Taste Of Love - MatchaBlossom

12)

+ Day 2 - Italy

The sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the art gallery, casting a soft glow upon the masterpieces that adorned the walls. Kojiro and Kaoru stood side by side, surrounded by a symphony of colors and emotions.

Kojiro had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he glanced at Kaoru. "Kaoru, my friend, prepare to be amazed. I've brought you to one of Rome's most renowned art galleries. Brace yourself for an experience that will ignite your artistic soul!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

Kaoru raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "And what makes you think I'll be impressed by this, Kojiro? Are you under the impression that you have a refined taste in art?" he retorted, his voice dripping with mock skepticism.

Kojiro let out a hearty laugh, his confidence unshaken. "Oh, Kaoru, my dear friend, my taste in art is impeccable. Just wait and see," he replied, a hint of arrogance underlying his words.

As they strolled through the gallery, Kojiro eagerly pointed out various paintings and sculptures, sharing tidbits of information he had picked up along the way

His larger-than-life personality and extravagant gestures drew amused glances from other gallery-goers, but Kojiro remained undeterred, basking in the attention.

Kaoru, ever the moody and competitive counterpart, couldn't resist poking fun at Kojiro's flamboyant display. "Is this how you appreciate art, Kojiro? With grandiose gestures and exaggerated enthusiasm? I suppose it matches your personality perfectly," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Kojiro feigned offense, a hand dramatically clutching his chest. "Ah, Kaoru, you wound me with your sarcasm. But don't worry, even your stubborn heart will be moved by the beauty on these walls," he retorted, his voice laced with humor.

They continued their expedition, as they explored the gallery. Each artwork evoked different emotions within them, sparking debates about artistic styles, symbolism, and personal interpretations. Of course, Kojiro was trying his best to understand it all

As they exited the gallery, Kojiro's stomach let out a loud growl, punctuating the end of their cultural excursion.

"Ah, it seems my stomach agrees with your suggestion, Kaoru. It's time to indulge in another form of art—culinary art!" Kojiro exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with hunger.

Kaoru chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Indeed. Let's find a restaurant that could be better than yours" he replied, his competitive nature surfacing

Kojiro's grin widened. "Challenge accepted, Kaoru! Prepare to lose," he declared, his voice oozing with confidence.

They wandered through the narrow streets, the aroma of Italian cuisine wafting through the air, guiding them to their next adventure. Kojiro's extroverted nature led them to a lively trattoria, bustling with locals and tourists alike.

Seated at a cozy corner table, they perused the menu, their eyes dancing with anticipation. As they ordered a variety of dishes, their conversation flowed effortlessly, their competitive banter intertwined with genuine moments of connection.

Kojiro scanned the menu and then turned to Kaoru, a  smile present on his lips. "Dessert?" he declared, his voice filled with excitement.

Kaoru shrugged nonchalantly. "Do whatever" he replied,

Kojiro waved down the waiter and placed an order for a decadent chocolate cake, their shared favorite. As they waited, the anticipation built, and the aroma of freshly baked cake filled the air.

Finally, the waiter returned with a beautifully presented slice of cake, adorned with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. Kojiro's eyes gleamed with delight as he held the dessert in front of Kaoru.

"Ta-da! The perfect ending to our culinary adventure," Kojiro announced, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Kaoru's lips curved into a genuine smile as he took in the sight of the cake. "Well, it looks delicious," he admitted, a note of appreciation in his voice.

Without wasting any more time, they dug their forks into the cake, savoring the rich, velvety texture and the intense burst of chocolate flavor

Kojiro's eyes widened in surprise as Kaoru's hand gently touched his face, wiping away the smudge of cake at the corner of his lip. A blush crept up Kojiro's cheeks, his heart skipping a beat at the unexpected closeness between them.

"Th-thanks," Kojiro stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't help but keep his hand pressed to his lip, feeling the lingering warmth of Kaoru's touch.

Kaoru, seemingly unaffected by the brief moment, nonchalantly shrugged. "It was bothering me. Can't have you walking around with cake on your face," he replied, his tone masking any deeper implications.

As Kojiro's embarrassment subsided, he smiled softly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and something more. "You always have my back, huh, Kaoru?" he murmured, his voice filled with a tenderness that hadn't been there before.

Kaoru smirked, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Well, someone has to keep you presentable," he teased, his words tinged with playful affection.

The two continued to enjoy their dessert in comfortable silence.

As they reached the last crumb on the plate, Kojiro let out a satisfied sigh. "That, Kaoru, was an art piece," he remarked, a contented expression on his face.

Kaoru nodded in agreement, his gaze dancing on Kojiro. "Of course to you it was"

And as they paid the bill and left the restaurant, their steps intertwined and their hearts full, they walked into the Rome night, ready to explore more together