chasing the Cat (M X M)

Chapter 3: Collaboration

Akira leaned back in his office chair, a blend of excitement and embarrassment swirling in his chest. He couldn't believe he'd actually asked Hiroshi for coffee. What was he thinking? He was a professional, focused on building his career, not getting tangled up in feelings over a charming teacher.

Yet, as he scrolled through his emails, he found his mind wandering back to Hiroshi's warm smile and gentle demeanor. It was infuriating how easily the man had captivated him. Akira shook his head, trying to push the thoughts aside. "Focus," he muttered, snapping his fingers to clear his head.

Still, a flutter of anticipation lingered, and when his phone buzzed, he jumped, heart racing. It was a message from Hiroshi. Looking forward to our coffee! How about tomorrow at 3?

Akira's stomach flipped. Why did I say yes? He quickly typed back, trying to sound nonchalant. Sure. Just don't expect anything special. It's just coffee.

After hitting send, he grimaced. Why did I have to add that? He needed to play it cool, but his feelings felt dangerously close to the surface.

The next day, Akira arrived at the café early, pacing nervously by the window. He adjusted his blazer for the third time, trying to appear effortlessly composed. It's just coffee. Just a casual chat, he reminded himself, though the anticipation was almost overwhelming.

When Hiroshi walked in, the afternoon light framed him perfectly, giving him an ethereal glow. Akira felt his breath catch. Hiroshi spotted him and waved, his smile instantly calming Akira's frayed nerves.

"Tanaka-san! Thanks for meeting me!" Hiroshi said as he approached, his voice warm and inviting.

"Yeah, well, I had some time to kill," Akira replied, crossing his arms defensively.

Hiroshi chuckled softly, unfazed by Akira's typical tsundere banter. "Of course. I wouldn't want to be a bother."

As they settled into their seats, Akira tried to maintain an air of indifference, but he couldn't help stealing glances at Hiroshi. The way the teacher spoke animatedly about the school and its upcoming events only drew Akira in further.

"So, what do you think of the branding ideas?" Hiroshi asked, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.

Akira felt his cheeks heat up. "They're... fine. I mean, we put a lot of work into them".

Hiroshi's smile widened. "Well, I think you've done a fantastic job. The designs really capture the spirit of our school."

"Thanks, I guess," Akira mumbled, glancing away to hide his embarrassment. "It's just a job, after all. Nothing special."

Hiroshi tilted his head, studying Akira with an understanding gaze. "But it is special to you, isn't it? You care a lot about your work."

Akira's heart raced. "I mean, who wouldn't care about their job? It's not like I'm doing this just to impress you!" He threw back defensively, but the way Hiroshi looked at him-like he genuinely understood-made it hard to maintain his facade.

Hiroshi laughed, and it was the kind of laugh that made Akira feel both flustered and strangely pleased. "Okay, okay, I get it! You're not trying to impress me." He leaned in closer, lowering his voice playfully. "But I am impressed, Tanaka-san."

Akira felt his face heat even more. "You're just saying that!"

"Am I?" Hiroshi's tone was light, but there was sincerity in his eyes. "I really do think your work is amazing. It's clear you put your heart into it."

Akira squirmed, caught between wanting to deny it and secretly relishing the praise. "It's just... it's my job. I have to take it seriously."

"Exactly! And that's admirable," Hiroshi replied, his voice softening. "You don't give yourself enough credit."