The Kiss
“I need to use the toilet, I'll be back in a moment!”
Yuki walked off, leaving Kiko and Rika at the table. A collection of empty glasses and plates in front of them. Kino picked up one of the few remaining fried pickles, and ate it thoughtfully.
“So, I was watching while you asked Yuki out.”
Rika rolled her eyes and took a sip of her beer.
“Of course you were. Well?”
“Well, you looked like a high school girl confessing to her crush.”
Rika placed her glass down, and sighed.
“Yeah...”
“You were just missing the ambiguous note and high school rooftop. Practically textbook.”
Kiko giggled hiding her mouth behind her hand. Then straightened her face.
“Really though. It worked out, you two have dates this weekend!”
She patted Rika on the back.
Rika smiled.
“Yeah... We don’t know each other, like at all, yet. So we’ll see how it works out.”
She stared at her glass thinking about, what she assumed, the occasion would be like.
Kiko, and the bartender, had both witnessed the conversation. And as third parties clearly saw the misunderstanding between the two.
/Maybe I should say something. But, I don’t want to meddle. Or for Rika to know I’m meddling./
“Hmm, by the way you two have been getting along since we met. I can guarantee it’ll be brilliant!”
Rika smiled again.
“Thanks. I’m looking forward to it. It’s just... I haven’t been on a date in forever. I mean clothes alone. I don’t think I have anything that fits the “first date” mood.”
“There’s a date idea! Why don’t you go shopping together?”
“No... Do you think that’s really a date idea. It’s like an errand.”
“Well, grocery shopping maybe. But clothes shopping is just fine!”
“Alright, I’ll ask her when she gets back.”
“That’s the spirit!”
Meanwhile during their conversation, Yuki was in the bathroom. However, she spent five minutes staring at the mirror, deep in thought. Sneezing in the process.
/They’re talking about me. I wonder what, probably discussing the... the.../
Yuki took a deep breath and slapped her cheeks.
/The date Rika and I are going on this weekend! But, I haven’t been on a date in ages. Much less, an “adult” date! What do I even wear?!/
She checked her appearance in the mirror.
/I’m pretty good I guess. I mean I got all dressed up and everything for today./
She looked over her outfit, it was much too business formal for a date. Then catalogued her wardrobe from memory.
/Mmmm; Jeans, Sweatpants, old T-shirt’s, old Sweatshirts. Oh god. I have nothing! I wonder if I can go shopping before the date. If it’s tomorrow, it’ll be a crunch./
Her eyes opened wide. And she whispered to herself.
“Underwear.”
/Mine’s not that cute or anything. In manga they always buy new ones for a date. But, why? Does she think she’ll see it? Will she?!/
Yuki pulled out her phone. Searching her favorite shop’s catalog.
/I never look, I just get whatever. They do sell pretty cute stuff also... So expensive! That’ll cut into food money! I’ll just add this to my list I guess./
She opened the note app and began writing down the items she thought she’d get Also, glancing at the phone’s clock.
/Oh! I’ve been in here way too long./
Her phone clicked. And she left the bathroom, walking to the table.
“Uh, sorry. I’m back now!”
Three fresh glasses of beer sat on the table. Rika and Kino watching as she approached. Yuki somewhat embarrassed by their gazes.
“I ordered another round, you don’t have to drink it if you don’t want though.”
“Oh, thanks! I was hoping for one more.”
Kiko leaned back.
“I suppose it’s nearing the end of the night. Considering this drink, I may have had a bit too much.”
“I’m not carrying you home.”
Rika stared at Kiko.
“Ohhhh, but I love it when you carry me.”
Winking a Rika.
“Yuki! How are you feeling?”
“Mmm, this is most certainly my last drink.”
/No, kidding. I’m actually pretty tipsy./
“Well if you need it, I’m sure Rika would be willing to carry you.”
Rika blushed.
“I mean if you need it. I can escort you home too. It’s no problem.”
Yuki blushed at the idea. And smiled
“I’ll be sure to let you know. I’d be happy if you would. Are you ok?”
Rika finished of the last of her beer. And smiled back at Yuki.
“I’m good.”
“Well, I suppose she can’t carry us both. I call Hidetake. And, Rika can handle her alcohol.”
Kiko patted Rika on the back. Then unlocked her phone. Calling Hidetake.
“Hello youuuu.... Yes I’m drunk. Please come and carry me home....The American bar. Thank youuu!”
She hung up her phone and placed it in her pocket.
“He’s on his way!”
Rika smiled.
“He truly is a champion for coming to carry you home. Again.”
“That’s my Hidetake.”
She stared off with a romantic look in her eyes.
They all sat for a moment, most in drunken silence. Yuki drank the rest of her own beer.
“Kiko would you like us to wait till Hidetake arrives?”
“Of course! You haven’t met him yet, and you wouldn’t leave a maiden in peril like this right?”
Rika raised an eyebrow.
“I mean, are you even considered a maiden anymore?”
Kiko lightly punched Rika on the arm.
“Of course I ammmm, youuu bully!”
Rika smiled.
“And you’re drunk.”
“Damn straight.”
She rested her head on her folded arms.
“I think I’m going to go to sleep now.”
“Please don’t do that.”
Yuki looked to the door that had just opened.
A rather scruffy looking guy approached the table. He had a short beard and untrimmed hair, a pair of jeans and T-shirt with a female Anime heroine on the front. Yuki’s eyes lit up.
“You always get like this, you really need to cut back, or pace yourself more.”
“I know you’ll always come to my rescue though! And I don’t mind being carried at all”
She winked in his direction, and Hidetake turned bright red.
“Isn’t it cute how he still gets embarrassed when I flirt with him in public, even though we’ve been married for 7 years.”
Hidetake ribbed the back of his neck.
“It’s not even like that.”
Kiko rested her head on her hand, and turned to Rika and Yuki.
“He’s a Tsundere through and through.”
Hidetake smiled. And turned to Rika and Yuki.
“Sorry to hold you two up, I hope she wasn’t too much of a handful tonight.”
Rika waved her hand. And laughed
“Not at all, you’re a champion for always showing up for her.”
Hidetake laughed.
“Thanks www... That was definitely netspeak I said out loud.”
Kiko giggled.
“He’s also a die hard Otaku.”
“I love your shirt!”
Hidetake turned to Yuki.
“You must be Yuki. Nice to meet you.”
He stuck out his hand for a shake. She hesitated for a moment, not used to the gesture.
Kiko giggled.
“I give you the wife’s blessing to shake his hand. But, don’t get any funny ideas.”
Hidetake rolled his eyes.
Yuki looked to Kiko, the back and timidly shook his hand.
“I suppose that’s an uncommon greeting, sorry. I have a lot of American friends, I don’t really think about it. It feels weird if I don’t.”
He bowed afterwards.
Yuki shook her head.
“Uh, it’s fine! Nice to meet you as well!”
She bowed as well
“Oh my god, you’re so cute.”
Yuki blushed and they both wore a shocked look on their face.
Kiko growled.
“What?”
Hidetake waved his hands.
“I-I mean I’m in an objective, platonic, moe kind of way, you know?”
Kiko giggled.
“I know right?”
Rika silently nodded in agreement.
“Sorry Yuki!”
Hidetake deeply bowed again.
Yuki was still blushing.
/Literally everyone just called me cute. Especially Rika! Oh my god!/
“I-I’m quite flattered actually. T-thank you.”
She looked to the side, in Rika’s direction.
Kiko giggled to herself, picking up what Yuki was doing.
“Seriously though I’m about to fall asleep.”
“Alright you, let’s get going.”
“Piggy back ride please.”
“Mhm.”
Hidetake turned around and put his arms out, and Kiko climbed on.
“My mannnn...”
Hidetake smiled
“You know it.”
“Ah! Isn’t her wonderful when he gets all lovey dovey!”
She hugged him tighter.
“So warmmmm...”
“Goodnight Rika and Yuki.”
They both waved and said their goodbyes.
Hidetake and Kiko made their way to the door.
“Seriously, please don’t fall asleep, you may fall off.”
“Mmmmm I won’t... probably.”
“Also you better not hurl.”
“Mmmmm I can’t promise anything. I love you.”
Hidetake laughed.
“Same here.”
“They’re absolutely adorable.”
Yuki rested her head on her hand as she watched them leave.
Rika nodded
“I know right. They’ve always been like that.”
“So, they’re married and work together?”
“Mhm, they both joined the company when I did. This was before they even knew each other though. They hit it off pretty quickly, although it was rather surprising. Kiko was, well Kiko, and Hidetake at that was much more introverted. He didn’t telecommute at the time, and at the office he would work silently and each lunch by himself, while playing games. That didn’t sit well with Kiko, and she turned on her charm, eating lunch with him. Leaving presents on his desk, and generally flirting with him, as she still does. Well, one day at the office he stood up from his chair, grabbed both her hands and professed his love. Verbatim, ‘Kiko, I love you! Please marry me!’ Kiko practically melted where she stood crying out in tears, ‘Yes!’. The entire office stood up clapping and crying. It was right out of a movie.”
“Oh my god, I’m actually about to cry myself!”
“Ever since then Hidetake’s personality changed drastically. And it was because of her. They’ve been really good for each other.... Ah sorry, I went on for a while huh.”
A tears fell from the corner of Yuki’s eyes. And she laughed.
“Now I’m crying. That’s beautiful story, and not at all you’re a very good storyteller.”
Rika smiled, then her face became more sincere. She hesitated for a moment, but reached out and wiped the tears from Yuki’s eyes.
Yuki’s froze, she blushed and looked deep into Rika’s eyes. Her face felt hot, almost feverishly. She opened her mouth to speak but her breath was caught. She could only think.
/OhmygodOhmygodOhmygodOhmygodOhmygodOhmygod/
It was as if time had slowed to a halt, sound and the bar had all but disappeared. Just her and Rika.
It was the same for Rika, she as well had frozen. He hand resting on Yuki’s cheek.
/I don’t remember my hand doing that, I only wanted to wipe her tears./
Her eyes were locked with Yuki’s. She had suddenly become beautiful rather than simply cute.
/I can’t believe I didn’t notice. Or maybe I did. I mean, she is absolutely gorgeous./
Suddenly she remembered the conversation she and Yuki had had leaving the office.
‘You are absolutely....’
Yuki had stopped before finishing the sentence. Clearly changing what she had been about to say.
/I sure she was about to say that./
She opened her mouth and a voice she didn’t recognize arose.
“You’re a bad liar.”
Yuki’s shocked face didn’t alter. But she finally spoke.
“W-what do you mean?”
“Back at the office...”
Yuki’s eyes widened.
“What were you really going to say?”
“I...You’re absolutely gorgeous...”
“You are too.”
Yuki’s eyes closed, as if on their own and her head slightly tilted to its side. She felt the warmth of Rika’s body drawing closer, then she felt a soft touch on her lips. The warmth in her face turned to heat, a fire lit in her chest. She was about to melt, but she didn’t she leaned forward and her hand found Rika’s cheek.
/I hope this moment lasts forever./
After what felt like an eternity, Rika gently pulled away. She stared into Yuki’s eyes only inches away from her face. She then slowly sat back upright on her stool, she’d reached clear across the table.
“I’m sorry... I don’t know what came over me. I’m drunk. That was too much.”
Yuki stared at Rika, her hand was still reached out to where Rika’s cheek had been. The soft feeling still present on her lips. Her hand slowly fell back to the table.
“Yes...”
Rika’s eyes widened as she averted them, a guilty look on her face.
“I mean No! I-I don’t know what I’m saying... No, it wasn’t too much. I liked it, it was just my first kiss...”
Rika stared back into Yuki eyes, still guiltily though.
“I’m sorry... Did I steal your first kiss?”
“No... I’m glad it was you.”
Rika blushed.
“Well then I’m glad too.”
Yuki shook her head, trying to shake free of the surprise. And smiled coyly.
“I don’t really know what to do now honestly.”
Rika smiled back.
“I think we were going to leave.”
“Right.”
Yuki stood up and wobbled.
“Woah.”
She tried to take a step and fell over into Rika’s arms.
“Would you like help getting home?”
Yuki looked up into Rika’s eyes as she rested in her arms, then smiled.
“Yes please.”
“By they way, where do you live?”
“Is it close? Can we walk there?”
“Unfortunately no, we’ll have to take the train.”
“Well the trains are still running. I would give you a piggy back ride, but you’re wearing a skirt.”
Yuki blushed at the thought. But, she looked back to Rika’s eyes. And spoke in a soft voice.
“I wouldn’t really mind... because it’s you.”
Rika blushed.
“Why don’t we take a taxi, I’ll carry you to your door.”
Yuki smiled.
“Yes please.”
