Takayama's First Date (Takayama Minoru x GN! Reader)
JANI POSTING WITHIN LESS THAN A WEEK???? i have been feeling WAY too inspired because of my friends and the ohma yume art they draw for me T.T this special fic is a birthday present for a VERY special friend of mine <3 i love you so, so much oro!
This just beat my Shen post's word count LMAO taky is a surprisingly great muse! Again, I mostly focused on Takayama and his thoughts. If I glaze "you" a lot here, i'm glazing you, dear, and oro <3
This is a self-indulgent fic written with my friend in mind! I still feel rusty ngl, writing full-length fics/one-shots like this. Please be patient with me~
Warnings, if any: fluff with Takayama, sfw
Takayama's idea for a first date is...unique. But he's determined to make it—the date and your relationship—work.
wc: 2,627 words
"Your idea of a first date is…fishing?"
Omori holds his chopsticks in place, the noodles they held slowly dropping back into the cup. Now, he knew his fellow Fangs were inexperienced, but even Kanoh did better for his own first date via a motorcycle ride. He can't believe that even here, Takayama's gonna get completely outdone by Kanoh.
"You're hopeless." Omori shakes his head as he stirs his noodles around. He's definitely the only normal one here. After all, his go-to first date spots are ramen joints.
Takayama could feel his nerves popping out of his forehead and its sides.
"Will you give me a minute to explain?!" Takayama grits his teeth, fists shaking as he stared daggers into Omori drinking the leftover soup of his cup noodles. He takes this opportunity to talk over Omori's slurps.
"The place I plan on goin' to…it's peak oyster season there." Takayama fishes out a brochure from his back pocket and unfurls it, showing the Sentan oysters of Hiroshima Bay. He points to the edible pearls of its oysters.
"These are prestigious, high-quality pearls. Not the bead or jewel kind, but the rare and delicious kind—" He looks up from the brochure and stops his explanation mid-sentence, seeing Omori's narrowed eyes and knitted eyebrows, lips pursed together as if stopping himself from saying anything offensive. He gives him the same stare.
"That is not a date activity, Takayama. And Hiroshima Bay, really?" Cup noodle still in hand, Omori uses his other hand to pinch his nose bridge, letting out a sigh that dragged on for longer than Takayama would like.
"I plan on paying for everything, jackass!" In his rage, Takayama crumples the brochure he's holding, fist itching at the chance to throw a punch near the other Fang.
"Whatever." Omori puts the used chopsticks in the now-empty cup.
"Refer them to me if they say no to a second date."
It took everything Takayama had to not yell even more at him, but alas, he does have a point. Usually, one would ask, what kind of first date activity is fishing? However, you both started off as friends, meeting by chance and hitting it off well. He liked that you were never intimidated by him in his mask and his big, towering stature. He never counted your initial chats and strolls as dates. Dates were supposed to be romantic, right? He didn't have romantic intent then, but seeing how you listened to him about his hobby that he usually did alone, something he never talked about, much less at great length, with anyone, it just…clicked inside him.
He likes you.
He's talked enough of your ears off about fishing, so maybe now's the best time to show you why he likes it, how good he actually is, and to give you an unforgettable experience…and a gift borne from his hobby.
There are no gemstone-quality Akoya pearls in the oysters of Hiroshima Bay, that much he knows. Takayama stares at the contingency plan he has in the middle of his palm, a small pearl, from the first and only Akoya oyster he's ever fished up from his previous fishing trip in Mie. He asked to have it cultured, and after the year-long procedure, came back and was surprised to find it produced two silver-blue pearls, the most highly sought-after variant. What was once historically discarded as imperfections have become something collectors seek and treasure the most. To have two rare occurrences happen was crazy, to say the least.
Selling them would provide him no joy. Sayaka has all the jewelry she could ever want. Metsudo and the young master Retsudo would have no use for such things. Keeping the pearls for himself as a memento was the only ideal thing to do, until he realized just how much he enjoyed being with you. How he felt at ease with you. Around you, he wasn't Metsudo's bodyguard. He wasn't the Seventh Fang. Around you, he was someone you shared both meaningful and mundane conversations with. Around you, he was a friend. Around you, he was just Takayama Minoru.
Around you…
You.
Fuck!
Takayama's eyebrows knit together, the crease between them growing deeper, and he closes his eyes shut, seeing stars in the darkness. His breath seems hotter than usual underneath his mask, or maybe his senses are heightened and this was just the usual. He really did try convincing himself what he felt for you was platonic, but during his days off, he always found himself imagining what to talk about with you next, or what sort of things you'll tell him, may it be something from work or something from your daily commute.
You filled his brain with things to look forward to after his own busy, never-ending workload.
He can't fathom how he fell so deeply and only now just realized it. Well, it was Kanoh who told him what he may be feeling is "something special", and it was Omori who pushed him to finally ask you out on a date. He keeps getting bested—he knows they think he doesn't know, but he's well-aware. And he was so preachy and over-the-top with instructing Kanoh on first dates. To think he would turn the tables around on him this drastically alongside Omori. The only payback he can think of is pulling off a fishing date as a first date, but he opts to set his competitiveness aside and do his best to make sure you'll be comfortable and have a great time.
Fishing.
In Hiroshima Bay.
With him.
Alone.
With just the sea and birds as your music.
Maybe he really did set himself up.
~ 🐟 ~
"Takayama-san, can you hold the phone instead?" You give up trying to angle your cellphone as the front camera couldn't completely capture Takayama no matter how far you stretch either of your arms. He looks at the phone in your hands, furrowing his brow and staring intently at the device. Once you see the puzzled look on his face, you're quick to chuckle, flashing him a grin. "It's okay! Just click the white button at the center."
Takayama's eyes widen for a split second before he shakes his head to snap himself out of his trance. "O-of course."
You smile to yourself, thinking of a way to tease him. He wasn't always the most tech-savvy, so maybe you can confuse him a bit.
"Or you can just hold it and I can hold my hand up. It can take the picture for us automatically with a timer."
Timer? Hold your hand up? Phones can detect such a thing and act on its own accord? Takayama is lucky he has his mask on, otherwise, you would see his mouth agape. He positions the phone in a way that the both of you could be sufficiently in frame, though, with you at this far angle, you look tiny and you have to look up. Without hesitation, you move closer to Takayama, your head near his chest. "Our first date and fishing trip. Cheese!"
Takayama freezes and his head whips down to look at you at the speed of light, eyes widened. You hold your hand up and once the camera detects the motion, you smile and pose with two peace signs near your cheeks.
Your first date's picture has Takayama's gaze fixed onto you, frozen in shock, while you posed cutely.
~ 🐟🐟~
Takayama feels more conscious than ever about how he presents himself. Is he standing up straight? Okay, he's not hunched over. Is he holding the fishing rod too tight? Okay, he's not gripping it so much so that it's shaking. Maybe he's overthinking things and he needs to calm down, but with you being there right next to him, holding the fishing rod he picked out specifically with you in mind, he can't help but be nervous. Things seem to be going well. You've been enthusiastic with him this entire time, oh, but maybe it's just because you feel bad for him? Perhaps you only agreed to this out of basic courtesy (since he did pay for everything).
He frowns, thinking that you're only hanging out and conversing with him all this time because you feel bad for him. You've always been so nice and considerate to others, blending in easily with any group, always knowing what to say, making sure you accommodate everyone, so maybe you're treating him "just like the others". Maybe you don't feel the same way.
Maybe he only fell for you because you were nice to him? But, no! That doesn't seem right.
Takayama's gaze shifts to your busy state, eyes concentrated on the bobbing tackle, not knowing you want to impress him by landing even just one catch.
He's reminded of your tenacity and hardworking nature. How someone can be so kind, loving, friendly, considerate, yet resilient and able to stand their ground, he just doesn't know. He likes how you're always so enthusiastic in sharing your stories with him, encouraging him to do the same. He wasn't sure at first, but with your coaxing, eventually you both talked each other's ears off, each hangout ending with knowing more about the other and yet, still wanting to talk and learn even more. Takayama isn't the type to want flings or anything casual. Maybe he really is too serious, but he truly does see a future with someone like you. At this age, he doesn't have the time and headspace for anything that's not serious. With everything he's gone through in life, being orphaned and being adopted into a life of endless training, perhaps he has the right to think he loves someone on the first date…given that you've spent a lot of time with him already as good friends.
Without thinking, Takayama blurts out his name.
"Huh?" You take your eyes off your bob and look up at Takayama.
"M-my name," He stammers, clearing his throat before continuing, "Please call me by my first name."
You blink a few times, only the sound of the sea's waves filling the air. If not for that and the rocking of the fishing boat, it would feel as if time had stopped, with Takayama waiting for your response while he's also processing what he said, and you being caught off-guard by his sudden request.
He thinks he fucked up.
Before he could open his mouth under his mask, as if on perfect cue, you give him a smile and nod.
"Okay, Minoru."
When was the last time Takayama was called by his first name? Could it really be as far back as when it was bestowed upon him by Metsudo after being taken in? A name easy to write for its simple strokes, perfect for someone who had no formal education, but as a consequence, does not bear any special meaning. If it were written in kanji, it would have.
Hearing his name roll off your tongue so naturally, the way you say it with no hesitation, he knows his Minoru is special in a way only the both of you know.
~ 🐟🐟🐟 ~
By late afternoon, Takayama has reeled in a lot of oysters, some sea breams, and a large rockfish which you made him hold up so you could take a picture. You teased him for a bit, telling him he doesn't need to hold his hand up for this picture.
"Just do the usual thumbs-up that fishing guys do!"
Unamused, Takayama just shakes his head in his mind and does as you say. He remembers that, with you, he can let go of other responsibilities and be "a fishing guy" in your eyes. It's odd, but it makes him feel happy and warm.
In your case, your fishing netted you some shijimi clams and oysters…and a few anchovies. It's not bad for your first fishing trip with him! As you walk together side-by-side by the boardwalk, Takayama asks you to go on ahead in his car or stay around the gift shop while he gets help in gathering your catch together and aiding in cleaning and bagging them in coolers.
"Please. I don't want my beautiful date to have to pack fish." You tilt your head, staring up at Takayama. He seems unusually forward after getting off the boat. You'd gotten used to being the one calling him cool and strong, so being called beautiful on an established date feels novel and meaningful—a big deal. The more you think about it, the more you feel shy, and the more the butterflies in your stomach flap their wings.
Brushing off your surprise, you just give him a chuckle, eyes avoiding his, opting to give in to his request. "Oh, fine. I guess we already had a great time out there." Takayama's gaze softens, his posture less tense. As much as he'd like to hold your hand, the right moment's still not quite there yet.
"I'm glad…I thought you'd hate it."
Your jaw drops, mouth agape, and Takayama thinks he's offended you, disbelief written all over your face. Before he could ask for your forgiveness, you lightly nudge his arm and let out a laugh. "Are you kidding? I love the sea!"
And, with that, Takayama is sure. Your last imperative of inviting you out again only made him fall even more. His gift to you will come in handy in the future he's envisioned for the two of you.
Once you're near the gift shop, Takayama pushes the door open for you, letting you walk inside before him. Even the interior smells like the breeze of the ocean, just easily wafting through the air-conditioned shop. Besides bait and tackles being sold, painted boat models, magnets of fish and pictures of Hiroshima Bay, you see lots of oyster-themed souvenirs, your favorite being the interactive plushie with a smiling pearl inside.
"Oh, before I go…" You snap out of your trance and see Takayama fishing something out of his pocket. He brings out his hand, seemingly eager to keep it into a fist. His free hand grabs yours, calloused compared to your smooth palms. He takes a deep breath, and breathes out the tension and nervousness he's feeling. Takayama's other hand drops something on your palm and closes your hand before you could even look at what it is. His hand entirely envelops your fist, and you strain your neck to look up at him. You can't tell what his expression is given his mask, but his eyes look serious.
"Please, accept this. I apologize in advance since I won't take no for an answer."
His hand lingers on your clenched fist, finally finding the courage to hold it as his thumb circles your knuckles. He can't believe someone like him is in the presence, much less holding the hand of someone as kind, warm, and wonderful as you. Here he is, from the streets, to being "a fishing guy" on a date with you.
As much as Takayama would love to savor the moment with you, fresh fish need to be taken care of and packaged immediately. He coughs, trying his best to clear the air for a segue.
"I'll be right back." With a mention of your name, Takayama nods before he leaves the gift shop. You walk closer to the display window and see him walking back to the pier and the boat.
You look down at your hand, filled with anticipation to see just what exactly Takayama gave you. Slowly, you unclench your fist and see a small, iridescent silver-blue Akoya pearl.
Takayama continues walking, hands in his pockets, choosing to not watch your astonished face and frenzied state, all while the cashier asks what's got you in such a tizzy.
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