Chapter 27
The first real date.
''Seriously, homework again?'' Sharrkan complained, as he and Ja'far headed towards their houses. ''Well, I ran behind my schedule, and exams are coming up rapidly.'' Ja'far said. ''You, behind schedule? For what, the upcoming two years?'' Sharrkan asked. Ja'far just laughed. ''We could study together, as a date, next week. My treat.'' he offered.
Sharrkan couldn't really argue there, it was kinda cute when his boyfriend was attempting to flirt in such a dorky way. ''Heck, I'll even put on those glasses that caused you to drool during class today.'' Ja'far offered with a smile. Sharrkan felt his mouth watering at the very thought. ''They are really nice.'' he admitted.
''I got that.'' Ja'far said, grinning. ''But, don't let me spoil the fun. I think Hinahoho was still free tonight, why not still go out? And I promise a make up date.'' Ja'far added. ''That would be nice.'' Sharrkan nodded, before looking at his hand, dangling. He didn't have the guts to take Ja'far's in his, as they walked.
''I am going to my place. I hope you have fun tonight.'' Ja'far said, taking a moment, just looking at Sharrkan. ''Yeah, me too.'' Sharrkan hoarsely said, before heading to his house. There he found Alibaba and Morgiana doing homework, but he couldn't help spotting them holding hands under the table. ''Oh, nii-san, welcome home.'' Alibaba said, when he noticed him.
''Hey squirt, Mor.'' he nodded to the girl, who nodded back. ''What am I doing wrong?'' he asked, just then realising he had actually asked that out loud. ''Not studying? The exams are coming up, you know?'' Alibaba said, playing it off as a joke. ''I am going to pass, easily.'' Sharrkan said confidently. ''You've got the place to yourselves, I am going to head out with Hinahoho.'' he added.
''Ok, have fun.'' Alibaba said, before whispering something to his girlfriend, who giggled. Sharrkan stared in jealousy, before he changed into other attire and then headed to Hinahoho, to head out to the nearest cafe.
''This is fun.'' Sharrkan said, as they entered. ''Yeah, time to catch up and all. My wife is getting incredibly curious.'' Hinahoho replied, as they sat down. ''Oh, how is she? And what did you tell her?'' Sharrkan asked, curiously. ''She's good. Busy with her studies, but getting there. We are considering moving in together.'' Hinahoho told him.
''That serious?'' Sharrkan asked. ''I honestly consider marrying her. Not this year, but at some point. I truly love her. Always have and probably always will. I haven't been able to tell her much about you and Ja'far though. So tell, what is the latest news?'' Hinahoho pried. ''I think I am messing up.'' Sharrkan admitted.
''Already? You two have only been together for a month.'' Hinahoho said, in surprise. ''That is exactly the thing, we've been together for a month and a week, including the wonderful sickness moments, but it doesn't feel like we are really together. I heard a lot of stories about the honeymoon phase, and it doesn't hit us, like, remotely.'' Sharrkan explained.
''Like, how?'' Hinahoho asked. ''It's clearly the first time for either of us, but when I envision dating I envision long walks, cuddling, all the romantic crap. We haven't even attempted to hold hands, nothing really changed since the entire coach thing, but I can't coach him to myself. And I don't even know how to do anything past this point. He even flirts better than I do.'' Sharrkan admitted.
''He can flirt?'' Hinahoho asked, and Sharrkan gave him a look. ''Perhaps not, but it works on me, alright?'' he said. ''You two have already gotten close though, I mean, from what I heard, you two kissed before.'' Hinahoho said. ''Three times, and if you count the coaching, we've gone on dates. But all that doesn't really count, right?'' Sharrkan asked.
''It all counts. But, imagine this is point zero, if he goes along with that too, how would you start from here? Because you two are definitely past courting, but I agree, it doesn't feel like dating quite yet. Maybe because it's still so tender, and just a month ago, you were helping him to win someone else's heart?'' Hinahoho offered. Sharrkan took a sip of his drink instead of answering.
''So, we have a deal, right?'' Judal said, as he invited Ja'far into his house. ''I already agreed to it. Otherwise I wouldn't have been here on a Friday evening, when I could have been with Sharrkan, doing something I liked.'' Ja'far said, feeling guilty for not telling Sharrkan why he had been so keen on doing his homework, rather than going out. ''Funny, I thought you did math as a hobby. Then again, it's not like your boyfriend would enjoy that as a date. I honestly don't understand how two people as ill-fitting like you two, ended up together.'' Judal said.
Ja'far rolled his eyes. ''Let's just do this, get you a passable grade, so you can do your hobby.'' he said. ''Oh, selfless little Ja'far. You're just doing this for one thing only, so I can have time with Sinbad. Or mainly, you can let him go.'' he said. ''Watch your words, I can leave just as easily.'' Ja'far bit, sitting down instead. Judal smirked to himself, before opening his textbook.
'Doesn't make it any less true.' Ja'far told himself. He enjoyed every minute with Sharrkan, he really did, but always in the back of his mind, he'd tell himself that this is what he had wanted with Sinbad, not Sharrkan. And it didn't feel fair. Honestly, when Judal had asked for his help, he had wanted to decline, but he saw no other option.
If Judal would pass, he'd grow closer to Sin, and it was clear nowadays that Sinbad clearly cared for him too. It was most likely going to hurt, but it would probably help as well. He couldn't even hold hands with Sharrkan without overthinking, or didn't even dare to. ''Why don't we start with this one?'' he offered instead, taking his pen out.
''Have you asked yourself the most important question?'' Hinahoho asked, after some idle conversation with Sharrkan. ''The one I am trying to avoid? I tried to, but don't really want to.'' he said. ''Well, to each his own time. It took me a lot of time to admit how much I loved my wife. Even when I thought I knew.'' Hinahoho said.
''It's not question of if I love him. There is no doubt about that.'' Sharrkan said. ''So, you doubt his love for you?'' Hinahoho asked. ''Not really, I question his love for Sinbad, and how strong that is or was. Or is.'' Sharrkan said. ''There will always be a history between them. That's a given at the moment.'' Hinahoho said.
''Exactly. So, am I good enough of a replacement. And, am I just that?'' Sharrkan asked. ''It's been a month. Surely you don't expect him to be over it all that fast, right?'' Hinahoho asked. ''I shouldn't. But, put yourself in my place, if Rumuru loved someone else, stronger than she loved you?'' Sharrkan asked.
''I'd be pretty bummed. But, Ja'far picked you. Isn't that really showing something?'' Hinahoho asked. ''He cancelled every date for homework this month.'' Sharrkan told him. ''He's most likely anxious for the upcoming exams. Maybe you can help him with that.'' Hinahoho said. Sharrkan blinked a few times. ''Come again?'' he said.
''It really isn't even that difficult.'' Judal said, after going through sums with Ja'far. ''It shouldn't be. Well, unless-'' ''You are Sharrkan or Sinbad naturally, that goes without saying.'' Judal said. ''I meant when you're not great with numbers. Sinbad actually handles them pretty well, but he gets confused when he gets an exam.'' Ja'far said.
He instantly thought of Sharrkan, he never really knew why he failed so many tests. He had shown time after time how smart he could actually be. ''Well, I am not that bad, apparently. But it's good to know Sinbad is good with numbers when he has to be. Just when I think I know everything about him.'' Judal mumbled. ''Well, that's the fun of it, isn't it?'' Ja'far asked. ''Of what?'' Judal asked, giving him a look.
''Of getting to know him, to discover things about the one you like. It's not really fun if you know each other through and through.'' Ja'far said. ''Is that what you see in that braindead oaf?'' Judal said with a laugh. ''Frankly, yeah. I kinda do. And considering he's not needing my help to pass, I wouldn't call him braindead.'' Ja'far said.
''Heh, who knew there was bite in you?'' Judal said, almost impressed. ''Well, maybe one person does. I think we are done here, you are going to pass.'' Ja'far said. ''I would say thanks, but I don't actually do that.'' Judal said. ''It's alright. Just pass, and maybe take Sinbad on a study date.'' Ja'far said, gathering his stuff, whilst texting Rumuru.
''So, you think I should take more iniative? Even when I don't have a clue what I am doing?'' Sharrkan asked. ''Why change a working recipe for you two. Or, are you going to say that you knew you were courting him before?'' Hinahoho said amused. ''And what if I don't know how to. He's the smart one, remember?'' Sharrkan asked.
''The very smart one that didn't know your feelings. He's smart, not all-knowing.'' Then his phone showed a text. ''Or maybe he is.'' he added. ''Right? No one knows more than Ja'far.'' Sharrkan said. ''You know, Rumuru needs me at home. I'll need to take a raincheck for your story. But she expects a double date soon.'' he warned.
''Get in line. You're the second one to ask for that.'' Sharrkan said dismissively. ''Surely, we earned the first rights. Take another one on me.'' Hinahoho said, leaving some cash, before heading back home, leaving Sharrkan and his thoughts alone.
'Jeesh, when did I became so desperate? Ja'far, what are you doing to me?' he thought, mindlessly ordering another drink, never noticing his server was Hakarayuu. He glanced outside, suddenly seeing Ja'far at the other side of the glass. He looked back into his glass, then back outside.
''I think I've had one too many.'' he said confused, despite having only ordered lemonade. But Hakarayuu, who had come back to ask if he wanted another drink, looked outside. ''Oh, your friend is here too, such coincidence.'' he said, waving outside. Sharrkan gave him a confused look, ''You can see him too?'' he asked, and Hakarayuu nodded. ''MY DATE IS HERE!'' he all but yelled, leaving the money on the table, before running outside. Hakarayuu only blinked, now thoroughly confused about their relationship status, before taking the money.
''Ja'far?'' Sharrkan asked, when he got outside. ''Yeah. I had some time left, maybe you'd still like to go out.'' he said. Sharrkan gave him a bewildered look. ''Are you asking me for our first official date?'' he asked eventually. ''I guess so, yeah.'' Ja'far said. ''No studying, no silly hangout, a real date?'' Sharrkan checked. ''I have had my share of studying, really. Tonight, I'd like to place the focus on us.'' Ja'far said
''Even though the exams are coming up?'' Sharrkan asked. ''Even despite that. They are still a few weeks away, and we are here now.'' Ja'far said. ''Wow, the old Ja'far would never have said that.'' Sharrkan laughed, before linking their arms. ''So, impress me, where are you taking me?'' he asked, making Ja'far blush.
''Not the cinema.'' he said. ''Pity, but understandable in the current circumstances.'' Sharrkan said, as Ja'far led them to the beach. ''But I did already have something in mind.'' Ja'far told him proudly. ''You did?'' Sharrkan asked, before pretending to think. ''The first time we talked about this, we were at the basketball court. You did mention the beach back then.'' he said.
''Stop thinking, you are going to ruin it.'' Ja'far said, pretending to be shocked. ''That's the first time someone told me to stop thinking.'' Sharrkan said, blinking. ''Well, you're surprisingly good at it.'' Ja'far said. ''But no. It's not the beach.'' he added, pulling him in another direction. Sharrkan frowned, but let Ja'far lead him to wherever the first date was headed.
It was a rather long walk, but eventually Sharrkan recognized the path they were taking. ''This is where we had the afterparty of the basketball match! When I stole your first kiss.'' he said. Ja'far grinned. ''So you do admit that being the first.'' he teased. ''But yes, this is the way to the basketball field. I even asked Rumuru to place a ball there, it's the place you learned me to throw a ball.''
''It is. Nearly had forgotten that.'' Sharrkan said. ''So, for our first date I thought maybe you can teach me a trick or two, and we could play. And then when we head back, bring the ball to Rumuru finally tell her the story we do owe her, making it about this date, avoiding the disgusting way we ended up together. Finally, on the way home, you can drop me off, and we see where this all goes.'' Ja'far said.
Sharrkan was quiet for a moment. ''Not good?'' Ja'far asked, suddenly insecure. ''Not good? No, it's the best. The student has obviously learned from the master. Whenever I have to plan the next surprise, I need so much more tricks up my sleeve.'' Sharrkan said. Ja'far just laughed. ''Really, it's the best though. I couldn't ask for a better first date. I just figured we'd go beat each other at some gaming and that would be that.''
''Well, I do get awfully competitive.'' Ja'far said. ''Sinbad has mentioned that before. You scared him and Judal there. All I can say, a job well done on scaring Judal. Between a fight between you two, I'd put my money on you.'' he said. ''Well said. Ready to teach me some ball?'' Ja'far asked, as they arrived at the court.
Judal, rather than heading home, had been headed for Sinbad's house. As he had done very often he was just standing in front of the door, and waiting. ''You do know that you can come in right?'' Sinbad said, as he poked his head out of the window of the second floor. ''Well, if someone would open the door.'' Judal said back.
''I thought you were good at opening them?'' Sinbad said. ''And being accused of being a burglar again?'' Judal asked. Sinbad wanted to ask, but instead opted to head down, and open the door. ''So, to what do I owe the pleasure?'' he asked. ''I studied. With Ja'far.'' Judal started. ''Oh, do you want to come in and lay down? His lectures can get a bit too much.'' Sinbad said.
''It was okay, he helped me out.'' Judal said, coming in anyway. ''That's nice. I didn't know you two were becoming friends.'' Sinbad said, closing the door, following him to the living room. ''We are not. I was merely enduring his company as he was doing me a pleasure.'' Judal said, as he sat down.
''Still nice, though. So what has studying with Ja'far got to do with you visiting me?'' Sinbad asked in surprise. ''During the study we talked.'' Judal said. ''Oh, he told you about me?'' Sinbad asked, sitting down too. His heart felt like bursting, unsure if he was ready to tell Judal. 'I really have to say sorry to Ja'far again, if this is how he was feeling like back then.' he told himself.
''He didn't need to tell me. I have eyes, Sinbad.'' Judal told him. ''So, you knew already?'' Sinbad asked. ''I don't think there is anyone who didn't.'' Judal said. ''Ja'far didn't know.'' Sinbad said. ''Well, he can be rather oblivious and had an excuse for the time being.'' Judal said. ''Sharrkan didn't know either.'' Sinbad counted on his second finger.
''He doesn't know anything until after it has happened.'' Judal replied. ''But you did know?'' Sinbad asked, and Judal nodded. ''So, if you know, and I know, then you're here to tell me what you think about it, right?'' Sinbad said. ''Sure am.'' Judal said. ''Then, is it the good result, or will I be too sick tomorrow too. Because Ja'far caught the flu when he told me, and it sounds like a nasty flu, so if that is what you get from telling, then I rather-''
It took Sinbad a minute to realise what was happening. 'He's kissing me!' he realised eventually. 'I am kissing him.' Judal realised, before stopping it, with a very red face. ''So, no flu?'' Sinbad asked, equally red faced, and Judal only nodded. ''No flu.'' he confirmed, both of them nodding awkwardly.