Asahi Shimbun 朝日新聞 ⋮ Nanami Kento

Chapter 18

There's an aroma that fills the room. A smell is created when the molecules interact with the receptors in our nose. This smell is warm, fragrant, savory; invigorating even. Whatever Nanami Kento is currently putting together definitely smelled inviting to the stomach.

Nanami's home is neat. Very neat and very clean. He lived in a decently sized apartment somewhere in the city. The man had shelves bedecked with books, bottles of whiskey and bottles of wine. The minimalism is so simplistic, yet so elegant and complex.

The layout is an open concept, his kitchen looked out into the living area. There's an island that connects to the wall separating you from the man. You sit on a counter stool and continue to watch him prepare tonight's meal.

"Are you sure you don't need any help?" Your guilty conscience asks Nanami again. It felt wrong for him to be doing all this work on his day of birth.

But Nanami doesn't mind at all. If anything, he finds this quite therapeutic. And he was glad to have company over. He smiles but you don't see it since he's faced away. He reassures you, "I'm sure."

Your hands gather against your lap as you continue to watch him move about in the kitchen. Nanami had, earlier, removed and tossed his jacket onto the coat rack by the front door before pulling an apron on. Your eyes finally leave the skin of his strong neck to the suspenders hugging his broad shoulders. They then trickle down to his belt which looped tightly against his tapered waist. Your eyes dare to fixate even lower. He had such a nice ass.

Nanami turns around suddenly. It makes you flinch. Your eyes quickly dart off to the side somewhere. You hope he didn't notice you staring. The man grabs something from the counter. He glances at you. He turns around.

"Please—" the guy felt a bit bad. He was hoping you weren't bored, "—make yourself at home."

"Thank you." You say but you don't move from your spot. You felt shy.

Nanami senses your reluctance. He understands how it must feel like, in someone else's home for the first time. Especially someone you aren't particularly close with. People tend to (sometimes) be out of their comfort zone. The man leaves the food to sizzle in the pan. He walks to the wine rack and grabs a bottle. He then grabs two glasses and places them onto the counter. Nanami pops the cork and pours you a drink. You watch this red liquid-courage fill half the glass. His way of easing the nerves. He pushes the alcohol towards you slowly.

You bring a hand up to the counter to take the glass. Your voice seems meek, "Thank you."

"I have whiskey as well." He takes his glass of wine, "If you prefer that instead."

"This is fine." You smile and then you thank him again.

Nanami raises his drink towards you for a toast, "Cheers."

"Cheers." You raise yours as well, "Happy birthday again."

"Thank you."

The glasses clink quietly against each other before you bring it to your lips for a sip. The man's lips thin into a small awkward smile. He was nervous too. He takes a swig then puts the drink down before he turns back around to tend to the stove.

"Please, let me know if you need help with anything." You take a couple more sips as you remind the guy of what's troubling your mind, "At least let me do the dishes after."

The pan continues to sizzle as he stirs the food around with a spatula. Nanami picks up a piece and does a taste test. He nods with approval and then he says, "I suppose there is one thing you could help me with."