♥♠Ace of hearts【Nichu】♠♥

♠Chapter 3♥

'Wet. Water? Am I drinking water? Warm water. Panting. That tickles...'

Kiku's eyes fluttered open, slowly waking up. He wiped his wet cheek with the back of his hand, being greeted by a lick. He smiled, understanding what had waken him up.

He picked the puppy up, smiling and sitting up. "Good morning, Pochi. Hungry?" The little Shiba inu replied with a happy bark, almost like he could understand his owner.

Kiku chuckled softly, getting up and putting Pochi down on the floor. The dog wagged his little curly tail, pawing at Kiku's legs eagerly.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" He smiled tenderly, petting his head softly and stretching. He didn't even bother on putting some socks on. It had been somewhat more than a week since he met Yao, but the weather was still as hot, and the kitchen's cold tiled floor would feel perfect against his bare feet.

He turned his phone on, waiting for it to function completely while serving Pochi some dog food in his plate. The puppy barked gratefully and wagged his tail, eating.

"It's nothing~" Kiku chuckled, sitting on the couch. He flopped down, yawning and checking his social media. He scrolled up his conversations with Yao.

The first thing he had done was, obviously, changing his contact name. 'Ching Chong Wang', as Alfred had sent Yao's contact, just felt wrong to Kiku. He had changed it to a nicer and simplier 'Yao'.

He read their conversation again.

<<Hello>>
<<Who is this?>>
<<Alfred's friend, Kiku>
<<Oh hi! :3 I guess Alfred gave you my number?>>
<<You're guessing right xD>>
<<So, what's up?>>
<<Nothing at all, you?>>
<<Actually, I should go now :c Sorry Kiku! See you!>>
<<Bye!>>

And that was the start. Actually, there wasn't much more, just little talk. He sighed and put his phone down, giving up on actually befriending Yao. He seemed unreachable; nice and kind, but unreachable. He just found so difficult to become closer to the Chinese man.

He walked to the kitchen again, toasting some bread and having a glass of milk. He ate the toasts and smiled as Pochi pawed at his leg, in a adorably failed attempt to climb to his lap.

He stroked the puppy's ears softly and got up, walking back to his room. He got dressed in proper clothes to go outside and took Pochi's leash.

The little Shiba inu wagged his tail, waiting patiently for his morning walk. He had adopted him a few days after his first meeting with Yao, after Alfred had told him about a shelter that was about to put down dozens of dogs and cats because of their lack of space.

Kiku smiled as he tied the leash to Pochi's collar, wincing a little as the puppy pawed at his hands playfully, scratching him. He kissed his head, petting him. "We'll have to cut those claws a little, you fierce wolf!" Pochi barked and licked his cheek, panting happily.

In a few minutes, they were having a nice walk. Kiku smiled at the children's squeaks when they saw Pochi. "Mommy! Look, it's so fluffy!" "Cute!!" "Aaaw tiny puppy!" Pochi was happy too, eager to sniffle at them and play, wagging his little, fluffy tail.

Kiku really enjoyed walking Pochi, he was proud of his adorable little dog.

Product of a mere habit, Kiku's steps lead him to the bookstore, taking Pochi too. The 'No dogs allowed' sign at the dog slapped him back to reality. He tied Pochi's leash so some kind of pole next to the entrance, put there for the buyers' dogs, and crouched down in front of him, holding his little face gently.

"I'll be back soon, okay? Don't worry and don't bite anyone" Pochi licked Kiku's nose, barking. The Japanese smiled, ruffling his fur gently and walking into the bookstore.

Almost half an hour later, Kiku walked out the bookstore, holding another manga under his arm. He looked for Pochi, widening his eyes when he didn't find it.

Still, he could hear him barking.

"Aaaw you are a really cute doggie! Who is a little ball of fluff? You are!"

Kiku turned his head to the familiare voice, sighing in relief to find Pochi, who had stretched the leash the furthest he could to play with a man.

Kiku widened his eyes, recognizing the man. He untied Pochi's leash, smiling and holding it. Pochi quickly turned around and nuzzled against Kiku's legs.

The man got up again, smiling brightly at Kiku. "Your dog is so cute, si-- K-Kiku?" He man exclaimed in surprise. Kiku giggled, nodding and waving slightly. "Hi, Yao!"

Yao smiled at him, bleaming happily because of Pochi's cuteness. "You have an adorable puppy, Kiku!" Kiku giggled. "He says thank you!"

They giggled. "How are you doing, Yao?" Kiku asked softly, keeping a little smile. Yao kept his too, shrugging a little. "Slightly better. Thank you, Kiku, really." "It's nothing. Would you like to have something at a nice café? We can chat and stuff."

Yao's face lit up a little. "That's a great idea! I-I hope I'm not bothering you..." "You aren't, don't worry!" Kiku smiled at him. Yao smiled back. "Thank you." "It's nothing, let's go."

♠~·~♥~·~♠

"You're from Peking , then?" "Yeah, I am!" Yao smiled, "Born in Peking, raised in Shanghai." Kiku nodded, "I see. I've always wanted to visit Peking, is it nice?" "Yeah! It's so colorful!"

The atmosphere in the café was warm and nice. Kiku worked there, so everything was very cozy even if he was on holidays. Pochi had curled up under the table, next to Kiku's feet.

The air smelt of coffee and chocolate, also of fresh drinks like tropical juices and cool water. It was really relaxing, perfect for Yao's worries.

Yao smiled softly. "You know, this person I dated... I'm not sure if you know, but he was a... man." He sighed, keeping a little smile. Kiku nodded, "I guessed so. You said you liked boys and cute stuff." "Right!" Yao giggled softly. Kiku smiled. "Don't worry about it. I'm... kind of gay too.

Yao raised an eyebrow. "Kind of?" "Yes... I'm not attracted to men, but I would only date a man." "Who are you attracted to then-- I-If you don't mind me asking."

"No one." Kiku said, smiling. "No one? Are you asexual then?" Kiku's face lit up and nodded. "You know what that means?!" "Of course! But you're my first asexual friend!"

Kiku smiled at the last part, happy as ever. "Glad to be, then!" "The 'kinda gay' part was for homoromantic, right?" "Yes! Oh, I'm so happy you actually know what I'm talking about!"

Yao smiled bright, bursting out in giggles. "Now I get why Alfred always says you're an ace at everything! Oh my!" Kiku chuckled, "Oh yes, that's his favorite joke!"

They both laughed for some seconds, wiping their happy tears after. Yao smiled. "We're friends, right?" "Of course!" "I like being your friend. We should hang out more or something, don't you think?" "That'd be nice!"

Kiku smiled bright. He had finally made another friend.