Love, On Read (MxM)

Chapter 23: 20 Questions

A/N: it's been a while. Had trouble deciding what to write next but I think I worked it out lol. I've been busy with other projects too, so feel free to check those out if you'd like! <3 enjoy some cute Haruto and Ollie moments.

Ollie's POV

Courtney was crying-laughing over some TikTok video as I tried to get advice on my assignment from Mahealani. Even her girlfriend was getting annoyed as she tried to shove her phone in my face.

She pouted at us. "Please, you gotta see it. The poor doggo!"

"Then why are you laughing?" Mahealani tiled her head but glanced at her girlfriend's phone.

Courtney pointed at the phone. "The face he makes. Oh my god, I can't—"

"I can't focus on that, Court," I told her. "I just need to finish this project by the end of the week. I can watch them later."

She made a face before leaning against the back of her chair. "You're no fun, Ollie. Did you not get your Haruto time in? I'm not even that grumpy on my time of the month."

Mahealani made a face that Courtney found offensive before laughing it off. "But really, Ollie. Why'd you call us here? Usually, you prefer having time to yourself with Mr. Handsome."

I knew she was right, but there wasn't really a good way to answer such a loaded question. It wasn't that I disliked hanging out with them or didn't want to spend time with Haruto on my own, but the project did weigh a lot for my overall semester grade.

Then there was the real reason I had invited them to the cafe, the text from Benjamin. Call it paranoia, but if Mason had found this spot easily, there was no doubt in my mind that Benjamin would know where to find me. Either that or Mason had told him, and I was not about to be ambushed while sipping my cold brew. At least with the girls, I knew I could find a way to leave with some fake excuse. Alone, my only options were to hide in the restroom or in the backroom if Haruto was here. Still, neither were very good options.

"Ollie?"

I gave a droll look to Courtney. "Because I trust Mahealani to help keep me accountable for my work. Plus, I haven't been able to hang out with you for a while."

"Aww, he misses us, babe," Courtney said dramatically. The corners of Mahealani's lips rose as she tipped the pencil she was holding hostage toward the counter.

"Oh, your boo's coming." Mahealani leaned forward to add, "should we leave you alone?"

I didn't have the time to reply when Haruto sat three drinks down between us before setting his lunch box and drink on the table next to us. "Here's your refills."

"Oh, we didn't order a refill," Mahealani looked up at him, confused, to which the three of us chuckled.

Haruto held a finger to his lips before explaining, "on the house."

Courtney reached over for her drink before looking between Haruto and me. "Lunch break? We can go if you'd like."

He shook his head. "You're fine. Kicking out guests wouldn't be very nice, especially when they're friends of Ollie. Don't mind me; I'll use this table to eat if it's alright with you."

"Oh, no." Courtney stood up and shook her head; almost so abruptly, I thought she would trip over her chair, but she remained upright. "You're more than welcome to sit with us. Or kick us out; either is fine, really. Don't wanna ruin your lunch date."

"Courtney," I scolded, but Haruto laughed.

He pulled a chair from the table beside us before turning to me. "That alright with you?"