Paradise Kiss Fan Fiction ❯ The Left Hand Dreams of Him ❯ The First Date ( Chapter 5 )

The First Date

 

Miho looked at Kawamura and asked, “Are you actually going to do it though? Won't Michiko get mad?”

“Well… Maybe I just won't tell her about this… I mean the idea is just to make things normal again, right?”

“Yeah, I think you'd better explain to her what's going on though. Truth is always better…always.”

“Okay, I'll tell her and then we'll see if I can clear the air with Wataru.” Kawamura looked unsure of himself as he said his goodbye to Miho and stalked back up the two flights of stairs towards his classroom. He decided that he'd duck into the bathrooms so he could call Michiko.

After he finished his conversation with her, he decided it was finally time to put his little plan into action. Michiko at first seemed really skeptical, but after Kawamura had explained what Miho had said, she reconsidered. She'd said, “If you think this will work, I guess you'd better try it. He's your best friend, knowing how you are, you're sure to screw something up…”

Alright, here goes, he thought as he walked back into the classroom and towards the table he shared with Wataru.

“What happened to that drink you were going to buy?”

“No more Calpis left. I just had water from the fountain.”

“Are you sure you're okay?”

“Yeah, I'm cool. Actually I was thinking that maybe we should try going on a date or something. We have been friends for a long time…”

“R-Really? You'd do that? What about Michiko?”

“We don't have to tell Michiko…”

When Wataru heard this, he could hardly contain the urge to give Kawamura a hug. Wataru knew how hard it must be for Kawamura to try something so foreign to him. But Wataru contained himself, knowing that a rumor could start from such a hug.

The boys agreed on date/not date for that Saturday after school ended (1). They agreed that they wouldn't label it a date, that if something was going to happen, they would just let it happen naturally.

“But, can we keep quiet about this until we're sure about this?” Kawamura asked tentatively.

“To quote someone I know…Duh, I'm not retarded,” Wataru replied with a grin.

 

 

That Saturday, the boys met at Kino Theatre to see a German film called Klimt. When Wataru arrived there, Kawamura wasn't waiting for him and a panicked thought popped into his head, What if he's chickened out? Or worse! What if he's decided he's tired of having a “homo” friend? But his fears were assuaged when two minutes later a nervous Kawamura turned the corner and walked towards him.

“You thought I wouldn't show up, huh?” Kawamura recognized the look on Wataru's face. “Well, don't look so surprised to see me. I'm your friend! I would never ditch you!”

Wataru smiled and said, “I guess I was just a little nervous.”

“Yeah, I am too. But come on, or we're going to miss the movie!” and just like that Kawamura was back to his usual, funny self.

 

 

After the movie was over, the two boys walked out of the theater discussing Klimt's artwork. Perhaps they should go see it someday, etc.

“So, are you hungry Kawamura?”

“Not really. I ate a really big lunch before coming here.”

“Typical. Then do you want to come over?”

It took a moment for Kawamura to answer, he was still feeling a bit awkward about the date thing but then thought better of his doubts and said, “Okay. But I can't stay long. I've got to get home and clean up my room. My mom has already left two angry messages about it.”

“Okay then, let's go,” and they headed in the direction of home.

When they arrived at Wataru's house, they were surprised to see Karin making a large pot of linguine and clams. When they asked why she answered, “Oh it's because we have a guest.”

“But Kawamura isn't a guest. He's…Kawamura,” he said lamely.

“I am so a guest…” Kawamura retorted defiantly.

“Actually this is for Asaka.”

Wataru made a weird strangled noise along the lines of “Ehhhngf?”

Karin relished the look on his face and said, “Well, not yet, but soon.”

“Oh. I haven't seen him in a while!”

Kawamura broke in, “Maybe I should go; we can talk tomorrow…”

“Sure, hey, I'll walk you to the bus stop,” Wataru offered.

“Eh, why not.” he replied.

As they walked to the bus stop, both boys grew more and more nervous. Kawamura because he knew that there was going to be a kiss involved, and Wataru because he wondered if dating his best friend was a good idea after all.

When they got there, Kawamura ran a hand nervously through his hair and said, “Well, this is my stop,” and grinned.

“Haha, er…goodnight,” Wataru said and stood on his tiptoes to kiss Kawamura.

It was short, awkward, and not passionate at all. They broke apart quickly and blushed.

“Wataru, that was just bizarre.”

“Yeah I know. I'm really sorry; this definitely wasn't a good idea.”

“Exactly. No offense, but I just like girls.”

“It's cool. I totally get it. No hard feelings?”

“Not at all. After all, this was my idea.” They shook hands and Wataru turned to go home. Then Kawamura yelled back at him, “But I had fun anyway!”

“Same! See you Monday!”

On the way back home, Wataru ran into Asaka. “Hey! What are you doing in this area?”

“I came to visit you, of course.” Asaka put his arm around Wataru's shoulder as they walked slowly down the well-lit street.

“How are you? How long has it been since we last hung out?”

“No idea…which means it's been too long.”

“So Karin told me you were out with Kawamura. How'd that go?”

“It was cool. We went to see a movie at Kino Theatre. It was pretty good, a lot of naked women though.”

“Oh? Why's that?”

“It's about a painter who focused on sexual pieces. They were really beautiful though, but a lot of people shunned him because of the sexual nature.”

“Oh…that sounds interesting I'll have to go check it out. Anyway…I've never tried your sister's cooking.”

“It's really good. She's making my favorite, linguine and clams.”

Asaka licked his lips and whispered, “I'd rather have you.”

“…ERKHhhguhm?!...”

“Maybe I should stick to the food, you're not ready yet.”

“R-Ready? f-for what?”

“For a relationship with me!”

“You want to go out with me?”

“Mmmhmm…You will too…once you're ready.”

 

“Karin, your cooking is amazing. Remind me to come here more often.”

“With more of those compliments you'll be lucky if I don't start inviting you over everyday!” Karin said coquettishly.

“I wouldn't mind that,” Asaka replied and winked at Wataru, who flushed immediately.

Upon seeing the wink, Karin's expression darkened a little. She still thought that Wataru and Kazuki belonged together and wanted more than anything for them to get back together. She shook this thought from her head, it was Wataru's happiness that mattered more than whom he was with.

“Asaka, don't do that in front of my sister, please,” Wataru said uncomfortably. Karin smiled and walked to the refrigerator. Asaka, upon seeing her back turn, took Wataru's hand in his and stroked it with his thumb.

“Wataru,” he whispered, “I know that it's really soon for you to be dating someone new, but I'd really like to be that someone…if you don't mind.”

“Ngrfffrrfff….”

“You're so romantically articulate,” then in a softer voice, “I'll wait for you.” Asaka kissed Wataru's hand and resumed eating.

“Asaka, what made you pursue architecture? Wataru's told me all about your circle. It's really cool!”

“I think it was just the beauty of buildings. A few years ago, I went with my family to Europe. We went to Venice, Prague, and Madrid, and I was fascinated with all of the styles of building. I loved seeing how the buildings represented an era of history. Like in Venice I saw all different styles of buildings that I recognized from music and art. In Spain I saw how the Arabic invasion influenced their style. The designs are so different from anything else in Europe (2). I fell in love and wanted to become a part of that.”

“Wow that sounds like so much fun. I feel like that about making jewelry! I'm an apprentice at an accessories store and it's so much fun! It's like every piece we make tells its own story.”

Asaka and Karin looked at Wataru expectantly. “Er… I don't feel that passionately about any subject. Sorry to disappoint you. I'm good at math, though.” Wataru laughed nervously.

Once everyone had finished their meals, Asaka checked the time and saw that it was 10 pm. He apologized for his eat-and-run but he had to get to his apartment and work on some plans for the latest remodel. Wataru and Karin both walked him to the door as Asaka expressed more apologies.

When they were all at the door, Wataru discreetly nudged Karin and she mumbled an excuse about homework and went to her room leaving Wataru and Asaka to themselves.

“Asaka, I really don't think I can do this,” Wataru said softly.

“Wataru, I know. But like I said before, I'm willing to wait for you.”

“Why? Why me?”

“Because…I'm pretty sure I love you. You're worth the wait. I've got to run, but I'll call you, okay?”

“Yeah, okay. I'll talk to you later.” Asaka walked slowly down the front steps and waved goodbye. Wataru waved back, turned, and closed the door slowly behind him.