French Cup: A Neighborhood Story

Chapter 117: -Kazuya- Savarins and Sweet Hearts

It almost seemed normal in here. Our friends were chattering with each other. It was sunny outside of the windows, almost an autumnal atmosphere despite January continuing on. It was almost as if birds could start singing. Peaceful. 

At a table further in, toward the back, Hanako was talking to Charlotte about her potential date. Talking about Miyuki, who was also unattached. Even from here I could hear Charlotte's protests. She was becoming so much more like how she used to be. From gaining more customers, she seemed happier, more outspoken. That confidence I had once known, coming back. Chidori joined them, holding two steaming hot lattes that were freshly made by Nikki. "What are we talking about? What is going on?" she asked warmly, sitting down next to Hanako just like always. Like it always should have been, with no interruption. Charlotte started gesturing wildly, and I heard her say, "-not even bisexual. She's not a lesbian. I want romance. I want-"

I looked up from daydreaming, and Nikki was making a frustrated noise, breathing out quickly. His hand was on his chin, resting on the counter. His hair was more messy than usual, not even an artful bedhead. Just a mess, as surely was his heart. "I can't believe I don't have a boyfriend for this," he sighed again for the ten thousandth time.

"You don't want a boyfriend," I observed, coming back so quick. Surprising myself. Maybe, I was coming back, too. It felt so normal. 

"Pfft. I know. I know. But look at everyone. Everyone has a date." He looked up toward the ceiling at nothing but woe, being dramatic.

"Go as a throuple with Charlotte and Miyuki-iii..." I ended on a giggle, because he made the most disgusted, horrified face. 

"Ew, I'll barf," he sighed, shifting to look at me more, but no less in despair. "Tell me more ideas. Miyuki won't even tell me where that gay club is that she knows about. I know gay clubs, but are there guys there my age? Let's be serious. I want a date. Charlotte's right. I want romance. It's a dance, right? I see it all the time in movies. I've never been to one."

"Your school didn't have one?" I asked, curious now. To be honest, I'd never been to one either. That was my little secret, though. I wanted to look like an authority on it.

"Absolutely not. And folk dances at school festivals don't count."

"Surely you danced with people at those."

"They don't count."

"Why not?"

He sighed so deeply again. It was just making me smile, probably irritating him more. "Because that's not romantic. That's probably the most chaste thing you could ever do. I never got to dance with a boy at one, either."

"Oh, so it's about dancing with a boy." It was making so much sense. His jealousy. "But, you've danced with guys at clubs before, right?"

"No, that's different, too. Where's the romance in that? No, I want what you're probably going to have. Dancing close, so slow. In each other's arms, his hands on your waist-"

"Oh wow. Stop." My hands were on either side of my face now, my smile too wide. My hands were not doing a good job of hiding my blush. The very boy he was talking about was in the bathroom right now. What if he came out and heard this? Ah, but I was just thinking about yesterday. Shopping with him, his face when I'd given him his present... I was blushing entirely too much.

"Stop blushing! Oh my god, I hate it. Find me a date!" 

My finger went on my lips, making to say a secretive thing. He got closer at this, knowing the cue. I lowered my voice. "But, I'm surprised at you. I thought you'd want to find someone so you can take him to one of the hotel's rooms after. Are you growing up?"