How in the world could anyone be nervous about entering a coffee shop?
Sanzo didn't know, but he was. It wasn't that big of a deal; just open the door and walk in. Despite Goku's presence, he'd done just fine for the last few days when he'd come for his usual morning coffee. Still, it seemed like momentous task for him at the moment, despite the people staring at him as they passed by and walked in themselves.
He could see the brunette behind the counter, a wide smile on his full lips as he passed out food and drinks. Sanzo's heart was beating quickly, and he could feel the sweat on his palms. His plan had seemed so simple last night. However, now that the task was actually before him, it seemed almost impossible.
'Hey, want to catch a movie sometime?'
Why was it so easy to think, and so hard to actually say?
Sanzo jerked his head in a sharp shake, and forced himself to move. All of his life, when he had wanted something, he'd gone for it. He was not about to become some sniveling coward now! It was a simple question, with a simple answer, and he wouldn't back down from any challenge.
Still, he faltered slightly as he came up to the counter. Sanzo swallowed, his throat dry, as he gazed into the slightly hooded eyes of the other. It was at that moment that Sanzo realized that, yes, he still was a kid. He'd always thought of himself as grown up and mature, but there was no denying the pre-asking jitters he'd heard his classmates talk about so often. He'd always found it amusing when classmates got a friend to ask a friend if a certain person liked them. Now, he longed to have the same option. It seemed so much more bearable than actually doing this himself.
"Large, black, right?" the youth questioned, abruptly breaking what had to of been a stretching silence between them.
"Right," Sanzo answered absently, reaching for his wallet. He sternly reminded himself that only creeps stared as he was right now, and forced himself to look away from the other boy, his eyes roaming to find anything else to focus on.
And uncomfortable silence settled as Goku poured the drink and Sanzo fished for the correct change. Really, why hadn't he dated more often? Or at all, for that matter? This would be so much easier if he had at least a little experience under his belt.
"Do you want to go out with me?"
He couldn't believe it when he felt his cheeks heat after blurting the question. He couldn't remember having ever blushed in his life! Well, it wasn't nearly as elegant as he'd wanted it to sound, but at least he'd gotten it out.
Goku's eyes snapped up to his own, clearly surprised. Sanzo nervously coughed into his hand, hoping to hide his embarrassing blush. "Well, I mean, maybe we could go for coffee sometime. Ah, no, you wouldn't want to do that. Maybe a movie or dinner or something like that?"
Why couldn't he stop babbling?
His stomach started to churn when Goku didn't reply immediately, even more so when those golden eyes dropping down to the counter top and Goku worried his lip between his teeth. Once again, silence stretched, and Sanzo could hear people complaining behind him because of the wait. He couldn't seem to breathe properly when he realized the mistake he'd made. Goku wasn't interested, and now he'd stuck them both in a humiliating situation.
He had nearly grabbed his coffee and turned to go when Goku grabbed his wrist to stop him. "Okay," the youth replied, his breath coming quickly. "I get off work around three, usually. I can go anytime after that."
Sanzo couldn't stop a smile from spreading across his lips. All at once, he felt the tension and upset vanish, a weight lifted off his shoulders. It had been worth it after all!
"Then, I'll see you this afternoon."
He hadn't smiled like this in a long time, Sanzo realized as he made his way out of the cafe and toward the school. It surprised him, how pleased he was with himself. One would think he would feel this way more often, with all that he had accomplished in his life so far. But it had been a long time since he'd felt so satisfied with what he'd done. He'd taken a leap that he'd had no idea could be so difficult, and he just knew his life would never be the same.