Taste Of Love - MatchaBlossom

10)

Kaoru was engrossed in his phone, scrolling through messages and occasionally glancing up to check the flight information display. Meanwhile, Kojiro wandered off in search of some food. After a few minutes, he managed to find a small kiosk selling doughnuts. He eagerly purchased two and made his way back to Kaoru.

"Hey, Kaoru," Kojiro called out as he approached. "I found doughnuts!"

Kaoru looked up from his phone and smiled as Kojiro handed him one. "Thanks," he said gratefully, accepting the doughnut. "You read my mind."

Kojiro settled down next to Kaoru, his curiosity piqued by the content on Kaoru's phone. He leaned over and peered at the screen, asking, "What are you up to?"

Kaoru quickly moved his phone away, giving Kojiro a playful scolding look. "Stop snooping around," he teased. "It's nothing important, just browsing."

Kojiro raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, come on, Kaoru. What's the big secret? You can tell me."

Kaoru shook his head, chuckling softly. "It's really nothing, just personal stuff," he replied, taking a bite of his doughnut to change the subject.

Time passed, and the two friends enjoyed their snacks, engaged in light conversation, and occasionally checked the flight information display. Finally, after about half an hour, their flight number was called out, signaling that it was time to board.

Both Kaoru and Kojiro gathered their belongings and made their way to the gate. The long flight ahead made them feel weary, and as they settled into their seats, exhaustion took over. Soon, they both drifted off to sleep.

Hours later, Kaoru stirred awake in the dimly lit cabin. He felt an odd weight on his shoulder and turned to see Kojiro's head resting there, deep in slumber. Kaoru couldn't help but smile at the sight and decided against disturbing his friend.

Realizing he needed to use the restroom, Kaoru reached for his phone to check the time. As he did so, he couldn't resist capturing a quick photo of Kojiro sleeping soundly next to him. He quietly chuckled to himself, appreciating the moment, before attempting to fall back asleep.

Eventually, the flight landed, and both Kaoru and Kojiro yawned as they disembarked from the plane. They retrieved their luggage and made their way outside the airport, where Kojiro's mother eagerly awaited their arrival.

Spotting her son, Kojiro's mother rushed forward, enveloping him in a warm embrace. "Welcome back, my dear," she greeted him with a smile before turning her attention to Kaoru. "Kaoru! Oh my, it's been so long. You've grown into such a fine young man."

Kaoru smiled warmly as he returned the hug. "Auntie, it's wonderful to see you again," he replied, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over him. "Thank you for welcoming me to Italy."

Mrs. Nanjo returned the smile, her eyes twinkling with joy. "Oh, Kaoru, you're like family to us. It's my pleasure to have you here," she said, her voice filled with genuine affection. "Now, let's not waste any time. I've prepared a special welcome dinner for both of you. You must be hungry after the long flight."

Kojiro, fully awake and energized now, nudged Kaoru playfully. "You know my mom's cooking is the best, Kaoru

. You're in for a treat," he teased, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Kaoru chuckled, feeling a sense of anticipation building within him. "I'm looking forward to it. Auntie's cooking has always been amazing, even better than yours," he admitted, his stomach rumbling in agreement.

With that, the three of them headed towards the car, sharing stories and catching up during the drive. The Nanjo household awaited them with warmth and the promise of a delicious meal, while memories of their journey and the enduring bond between Kaoru and Kojiro lingered in their hearts.

Kaoru smiled warmly as he embraced Kojiro's mother. "Auntie, it's wonderful to see you again," he greeted her, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over him. "Thank you for welcoming me to Italy."

Mrs. Nanjo returned the smile, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Oh, Kaoru, you're like family to us. It's my pleasure to have you here," she replied, her voice filled with genuine affection. "Now, let's not waste any time. I've prepared a special welcome dinner for both of you. You must be hungry after the long flight."

Kojiro, now fully awake and energized, nudged Kaoru playfully. "You know my mom's cooking is the best, Kaoru. You're in for a treat," he teased, his eyes filled with excitement.

Kaoru chuckled, feeling a sense of anticipation building within him. "I'm looking forward to it. Auntie's cooking has always been amazing, even better than yours," he admitted, his stomach rumbling in agreement.

The three of them made their way to the car, with Kojiro and Kaoru sharing stories and catching up during the drive. As they reached their destination, the heavenly aroma of Italian cuisine wafted through the air, welcoming them to the Nanjo home.

The dining table was beautifully set, adorned with delicious dishes that showcased the culinary delights of Italy.

As they sat down to enjoy the meal, laughter filled the air, along with the clinking of glasses. Moments later, there was a hustle of noise entering the house. Kojiro's mother said, "Your father and sister must be here."

The dining room door opened, revealing an older man who looked a lot like Kojiro and a girl in her early 30s.

"Hi, honey, how was work?" Mrs. Nanjo asked as she gestured to the maid to get the plates ready.

"Busy as always," Mr. Nanjo replied, loosening his tie.

Kojiro's sister, Kura, placed her briefcase down on the chair before looking up at the boy ahead of her. "Kaoru? Is that Kaoru? Oh my god, when did you get here?" Kura, Kojiro's older sister and next in line to take over the family business, had always been a supportive and cool older sister

"Hi, Kura-san, Long time no see," Kaoru said, looking up at her.

Kojiro interrupted and said, "What about me? I've been home for a month."

Kura shushed her brother. "Shush, it's been almost a decade since I've seen Kaoru."

Kura sat down opposite Kaoru and started a conversation. Mr. Nanjo stood next to his daughter.

Kaoru stood up and offered his hand. "Mr. Nanjo."

Kojiro's father shook Kaoru's hand and said, "Kaoru, how have you been?" before they both sat down.

"Great," Kaoru said.

They all began to eat, enjoying the delicious feast and the warmth of being together again. The room was filled with laughter, stories, and the familiar comfort

As the dinner came to an end, Mrs. Nanjo cleared her throat, capturing everyone's attention. "I have an announcement to make," she declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Kaoru, Kojiro, we have planned a surprise for both of you."

Curiosity sparked in their eyes as they exchanged glances. "What surprise?" Kojiro inquired

Mrs. Nanjo smiled mischievously. "On Saturday, we're taking a trip to Venice!" she revealed, her voice filled with anticipation.

Kojiro's eyes widened with delight. "Venice? Already?"

Kaoru's heart skipped a beat as a wave of exhilaration washed over him. "Venice... that sounds amazing," he murmured, his mind already conjuring images of gondola rides and breathtaking canals

The Nanjo family shared in the excitement, their faces beaming with joy

As the night grew late, they bid each other goodnight, eagerly awaiting the adventures that awaited them in the enchanting city of Venice.

Kojiro guided Kaoru up the stairs to the guest's room and assured him "This is your room. If you need anything, I'm next door" he smiled

Kaoru nodded as he took his bags into the room, placing them beside the bed. Turning around, Kaoru still saw Kojiro's presents still there, leaning on the door frame. Kaoru tilted his head up in confusion, wondering why he was just standing there.

Kojiro whispered "Goodnight Kaoru" before shutting the door behind him as he left

In the silence of the guest room, Kaoru's thoughts lingered on Kojiro's parting words. A soft smile played on his lips as he whispered, "Goodnight, Kojiro."