didn't know she was seeing someone else. I should have asked my sister, so you wouldn't get your hopes up. And maybe I shouldn't hav—"

"Sora, it's alright." Kukai sighed making sure the pans slid into the slots without bumping the food off. "I didn't think of her like that. I just wanted to interact with her more like a friend would."

"Well…you can still do that, you know?" Sora stated while Kukai made his way pass him with the blonde on his tail. "There is no rule saying you can't become friends with her."

"I guess I can try." Kukai mumbled stopping right at the door to stare at the woman gushing over the last bite of the cake. A light snicker actually left his mouth watching her act like this. It was cute.

"Yes, do it, do it!" Sora said while pushing him out of the walkway and making Momoko look at him.

"Ehehe slippery floor." he said while making his way over, not forgetting his notepad on the way. "I hope this doesn't sound weird, but I was wondering if we could be friends."

"Friends?"

"I um kind of got worried that you weren't coming to the bakery, and I realized that it wouldn't have been a problem if I had just asked to be your friend in the first place and not hid from you."

"You were actually worried about me?" Momoko asked looking quite astonished that Kukai could feel his cheeks heating up. "Never really had anyone worry about me like that. Of course, I would love to be friends with you!"

"Really?"

"Yes, what's your number?" Momoko said while pulling out her phone as Kukai gave her his digits. He felt his phone buzzed, he looked at it seeing Momoko sent him a short text with a heart. "Now, we can talk easier."

"Yeah, just um tell me when you aren't busy, and I will set something up. We can also talk more about your plans for the wedding." Kukai said holding up the notepad to show that he was considerate.

"Or we can just hang out and talk about that whenever I'm here." she smiled as Kukai could see her phone light up and buzz. Momoko looked at it then frowned a little as she got up from her seat. "Sorry, looks like I really have to go."

"No worries, I know it's getting late." Kukai said watching her put some money on the table and nod at him. He followed her to the door and unlocked it allowing her a way out. She thanked him again for his time and started her way down the streets. He watched her figure disappear and slowly made his way back into his store.

"That went well." Sora hummed putting the rest of the stuff away and getting his keys.

"Yes, it did." Kukai said while grabbing his keys and locking the door once they were out. Kukai looked at his phone and made sure to return Momoko's text with his name and a cake emoji.

He quickly got a text back and that began their friendship that became another highlight of his day. Kukai found that whenever his break came up it seemed that it was Momoko's break as well. It made him quite happy that he wasn't bugging her which she always said it wasn't a problem. The conversations started revolving around food allowing them to talk about things that weren't sweets. That slowly led into favorite places to eat and how those areas made them feel. He was quite surprised whenever she got upset or huffy at some of the choices. It honestly made him laugh every once and awhile getting a lot of customers to look at him.

Kukai would slowly pay them no mind as he just enjoyed this bond that he was building with his favorite customer. He didn't think he could do this with any of them besides her. Once favorite places to eat were covered, Kukai found that Momoko started asking him about tv shows and stuff to read about. He had to look some of them up and even ask the new employee, Kiko who wore her anime badges with pride, for some help on them. He would admit to Momoko that he wasn't that knowledgeable on all that she was talking about; but he was willing to learn and listen. That seemed to be the correct action because the text messages became softer and sweeter, at least in his mind.

However, the day finally arrived that Momoko had a full day off that Kukai could leave the shop to his employees. He had planned to meet her at a park since he wanted the environment to be relaxing and calm, so maybe the conversation could go other places. Kukai stopped at the bakery to grab a few melonpans and Kiko's signature drink for the both of them. He didn't know how she made it, but it was definitely a top seller. His employees wished him luck which he rolled his eyes at them as he made his way to the park. He was very startled to see Momoko in leggings, a sports bra, and stretching her legs out on a bench.

"I guess I'm a little late." Kukai said watching her quickly turn around looking red as a tomato.

"K-Kukai! No, you're not late I just ugh lost track of time." Momoko mumbled looking like she was hitting her head out of frustration.

"Hey, you're fine." Kukai said able to grab one of her hands with his free one. He was glad that he invested in those cup holder boxes now. "Were you out for a run? I could join you as we snack."

"I just finished since I haven't been able to get it done in the mornings," Momoko said while eying the bag and drinks in his hand. "but a chat and walk would be great right now."

"Good you haven't gotten a chance to try our new mixologist's drinks."

"Oh, you're serving alcohol now?" Momoko asked after taking the drink and melonpan then began their stroll.

"Oh, I wish; no that's the best name to call her since she really does know how to mix some good sodas, smoothies, coffees, teas… hmm…maybe she does know how to mix cocktails."

"Mmm well either way she definitely knows how to make a drink. It goes so well with the melonpan." Momoko smiled while moving her and Kukai to the side allowing a jogger to pass on their left.

"Nice reflexes."

"Thanks, have to in order to be a daycare teacher."

"So, that's what you do? Helps you get ready for the future?"

"What do you mean?" Momoko asked deciding to turn around to walk backwards in front of him.

"Well, you and whoever you are marrying probably talked about having kids, right?" Kukai said seeing a flash of dread than sadness in her pink eyes. It was almost like the day she told him about the wedding. "Hey, but that can be future talk!"

"I don't think he even thought about that, and I don't know how to bring it up to him."

"Fuck nice going Kukai, you made her look even sadder." Kukai thought wondering how he could return that shine in her eyes. His eyes looked around and a smile popped up on his face as he slowly made the tree branches fly into her face.

"Ah! Really?" she pouted, but he could clearly see the playfulness in her eyes. She quickly tossed some of the leaves at his face making him get a mouthful of them. "Hahaha didn't take you for a salad eater."

"Ptoo ha ha." Kukai smirked while grabbing a handful of leaves and throwing it at her. But this time, she moved and ran away from his attack. Kukai couldn't help give chase after her and found she must have jogged a lot. "You're fast!"

"Got to be!" she laughed while jumping over a few of the playground equipment and passing the kids who loved to blow bubbles here. Kukai wasn't going to let her get away though, so with a mighty push he caught up to her and grabbed her waist. However, he forgot how strong he was, and they both came crashing down into a pile of leaves.

"Oops looks like I went a little too hard."

"Haha no kidding, but that was incredible." she giggled brushing off the leaves from his hair which made her pause. "Wow don't think I ever saw you without your cap before…you look really good."

"Heh thanks." he smirked finding the mentioned cap and putting it back on his head. He then helped her up and they both looked at the mess they created. "Also noticed your hair in a bun, really makes you look beautiful. If you don't mind me saying!" Kukai could feel himself panic at the sentence even if he didn't know why. He had told his brothers' girls they look pretty too, but this felt risky. However, the way Momoko's eyes lit up and her demeanor changed washed away any of his doubts.

"I don't mind at all…I haven't heard that in a long time."

"That is — we should get some water." Kukai smiled biting back the comment that he really wished to say. He offered his hand and relaxed feeling Momoko take it while making their way to a water machine.

Though their first hang out was a bit rough, the second time they spend together was a lot more fun. Momoko had took him to a small corner store that housed manga and American comics. She was explaining each series as if it was her job instead of the people who were working there. Kukai found it a lot better to hear her talking about all this than texting. It was like he was finally seeing her passion front and center. It also ended with him getting into a series himself. It was probably cheesy since even he knew it was driven toward girls (shoujo if he remembered what Momoko said). But someone proving to a whole school that her sense of taste could help her become a chef and get the flan prince of her dreams kind of pulled on his heartstrings. Momoko also got him into one that had a boy pursuing cooking after his mother, who was called the "Goddess of Cuisine", died from old age.

The next meeting was at the movies that had a late showing of a high-speed action adventure. He wasn't even surprised that she loved this genre of movies and gotten into it just like the other movie goers. Kukai and her both whispered jabs about how the movie might play out between each other. They both shared a box of their favorite chocolate candy and the popcorn bin that they didn't finish once the movie was done. As they were walking out, Kukai whispered to Momoko if she wanted to see another one. Excitedly she agreed but looked shocked that they actually snuck into a movie that was just about to start. Momoko tried to scowl him, but the chicken remarks and asking her to live a little made her cave. Kukai was glad he was able to act just like he normally would with his brothers and their girls, with Momoko. It made things feel more casual and fun.

And currently, their next hang out lead them to eat at a café that housed a great deal of lunch time specials on a Saturday. Kukai had gotten a pork chankonabe and after convincing Momoko she didn't need to get a salad (because he was buying), she got a yaki-udon. Though, he wished this to be like their normal hang out he wanted to go over some things about the wedding orders.

"Are you sure you want strawberry cheesecake and not blueberry? Your wedding cake is already strawberry pound cake."

"Unfortunately, a lot of Sakamoto's family are allergic to blueberries even if I would love the taste of a blueberry cheesecake." Momoko pouted putting more meat in her mouth as Kukai nodded making sure to write that down.

"Does Sakamoto's side of the family have any main desserts they want?"

"Well, his mother is from some part of India, can't really remember where, so if you have some ideas that would be great."

Kukai couldn't contain his smile and said, "Boondi Ladoos or Laddus."

"What's that?" Momoko asked finding Kukai's excitement quite contagious.

"I guess the best way to put it is a doughnut, great for festive occasions. I never made them before, but I'm sure it would put a smile on your mother-in-law's face."

"Kukai, you are truly amazing." Momoko smiled after finishing her meal and wiping her mouth. "You really know how to put your customers' feelings into account for the pastries you are making."

"It's just what any chef would do. Take for example my chankonabe," Kukai said while taking a chopstick full and holding it in front of Momoko. "Taste it." He watched her face look a tad confused, but slowly she took the offered food into her mouth. "You can tell it's not your average chankonabe, right?"

"You're right it's a little sweeter."

"My guess is someone added a bit of sugar or something sweet to get it like that. They changed the recipe up to give the customer a whole new feel and experience with each bite."

"I never thought about it with other dishes, and I ate mine so fast."

"Haha next time." Kukai said about to take another portion into his mouth but realized something. He had just fed her with his own chopsticks as if they were — no, friends do that all the time. He quickly stuffed his face hoping to wipe that thought from his head as Momoko's phone rung.

"Excuse me." she blushed as she got up to go somewhere more private. Kukai started eating slower trying to figure out what made him do that. He never shared his food like that, not even with his ex, so what caused him to do it. He didn't have time to think on it since Momoko returned to her seat looking quite disappointed.

"You ok, Momoko?"

"No, the wedding planner just called me and wanted to check on things at the business. But Sakamoto said he was busy when I texted him just now."

"Yeah, that is rough." Kukai said, but quickly looked scared when Momoko turned his way with an innocent smile. "Oh-no, no, no, no."

"What? I didn't even ask yet!"

"I can see it on your face, Momoko. I'm quite sure this is supposed to be done by the bride and the groom."

"But I don't want to go alone plus we were in the middle of planning ourselves, so it's perfect." Momoko said while taking hold of his hand and brought it up to her eyes. He couldn't deny the way those eyes made him melt and bend to her will. "Please Kukai?"

"Ok, I will do it." Kukai sighed while paying for their meals and getting up to go. He was shocked that she grabbed onto his arm and started walking in the opposite direction of the parking lot. "Um is this place not far?"

"It's not, besides I usually walk or take the bus everywhere." Momoko said which again stunned him. Has she always gone to places without a car? Should he have been picking her up, so she wasn't by herself? The squeeze of her hugging his arm got him out of that mindset though. "I bet you're thinking why I don't have a car. But don't worry about it; I prefer to walk, allows me to see all the wonders of the world."

"Like what?" Kukai asked while Momoko pressed her finger to her lips then pointed around her. Kukai actually started to pay attention to what was happening around him as they walked. He could hear some light music playing from what he assumed was from a band and heard children singing or laughing along. Kukai got a good smell of the autumn air and cinnamon from homemade lattes as they passed. He could understand why Momoko enjoyed this, especially when he saw a few people skating around to do cool tricks. "Interesting."

"And look at that we are here." Momoko said showing that it really didn't take as much time as he thought. They both made their way inside and they were quickly greeted by a cheery old woman.

"Ms. Akatsutsumi so good to see you again! You made it here in no time! Is this the groom? Oh, he's quite handsome!"

"Actually, this is —"

"No time my dear! We got so much work to do; come on, come on!" the old woman said while pulling them both into her office and took out a booklet of tasks to do. Kukai looked to Momoko to understand what was going on as she just shrugged and sat down in one of the open chairs. He took the seat next to her and looked over the booklet with her.

"So, you do the planning, designing, and the coordinating all here?"

"Of course my boy, only the best for you." she laughed making Kukai question how important this guy was. "My coworkers are just a tad busy at the moment, so I'm getting things done."

"Thank you, makes it a lot easier." Momoko smiled, but Kukai could tell that wasn't her true smile. He had gotten quite used to when she really smiled and that one was barely a grin. But the planner seemed to take it as she continued giving all the ideas for what was going to happen.

Kukai tried his best to help Momoko in this situation either by giving his ideas or agreeing with her decisions, but apart of him felt she wasn't into it. He had chalked that up to bride's nervousness at the beginning, but now he was unsure. The colors seemed off, the flowers didn't match well, and the season didn't even grab her attention. He felt like he was planning a funeral with the lack of enthusiasm from said bride. Especially when the cheery planner left to get a few more samples.

"Hey you ok?" Kukai asked while taking her hands into his. He couldn't see her face at the moment, but the way she squeezed his hands made him want to take all her pain away.

"Yes, yes I'm fine. This is just a bit overwhelming and I'm so glad that you're here with me." Momoko finally showed her face to him and a smile that he hadn't seen her make before was on her face. He felt just like the day they finally met, and he had to choke back on whatever his mouth was about to blurt out. "Thank you again."

"You're welcome."

"Aww you two seriously make a cute couple." the wedding planner cooed making them both realize the position they were in. They both quickly let go of each other and Kukai tried to keep the planning going. Once most things were covered, Kukai and Momoko started to make their way out. They both didn't say anything to each other, but Kukai could tell they were ok since Momoko was still holding onto his arm. However, the beating of his heart didn't decrease as much as he wanted it to.

"What the hell am I thinking?" Kukai thought to himself.