Pairings/Characters: kuzuhina (hajime and fuyuhiko)
Rating/Warnings: self-doubt, gun, threats of violence, verbal harassment, mentions of sex but like. as an insult. (hurt comfort)
Prompt used: “Them working out how to go about their relationship due to their very different backgrounds”
Author’s notes: hi! the prompt above really caught my eye, especially in the regard of how their backgrounds have effected them mentally (hajime’s constant self doubt and fuyuhiko’s violent tendencies). i focused on these aspects and how they can clash, but in the end, how they balance themselves out. hope you enjoy! and happy holidays!.
The sky was clear for the first time in three days. Hajime Hinata had looked up at the cloudy sky for the past three days with vague annoyance, but now, with the sun shining above, he found himself smiling.
Hajime ran a hand through his hair as he looked across the plaza. He and Fuyuhiko had decided to meet outside of Hope’s Peak because it was a nice middle-ground for the two of them- and it meant that they didn’t have to use the Kuzuryuu’s limo. Riding in the fancy black car reminded Hajime that he didn’t exactly fit with his yakuza boyfriend.
“Hey, Hajime.” The boy blinked, turning away from his thoughts and looking towards his boyfriend. Fuyuhiko looked nice (well, Hajime always thought he looked nice, but that was beside the point), wearing a black trench coat over a white button-up. His freckles became easier to spot in the sunlight, and with today’s weather, Hajime could find constellations on Fuyuhiko’s face.
“Hey yourself.” The blonde snorted, rolling his eyes as he grabbed Hajime’s hand. “What’s the plan today?”
“Sonia recommended a café nearby. She’s one of the few people in my class with any fucking taste, so I trust the place.”
“Cool, cool. How’s Peko?”
“She’s doing okay.” Fuyuhiko began to lead them away from the school and into the main streets. He talked about how the animal breeder in his class was letting Peko watch over a cat that was in his care, and Hajime told him about the latest argument Natsumi had gotten in. It was nice- they hadn’t had a proper date in a while, with Hajime balancing his coursework and Fuyuhiko dealing with issues within the Kuzuyruu Clan.
Soon enough, Fuyuhiko was pulling him into a softly lit café that smelled like brown sugar and chocolate. Hajime chose their seats- a booth near the window- and Fuyuhiko went to the counter to order.
Hajime drummed his fingers on the table, idly studying the café. Then, behind him, he heard a female voice whisper, “Hey, that’s Hajime from the other class, right?”
Trying to be subtle, Hajime glanced over his shoulder. At a table a few feet away, he saw a group of four that he knew from the reserve course. He knew of them- not well enough to remember their names, but he knew that the boy with the purple hair was the other class’s representative and that the girl with the round glasses was good at math. And- that was about it.
He didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but hey, they were talking about him, so he didn’t feel bad.
“Yeah, that’s him. Wonder what he’s doing here?” Circular glasses asked.
The boy Hajime didn’t know groaned. “He’s probably here with one of his Main Course buddies. I wonder why they hang out with him? What’s so special about him?”
Hajime flinched and turned away from the group. He heard the class rep scold his friend while the other girl laughed. It was fine. They were just random kids whose opinions of him didn’t matter. He knew that Chiaki wanted to be his friend, and he knew that Nagito (maybe?) liked his company, and he knew that Kazuichi liked having him around, and he knew that Fuyuhiko had feelings for him-
“Hey, Hajime, I got your disgusting fucking bitter coffee.”
For the second time that day, Hajime pulled himself out of his head. Fuyuhiko had returned, holding a black coffee in one hand and something that reeked of sugar in the other.
“It’s not disgusting. you just have the world’s worst sweet tooth.” The yakuza flushed pink, grumbling a curse under his breath as he sat down.
As Hajime reached over to grab his drink, he heard one of the girls from earlier say, “Who’s that? The blond with Hajime?”
“A Main Course student, duh. Wonder what Ultimate.”
“Hajime?” Fuyuhiko put down his drink, staring over at his boyfriend. The yakuza wasn’t the best at showing his emotions, but Hajime knew him enough to notice the concern in his golden eyes.
Hajime took a sip of his coffee, forcing a smile. “I’m good.”
And he almost convinced himself he was.
Then, from behind, too loud to ignore: “He’s probably sucking dick so he can hang out with a Main Course student. That’s it. That’s the only way someone as boring as Hajime fucking Hinata could do it.”
Hajime couldn’t breathe. He heard the glasses girl gasp while her friend giggled furiously. His face was bright red, and his heartbeat was pounding in his ears. Did- did people actually think-
Across from him, Hajime could hear the sound of a chair scraping against the floor, and then a loud, “What the fuck did you say, bastard?”
Against everything, Hajime looked up. Fuyuhiko had slammed his hands against the other’s table, and anyone could see the rage in his eyes.
The boy who’d spoken looked a little nervous, but not enough to shut up, as he said, “I said he-
"No shit, I know what you said. The real fucking question is, why the hell did you think you could say that about my boyfriend?”
Silence. Then, “So, is it true?”
The girl on his right slapped him, face hot with shame, but it didn’t matter. Fuyuhiko’s hand was already in his pocket. Hajime’s throat tightened as he saw a flash of black. Oh fuck. Fuyuhiko didn’t-
That was a stupid thought. Hajime was dating Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu, heir to the Kazuryuu Clan, the Ultimate Yakuza. Of course he would be armed.
Then, the reality of that thought hit Hajime. He sprung out of his chair, grabbing Fuyhiko’s hand before he could pull out the gun. “It’s not worth it.”
“What? Did you hear what they said about you? Of course, it’s fucking worth it!”
Hajime tightened his grip on Fuyuhiko. They were starting to get attention from the other customers, and Hajime could see one of the cashier’s calling for a manager. “We should leave.”
Fuyuhiko stared at him, confused. Then, everything seemed to click, and the yakuza let the gun slip back into his pocket. He let Hajime drag him away from the café, even as the class rep yelled apologizes after them. Neither spoke until the café was far behind them.
“Hajim-”
“Were you going to shoot them?”
Fuyuhiko looked at him, eyes blank. Then, in the softest voice Hajime had ever heard from him: “I- I don’t think so. It was instinct.”
“Instinct?!”
Fuyuhiko flinched slightly, and he gripped Hajime’s hand a little tighter as he spoke. “It’s what- it’s what my parents would have done. If any bastard insulted them, weapons would be out in seconds. It’s what they would want me to do. Defend what’s mine- honor or otherwise- through blood and fucking bullets.”
Hajime sucked in a breath. He was no psychologist but did it really take one to piece together that growing up in the yakuza wasn’t a healthy lifestyle? He squeezed Fuyuhiko’s hand. “You’re not them. If you were, you would have ignored me and shot anyway.”
Fuyuhiko seemed to consider it before sighing and resting his head on Hajime’s shoulder. It was a sign that the stunt at the café drained him; it wasn’t like Fuyuhiko to do anything that reminded anyone of his height. “What about what that bastard said?
"What?”
“About you being boring and all the other bullshit.” When Hajime didn’t respond, Fuyuhiko glanced up at him. “You don’t believe that bastard, do you?”
Hajime let out a weak laugh. “I mean, I don’t blame him for saying it. Someone like me being with someone like you-”
“-you’ve got to be fucking with me, right?” Fuyuhiko interrupted, his body tense beside Hajime. “Oh my god. You believe that shit.”
“How could I not? I’m boring- I’m completely average. And you’re an ultimate. You’re incredible.”
“You’re such as dumbass.” Hajime blinked, looking back at Fuyuhiko. The yakuza looked like he wanted to slap Hajime, but someone restrained himself. “You’re basing all of this shit off the fact you’re in the reserve course right? That’s bullshit! We both know the test you had to take to get it isn’t easy. And so what, you’re not an ultimate? You’re Hajime Hinata. You’re the last person I text every night, and the first person I text every morning. You put up with my bullshit without a second thought. You care about everyone in my class just because you know they’re important to me- and Chiaki, but this is about us. I fucking like you, Hajime, and that has nothing to do with Hope’s Peak. It has to do with you. You’re the incredible one, not me.”
By the time his boyfriend finished, Hajime’s face was bright red. “Oh. Oh, really?”
“Yes! I just gave you a fucking speech, and you’re asking me, ‘Really?’ you bastard?”
Hajime laughed, all the weight in his chest gone. “Okay yeah. Maybe you’re right.”
“Maybe? I am goddamn right. You’re incredible, Hajime and if I have to beat that fact into your thick skull, I will.”
“If you say so. There’s a park not far from here- wanna go on a walk? Maybe we’ll find a street vendor selling fried dough cookies on the way.”
“That sounds good. Let’s good.”
Walking hand and hand, Hajime let out a deep breath. He wasn’t stupid- he knew that one speech wouldn’t kill his doubts and fear, just like how one moment won’t stop Fuyuhiko’s violent instincts. But as the sun began to set, and the world seemed bathed in gold, he thought that maybe things would really be alright.
Rating/Warnings: General audiences, warning for a lot of foul language
Prompts used: Coffee Shop AU, urban fantasy
Author’s notes: I am so sorry for the foul language. And the other thing, I hope this small piece is to your liking! I adore modern/urban fantasy so I immediately jumped on board, and while coffee shop AUs are not something I often write, I think I did decently! Enjoy this small piece and glory to the lovely kuzuhina ship! Also, 10°C is 50°F.
Nobody liked Mondays.
And that was the fact as true as the sun setting every morning, the stars showing up at night, or that every full moon werewolves would go a bit feral.
Even the weather seemed to agree that Mondays are shit. The temperature was no higher than maybe 10°C if not for the wind, and the sky had that ugly, grey color of clouds that won’t bring rain, but will obscure the sunshine just because.
Amidst all that, just after they got a moment off their duties, Peko approached Fuyuhiko with an offer. Apparently, a new coffee shop opened nearby, and she was looking for a friend willing to visit it with her.
And, you know what? Yeah, sure, why not, any break from the bleak reality will make this boring day much more bearable.
Turns out the shop wasn’t even far from their workplace, they didn’t have to take a short-distance teleport, just a quick train ride. At least, it would be quick, if not for the elf who suddenly decided to argue with the driver. Seriously, even goddamn dragons aren’t that proud.
But finally, they arrived at their stop and headed towards their destination. It was in one of the more rural districts. With narrower streets, mainly small houses and equally small gardens.
“So, this is the fuss is all about?” Fuyuhiko mused out loud, judging the rather modest front of the cafe.
Peko nodded quietly, though what interested her more were the fluffy cushions leaning against one of the windows. Knowing her, they won’t leave without a new one.
This was actually a good opportunity to take a peek into the cafe. And it wasn’t anything stellar, truth be told. Just a few tables with chairs or more comfortable sofas, a small counter, and a single, tired employee checking something on his phone. No customers at this hour? Sheesh, if this is another shitty place…
Fuyuhiko sighed and pushed the door, walking inside. What hit him immediately was the sheer intensity of magic woven into this place. It felt as if they transitioned from a shitty autumn Monday to a bright summer Sunday by just taking a single step. The interior transformed from a cheap look to a full-blown forest. With trees and birds singing and all that shit. And, yeah, Fuyuhiko was aware this is all just very good illusion magic at work but y’know, this shit is still impressive. Especially since he tried and failed miserably at learning it.
And then Fuyuhiko noticed that there is a fucking window with soft cushions next to him and all immersion went poof.
Peko, however, was absolutely taken in, and he knew that from the way her lips twitched in the slightest of smiles.
“…come on, let’s not keep the barista waiting,” he grumbled, before moving to the counter, now overgrown with moss and flowers. But behind it was the same, very bored barista, checking his phone. The audacity! Fuyuhiko very loudly clears his throat, and the guy finally has enough common fucking sense to look at his customers.
“Welcome to our small shop, what do you desire?” barista’s voice was no less enthusiastic than the way he greeted his only customers, and Fuyuhiko was so, so fucking tempted to curse this idiot out right there and then. Let’s go. Let’s fucking go.
“What we fucking desire, is–”
There was a hand on her shoulder, and Peko’s voice quickly cut him off.
“We don’t desire anything, Fae. However, we would like to order an espresso and a caramel latte. With almond milk.”
…of fucking course it’s a fae. As if anything today can go right, he almost told his desires to a fae. Good job Fuyuhiko! Good job you idiot!
The fae barista nodded and got to making their order, while Peko, with her hand still on Fuyuhiko’s shoulder, guided him to a table far away from the counter. The shorter man huffed angrily and sat down.
“…This was close. You need to watch your tongue around faes.”
To that, Fuyuhiko just grabbed a handful of moss growing from his chair and ripped it off.
“It’s not my fucking fault that bitch tried to scam me out of my wants! How the hell was I supposed to know he’s a fae to begin with? These stupid illusions make him look almost amagi–”
Peko cut him off with a nudge before he could continue his angry rant as the barista approached them. He placed their orders on the table. It didn’t appear as if he heard anything, then again, who knew with these sly bastards.
“Anything else?”
Your stupid head on the platt–
“No, thank you very much.” God bless Peko for her natural unshakable composure.
The barista nodded and then walked away, all while Fuyuhiko dug his sharp claws into the living wood of the illusionary table. Meanwhile, Peko picked up her espresso and took a long, slow sip. She was someone who not only knew a lot about coffee but also enjoyed this devilish brew of the evilest of demons. No, seriously, how the fuck could anyone ever enjoy its bitterness? Fuyuhiko let out a frustrated growl, before finally taking his cup and sipping some of probably the single sweetest coffee in existence. It still tasted like coffee, and that meant absolute garbage though.
“For being clearly a front for fae activity, their coffee is rather delicious.” Peko mused, setting down her cup. It was already empty, much to Fuyuhiko’s horror. His latte was barely started and he already had enough!
“If you say so. I just think it’s a very shitty business practice to try to extort desires from your clients,” he muttered, grip tightening around his glass. “I’m just gonna go pay and then we’re out. And never, ever coming back.”
Peko looked at him with that slightly amused look of hers, before turning her eyes to the weird-ass not-illusion-hidden window with the cushions. Oh no…
“Please don’t tell me you want a souvenir.”
She nodded. He cursed out his life again. Then got up and walked to that counter and damn barista, who somehow already got back onto his phone. Fuyuhiko had to try real hard to not start growling at the fae. But he was a distinguished dragon, and way too old to growl at people he disliked.
“I’m paying, card, how much is it?”
The barista looked up at him with these annoyingly green eyes of his, then on the register.
“830 yen.”
And at that moment Fuyuhiko started growling. What a fucking steal! He could get coffee that’s equally as horrible for what, a 100 yen? Fucking faes and their fucking shady business practices!
No, Fuyuhiko, remember your goal here.
“…you’ve got quite the prices.”
The barista just shrugged. The bastard-
“I didn’t set the prices, I just work here.”
The eyeroll Fuyuhiko made was one of the more subtle kinds. Absolutely.
“Alright, whatever. Can the cushions you have by the window be bought?”
And that, for fuck’s sake FINALLY, got a reaction out of the bored guy. His brows furrowed in genuine confusion, as he looked over Fuyuhiko’s shoulder and at the window.
“Well, no, they’re a part of the interior…”
Aha. Sure sure, anything a fae has in their sight can be acquired through a bit of rule-bending.
“What about exchange then? You can exchange anything for anything with equal value.”
Gotcha bitch.
The barista sighed, before rubbing his temples and hesitantly nodded.
“That… Is true, but you’d have to bring me an equally as fluffy cushion for trade. You’d already have a cushion though, so why-”
“Then it’s a deal!” Fuyuhiko took his card out and quickly made the right payment. For the coffee. But the more important and tricky one will have to wait. “I will bring you that cushion tomorrow.”
Barista didn’t say anything, visibly too stunned by the weird happenings. Haha, 1-0, shitty customer service guy. With everything taken care of, and his power and pride flaunted, Fuyuhiko turned around and gestured at Peko to follow him. She sighed, with that smallest of amusements on her face. She was lucky to be his best friend, he wouldn’t bother for anyone else.
“I’m never doing you any favors again.”
To which Peko just laughed, as they walked out of the enchanted cafe and into the much less gray Monday of the city.
—
So, Tuesdays.
On most occasions, Fuyuhiko didn’t mind Tuesdays as much as he did Mondays, for a simple reason. His work started later and he could wake up at a reasonably late hour and not be late. Sure, not much happened, but there wasn’t any reason for outright hatred either.
That is, usually.
Because today, he had to carry a fluffy fucking cushion to a stupid cafe and uphold his end of the deal with a fae. Because, in his own stupidity, he shouted ‘it’s a deal’ in front of a being known for making shady deals with other magical and amagical creatures for a living.
But this was fine. Everything was fine. This was a harmless deal with clearly stated conditions. Pillow for a pillow, exchanged today. That’s all, the fae really had no room to scam him out of his soul or some shit.
And so, after work, he made it very clear to Peko how dissatisfied he was with what she put him up for, before leaving with his sacrificial pillow, one he extorted from Souda with a few threats and curses. What? He doesn’t have stuff like that just laying around, he prefers smooth materials.
He took one look at the traffic and decided to not bother with a train, instead preparing to pay quite a bit for a teleport. Really, fuck whoever thought that instead of making this perfect means of transportation free, one has to pay stupid amounts just to make a short jump.
The machine situated on the end of his street happily swallowed a few whole bills while he typed in the address. Glass doors of the booth closed behind him, the low hum of magic filled the closed space, before pulling him under for just a moment and spitting out at a different machine.
THANK YOU FOR USING OUR SERVICES flashed across the screen, as the glass door opened to the narrow street from yesterday.
“Thank you for ripping me off, assholes,” Fuyuhiko muttered to himself. At least he wasn’t one of the losers who were nauseous after teleportation. He covered his mouth with his hand. Just in case.
The street was as empty as yesterday. Actually, everything looked exactly like yesterday, even the weather was the same. Pushing the annoying deja vu aside, Fuyuhiko quickly made his way to the coffee shop, pillow in his hand. A plastic bag, but who cares.
Inside the exact same illusion has greeted him. His eyes wandered to the counter, behind which the same shithead from yesterday was standing, but this time just mindlessly fidgeting with some coins instead of being on his phone. What an improvement.
So Fuyuhiko walked over, slammed his cushion on the counter, and stared the barista dead in the eyes.
“My end of the deal. Your turn.”
And the barista looked at him with such deep confusion Fuyuhiko was sure the last time he saw emotion as strong as this on someone’s face was when he breathed fire during a party to get everyone’s attention. So he just stood there, waiting for the idiot to remember what this is all about.
Up until now, he didn’t really have the time to examine his target of curses. He had the appearance of a guy roughly his physical age, with a standard built and brown, spiky hair. So spiky in fact that some strands seemed to completely defy gravity and just stand upright. Fuyuhiko briefly wondered what kind of hairspray the guy was using. He was dressed in a brown apron and striped shirt, just standard work clothes. No one would wear that atrocity without being forced to.
“…wait, you’re the guy who wanted to trade pillows-?” the barista finally spoke up, examining the bag. He reached into it, and took the cushion into his hands, squeezing it.
But Fuyuhiko really had no patience for this place, nor this guy.
“Yes. Now, which ones can I trade this for?”
The barista stared at the pillows stacked up against the window as if he saw them for the first time in his life.
“Any, I think. Just, uh, bring one to me and I’ll decide?”
Without waiting for any further encouragement, Fuyuhiko bolted towards the window, grabbed the single fluffiest bastard situated there, almost tripped on a tree’s root on his way back, and placed the soon-to-be-his pillow right next to the one he brought.
The barista blinked in great confusion again, before nodding.
“Yeah, sure, this looks about equal in volume…”
Which, to be fair, surprised Fuyuhiko. Was this fae just. Agreeing to the terms of a different being? What the fuck. What the Fuck.
“Would you like to order anything, though?” the barista continued. Fuyuhiko shook his head.
“No, that’s all I wanted out of this place. Bye.”
He grabbed his bag, the newly obtained gift, and turned around.
“Wait!” the barista’s voice caught up to him. “…we also serve tea?”
Did that bastard notice that he didn’t drink his coffee yesterday? More importantly, remembered it? That’s very fucking weird of him.
But also rather rude of Fuyuhiko to just walk in, demand a pillow, and walk out? Fuck this shit… a single cup of tea couldn’t harm anyone. Even if served by a fae. If they used some illegal charms they’d be shut down before they could even open.
“…single cup of green tea then.”
As Fuyuhiko turned around, he caught the barista smiling to himself. Yeah, good job dipshit, you just convinced a guy to become your customer again. This time though, instead of sitting by a table, the dragon decided to sit by the counter. Maybe to observe the sly fae. Maybe.
Said fae in question easily maneuvered between the shelves and picked out what seemed to be Fuyuhiko’s ordered tea, then scooped some into a tea infuser, placed that into the cup, and poured hot water onto it. And it’s not like Fuyuhiko has never seen someone make tea, for fuck’s sake he makes it himself, but damn this man had some moves.
“Enjoy your drink.”
Fuyuhiko looked at the cup with still brewing tea with the slightest hint of suspicion. But he just went over all the arguments, so he just picked it up and took a sip.
“…that’s one sweet green tea.”
The barista laughed a bit, before scratching his neck.
“Yes, you see, I picked a sweeter mix, I thought you’d like it after your last order.”
“Do you remember every order you get?” Fuyuhiko could not contain a snark. The barista answered with a slow nod.
“Pretty much-? That’s what I’m paid for.”
The dragon just stared at him as he continued to sip his tea. The fae shifted his balance from left to right, then searched for something to look at, finally landing on the pillow.
“…that girl is really lucky to have you. I mean, not everyone would make a deal with a fae to get a gift!”
And to that, Fuyuhiko spat out his tea for the first time. He coughed loudly, to the barista’s bewilderment.
“Peko is like my sister!”
The barista shook his head with stunning speed, his voice seemed to get a tone higher.
“No, I wasn’t trying to insist anything like that-! She’s lucky to have you, as a brother-?”
Fuyuhiko continued to cough his lungs out. The barista leaned forward and, after hesitating a moment, awkwardly patted his back. And while Fuyuhiko would prefer for a stranger to not touch him, the gesture was somewhat appreciated (and, damn, his hands were warm). A few more coughs and the cursed tea finally left his lungs in its entirety, it would appear. He could finally breathe freely. Barista went back to standing at a distance of the counter (would it be strange to be disappointed by that?).
“Uh… Sorry about that. So, your ‘like sister’s’ name is Peko, and yours is?” That was probably the most awkward segway into a different topic Fuyuhiko has heard since he met Kazuichi. Anyway, it’d be pretty rude to not introduce himself.
“Name’s Kuzuryuu Fuyuhiko.”
The barista’s eyes went a little wide, no doubt recognizing the family name. But he made no comments about it, instead just nodded.
“I’m Hinata Hajime. It’s nice to see new faces around here.”
That’s… An underwhelmingly typical name. The dragon hoped to at least find a family connected to this fae, but it seems he truly was just. A guy working in a cafe.
The momentary quiet apparently startled Hinata, as he reached to scratch his arm.
“So, you-”
“Before we change the topic again,” Fuyuhiko cut in. “Let me finish this tea. It’s getting cold.”
Hinata gave an apologetic look and a nod, before shuffling off to poke some buttons on the cash register. From the side, Fuyuhiko could appreciate just how. Nicely he fit into the scenery, with his green eyes, and hair in a shade similar to the trees, and–
Hinata turned his head and flashed him a quick smile, before going back to work, and Fuyuhiko was almost sure his heart stopped.
Gh, get yourself together, you useless fucking homosexual!
“Actually, there’s something I want to ask you,” quickly start a conversation maybe then he won’t judge him for staring. “You behaved like a completely different person yesterday. I’m not tryin’ to pry, but what’s up with that?”
Hinata stopped for a moment, before resuming the apparently absolutely pointless fidgeting with the register.
“Yeah, I. Apologize for that, not very professional of me, hah?” from just the tone of his voice Fuyuhiko could guess that he stepped into something he shouldn’t have. “It was just. A long day, I barely got any sleep, and–”
“Y’know what, nevermind, forget I asked.” Good job Fuyuhiko. You absolute moron. You idiot. How do you ruin your chances in a single sentence.
“Oh, no, it’s fine! I get it, it must look pretty weird from the outside, like two different people, or something!”
“Like, identical evil twin shit?”
Hinata’s smile got wider for a moment, covering up a laugh.
“I wish! Someone to cover my shifts, that’d be fantastic.”
And, alright, listen. Fuyuhiko was prying way too much, but this a matter of planning his week ahead and knowing when to come to this cafe and when to ditch it all and not expose himself to any bullshit from faes.
“So you work here alone? Sounds tough.”
“Well, not really. I’m just the only one on shift right now. My coworker will come to give me a break eventually.” said Hinata, following it with a dismissive wave of his hand.
So of course Fuyuhiko followed it with:
“Then, when are you free?”, praying inside that his hidden intention is not picked up just yet.
“Uh, I finish my shift Friday evening?”
The intention wasn’t picked up but if Fuyuhiko had any more tea, he’d probably spit it out again. Luckily, the cold, half-finished cup laid abandoned next to him.
“…it’s Tuesday.”
“Yes, well, fae don’t really need to sleep as often as most sentient species, so I can take 5-days-long shifts without much issue.” and he had the audacity to say that as if it was just a common occurrence to work for 100… something hours nonstop!
But that. Did give him quite a bit of time to get to know Hinata better…
“Sounds fuckin’ awful, I can barely stand 8 hours at work.”
Hinata responded with a chuckle, just shrugging.
“You can get used to it, I guess. Are you going to finish your tea, or-?”
Aw, shit, the tea. Yeah, it was undrinkable now anyway, and it’s not like Fuyuhiko liked it that much in the first place.
“I’ll pay, how much is it?”
“A cup will be… 300 yen.”
OH FOR FUCKS SAKE– the prices here will kill him! Drain all of his goddamn earnings!
He just took out enough bills and handed them over. Staying longer than this would be rude, even if nobody else was in the cafe. Or, that was an illusion, he just fell for an illusion, and it’s all fae tricks designed to make him lose money.
He grabbed his pillow and stood up.
“Till next time, then.”
Hinata’s brow slowly raised.
“Next time?”
But before he had to answer that question and no doubt embarrass himself further, Fuyuhiko walked right out of that cursed place.
Just one glance, through the window. And, sure enough, Hinata stood there, stood there, alive, and probably real since apparently glass resisted the illusion. Luckily, his eyes were still stuck looking at the door, so he did not see Fuyuhiko questioning his existence.
Turning away and walking down the street, the dragon took out his phone and quickly opened the chat with Peko.
FUYU: How do you learn to enjoy coffee?
KOKO: Why are you asking?
FUYU: None of your business!
KOKO: It’s that barista.
FUYU: ……
KOKO: I knew you’d enjoy that place. :-)
