Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 10: Progress

Ever heard of delayed gratification? Well, that's what this is. Much more satisfying than instant gratification. (If you've studied sociology then you know what I'm talking about). Here's more compensation for taking so long to update the story! A chapter over 4000 words! As always, enjoy and don't hesitate to tell me what you think!

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April 1864

Multiple mumbling voices woke me from my sleep. What's going on...? I rubbed my eyes as I sat up and stretched, accompanied with a yawn. The voices seemed to be coming from right outside my room. I got out of bed and slid open my door to be met with the gazes of three men. They stopped conversing as soon as I opened the door and now just stood there quietly. Well, most of them stood there quietly. "Looking good Chiyeko, bed head suits you" Okita-san teased.
"Say what you like Okita-san, I don't care. Now do you mind telling me why you woke me up?"
"Gomen Chiyeko, that wasn't our intention" Harada apologised.
"I appreciate the apology, but it doesn't answer my question"
"Well, you see Kondou-san has been bragging about how tasty your breakfast tastes..." Nagakura started.
"...And we wanted to see what the fuss was about"
"What Souji means to say is that we wanted to try for ourselves" Harada corrected after nudging Okita-san with his elbow.
"Okay...then why were you all talking outside my room?"
"We were deciding who would be the one to ask ya, looks like all three of us ended up asking" Okita-san informed me.
"If you wouldn't mind, I would like to sample your breakfast"
"Ah Kuso!!" I jumped and somehow ended up falling forward.
"Whoa, careful!" Harada caught me before I could hit the floor.
"Daijōbu!?"
"Yeah, I'm fine Nagakura"
"Oh man, that was hilarious!" Okita-san wrapped his arms around his stomach as he laughed hard. "I love how the first word that popped into your head was a curse word" He chuckled.
"I'll show you a curse word..." I mumbled to myself as I stood up. I then turned around to find the culprit behind my fright. "I should've guessed..." Saito-san stood in my room, looking as stoic as ever. "I swear you're doing this on purpose now! Seriously, why can't you just announce your presence like a normal person?! And how'd you even get in here?!"
"I knocked on your outer door, but you didn't answer. I heard talking so I came to the conclusion that you were awake and let myself in"
"You don't just "let yourself in" to a girl's room! Sheesh, I swear you're going to give me a heart attack one day..."
"Keep it down!" A stern and angry voice shouted.
"Uh oh, you made Hijikata-san mad"
"I made him mad?! You're the one laughing your head off! And may I remind you that I wouldn't be raising my voice if I hadn't been woken up by you three! No offence Harada and Nagakura"
"None taken"
"Yeah what Shin said. You're right, it's our fault"
"Technically, she didn't start shouting until Saito-kun spooked her"
"...I apologise for doing so"
"Apology accepted..." I sighed. "Now can everyone please go wait in the common room?" They all left and I closed my door. "What a way to start the morning..." I never would've guessed this is how the Shinsengumi act privately, it's weird...A good weird...I guess...? I got dressed into my pretty battle kimono and brushed my hair before heading to the kitchen.

When I arrived, I found Hijikata-san talking to some Shinsengumi members by the kitchen. It seemed I had walked in on the end of the conversation as they all quickly left. "Ohayō Hijikata-san!" I greeted him with a smile and a bow.
"Ohayō kid. Be sure not to make a mess in the kitchen because you'll be the one cleaning it up"
"I'm not eight, I know how to cook without making a mess!"
"We'll see" He smirked. "Well, the kitchen's all yours kid. Come get me when you're finished with it"
"Hai Hijikata-san, I'll be sure to do that" I bowed in response and he acknowledged that with a nod before leaving. I've used this kitchen multiple times and I've never made a mess! He said that to purposely rile me up! Regardless of that, I'll show him! "It's time to get to work!" I rolled up my kimono sleeves and began to prepare breakfast. While I was doing so, Heisuke-kun walked into the kitchen.
"So this is where you were?"
"You were looking for me? Why? It's not time for training yet"
"I know that...Promise me you won't laugh?"
"When it comes to laughter, I can't promise anything"
"But-!"
"I was just kidding Heisuke-kun, I promise"
"Alright...I was worried because you were missing from your room..."
"Aww, you're so cute Heisuke-kun!"
"C-Cute?! I'm a man and men aren't cute!" He defensively yelled with a bright red face causing me to giggle.
"I'm glad you were worried about me, but next time ask around before assuming that I'm missing. Okay?" He nodded while avoiding my gaze. "Now I'm in the process of making minna breakfast, so why don't you head over to the common room and wait for me to be finished?"
"G-Good idea..." He left without making eye contact with me. I know he doesn't like to hear it, but Heisuke-kun is so adorable sometimes! Although, I was actually really happy he was so worried about me. It showed how important I am to him. My lips turned up into a smile as I continued to prepare breakfast.