Thursday

Chatter bounced off the creamy marble tiles and between the group of people. Artificial light, blanched and unfiltered, weaved between their bodies and through the chandelier above, casting a prism of colors in all directions. Conference rooms and offices lined the perimeter of the lobby, filled to the brim with over-priced projectors and swivel chairs.

Settled away from the lobby's excitement down its right hallway and past the no-smoking sign, Ritsu leaned peacefully on a balcony, letting his russet-tinted hair puff softly in the cold humid weather. Clouds peaked in between the buildings that veered in from the right, casting a translucent veil of fog atop the grayed streets and sidewalks. His eyes stared unfocused onto the life below, watching the crowded streets filled to the brim with buses, people, and cars with feigned interest. They mixed messily with the dull gray concrete, drawing the little life available out of the exhausted man.

It was on days like these that he would much rather be back at work and not in the bustle of Onodera Publishing.

Dragging out a long breath, the man drooped his head and closed his eyes, letting his heavy eyelids rest. Lips agape, a yawn bubbled up from inside him and broke free, traveling unhurried into the crisp air. A clean silver suit hugged his slim form, coupled with a pair of black shoes. Underneath them, however, his muscles tingled softly out of overuse. Although he got plenty of sleep, the events of the day have sucked all of the energy from him.

"I can't believe I almost forgot my meeting with Dad today..." he mused quietly, distracted tapping his fingers on the rusty railings. This building has long since been a center for corporate affairs and management. The executive suites sat on the 43rd floor of the tower, where Ritsu had just returned from his meeting with his Father. They talked about nothing really, and although he would've rather not have returned at all, the man was the only other contact he had with his family other than Mom. (Especially after dissolving the engagement with An.)

From within the pockets of his jacket, his phone vibrated and he cracked an jade eye open, flashes of pink creeping onto his ears and cheeks. Long olive-toned fingers prodded and danced back a messy reply. Almost instantaneous, a response was shot back and the man couldn't help but to fumble nervously, straightening his collar and tie before neatly typing out a reply. Butterflies fluttered softly in his chest as he bit his lip; impatience among a few other emotions showing in his young face.

"We've been together for so long and yet I still get like this..." he grumbled to himself slightly frustrated. "What's wrong with me..."

After a few minutes of waiting, the balcony door opened with a click and his eyes darted: emerald meeting a striking gold.

"I almost didn't know where to pick you up..." the guest hummed, approaching the smaller man. "You look pretty handsome in that suit too."

Ignoring that comment, the brunette turned his body away from the balcony and towards the raven, a stubborn pout pressed into his features.

"You're late, Takano-san."

The tall Japanese man stood in his sights with clear porcelain-like skin and raven hair neatly brushed back behind his ears. Dimples dipped dangerously into his smirk, that of which paired almost charmingly along with a sharp jawline and almond-shaped eyes. Takano's looks are more of a enchanting combination, that of which poor Ritsu knew all too easily. He was just as striking as he was 10 years ago.

The good-looking editor approached the balcony beside his long time lover and watched the bustle of traffic downtown. Drifting closer, Ritsu looked away and fumbled with his watch to check the time.

They sat in silence, pressed together comfortably against the railings. A few minutes passed before Takano decided to speak up, his hand catching Ritsu's by surprise. Intertwining their fingers together, the handsome man brought the linked hands up and kissed Ritsu's, much to his flustered dismay.

"Do you want to grab something for dinner?" he muttered, a smile twitching on the edge of his lips. Flustered, the brunette pulled his hand away, rose dusting his cheeks.

"No..." he started, unable to meet his lover's gaze. "I think we should eat something at home."

"Like leftovers?"

Blushing, an idea hit the young editor and he looked away, embarrassed for even considering the thought. Ritsu almost didn't want to suggest it just knowing how Takano will respond. It was so cheesy and he was a grown man dammit, but somehow, the thought made him giddy on the inside. Like he was reliving a distant teenage dream. It was a silly little fantasy that's been on his mind since Sunday night yet he didn't know how to approach the question without embarrassing himself...

"..."

"So no leftovers?"

"..."

"...Onodera?"

Frowning, Takano took the younger editor by the hands again, this time patiently waiting on his counterpart to speak. Time together with his precious boyfriend has taught him patience. Although he didn't understand the man's thoughts sometimes, whatever he wanted to say, Takano will surely be there to listen; this time, without misunderstandings. No use in repeating mistakes of the past.

"But it's probably something cute though..." the raven-hair man mused to himself, almost knowingly.

After a few moments of silence, the brunette finally spoke up, catching the older man's attention with a squeeze of the palm.

"Takano-san... I think that w-we should cook something a-at home... together... a-as a family" he started softly, heat burning into his cheeks.

Briefly taken aback, the editor-in-chief could only stare onto his lover with the most peculiar expression. A set of parted lips and furrowed eyebrows hung on the handsome man's face as he processed the unusual domestic request. It's not everyday that Ritsu would be so honest about wanting to do something together. Or on his thoughts about their relationship.

Indirectly, it could've sounded like he wanted to learn how to cook too.

A genuine smile gradually worked its way onto the previously shocked man. It really was such an innocent request and yet glee bubbled up from within and spilled over messily. He couldn't help but to smile brightly; something he doesn't remember doing since Ritsu said yes.

It startled his boyfriend for sure, as evident of the horrified bewilderment reflected in his body language.

Leaning forward, the grinning raven-haired man moved close and planted a light kiss on Ritsu's nose before speaking again.

"I would love to make dinner with you."

I really needed to update this story so I did ^^

I hope yall liked it!