Sequel to Chapter 60 (KohRin, Cafe Barista, Orange)

"Are you seriously bailing on game night?" Shippou asked, sitting cross-legged on Kohaku's bed.

"For the fifth time, yes," Kohaku replied, still sorting through his closet. "I have plans." He didn't need to turn around to know his friend was pouting, but this was the first time Rin's schedule had synched up with his, and he wasn't about to waste it.

"Bros before hoes, dude!"

Kohaku gave him a droll look as he buttoned up a graphite shirt. "Which is why you always ask Souten for permission before hosting."

Shippou smirked. "Of course. I'm not stupid." Kohaku threw a pillow at him, the kitsune barely moving to dodge it. "You really like her that much?"

"Enough to skip game night," he confirmed, rolling up his sleeves.

Shippou groaned, falling back on the bed. "Fine." He quickly sat back up again. "But you have to bring her next time!"

Kohaku made a noncommittal noise, checking his watch and then his phone, making sure he had the right time and place. "Only if she wants to. You didn't make the best first impression."

Shippou snorted. "It was good enough to get you a date."

"Keep telling yourself that."

The look on his friend's face told him he was going to do precisely that, and Kohaku rolled his eyes. Glancing at his reflection, he ran a hand through his hair, knowing there wasn't much point in doing anything else with it, then turned around. "How do I look."

"Like you care about how you look. Or that you're fresh out of high school and looking for that first clerk job." Shippou unfolded his legs, then got off the bed, pretending to brush him off as he did a final inspection, then rolled his hands, producing a single rose. "Here, give her this."

Kohaku took the flower from him, then pulled him into a headlock, ruffling his hair before kissing his head. "You're the best."

"Yeah yeah. Don't say I never did nothing for you," Shippou pouted, punching him in the side. Kohaku laughed, then headed out the door, waving at him over his shoulder. "And if you get laid, she owes me free cookies for a week!"