S M I T T E N ( Kuroo Tetsurou x OC )

『 21 』

Original Artist Unknown

"D-D-D-DATE?! Me? R-right now?" I stuttered, obviously flustered. "I-I can't!"

"Huh? Why not? You said you were free," Kuroo pointed out.

I looked down at my clothes.

I can't go on a date like this!

"Th-that's b-because...."

I don't want him to know the reason.

"Just think of it as two friends hanging out," he smiled.

If we're "two friends hanging out", at least I won't feel bad about being underdressed.

"Two friends...." I repeated. "I can do that."

Two friends. For some reason I felt a little disappointed....

GRUUUMBLE

GRUUUMBLE

At the same time, both of our stomachs growled in unison.

This is the worst timing!

I looked down in embarrassment.

I hope he didn't hear that!

"I guess you didn't eat lunch either?" He chuckled, being careful not to tease me about my grumbling tummy.

"Y-yeah...." I answered, not being able to look at his face. "...U-umm!"

"Hmm?"

"Th-there's a restaurant nearby that I frequent...i-if you don't mind!"

Why do I always embarrass myself around him?

"Lead the way."

I can hear the anticipation in his voice which prompted me to start walking.

It was my tradition to eat here after visiting the optometrist.

I used to eat here with my mom whenever she brought me to the optometrist when I was younger. Now that I'm older and am able to go to appointments by myself, I started eating here alone.

It's a place that brings back good memories.

I wonder if it's okay to bring Kuroo to a place like this?

"A Japanese restaurant?" Kuroo sounded amused.

The restaurant looked a little old and run down compared to the modern buildings surrounding it. The wooden walls were worn down and even the sliding door looked like it was patched up several times.

The outside was decorated with potted plants with a ticket machine beside the door.

I walked up to the machine, inserted a ￥1,000 bill, and pressed the button for my usual order. The machine printed out a small meal ticket, which I took then stepped aside for Kuroo to order.

When he finished ordering, we walked inside the restaurant.

The waitress greeted us and took our meal tickets before seating us at a booth.

"This is an interesting spot for a first date," he commented while glancing around the restaurant.

"We're just hanging out as friends," I corrected him.

I looked around the empty restaurant as well. The walls had no decorations adorning them.

This place hasn't changed a bit.

"It's been awhile since I came here with someone."

The words slipped out of my lips. I paused, realizing that I said it out loud.