Taste Of Love - MatchaBlossom

4)

Kaoru's disbelief slowly transforms into a mixture of anger and confusion as he processes what Kojiro just told him. He stares at him, trying to comprehend the situation

"So, You mean to tell me that you've been in Japan this whole time, and you found out I've been coming to your restaurant because of my art? So you've been making all my meals?"

Kojiro nods, a hint of mischief in his eyes "Yeah, basically"

Kaoru's anger intensifies as he demanded an explanation "Then why didn't you tell me you were here? Why play this game?

"I wanted to see just how pissed off you could get, to be honest," Kojiro chuckles, admitting his mischievous motives

Kaoru leans back in his chair, rolling his eyes in exasperation "Well, congratulations. You succeeded. I'm really pissed off"

Kojiro's laughter continues, but Kaoru's response is nothing more than a forced fake laugh

A silence settles between them, the tension is palpable in the air. Kojiro breaks the silence by reaching out and placing his hand on Kaoru's hair, a familiar gesture.

"So, you ended up growing it out, huh?"

Kaoru looks at him, confused by the sudden shift in topic

"What? Is it not nice? You're the one who told me to grow it out!"

Kojiro reassures him, his smile genuine "No, no. I like it. I'm just surprised you actually did it"

"It's a hassle to go cut your hair every month. It was best to grow it out" He replied, his voice stubborn

Kojiro's gaze shifts from Kaoru's hair to his face, and he speaks softly "You've changed a lot"

Kaoru's tone lowers, matching Kojiro's sentiment "So have you"

A moment of silence hangs between them, both lost in their own thoughts. Kojiro breaks the silence, a smile playing on his lips.

"Italy is a beautiful place. I seriously need to take you there someday"

"You promised to take me eight years ago, remember? No backing out now"

Kojiro feigns innocence, raising an eyebrow "Did I? Well, alright, alright, four eyes. I'll take you one day"

Kaoru's disappointment shows as he asks"So, have you thought about returning to Japan?" Meaning for an answer

"No, not really. The main business is in Italy, and most of my family is there too. There's nothing here worth staying for"

Kojiro's response leaves Kaoru feeling a bit disheartened.
He bites his lip, his voice softer now

"Oh... I see"

Kaoru stands up, realizing it's getting late and needing to leave.

Looking down at His friend, he says
"Well, I better go. It's getting late"

"Yeah, it is" he looks out the window

Kaoru removes the coat Kojiro had given him earlier and hands it back to him "Here, Before I forget, thanks for the coat."

Kojiro tells him to keep it for now and return it tomorrow at the restaurant since it's still chilly outside.

Kaoru nods in response, accepting Kojiro's suggestion. Without saying anything else, he turns to leave the restaurant.

As he walks away, a mix of emotions swirls within him—confusion, frustration. He doesn't know what these feelings are but it lingered for a while

Kojiro watches Kaoru's retreating figure, a hint of longing in his eyes. He realizes that even after all these years, the connection between them still remains

The next day, Kaoru returns to the restaurant as promised, coat in hand. He enters and approaches the familiar manager, Tatsuya.

"I'm here to return the coat to Kojiro. Is he around?" Kaoru asked him

Tatsuya glances around the restaurant, searching for Kojiro, before shaking his head

"I'm sorry, Kaoru-san. Kojiro had to leave for an urgent matter"

Kaoru's disappointment is evident, but he nods, accepting the situation 'of course he had an urgent matter'

"I see. Well, please let him know that I came to return the coat. Thank you"

Tatsuya bows slightly, "I'll make sure to pass on the message, sir. I'm sorry for the inconvenience

Kaoru offers a faint smile, as turns to leave the restaurant, the coat still in his hands

Adorable

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