First Date?

[FUJIWARA OSAMU]

Osamu had enough of it, Hideo and Yoshihiro had pushed him to the edge so much that he decided to make a move on Matsumi to show them that he wasn’t as plain and stupid as they said he was. He wasn’t blind; he knew that the girl liked him and the impression his family would have on the girl bugged him a lot and it was why he restrained himself from answering her advances. Though, he did have to admit, at least a bit, and only to himself that he wouldn’t hate dating her. She was cute, kind, and nice, to hell what his parents were thinking, he could date who he wanted; besides, didn’t he move out of his household to have a break from the pressure he’d get from them? He had a hard time getting out of a routine and it had to take a lot of him to endure a certain thing before he’d act up against it.

Today was the day, he texted Matsumi a few days ago asking her if she wanted to go to the bakery she talked about. They decided on the date and time and he made sure to arrive in advance to make sure they’d have a table at a decent spot. He always liked standing by the window to watch people in the streets and was content that one of the tables near was available. He checked his time and waited for the girl to show up. Sometimes, he wondered if he should consider his roommates as friends or as nuisances and started understanding Amaya for wanting alone time. Who could blame her? He certainly couldn’t.

[KIMURA MATSUMI]

If joy could be seen physically, Matsumi would have it glow out of her. She had no idea why Osamu asked her out all of a sudden, or if one could really refer it as a date since he didn't explicitly mentioned it as such, but she was really happy about it and, for now, was not going to let such a minor detail paint a grey cloud on this perfect moment. She had no idea that she had the boys at the house to thank for this. Hideo, ever the smooth talker, said that Osamu should take a lesson or two from him because his act was pathetic. Yoshihhiro pointed out that he never would have waited as long as Matsumi seemed to be and that Osamu should tell her plainly instead of torturing her. Hideo than reiterated that Osamu only deserved to have her be taken away from him as a lesson. All of this and more nagging proved too much for the young man and it was why they were here right now.

All he did was asked about the bakery she mentioned to him before and asked her to show it to him. It could be nothing. But it was enough for Matsumi, for now. She took her time picking the perfect outfit. She wanted something warm enough because of the weather outside but also cute and serious enough. Osamu was a serious guy. She didn't want to look like an airheaded fashionista to him. The bakery offered tables though, so she also shouldn't wear something too warm. In the end, she picked a nice dress, bright but not too colourful. She fixed her hair, put on hat, gloves and coat and left to join him.

He was already there when she arrived. Her smile grew wide and bright as she noticed him and walked towards him. She nearly ran in fact until she could stand in front of him, hands in front of her, holding her purse. "I'm glad to see you. Did you find easily?" she asked.

[FUJIWARA OSAMU]

Osamu wasn’t spontaneous like Yoshihiro, nor was he flirty like Hideo or adorable like Hiroki, he had no idea of how this would turn out to be but he was willing to show his friends that they were wrong and that he too could be nice to girls and get them on a date. He didn’t want Matsumi’s hopes to go down, and he thought that his parents’ opinion could go to hell the time he’d be in the café. It’s not like they heard of all of his actions when he was out of the family house. However, it made him quite unable to show affection and when he did, he was convinced that he was going overboard and stepped back. Hopefully, Matsumi seemed to be the kind of person who was patient despite the fact he knew he couldn’t take too much of his time here if he did not want to lose her. The romance was certainly a complicated thing and he couldn’t blame Amaya for wanting to stay out of it.

He was waiting patiently, though a small thought in the back of his mind kept telling him that she might have decided that she’s had enough and not come and see him and it started making him feel nervous. He didn’t want to admit that Hideo might be right, even less Yoshihiro who had little to no experience in romance. It was so frustrating to hear them talk of it as if they were connoisseurs. What could Hideo bring anyways? He couldn’t keep his girlfriends and got a woman pregnant. He did not believe that he should consider the other guy as a senpai in regard to romance.

Luckily, Matsumi arrived and eased some of his worries. It was not like him to be like that, he was usually calm and collected and he managed to keep that kind of aura when Matsumi arrived as he nodded when she stood there. “I have, your instructions were fine.” He assured her. “Should we go and order something?” He asked her back. “What would you like to have? It’s on me.” He said to her. After all, he was the one who invited her and it would be rude to have her pay for herself.

[KIMURA MATSUMI]

Matsumi could not see the inner turmoil going on inside Osamu. She had no idea just how nervous he was. She would have been reassured, if only a bit, to know he did worry she might have not come. It would have proven that he wanted to be with her. But, as it turned out, she saw none of this. Osamu was, sadly for him, too going at looking calm even when he was not inside.

He was not smiling as brightly as she was, but she thought it was to be expected of someone as stoic as Osamu. "I'm glad to hear," she said with a nod. They were exchanging pleasantries. He was always saying pleasantries. Matsumi told herself not to be so impatient, it was normal to do so right now, they would have plenty of time to talk to each other once inside, around a piece of cake and a warm beverage. He even suggested it. She nodded once more.

He was inviting her. It was very generous of him, although was she surprised? Maybe a little, but only because it was what she had hoped for and was glad to hear it. That made it look even more like a date. She walked inside with Osamu. She first intended to look at his reaction, see what he thought of the place and what was offered but she was now too busy thinking of what she would be having. "They offer chestnuts for the winter season, so how about one of their small montblanc cake? With a dark chocolate cocoa." With the choice made, she could now take a closer look at Osamu. Did he approve of the place, the atmosphere and everything? How about her choice of what to eat? And what would he take? That made her realise that she might be able to get a few hints as to what he liked. It would be useful wen would come the time to prepare some chocolate for Valentine's Day. Because, this year, she didn't want to simply buy it. She wanted to try and make it herself, to really show what she felt towards him. She would be making chocolate for just one person after all, she intended to make it count.

[FUJIWARA OSAMU]

Osamu had had a lot of training back in the days of keeping his emotions in check no matter how frustrated he could have gotten in the past or how nervous he could be as well. His parents always told him not to let others show that side of him and he obeyed until he has had enough of it and decided to go at the pension to get less of that unnecessary pressure his parents were giving him. He was willing to get to the career they wanted him to have, but he wanted to be able to pick a few things for his life, such as the girl he’d eventually have to get married to. He didn’t want anything arranged and living at the pension also eased him down a bit even if his roommates could be a hassle at times.

He nodded content to know she was happy and led the way to the café, he even took the time to open the door to let her in. He was gallant, he had been raised to learn good manners and he wasn’t making any effort on the matter. He just wished that today would show Matsumi it was worthy of keeping her hopes on him. Not to add that the boys weren’t around so he wouldn’t feel peer pressure on his shoulders or too awkward because he was more of a private person than the rest of them.

He listened to what she intended to eat. “That sounds like a good choice.” He said as he contemplated the menu. She was the one who was there more often. He might not like something too sweet but on occasions, he could. “Do they have anything with dark chocolate?” he asked her as he looked at the menu.

[KIMURA MATSUMI]

Osamu thought all the things he was doing right now was just common sense, but it filled Matsumi with hoped. He came, he opened the door for her, he was paying... It really felt like a date, more and more. All he a sudden, he was turning into a hero of a shojo manga and Matsumi was wishing for the happy outcome that usually came in those. Maybe she should restraint her imagination a little bit, it wouldn't be the first time she get hurt afterwards when Osamu backed away, but it was too good right now for her too. It was a good idea to put that much effort on her outfit then!

Montblanc always looked like something so fancy to Matsumi. Wasn't it the kind of cake worthy of figuring in some high-end restaurants with real gourmet food? He asked her about the menu and dark chocolate. It took her off of her thoughts to focus on him. Dark chocolate? Was that his thing? "You mean something like Nama chocolate?" she asked, thinking of those rich and smooth squares of chocolate and fresh cream. Was that what he preferred? In a way, she could see it. It looked simple but was also luxurious. Like her Osamu! "I think they sometimes have a cake that looks like that if you want," she said, looking at the menu. She showed him a cake with a line of gold flakes in the middle. She didn't know if that was what he wanted or more like a chiffon cake, but it was precious information for her and she intended to listen now.

[FUJIWARA OSAMU]

Osamu truly cared for Matsumi, he just did not want his family to destroy her like they would if they found out she wasn’t from the same class as they were. Was it truly an issue? He wondered, it’s not like she had bad manners, she could present quite well and wasn’t amongst the loudest people either. She could be a fine girlfriend but he did fear his parents’ reactions, knowing quite well what an old mentality held and it was why he had to restrain himself at times, to protect her away from them which was rather silly because if that was what he wanted, then he’d have to face them. He was probably just buying time there to figure out how to introduce her to them without having them talk down on her.

He nodded when she questioned him on the flavours he preferred. “Yes, that would be it.” She said as she looked at the cake, it was simple, but also tasted good. He didn’t have too much of a sweet tooth and decided to get a tea that would marry well and clash against the flavours he was going for. They were going to a bakery to have sweets, it made sense they had something like that. He made up his decision on the cake that she suggested to him and when it was time to move on he placed a hand gently on her shoulder so she could come with him. He would rather not have her pushed around by the other customers there were as it seemed to be quite a popular bakery with the number of people there were here.

[KIMURA MATSUMI]

Name chocolate... Was it hard to make? If he truly liked it, she wuld have to look up a recipe to make some herself. She was not even sure what the ingredients were. Chocolate, of course. But was it just cream? She shouldn't worry about that now, or else the date would end without her fully enjoying Osamu's presence.

Luckily for Osamu, if he wasn't sure what the best tea was to go with the flavour, the people working there could help. Then again, who was to say if they were really selling you the best and not one of their most expensive beverage? Matsumi wanted to believe they had their clients' best interests at heart. She would have suggested other things too, should he want more than just the rich taste of chocolate but fruits or spices along with it, but he said it was good and ordered something as well.

A part of her did think he might have chosen this one because she suggested it to him. "So that's the kind of cake you like?" she asked innocently, or at least what she hoped sounded as something innocent. Would he be able to guess she wanted to give him chocolate for Valentine's Day. If he thought about it, he should expect her to, but maybe he was not realising she was fishing for information on what to get him. Then again, she too was ready not to think about Valentine's Day for now. He was holding onto her as they got a table for them to enjoy their cake and drinks in peace. It was perfect. She could remove her coat. She hoped he liked the dress but also expected him not to notice. Still, it wouldn't dampen her mood, she was just too happy right now to care about this. Now that they were seated, they could talk. That was perfect.

[FUJIWARA OSAMU]

Osamu tended to have more of a traditional taste when it came to chocolate. He preferred dark chocolates that were mixed with fruits but he could give a try to what Matsumi was suggesting to him. Sometimes, he could do with something a bit sweeter like Name chocolate when he really felt like it. He didn’t think she could want to question him to figure out what kind of chocolates he’d want. Sure, part of him might expect chocolate coming from Matsumi but he didn’t think furthermore than that, he wanted to make the moment they were having together memorable to her somehow, for all the trouble he apparently caused her. He didn’t want her to think that her hopes were in vain.

He questioned the people who were there about tea flavours and decided to go with something that they said was going to match, a flavor that didn’t have the sweet taste like the chocolate in it to counter it. He looked down at her though when she questioned him. “I don’t usually eat cake but I do enjoy fruity flavours on occasion, Name chocolate is something I’m willing to try when I have a sweet tooth.” He simply said. “Have you ordered all you wanted?” he asked her when they were about to move, making sure he didn’t miss anything.

When they finished ordering, they headed towards a table, finding a place near a window contented him and he turned to her once their food was on the table. “Do you need me to help you with your coat?” he asked, he was willing to if she needed it, and he was gallant and not a jerk, people might think he was cold-hearted but he was taught well with manners and sometimes it annoyed him but he would take advantage of it for now.

[KIMURA MATSUMI]

Would that be a tough chocolate to make? Wasn't it just chocolate and fresh cream? She would have to check. She hoped it wouldn't be too hard, but she also had no idea just how hard making any chocolate could be. It did not matter, she would find a way to make it! It would prove that she was a hard worker and that she paid attention to him by knowing what he liked most and making it for him. She really hoped it would help him see just how serious she was.

He did puzzle her a bit when he added liking fruity flavours. She didn't think fruits were added to Nama chocolate, wouldn't it go against the richness and smoothness of the end product? That he didn't cake much was of little concern to her, since she was in reality looking for information on chocolate. "I didn't get to eat a lot of those. I know there are some commercial brands in stores too. But they do look fancy in chocolate shops." She thought it was funny that it was his sweetest. She wouldn't think of it at necessarily sweet, especially with the cocoa powder on top of it. Clearly, she would be the sweet tooth between the two of them.

She looked up at him and nodded, having already ordered the Montblanc and hot cocoa made of dark chocolate to go along with it. She didn't intend to order too much. She didn't want to look like a glutton in front of him. Osamu picked the table for the two of them. He first moved close to her and offered to help with her coat. She smiled and let him hold it and she rolled it off her shoulders. That was so gallant, like a prince! "Thank you," she said softly. She made sure her clothes were all in place before sitting down. He would be sitting at this small table with her, just in front od her. She could feel her heart beating faster a bit at this and wondered if she blushed because of that. "We don't get the chance to eat together often," she pointed out. It was the price for being from different class. The school was really doing a good job at keeping people separated between their class. She didn't want to think about it now though, she only wanted to savour the moment. And the cake.

[FUJIWARA OSAMU]

Osamu knew that the Nama chocolate wasn’t anything that he would usually go for but he was willing to give it a try, just because Matsumi suggested it. He wouldn’t mind eating some on occasion though, and having a sweet here with Matsumi was rather nice. He just wished his friends wouldn’t nag him so much. None knew the situation he was in with his family and he did fear that they would treat Matsumi differently knowing that she was new money. He personally didn’t care much but his parents had old values. He didn’t know how to tell her that, especially when he indeed felt something for her. He just wanted to protect her from his parents. He would never openly admit that one to his roommates no matter how close they were though.

He gently took her coat off and place it behind the chair before letting her seat. “You’re welcome.” He said with a smile. He was a bit more serious though when she commented on the occasions they had to be alone, which were close to none. “I agree, we need to make more time for those. “He did hope that it would appease her. There were things he couldn’t tell her yet but he hoped she would be patient enough. He had to make sure of the opinion of his parents first. He might have ‘rebelled’ in the past but he knew there was a limit to what his parents were willing to let him do.

[KIMURA MATSUMI]

Since it was something that Matsumi only could have hoped to happen, she decided it was time to stop thinking about future plans and enjoy the moment thoroughly. He already gave her ideas as to what she should make him for Valentine's Day, she shouldn't press it further.

Osamu was someone very softspoken. Not the kind who'd walk around town holding her hand and making sure everyone knew how much he loved her. She knew she shouldn't expect a passionate confession from him and while she might dream of it at times, when reading a manga or watching a show, she was fine not really getting that for real. He was already acting like a real prince, taking her coat and helping her sit. She didn't know if those boys at the Host Club, who were compared to princes by their customers, acted that way, but it was perfect for her.

He was maybe a tad too serious. But Matsumi smiled nonetheless when he agreed they should do this more often. Wouldn't that be just perfect? "Maybe next time could be a place you like?" she suggested. Was she putting him on the spot? But he must have places he enjoyed going, whether they were restaurants, stores or anything else for that matter. She would even be willing to go to a baseball game if her crush loved it. Maybe not every time his team played, but at least once, to share that moment. That was what she tried to convey. It wasn't like they spent a lot of time alone. They were either at school or at the boarding house, with lots of people around. When they were not together only to deal with Amaya and Yoshihiro. Matsumi was hoping they wouldn't get to talk to them today. Not that she disliked it, far from it, but she was hoping they could have a moment for just the two of them before talking of their friends. Otherwise, wouldn't it mean they had nothing in common but them? She didn't want to think that.

[FUJIWARA OSAMU]

Osamu couldn’t say he was an expert at love, he wasn’t aware of people’s feelings most of the time and tended to be a bit selfish and very pragmatic on his take of life. Though, he was willing to admit at least, to himself that Matsumi was a weakness. Otherwise, he wouldn’t talk to girls much unless it was to help them with their studies. He tended to be a bit shy and more reserved than most of his friends.

He considered her suggestion of going to a place of his liking next time and nodded, smiling at her. “I agree we could do that.” He said and took a mental note not to take too long before their next encounter would happen, otherwise, she might get her hopes down and that wasn’t his intention there. He wanted her to make sure that he knew she liked him. He wasn’t sure he was ready to take the jump into a relationship with her, mostly due to his family but he was willing to appreciate a few moments with her like this until he gained enough self-confidence to challenge his parents once again.

Speaking of family, he guessed he should start with causalities and ask her of hers. “How is your family doing lately?” he asked. He remembered her having siblings and more of a loving family. He bet they wouldn’t have a hard time accepting him in.

[KIMURA MATSUMI]

Did Osamu understand what that meant? Matsumi sure made her feelings clear to him but he was always the one hesitating. Every time she thought he was moving towards her, he then made a step or two backwards. She did decide to view this outing as a date, but he could just as well claim it was only to know about another bakery she said was good, to mention to the others later on. She preferred to think he wanted to go on a date with her. He was the one who suggested she showed it to him personnally. Not just give him the address to he could relay it to the others but go there with her. Now she was suggesting they went to a place of his choosing next and not only was he not shutting her down but he agreed to it. Was he finally showing his feelings for her? It was taking everything she had not to smile more at the thought. She was all giddy inside at the mere thought they were finally moving towards being a couple.

Normally, the boy was confessing to the girl, saying he liked her before asking if she was willing to go on a date. Osamu was doing things backwards a bit. But he also knew she liked him, so maybe he thought just asking her out was enough. After all, if girls confessed, wouldn't it still be expected for the boy to ask her out? Or was Matsumi thinking too much about shojo manga?

She was a bit puzzled about him asking about her family. She didn't expect him do that. She didn't think he was close to any of them. Satoshi was already in university and the others were young and Matsumi never heard them refer to Osamu in any way, not even as a senpai. "Everyone is doing well," she answered though. She still wasn't sure if that was not just Osamu doing small talk or if she missed something but she had to answer him. "Have you seen your family recently?" She knew he was not living with his parents right now, but it wasn't like he couldn't meet with them.

[FUJIWARA OSAMU]

Osamu definitely wasn’t a man who showed his emotions to others easily. He might be softer than a few other pragmatic guys he knew around Ouran Academy but he still was relying more on his brain than his emotions which was why it took him decades to make up his mind. He also tended to keep his emotions to himself until they blew up, which was why he moved away from his family house. He wished that he had made his points earlier but they made it clear to him that they still valued traditional visions and points of view a lot. They would also have something to say to whoever they chose to marry in the future. He didn’t want Matsumi to be burdened with that, or with the tense relationship he had formed with them as he aged. They would argue that he was a rebel child, but he knew quite well that the likes of Hideo and Yoshihiro would laugh if he ever heard his parents saying that. Not that they knew what he was going through, though Hideo might have a slight idea of it.

He nodded as he said that they were doing fine and his face crisped a bit at the mention of his. He couldn’t blame her for it though; he was the one who started bringing up the subject in their conversation. “I see them as little as possible.” He admitted to her. He wondered how she would take that. After all, he did agree to keep up with the family’s business and to become a lawyer however, it stopped there. He wanted to live his own life but he had the feeling that was something he would have to put a cross on.

“It might sound selfish to you but I needed the break from them, they can be very opinionated and our points of view clash often.” He admitted to her. He didn’t want her to think he was an ungrateful son or any other negative thoughts she might have of him. “However, I don’t want to damper our mood here and none of this is your fault.” He added, also referring to him not openly telling her that he liked her. He knew pretty well it was his own fault but he wanted to keep her away from his family as long as he could. Otherwise, they’d destroy her and he wanted her to stay the same as she was. “Are you still going for your goal to work in the fashion industry?” she did tell him that she wanted to work in the fashion industry. It must be nice to follow a dream. He was making efforts, to make small talk and to get to know her better too, and see where she was at in life. He would try his best not to bring up his roommates either.