Chapter 4

Bartender: Well, welcome to my home. Come on in.

Shigeo: W-wow, it's pretty...

The bartender's apartment was very tidy. It was very spacious and warm. The floor was a light brown wooden parquet and the walls were white, decorated with beautiful paintings. There was greenery all over the living room, and a large aquarium was next to one of the sofas. The kitchen was large and fully open.

Bartender: Be careful, my life will seem miserable to you, compared to yours.

Shigeo: Why you saying that?

Bartender: Because you must surely find my apartment not good enough. I don't even have any fruit juice to welcome you. I only have wine by the way ... and you're not old enough to drink.

Shigeo *annoyed*: I don't care about that! Why do you see me like a fucking rich kid every time you talk to me ?! And I'm 18! I'm of drinking age!

"Anyway, I'm not here to drink calmly with you, idiot!"

Bartender: Are you upset? I was just kidd- what, you are 18?

Shigeo: Yeah, why?

Bartender: Nothing, I thought you were younger. Good to know, then. ^^

Shigeo: G-good to know? What?

"He's teasing me or what!"

Bartender: Oh, it's true that you wouldn't come to the bar if you weren't 18, I'm stupid. But, I thought you lied about your age to get in.

Shigeo: What? I'm not that kind of guy! And, would you have closed your eyes to a minor who drank alcohol?

Bartender: Yes, it's true that said like that. You, of course, were enjoying yourself, seeing how you were completely drunk last night.

Shigeo: Ah ... yeah.

"We're not going to talk about it anyway, are we?"

Bartender: But, I'm used to seeing that.

Shigeo: ... By the way ... you say that you have a miserable life, while your apartment is huge and spacious. I could believe that you too are rich.

Bartender *smiling*: Not really. But I'm indeed lucky to have this apartment. I have a pretty mundane life if you want to know.

Shigeo: Really ...

Bartender: Come on, sit down and show me your face.

Shigeo: ... You don't have to do that. I can do it on my own!

Bartender: Oh yeah? Why is it still not disinfected, then? And why did you agree to come all this way, if it's to get me this out in the end?

Shigeo *blushes*: I-I had neither the choice nor the material!

Bartender *mockingly*: Well, now that you have it, here. He gave him the first aid kit in his hands. Shigeo looked at him sulkily, then picked up the case.

Bartender: So, go ahead and show me how you do it.

Shigeo: ...I-I... just tell me where to start!

Bartender: No. You manage it yourself.

Shigeo: That's what I'm doing! But, you just have to tell me where to start, without touching anything!

Bartender: I repeat, no.

Shigeo: ... **** you.

Bartender *smiling*: I would go, I promise.

Shigeo *blushes*: H-huh ?!

Bartender *sigh*: Come on, hurry up ...

"What the **** is wrong with that shitty bartender! Now he's really playing the perverts or what ?! And, he pisses me off with his first aid kit! If I knew how to do it, I would never have accepted to be helped by him! In addition, as usual, he enjoys watching me be like a moron..."

Shigeo was trying to analyze the products without really reading them or trying to understand. He was too pissed off to know that the bartender was looking at him with amusement. He knew he was laughing at him because he didn't know how to do it. Shigeo wanted to piss him by trying to play the connoisseur but was finally too busy insulting the bartender in his head. Which showed on his face that he didn't give a damn about the instructions for use of the products.

Bartender *sigh*: Okay, that's enough. Give me the box. Said the bartender, taking the box from him.

Shigeo: H-hey! I was reading! I was going to heal myself!

Bartender: You were just staring into space. I haven't even seen your eyes read, so stop lying.

Shigeo: Y-You didn't have to watch me!

Bartender: Come on, come on, enough. Bring your face closer, I'll start.

Shigeo: W-why won't you get closer?

Bartender: If you want. It's the same anyway. Alright, it's gonna hurt you a little bit, so get ready.

Shigeo: Don't take this opportunity to hurt me on purpose!

Bartender: I'm not a kid to do that. Are you ready?

Shigeo: Y-yeah ...

Bartender: So, I'm starting. He began to clean Shigeo's wounds with a cotton ball, and with the other hand, he was holding the redhead's chin. Shigeo was embarrassed and didn't know where to look, as their faces were quite close, so he kept his eyes down, while the bartender was still focused on the redhead's face.

Shigeo: O-ouch ...!

Bartender: I told you it was going to hurt. Seriously, you should've taken care of it from day one.

Shigeo: ... I didn't know how to do it. And, I have nothing for that kind of thing.

Bartender *sigh*: That's it when you want to play adults.

Shigeo: I'm already an adult!

Bartender: Yes, yes.

Shigeo: Ouch! Hey, be careful!

Bartender: At least it'll remove residue and aid healing.

Shigeo: ... Hm ...

Bartender: Fortunately, I offered to treat you, because these kinds of little wounds are a gateway for microorganisms. Like bacteria, moreover, which can lead to contamination or infection.

Shigeo: ...

Shigeo looked at him not knowing what to say. He was impressed with his knowledge and told himself he sounded like a smart person when he heard him speak that way. He didn't know any of that, and it was the first time anyone had taken care of healing his wounds. Shigeo was someone who liked brawls, but whenever he got hurt he just waited for them to go away on their own. Fortunately, his sores were not often very serious.

Bartender: You have really orange eyes!

Shigeo *blushing*: W-what ?! I-it's ...! Why are you saying that! What does that mean anyway! Shigeo asked pushing the bartender away and in a panic.

Bartender: Hey, don't push me. Well, that means they're really orange? They are super orange, it's pretty, I never paid attention to them.

"Why does he tell me things like that..."

Shigeo *blushing*: ... ...

Bartender: Okay, it's over. It should be enough and heal pretty quickly.

Shigeo: ...

Bartender: Well what? Why are you looking at me like that? I have something on my face or what ...

Shigeo *blushing*: N-no ... thank you ... said the redhead, lowering his eyes quickly.

Bartender: Oooh, thank you you told me? It's the first time I've heard you be polite!

Shigeo: Shut up!!!!

Bartender: Haha, I'll get a drink.

Shigeo: So, can I go?

Bartender: Oh, I was planning on having a drink for you too. Don't you want a drink?

Shigeo: ... O-ok but after this, I'm leaving! Said Hide a little hesitant but finally not against.

Bartender: No problem.

Shigeo: ... ... ...And ... uh, do you live alone?

Bartender: Yes, on my own. I don't really like the company anyway.

Said the brown sitting on the sofa, two glasses in hand and a bottle of wine.

Shigeo: ...What about my company?

The man looked at him for a moment, looking surprised at the redhead's sudden question.

Bartender: ... Not unpleasant, I guess. In fact, you remind me of my youthful years, sometimes.

Shigeo: And is that a good thing?

Bartender: Maybe yes. For an old man my age, it's not unpleasant.

"Old man...? He doesn't look old though."

Shigeo got up to go and sit next to him, but a little shy and stressed for some reason.

Shigeo: D-Do you mind if I sit next to you?

Bartender: No, why would that bother me? Oh, I sure didn't tell you, but make yourself at home. Do you like wine? Sorry I only have that.

Shigeo: Yeah ... it's okay. I think...

Bartender: You have never tasted?

Shigeo: Uh ... no.

Bartender *mockingly*: You play the self-confident guy but you've never tasted wine? Yet it's an adult thing.

Shigeo: I-I drink other alcohols, instead!

Bartender: Hahaha.

"By the way, I'm at his place ... Now that I realize it, it feels weird. It's especially weird to see him anywhere other than in the bar. It's a little too ... intimate to be at his home like that. But, he looks a little different than when he's behind his counter. He looks so much more relaxed or I don't know. But, he looks cool like that. Well, at the same time, it's because he's at his home, it's normal that he's so relaxed, I imagine."

Shigeo: ... Hey, by the way ... you asked me my name and I gave it to you. But ... I can't keep calling you "hey" every time I want to talk to you. So, what's your name?

Bartender: Oh yeah, that's right. You told me your name between I don't know how many drinks. Astonishing that you remember it besides, considering the state in which you were.

Shigeo *embarrassed*: I-I remember a few things ... So, what is it ...?

Bartender *hesitant*: ... ... Call me Sushi.

Shigeo: Huh??? S-Sushi?

Sushi: That's what they call me at the bar.

Shigeo: But why?

Sushi *sigh*: Because my last name is Yasushi. Not terrible, huh?

Shigeo: Pffhahaha!

Sushi: I know, it's funny.

Shigeo: And why don't you want to tell me your real name?

Sushi *mockingly*: When we become best friends for life, I'll tell you.

Shigeo *blushing*: ... what ... what are you talking about...

Sushi then began his glass of wine and the redhead, for the first time dipped his lips in the wine. It was like a new experience for him. Once the first sip, he put the glass down and coughed as if he had just swallowed the wrong way. In fact, he was just disgusted with what he had just swallowed.

Shigeo *cough*: Argh, that's disgusting!

Sushi: Haha, I told you it was for adults!

Shigeo: The sweet taste comes at the end, but it's so bitter!

Sushi: Me, I like his bitterness. Do you want a glass of water?

Shigeo: Y-yeah...

He got up and went to get some water. Shigeo looked at him in the distance without saying a word. He sensed that something was wrong. He didn't really know what, but he felt it. Something unusual. Was it something about him or Sushi or something else? Sushi returned with the glass of water in hand, gave it to the redhead, and sat down next to him.

Shigeo: Thanks ... by the way ... sorry for the bar fight ...

Bartender: Oooh! Did you really apologize?

Shigeo *blushes*: I-I won't say it twice!

Bartender: Awesome! So, unfortunately, that means I'm letting you come back to the bar.

Shigeo: ... Thank you ...

Bartender: Without fights!

Shigeo: Yeah, yeah ...

Silence ran through the room. Both men were silent, Shigeo did not know what to say. He looked shy and stressed, his glass of water in his hands, his eyes downcast, and his cheeks a little pink. For the first time in his life, he looked quite calm, shy, gentle, and fragile. He felt that something strange was going on inside of him. A new feeling he had never felt before and felt his chest tighten.

Sushi: Aren't you drinking your glass of water?

Shigeo: ... ...You...you know...I think I'm starting to be interested in you...

Said the redhead after a long moment of silence at Sushi's question.

Sushi *mocking*: Interested in me? What does it mean?

The brown was saying this to tease him because he really didn't understand what he meant by that, but when he turned his head to look at the redhead, he was blushing enough that you could see that he was looking embarrassed as well as still staring down at his glass of water. Seeing how serious the young man was, Sushi got up and went to the balcony, lighting a cigarette. The surprised redhead followed him just behind.

Shigeo: You should stop smoking, it's disgusting and not good for your health ...

Sushi: ... But I'm a smoker. Even in case of panic, I need a cigarette.

Shigeo: You ...you're in a panic right now?

Sushi: ... No, I just wanted to light one.

Shigeo: ... I ... I want to know your real name. Not the one from the bar.

Sushi: You got my bartender nickname. This is already a lot.

Shigeo: ... Why ... why do you avoid me every time I try to get to know you better.

Sushi: I'm not avoiding you. I told you I didn't like the company.

Shigeo: B-but ... you said mine wasn't bad!

Sushi: Yeah, yeah, except yours, if you want.

Shigeo *annoyed*: I was serious earlier! You really interest me, I want to know more about you!

Sushi: ... No way.

Shigeo: But why! I'm ready to give you some money so you can tell me about yourself if you want!

Sushi: ... Ah, the famous money. Look, I don't want to tell my life story to a kid who doesn't know anything about life. You won't understand anything and just after you will go to buy a big car.

Shigeo: What ?! I know what life is! And don't treat me like a fucking kid again!

Sushi: Really? And what do you know about life and the problems of life? Oh, did I break my new 1500 euro watch? (It had already happened to Shigeo with a watch of 1000 euros help) Don't you think that there are more serious problems in life?

Shigeo*pissed off*: I-I don't think like that! Stop taking me for an idiot!

Sushi: Look, I don't care if you're a wealthy 18-year-old kid with a lot of money. And you do what you want with your money. It's just the way you shout it from the rooftops and the way you act like an arrogant or the king of the world who looks down on everyone, disturbs me. It really makes you look like a fucking brat.

"Again this expression ?! He stole it from Ryuji or what ?!"

Shigeo*annoyed*: It's ... I-I ... you don't understand anything, that's not it ...

Sushi looked at him and saw that the teenager was on the verge of tears. He looked very sad and distraught. The bartender feeling a little guilty to see him in this state through his fault, took his head with one arm and hugged him. The surprised redhead didn't dare to put his hands on his back, so he let his arms hang around his body without saying anything. He wanted to resist wanting to cry, but he couldn't help but shed a few tears that he hurriedly wiped away.

Sushi: Sorry, if I was a little harsh. You should go home, it's getting late.

He released the little redhead, and he quickly turned around, wiped away the tears that were running down his rosy cheeks again, and left without saying goodbye.

Sushi alone again, sat down on the sofa, thinking about what had just happened.

"Considering the reaction he had, I don't think anyone ever told him that sort of thing ... Aaaah ... it was nice to chat with him, but now if he expects more from me, it's gonna quickly become boring. Besides, what is it to be interested in someone anyway? I hope he doesn't start to get attached to me."

The next day in high school, during the break:

"Why doesn't he want to take me seriously! I've always been successful with everyone so what's wrong this time? Pfff, that stinky Sushi. If you think you're going to get rid of me that easily, you're not going to be fed up with me! And then, I just told him that I wanted to know more about him, nothing else, and he already took the big head to talk to me like that ?!"

Ryuji: Uh ... are ya sure you're okay today? Ya seem in a bad mood ...

Shigeo: Yeah. I am. Something is not going the way I want.

Ryuji: And what is it? Did ya ask the bartender for forgiveness ?!

Shigeo: ... Yeah, yeah, I did!

Ryuji: Phew! We will be able to return to the bar quietly!

Shigeo: ... Hey, Ryuji, what's life like for you?

Ryuji: Huh? What is this question all of a sudden?

Shigeo: Just answer! ... Please.

Ryuji: Well ... I dunno. It's working, having a wife and children?

Shigeo: ... Nah, but ... forget it.

Ryuji: But, in our case, we have to finish our studies first to become a real men.

Shigeo: Become a real man? Pff, I already am!

Ryuji: Yeah, maybe ...

Shigeo: Afterschool, do I take you home or not?

Ryuji: Nah, it's okay. My mother is coming to pick me up because we have to go see the dance performance in my sisters' kindergarten.

Shigeo: Oh yeah, it's today!

Ryuji: Yeah, I'm lazy, but they're going to be too cute my little love sisters!

Shigeo: Pffhahaha!

After school:

Ryuji: Okay, bye, Hide! Do ya call me or do I call ya?

Shigeo: As you want!

Ryuji: Okay!

Shigeo walked over to his car, and a surprise awaited him. His new girlfriend was waiting for him with soft eyes that meant, take me!

Shigeo: Oh, what are you doing here?

Nanio: Nothing, I wanted to see you. Can I ride with you?

Shigeo: ... Yeah, if you want.

Nanio: Cool!

They rolled around for a while, but Shigeo kept thinking about Sushi and it made him angrier. He was also mostly ashamed to have let go a few tears at the words the brown had said to him that night and wanted revenge in some way.

Nanio: Uhm ... otherwise are you okay?

Shigeo: Yeah.

Nanio: Didn't you miss me or what?

Shigeo: Yes, a lot.

Nanio: Say ... I wanted to ask you, uh ... you see, there is a handbag which is soon out of stock ... and I would love to have it except that-

Shigeo: How much do you want?

Nanio: ... uh, you know I'll pay you back prom-

Shigeo: How much do you want?

Nanio: ... 1000 ... 1000 but it's because of the shipping costs and everything else that it's so expensive! But also because it is a rather rare handbag!

Shigeo: It's okay, I'll give you the money.

"No need to justify yourself so much."

Nanio: Whoa, thank you so much! You're the best! Mmwa!

Shigeo: Don't kiss me when I'm driving!

Nanio: Oh, sorry ... hm? Why did you go to the bar?

Shigeo: Uh ... I don't know. But, while I'm at it, I'm going to check something out, wait.

The redhead had actually driven to the bar. Did he realize that or was he already planning to take a look around before he got home? He parked, then got out of the car and walked inside the bar, heading for the counter.

Shigeo: Hi, is ... S-Sushi here?

Bartender: Nah, he's not working today, honey. Do you want to send a message?

Shigeo: N-no, especially not. So, Wednesday is his day off?

Bartender: Right, darling. Anyway, it's his only day off that I know of. I'm not the right person to tell you, haha. Is he your friend, your father, your uncle?

Shigeo: Uh ... nah ... none of that. Okay, thank you anyway.

Bartender: Bye-Bye! He's cute!

"He's never there when I ask after him! It annoys me! Where is this stinky Sushi then? At home or somewhere outside? I just want to see him for a bit. Anyway, from now on, there is no more high school on Wednesdays for me." He got out then got into his car.

Nanio: So? Did you find what you were looking for?

Shigeo: No, unfortunately.

Nanio: Oh, too bad.

Shigeo: Hey, do you know what the new bartender calls himself at the bar?

Nanio: No how? I admit that I don't go there often ... I don't even know who it is.

Shigeo: Sushi!

Nanio: Sushi? Pff! What's that stupid nickname?

Shigeo: It's because his last name is Yasushi! It's stupid, isn't it?

Nanio: Haha! Yasushi, sushi! Poor guy, haha!

Shigeo: Right ?! Sushi is a stinky sushi! Seriously, who can call himself sushi! Plus I love sushi, really, really, really, but definitely not him! I will never be able to love him!

Nanio: Haha ... oh well ...

Shigeo: Seriously, he's boring, and he always looks down on me! He can't even take me seriously and thinks I'm a fucking kid! Still, I know what I want, you know? He annoys me so much that I would really like to put sweet soy sauce all over his body and eat him without letting him beg me!

Nanio: Uh ... aren't you going a bit far...?

Shigeo: Who's talking about going far? He had driven more than that when he had me-

Before he even finished letting go completely on Sushi's back and venting all his anger about him, he stopped dead when he saw the person who had put him in this state far away.

Nanio: What's wrong?

Shigeo:...

Nanio: Hello ??

Shigeo: Nothing, you can go now. I forgot I had something to do.

Nanio: What? I can wait, it's okay.

Shigeo: And I can't wait! Come on, go, quickly!

The young girl, quite confused by the sudden change of her boyfriend, got out almost pushed by the redhead and ran to catch up with the bus which brought her home, which had just arrived by chance. Shigeo then hurried to accelerate to arrive next to the bartender.

Shigeo: Hey! I was just thinking about you, that must be what they called telepathy!

Sushi: Oh ... what a beautiful car. Another news? Your father gives you enough money as I see.

Shigeo: I-It's not his money!

Sushi: What are you doing here? Are you going to get drunk already?

Shigeo: No, I wasn't planning on going to the bar! Besides, I rarely drink!

Sushi *mocking*: Oh, I saw that!

Shigeo: ... Look, I was just sad that night. It's okay to have a few drinks after a breakup!

Sushi *mocking*: A few?

Shigeo: ... Do you want to come in? Come on, it's cold, come in!

Sushi: No, it's good ... I prefer to walk.

Shigeo: Come on, five minutes! I just want to chat.

Sushi: ... Well, ok ... but really not for long.

Shigeo: Thanks! Here, I'll even give you the driver's seat! Besides, you don't work today?

He changed places by going to the other seat and left the driver's seat for Sushi.

Bartender: No, I'm on leave today.

Shigeo: Ooooh, cool. And uh ... would you like to spend it with me?

Sushi: No, I have things to do tonight.

Shigeo: But, please! It's already evening, so don't worry, we won't be spending a lot of time together.

Sushi: I said no, I really have things to do.

Shigeo: What's more important than spending time with me!

Sushi: Uh ... Everything?

Shigeo: Are you serious!

Sushi *mocking*: Very serious.

Shigeo *sulks*: It's okay, I understood that I piss you off.

Sushi *sigh*: Don't say that.

Shigeo *sulks*: You will end up not doing without me, one day.

Sushi: What did you say, I didn't hear?

Shigeo: Nothing! I said nothing! Nothing, nothing!

Sushi: Okay ... don't scream.

Shigeo *sulks*: Pff!

Sushi: So, you like fast cars, huh?

Shigeo: Huh? Yeah. Well, it's just to show off.

Sushi: Oh yeah? And have you ever ... driven in the fast lane?

Shigeo: H-huh? WHOAAAA ?!

Sushi suddenly accelerated at an incredible speed, which made the redhead's cap fly off in the back. The window on Shigeo's side was open, letting the wind hit his face even more. Shigeo was scared but he also felt the excitement at the Sushi game. He finally stopped, after a little giggle looking at the frightened head of the redhead.

Sushi: Did you buy a fast car without even knowing how fast it can go?

Shigeo: I-I told you! It's just to show! Seriously, I thought I was dying! I cherish my life, you know?!

Sushi: Hahaha, sorry.

Shigeo: Pff!

"It was creepy... but it was funny and exciting. I didn't know he could have this kind of delirium."

Sushi: Do you mind if I smoke?

Shigeo: N-no ... you know, I smoke too.

Bartender: Oh, are you playing the rebel at your age?

Shigeo: I-I'm 18! I'm allowed to smoke and drink alcohol!

Sushi: Ah yes, I forgot your age. But, weren't you the one who said cigarettes were disgusting?

Shigeo: Y-yeah, but it's classy on you. And since I found you classy, ​​I wanted to try too, but I don't like the taste.

Sushi: So don't force yourself to smoke, we can't all look classy. And, you're right, it's bad for your health.

Shigeo: ...

Sushi*smocking*: Okay, I have to go. I have-

Shigeo: W-wait! Hold on! Uh ... stay a little longer! Stay with me...

"Isn't he going to talk about last night? At least the time we have passed together, or apologize? Well, he had already said it but it was just a sorry! I need more to be forgiven! I was pissed off all day thinking about him, but once I see him in front of me, I can't be mad at him. I think ... I like his company. He's a little fun after all and I don't mind spending time with him."

Sushi *surprised*: What do you want?

Shigeo: ... You ... how do you find my car, then? Apart from her speed. She's tall and she shines, did you see? It cost me a lot!

Sushi *bored*: Yes, I see that. You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, huh? Sushi immediately thought "he's doing it again! Even with what I told him!"

Shigeo: Not really ... But if you want, I can take you home after work? I mean, the days when you work.

Sushi: Nah, thank you, but it's nice.

"He doesn't seem interested in what I'm telling him ... he still has his cold attitude all of a sudden, when I should be the first to be cold after what he told me yesterday!"

Shigeo: ... uh ... you know ... the last time ... it was the first time someone gave me so much attention.

Sushi: ... Really?

Shigeo: Yeah ... and it wasn't bad ... So ... thank you. I know I sound arrogant sometimes, but I don't do it on purpose. Sorry if you're already sick of me, I don't want you to hate me.

Sushi: ... I don't hate you. You know, I think it's okay to lose your mind a bit when you have everything you want. But, you will surely change little by little. I mean, I hope.

Shigeo: ... Sushi, tell me about yourself, please.

Sushi: ... No, I don't want to.

Shigeo: But, please! Tell me about you! Talk to me again ... like you did yesterday ...

Sushi: What? We were just talking about everything and nothing. Look, I really have to go.

Shigeo: N-no, please! Please ... the redhead clung to Sushi's chest, his head buried in his sweater.

"Damn ... why am I getting carried away like this? I just ... want him to stay with me for a little while longer. I don't want him to leave me all alone ..."

Sushi *embarrassed*: ... Listen, go home and hug your father if you need affection ... but, I can't give you that much affection, me. I'm not your father, you understand? You could stop by the bar if you're feeling low? And, you were fine two minutes ago, I don't understand ...

Shigeo *pissed off*: I know you're not my father! He doesn't give me as much affection as you give me! Even the servants take better care of me ... I just wanna be with you! I just wanna ... be with you ... we're not close enough, that's it? Do you still see me as a kid ...? So, you don't want us to be friends?

Sushi: ... Look, I'm sorry ... but you're wasting your time with an old man like me. Why don't you go meet up with your friends? People your age, quite simply.

Shigeo: I have no friends ... they just want my money. And ... they're all boring. They don't care about me. But, you, you do.

Sushi: ... Shigeo ... I have to go. And, you hold me too tight. We can talk about that another time, okay?

"It's ... it's the first time he called me by my first name ..."

Shigeo: It's the first time you've called me by my first name.

Sushi: Uh ... really?

Shigeo: I thought you forgot it.

Sushi: I have a pretty good memory, that's why. ^^'

Shigeo: Do ​​you ... like me?

Sushi: Yeah, yeah, you're a cool guy.

Shigeo: ... ... ... Say, do you think this is love?

Sushi *panicked*: Huh? N-no, it's not love! You got it wrong! You said I was the only one to give you so much affection, so you are surely lost ... You mix everything up! Besides, you don't even know me! Well, I seriously have to go ... he gently pushed the redhead away, and pulled himself away as he got out of the car. He gave him his cigarette, waved his hand before leaving, leaving Shigeo alone confused and half in tears.

Shigeo looked at the cigarette in his hand and brought it closer to put it in his mouth. He put his lips on the cigarette knowing that Sushi had put his on, and before he could even imagine kissing him, he was stopped by the bad taste of the cigarette, and the coughs it gave him. He then said to himself "how does he manage to smoke something so disgusting, seriously?" then threw the cigarette out the window and rested his head on the steering wheel, crying.

"Wait, why do I start crying. Since when did I become sensitive? I'm used to being ignored, so why do I put myself in this state? And, why did I ask him if it was love ..."

"... But, I just wanted ... him to keep me company once again ..."

Even though it hadn't been long since Shigeo was spending time with Sushi and that he knew he didn't know him enough yet, just his presence and his company were feeling so nice to him, that he didn't want to be separated from him anymore. With him, he felt noticed, and that's what made him happy. Be with him for who he was and not for his money. It was the first time, that he had the impression to interest someone besides Ryuji. So was it love or not? It might be too soon, but Shigeo was still letting these doubts and questions in the back of his mind. He knew he didn't know the life of Sushi yet, or even his still unknown first name, but he was sure of one thing, and that was wanting to know the bartender by heart.

Shigeo 💥 \+ Sushi 🍣!

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