I'm really grateful for your kind reviews ;_;. Though I'm not really an expert or anything with this kind of thing, I made this in a whim you see, but I'm hoping I still describe(?) such situations accurately as much as I can lmao. My update is definitely irregular but I'll try and make every wait worthwhile at the least. And so, I bring you guys a pretty long update lol i swear this isn't just filled with crappy fillers
Sakuno just have the greatest idea.
Heading out from her room, she has seen her target lounging at the sofa, Karupin at one arm and his recently addicted to manga on the other. That saved her the trouble of searching for the guy who's known to disappear to god knows where at unpredictable times. "Ryoma-san, Ryoma-san. "
"Hm?" The tennis player took a second to look up then focused back to his reading.
The chef trainee clasped her hands together, pleased to have his attention. " Would you go?"
"Go where?"
"Grocery shopping? " She added a quirky smile and decided that it's about time she prepares for dinner.
"Hell na-"
" With me? Tomorrow? Please?"
". . . " That made the tennis player avert his eyes. " What do you expect me to do in there? Besides, isn't it part of your duty as my chef?"
"Weeell you know, there is a lot to buy this time around since I skipped the shopping last weekend. It's just- " Sakuno, while dicing some onions, pondered. " Hmm. . . I could use some help bringing the bags here?"
Ryoma raised an eyebrow at her. " Then I'll wait for you at the entrance downstairs."
"Uhmm I need to know your exact preferences? " She chanced a quick peek.
"Not needed. I eat anything delicious. I told you, didn't I?"
A sigh went unnoticed from the person at the kitchen. " Then I am grateful for your utmost thoughtfulness, boss. " She grumbled in a low tone. Sound of onion and pepper sizzling at hot oil spiced up the barely hanging conversation. While there was a moment of silence as she has her hands and focus on her cooking, partially on her ministrations as well, the surprisingly bothered tennis player mulled over on what he could have said wrongly.
"You . . . did not just call me that. "
" Hai, hai. I did not, sir." A loud pop from the lid of a mirin sauce bottle resonated at the spacious room, in contrast to the woman's despair. She guessed it but still, the result came as a surprise. This man is hard headed through and through.
Unbeknownst to her understanding however, the man was actually able to read on those signals, quickly putting down his manga and Karupin. He slowly headed over to where the appetizing smell was coming from. You need not an expert to tell how furious the woman was, just from witnessing her awkwardly stiff back while chopping on potatoes in brute force that even an attached cat like Karupin would choose to flee from the scene instead.
Ryoma sighed loudly and leaned his back on the countertop inches away from Sakuno and her knife. " Okay, you win. If you're gonna be all grumpy about it, then fine I can-"
" Actually-" Sakuno interrupted and faced the other. There was an evident strained smile on her face. " -do you think Horio-kun will be available tomorrow if I ask now? "
That's something to be frowned about, in Ryoma's case. " What about Horio? He got tons of things to work on tomorrow . . . whole day. "
Remaining seemingly unbothered by the stress of his tone at those last words, Sakuno shrugged. " Well I guess I could maybe try to ask him still? I mean, offering a bit of his time off is very much appreciated. "
" Hey, what are you on about? " He approached him in two steps and settling a palm down besides the chopping board atop the marbletop. " I just accepted your invitation, did I? I'll be the one going with you. "
There was a moment of silence and hesitance at the girl's part." Oh but I don't know. " Sakuno took a second to avert her eyes from the other's brooding ones. " I didn't mean to force you into this really. Please don't mind about my insistence a while ago. "
She sounded really apologetic.
" You don't have to be. " A braid again ended up tangled on one hand. A recurring habit of his for a while now. " It's my decision. I'm going with you so don't bother telling me not to. "
A chanced glance at the tennis player before she chuckled and focused back to her cooking. There's something akin to mischievous painted on her face but she couldn't help the pinch of warmth emitting from her face. " Okaaay. If you're really fine with it, I won't argue. "
" Just know that you can still say no~. " She added, reaching for a pair of mittens. The oven should be ready by now. " I won't be mad or anything. I promise. "
Ryoma chose to cease this conversation with a loud grunt, released that braid lock, and trudged to the refrigerator at the other corner of the large kitchen. Might as well make his short travel to the kitchen worthwhile by getting a can of his favourite cold drink. He's on his way to retrieve the innocent cold can of Ponta situated at the top compartment when he made a grieving mistake of offering a glance at his periphery.
Young woman was paused at front the oven, mittens comfortably wrapped around her small dainty hands and almost prepared to hold the hot rail of the machine. Well, almost. Her disappointment tripling the moment he laid his eyes on hers.
By now, he knows what that certain look implies.
He did try to fight the unknown and rather bothering feeling crawling at his mind, but it seems he always couldn't win when it comes from this one. Or rather, he chooses not to recognize it painted for so long on the woman's face.
It's complicated. He isn't quite sure.
" Fine. After dinner. " He gave up and moved his hand to a water bottle instead.
His white flag has served its purpose and earned him a satisfied chuckle. " The offer still stands~. " She playfully reminded once again at the feel of Ryoma's departing figure crossing from her behind while she's stayed rooted in front of a steaming oven.
But the presence hasn't diminished at all and emerged just beside her.
"Wha-" The tray of potatoes would have toppled from her grasp if not for a large sturdy one that kept on hold over her own.
She wasn't given a moment to recover as a brief pain struck on her forehead brought by a soft flick. " Itai!" Her voice coming out high pitched at the end as she closed her eyes in reflex.
Her eyes didn't stay closed for so long though and immediately peeked up to see the root of this acute pain and reddening on her forehead. With a pout threatening to unleash on her lower face, she has just witnessed the amused man bringing his hand down from its previous place, in line with her sight.
" Mou..", her voice betraying her calm composure. If her hands weren't full right now carrying the tray, she'd be retaliating back immediately. She should be feeling the weight force of the tray but that one hand hovered over both hers and one side of the tray has managed to carry almost all of it. It might have seemed effortless too.
" I'll appreciate it if you stop trying to change my mind. " Ryoma chided in. " Won't work so quit it, woman. "
The woman had the gall to convey that she's intrigued by the fake politeness but dismissed the threat. Every day, she learns to be a bit persistent and immune to his scolds.
She low hummed, thinking, and placed the tray she was holding down to the marbled countertop. The oven has to wait, it seemed.
To how and where she has gathered enough courage to continue pushing her employer's patience button, she doesn't know. But- " But I- "
A fast approaching hand alerted her reflex and this time, she has her hands to cover upfront and her head ducked low and submissive. She laughed at this outcome, quite expecting it from the tempered guy. " Okay! I'm kidding, I get it, sir!"
The sir was far from looking forgiving and accepting to her plea and might still strike, given that his hand never left the area her hands could protect her. There's still that exasperate aura of his and Sakuno predicted that dangerous hand going somewhere, maybe upward, and dealing another blow so while his hand was halted to a stop, her hands quickly gathered around it. " I get it, hm? Hahaha. I promise I won't bother you again, so let's stop with the injuring please? " She smiled sweetly and begging, small hands keeping a firm hold of a large one.
Ryoma had those burning stares at his tucked hand for a while and raised his sight not too far up to meet those chocolate, sometimes even almond, -coloured orbs full of mirth. They are always full of mirth.
He smirked. " Mhm. " And the moment his occupied hand was freed from her constrains, he betrayed and came back to attack – with a poke, that is.
Obviously caught off guard on the yet again fast approaching hand, the receiver had her arms flayed and expecting another shot of pain to her forehead. " NOOoo!" Regardless of the hardly perceivable 'pain' placed near her temple (instead), a result of her last minute head nudge, she still screamed like a child going through an injection.
Having the fun time of his life watching the woman exaggerates on her reactions, Ryoma chuckled lowly and teasing. " Too slow. "
" I hate you. " She sobbed, frowning. " I hate you and my turtle reflexes. " Muttering the last part more on herself.
It was probably just Ryoma's imagination seeing the slight teary effect that made those orbs glisten even more. But he couldn't stop witnessing those coming back to attract at her every blink.
A minute has passed before the female recipient return the stare back.
Ryoma had this sudden surge. Like those innocent brown locks that slipped from the tie band and covered a part of her forehead really really were urging him to just . . . move them. So long did his body betray his conscience and an arm up readily and steadily going close.
Almost.
When a doorbell has completely ruined the moment.
Ryoma had half the mind to kick the whole door down, but instead channelled his annoyance to hold control of his arm down and forcefully do a step back from Sakuno's proximity. " I-" He cleared his throat. " . . That must be Amie."
He didn't miss the embarrassed look from Sakuno's face and her posture wincing and rigid at that one respond. However, lost was his chance to confront her as another signal from the doorbell came and gnawing for his abrupt attention.
" Well. . seeing that my hands are full right now, you might have to get that. " And then she's back to her aloof stance. She didn't wait for any of his reply and turned her back from him to finish her business at the oven. She left him feeling as more confused instead of reassured.
He sighed and walked out of the kitchen. " Short meeting. Call me when dinner's ready. "
Someday, he'll ask. Someday.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Sakuno ( preppy styled plaid leather skirt, white loose blouse, small Panama straw wrapped with thin band, Tom Ford TBar sunglasses )
Ryoma ( casual fitted black jogger pants, white Moschino cotton shirt, Tom Ford TBar sunglasses )
" Not that one."
It was the first thing the tennis player muttered right after setting down to the glass table the sports magazine he has apparently re-read twice already in tireless waiting. He was prepped with his usual outdoor attire of fitted black jogger pants, white Moschino cotton shirt,Tom Ford TBar sunglasses and his trusty Fila cap. Finally after an hour has past, his ears caught those airy and cloddish steps of his companion for today's morning schedule bounding in the living room where he's situated.
Sakuno paused on her steps. "Hm?" She quietly asked to where exactly was the man referring to and quickly did a once over at her attire, preppy style plaid leather skirt, white loose blouse, and her small Panama straw hat wrapped with thin band. " What is?" Her head tilted in mild confusion.
"That's not it. " He stressed, pointing on the matte black sunglasses on the woman's hold. " The black one- with more of the gold design than mine. " His fingers hovered over the thin strip of gold embellished atop the nose bridge of his own pair.
Sakuno blinked. " I don't understand why this isn't good for you. " Showing the pair she chose.
" Felt like it isn't. " He shrugged.
With a huff, the confused female pondered on this difficult man- one thing she seems to be doing a lot really. What on earth would one sunglasses do-
"Oh! Oooh~ " The woman practically beamed in realization. " Oh yes, the pretty one you bought for me on my first day at the university, was it? "
" Just to clarify, I bought it so those annoying papar- "
" Hai, Hai. " Sakuno trudged near him in large steps and threw her small handbag to him, which he caught in alert. " Hold this for me please. Be right back in a minute!"
If a mere hard look could incinerate a target, that humble brown material innocently placed at Ryoma's lap should be in ashes by now.
oooooooooooooooooo
Their short travel to the nearest supermarket chain was, surprisingly, comfortable yet unnerving. At least for Sakuno, who had became restless on her seat after what might have been a heated conversation between Ryoma and the unknown caller while they were on the way. She has been quiet and very much still- pretending to be as silent as air- in the midst of her employer's 'No', 'I told you I can't at that date', and 'We'll talk later, you better not make me wait'.
Phone disregarded at one of the car's holster and the owner's loud huff resonated around despite the equally loud music in the background.
" Uhm. . . " She's obviously shaken by being the unintentional recipient of the other's tirade but kept going. Giving a quick glance at her window and back to the driver, she figured it could be a distance she can manage with her feet. " Can I ask you a question? "
Her companion made no response, no small grunt, no nod, no curt, no anything other than focusing at the road ahead.
She continued nonetheless, she would immediately know if something displeased him from his eyebrows. " So uh- I might have a sudden urge to walk from this distance to the supermarket." She supplied with a hesitant laugh.
A hard questioning side glance met her almost peeking ones. There it was- the displeased furrowing of his eyebrows. Okay, maybe she could rephrase her plea.
And the car wasn't going any slower, case point, as his attention went back to the road, seemingly disregarding her words.
" I mean, can you pull over and let me out? " But then again, that was way too straight forward.
" Is that a sudden urge to workout at this hour? And with that attire? " He answered immediately in a tone that was not at all asking for answers.
Sakuno slouched a bit from her seat at his persistent nonchalance, and lightly slammed both of her hands down her knees. Oh for goodness sake, if he can't still pick up the clues- " Sir, I am not kidding! That person obviously needs you there right now. If it's a business matter, shouldn't you be telling me to get off and do the shopping alone? "
Frankly, there's no sense to their argument- if she can even call it that- anymore when the silhouette of the chain building was visible from their spot, but Sakuno continued to insist in herself that there's still a lot of chance for Ryoma to just leave. She won't even question his motive if the moment she gets out of the car he decided to speed away.
But the confusing and sincerely annoying thing is, her employer has showed absolutely no signs of even debating his choices and ignored her question. Like the good ol' guy jamming to his music before the previous call bothered him. " We're here. Let me look for a good shaded spot. " He even muttered to her, without tilting his head to see her areyoureallyseriousrightnow- look.
The tennis player still remained unbothered even after he found a good spot, they went inside the building, reminded her of wearing her sunglasses all the time and tilting her straw hat lowly at the process.
"Fine. " She said lowly more for herself than the other. Though she couldn't stop worrying about it. " Just please don't lie to me if there's really something you must be doing right now- other than helping me. "
" Made mada dane, Sakuno. " He turned after a step, making the person behind him halt in her own step and look up at him in bewilderment. His finger came in another quick onslaught to the nose bridge of her shades, giving the object a small tug before the owner's hands would be able to snatch the offending finger away from her face. " And you should stop sweating at the small stuff. No, it's not an important thing and you're right, this matter is my business. I get to decide about it so stop concerning yourself over it. You worry too much, woman. "
Sakuno sulked. She continued voicing out her little ministrations as they trudged nearer their venue. " I might really be having the change of heart for asking you to do this. You're a busy person and I know that too and I- I shouldn't- "
Her next word came as a gasp as her sight forcibly came back up to meet his by fingers at the tip of her chin. Every feature was visible under the opaque barrier at this close proximity, that she could decipher the outline of Ryoma's cat eyes beseeching hers- almost believing there were slits forming at those pupils.
" And that's when I suggest you to stop." And came his taunting low tone, she inwardly shivered on. " It's not that change of heart, trust me. What you need is listening. So woman let's just go and buy those things, hm?"
"But I do! I'm listening!"
" Well then stop making me repeat every damn word."
"Mooou" He heard the other's steps coming to a halt, but he no longer cared and paced onwards. " You are so impossible to deal with. "
With a slight tilt of his head, the receiver posed to show a growing smirk. "Glad we had that understood at least. Catch up or that cart's gonna be full of wasabi paste you're dying to taste again. "
"Wasabi? But I didn't say-" The fast paced steps of the leading person increases the immediate gap in their distance. "A-ah waaait please!"
oooooooooooooooooo
"So, do you always have to be so discreet even- ?" Sakuno stopped momentarily as she witnessed her companion grabbing another item off their list and shoving it down to the growing pile on their cart. "- even at a mere grocery shopping?"
"No, not really. " He answered shortly after coming back at her position beside the cart, with two jars at hand. "Which one?"
She blinked. "Fruit jams? You don't strike me as one who fancies fruits, more so sweet jams. "
" I like it on my butter tarts. " The tennis player shrugged and shoved the red jar at her proximity. " Do you prefer strawberry? "
"Hmmm. Either is fine really. "
" Let's try this one then. "
" You mean you haven't tried that one yet?" Sakuno tried to follow his pace but surely it must be innate in this guy to be walking in such an oblivious rush. Well, he's a tennis player. At the sight of an actual valuable item that could be lined out from her list, she quickly held on to his shirt's sleeve and gave it a slight pull. " Wait- let's go this way. I need a new pair of oven mittens. "
" Sure. "
She went on in haste at the sight her eyes have laid onto. " Look! This one has cat patterns! And the other has dogs!"
Her receiver simply nodded at her jolliness and grabbed one that has somehow caught his attention. I mean- what does he know about girl's design preferences really- but this mitten has- " Strawberry pattern?"
He leaned his head and saw the display of emotions forming at Sakuno's face. " Again with the strawberry, Ryoma-san!" She chuckled, covering her mouth to prevent unnecessary attention.
He looked at her in ponder. " Sorry. You seem like someone who likes those. "
" It seems fine, but contrary to your belief, mister, I happen to fancy blueberries more. " She conveyed as she gently peeled the strawberry-patterned mittens from the other's grasp and added it to the pile. " Onwards!'
And so, their first grocery shopping together ended up with more than just the bunch of needed stuffs, but as well as the tennis player's goodbye-diet cravings. To say that both Ryoma and Sakuno were just reprimanded by Horio is an understatement when Sakuno confessed how her companion indulged a practically whole jar accompanied by his favorite soda pop.
A/N: It's done! They went grocery shopping lol idk what's the term for that in your place