[LOG] Hirakoba and Tokugawa

[legally_blond]

Who: Hirakoba Rin and Tokugawa Kazuya
What: Tokugawa suffers. For 12,000 words.
When: Uhh. Recently????
Where: Tokugawa's place
Rating: PG???


Hirakoba makes his way to the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, following Tokugawa’s vague instructions to where he had therapy. He’s actually rather looking forward to dinner tonight, amused at the novelty of going to someone’s house to be made dinner by them. And of course, he’s still amused that he’s managed to wheedle this sort of fourth date out of Tokugawa in the first place - who would have thought?

He settles down on a nearby bench and looks at his phone. I’m waiting outside ♡ he sends, laughing a bit to himself as he goes to tap his way through his usual game apps as he waits.

Tokugawa doesn't make Hirakoba wait long despite his conversation with his doctor that's dragged on for some time. They were talking about his family vacation in Thailand and how that affected his health. Tokugawa's actually been going out more frequently now what with the coaching he's been giving kids at one of the centres, various meetups with friends from high school, and the occasional dates such as this one. All in all, Tokugawa's been telling his doctor that he thinks he's doing better and it's obvious from the way he talks that he can't wait to get back to training. Despite his grouchy appearance, he's actually pretty happy.

It's why when he meets Hirakoba, he's in a plenty good mood. He doesn't have his bike with him as he took a cab to the hospital, so they'll have to take the cab back to his home. He doesn't want to commute anymore—or at least not right now, anyway. The greeting Tokugawa gives the blond is a bland-sounding "Hirakoba". (He's happy to see him, he swears.)

Hirakoba spends most of the time looking around occasionally as he taps on his screen, watching the people wander past. It’s rather hard not to judge them as he people watches - that person’s nice and tall, just a little too short, extremely unfashionable… what even are those pants? that person would look better with a haircut.

He smiles as he catches sight of Tokugawa and quickly finishes the level before he tucks his phone away. “Tokugawa-kun,” he says cheerfully enough, prodding Tokugawa gently in the stomach that’s in front of him as he stands up. “How did therapy go?” he asks, gesturing for Tokugawa to lead the way to wherever they were heading. “Lots of good news about your knee, I hope?”

"Yeah," Tokugawa immediately replies, a sort of eager smile on his face that seems out of place because Tokugawa and eagerness don't really mesh well together. It's almost like a UFO - it's really strange because it doesn't happen. Ever. "Just a couple more months and I should be able to be more active."

It's not a full recovery just yet, but he'd be able to start playing tennis again, at least. And a few months more after that, he can probably start competing again depending on what his doctor advises him to do.

"Did you wait long?"


It’s always fun to watch the play of expressions on Tokugawa’s face and it seems he can always bring out a new one to surprise Hirakoba. He almost wishes he could be subtle about bringing out his phone to snap a photo of it. “That sounds awesome,” he says, patting Tokugawa on the arm. “That tennis match might be closer than I thought.” He’ll have to start annoying Kite for it already.

Hirakoba shakes his head and looks around them again - there’s still people around and he stares after one of them for a long while (tall with a nice ass, he notes) before he brings himself back to the conversation. “No, not long at all. And there was plenty to look at anyway.

"I'm looking forward to it." The match he means.

And it doesn't seem that Hirakoba was bored while waiting, given the number of people he could have been checking out, so Tokugawa decides not to apologise or make an excuse as to why it took a while for him to leave. In any case, he's ready to go back home now.

"Let's get a cab, then. I'd rather not take the train at this time of day."

Hirakoba nods and picks up his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. “Sure, a cab sounds good.” Part of him wants to ask what’s wrong with the trains - although they’re going to be absolutely packed at this hour - and where Tokugawa’s bike is - he’s pretty sure he hasn’t gone out with Tokugawa before without the bike being the mode of transport.

He holds onto Tokugawa’s elbow as he leads the way to the road to get a cab. “You didn’t take your bike today?” he finally asks. “I still have to claim that bike ride from you, I was almost looking forward to it a bit today.”

Tokugawa really should have taken his bike, but his doctor would scold him for it, probably. At least, when he first started therapy and went to the hospital with his bike, he was told not to do it again. He hasn't since then, but he's been disobedient and takes his bike out for rides whenever he can.

He looks down at Rin whose hand is on him before looking at the path they're going to. "You wouldn't look good with helmet hair," he says, making up an excuse. Like he's going to tell anyone that he's breaking rules and such!

Hirakoba stops short for a moment and touches his hair just a little self consciously, fingering the ends before tucking it behind his ear. His hair does stick up a bit in the morning and his hat hair does get pretty exciting, but…

He reaches up to pat at Tokugawa’s hair with a bit of a sigh. “Not all of us can be lucky as to be handsome and pull off sweaty, mussed up hair so well,” he says. “I bet your post-sex hair looks good too,” Hirakoba is almost pouting. “Mine looks terrible.” Just in case Tokugawa was curious.

Tokugawa wasn't curious.

And this is just one of those things Tokugawa didn't want to know and should probably erase from his memory, especially with the attempt at flustering him with the talk about sex. Or rather, post-sex. Instead of actually doing that, though—instead of following the logical bones in his body—he responds with a soft harrumph as if saying "wouldn't you like to know?"

"Maybe you should tie your hair up or something, then," he suggests. It's always a good way to keep hair from getting tangled up and sweaty. But it's just a brief suggestion and he's more than willing to drop the topic if Hirakoba does.

… Is Tokugawa actually having this conversation with him? Hirakoba expected him to just tell him ‘this is not a suitable conversation’, or something of the sort in his disapproving way and change topics.

So many surprises today already.

“Tie it up during sex?” Hirakoba questions, and he pulls a bit of a face. “See, but I sometimes really enjoy guys touching my hair…” He sighs and runs a hand through his hair as though he’s actually considering it. “Maybe I should try it and report back to you later.” He’s teasing, of course and he nudges Tokugawa lightly with his elbow and smiles mischievously at him.

God. Tokugawa was actually entertaining Hirakoba, but the blond just hit the quota.

"You don't need to tell me," Tokugawa immediately responds, almost bristling like a cat. At the same time, a cab pulls over and he holds the door open for Hirakoba to get in first.

Once they're both in, he decides to orient Hirakoba on his family. There isn't much to say, aside from how his parents are overseas again for a vacation while his sister is probably still at work at this time. They'll likely arrive at the Tokugawa residence with just him as the only Tokugawa around.

It always does make him laugh when he pushes at Tokugawa’s tolerance, but Hirakoba easily enough waves away the conversation and moves onto the next one.

He quietly files away Tokugawa’s address in his memory and nods at the information - his parents on holiday again? So soon after going away to Thailand as a family? Hirakoba reaches across the back seat of the car to take a hold of Tokugawa’s hand in his own and rests them casually on the middle seat.

“Such a shame, I kind of wanted to meet your sister with the classier phone charm from the aquarium,” Hirakoba says, smiling a bit. “How would you introduce me if they were home?”

Hm? Tokugawa's not quite sure to answer that, mostly because there isn't really any other way of introducing someone, is there?

"This is Hirakoba."

That's... That's it. That's the only way Tokugawa would introduce Hirakoba to his family since it's the only way he knows how.

It's not very impressive.

"You're making it sound like there are various ways."

Hirakoba bites back a laugh, looking out the window to try and compose his facial expression. Oh dear. Tokugawa really was quite funny sometimes.

“Well, if I was going to introduce you to my family…” And he hopes it never has to happen, if he’s honest with himself. “This is my friend, Tokugawa-kun. I’m working hard to make sure he gets out of his house more often.” He wonders if Tokugawa will immediately reply that he’s not a hermit or not, since he hasn’t exactly used the word.

“Maybe put in something about you being a good representative of Japan on the professional circuit as well.”

Tokugawa gets himself comfortable in his seat, even slouching a little as he looks out the window. He doesn't say anything about how he's a not a hermit this time, only countering with it when it's brought up in the first place. He does, however say: "I've been going out more often.

"I went to the grocery to buy the ingredients for the tonkatsu yesterday." TOKUGAWA, that doesn't count!

Hirakoba thinks about smiling approvingly at Tokugawa’s statement - good, going out more often is good, he might be able to wheedle out a fifth date soon after on this path - but it dies very quickly.

Going out for ingredients for food… definitely doesn’t count for going out more.

“Tokugawa-kun…” Hirakoba says, sounding almost pained and he squeezes his hand a bit. “That’s…” he just shakes his head and sighs, reaching across with his spare hand to pat Tokugawa on the shoulder. “Well done. I’m sure it’ll make the dinner even more delicious.”

It definitely counts to him. He gets to meet people because he's not a hermit and he's able to talk to some of his neighbours whom he meets along the way. He doesn't take a cab or his bike to do groceries, opting to walk instead for some exercise. He really likes to believe that he's been doing a good job in getting out and getting himself out there.

Tokugawa's able to tell that there's some judgment in Hirakoba's pat, though, which is why he clears his throat and tries to defend himself even though it's not needed.

"I've also signed up to teach more classes at the centre." So. There! There. He's… he's been going out more. "You should visit some time. I'm sure the children would like to hear stories from other people." He's not sure if Hirakoba still plays during his spare time or even just occasionally, but he's sure he at least has some fun stories to impart on the kids.

Oh! Even if Tokugawa doesn’t say it, the sheer fact that he’s signing up to teach more classes clearly indicates that he likes what he does. Even if interacting with children… isn’t something Hirakoba would say Tokugawa would do. Hirakoba’s pat becomes slightly more approving and he laughs a bit as he pulls back.

“Hear stories, or do you just want to crush me on the tennis court?” Since he’s sure that even with a knee in rehab, Tokugawa would be capable of it. Hirakoba smiles vaguely and turns his attention to Tokugawa’s hand that he’s still holding, interlacing their fingers, and then not. “I haven’t really played tennis since junior high,” he says, just a little regretfully. “Your students could probably even beat me now.”

Capable in beating Hirakoba or not, the colour in Tokugawa's eyes becomes much darker as if a switch was flipped off. Tokugawa doesn't flip out on Hirakoba, though, but his mood does dampen a little. "I haven't played since I got injured," he says, the brood in his very being bleeding through every word. He places the hand that Hirakoba was holding on his lap, making himself seem smaller. He should probably change the topic now to make it less awkward, but what is a conversation between the two of them that doesn't end up in awkward territory?

"I'm raring to go," Tokugawa adds. This time, he sounds a bit more positive.

Hirakoba’s eyes narrow slightly at Tokugawa’s response, searching his expression to properly interpret it. He twists and reaches across the back seat to place his other hand on Tokugawa’s thigh as well. “You’ll get better, Tokugawa-kun,” he says, almost cheerfully and he gently moves his hand to his knee.

“And if you don’t… I’d offer to take you on like a sugar daddy, but I don’t think you’d like your side of that arrangement.” He’s openly teasing now and he smiles and pokes Tokugawa fondly on the cheek before he pulls away back to his side of the backseat.

"What?" Tokugawa doesn't even look the mildest by flustered or disturbed by Hirakoba's last statement; he's more confused than anything. What does tennis have to do with being a sugar daddy… Why is this guy always so weird…

The traffic isn't that bad, so they'll likely get to the Tokugawa residence in ten or so minutes. The hospital isn't that far from where he lives, after all. It's one of the more convenient reasons as to why they chose that hospital for Tokugawa's therapy.

Hirakoba just smiles a bit at the question and shakes his head a bit. “Don’t worry about it,” he says, patting Tokugawa on the arm with his free hand.

He doesn’t really know the intimate details of the area that they’re in and Hirakoba watches the streets curiously, still somewhat awkwardly holding Tokugawa’s hand. “Have you thought about taking up another sport in the meantime?” Hirakoba asks finally, tugging Tokugawa’s hand closer to himself. “Swimming is really nice, and the water takes all the weight off your legs as well.”

"I do swim from time to time at our pool," Tokugawa responds. Because yes, he does have a pool at his residence. He's not the only one who's into sports in their family, otherwise, he probably wouldn't have been pushed to play tennis at such a young age. Not to mention, they all like being in the water. "It's not something I want to pursue, though."

It makes Tokugawa think of a question that somehow he should have asked a long time ago.

"What are your hobbies? Do you have other sports?"

It's such a plain question, but honestly, he doesn't know much about Hirakoba to begin with aside from his sleeping habits and such.

“It’s still a good way to exercise though, especially when you’re injured,” Hirakoba points out, looking at Tokugawa in interest. A pool at his house, huh? Hirakoba’s almost jealous for it - although he will say that living so close to the ocean in Okinawa… having a pool is a bit silly.

He blinks at the question. That’s right, he’s… never really said much about himself in that regard, has he? “I like surfing, and dancing,” he says, smiling a bit “Swimming as well. And I did martial arts for a long time, but I haven’t trained for a few years…” And tennis fell in that last category too, but he didn’t need to bring that up. “And I think you know my other hobbies pretty well.”

That's a pretty long list of hobbies, and Tokugawa can't help but smile. It's good that Hirakoba stays fit and active, because he's the same kind of person. It's the dancing that catches most of his attention, though. Tokugawa likes to make himself seem prim and proper, but he can't help but not be judgmental towards Hirakoba and the idea of dancing.

"You don't seem like a dancer, though," Tokugawa says. Perhaps Hirakoba should show him otherwise?

Hirakoba frowns a bit - what part of him doesn’t seem like a dancer? Is Tokugawa thinking of like… ballet or something? Ballroom dancing? He laughs at the idea of Tokugawa doing ballroom dancing.

“I do hip hop dancing,” Hirakoba explains, still sounding amused. “Does that seem like it fits me better?” And well, he does go out and go dancing at clubs too, that’s always fun.

Tokugawa did try to imagine Hirakoba doing ballroom which was why he said he doesn't seem like a dancer. Now he knows better, and he hums in acknowledgement to say that he understands the blond's point now.

The cab ride goes on and eventually stops at a tall-gated house. Once Tokugawa's paid for the ride and both he and his companion have gotten out of the cab, he rings the doorbell and waits patiently for someone to let them in.

The gate reveals a four-car parking space and the entrance to the actual residence. The interior is actually very modern and minimalistic, which probably explains why Tokugawa himself keeps to himself majority of the time. Shoes are fine to be worn inside the premises, and Tokugawa himself tells Hirakoba of the fact as they reach the main door.

"Nobody's around, so feel free to feel at home. Just don't go upstairs without my permission," he says. It's totally contradicting, but that's… That's Tokugawa for you.

Hirakoba has to say that he’s impressed when he sees Tokugawa’s house and his eyebrows only raise higher as they step past the gate and he sees the full extent of the house. “This is unexpected,” he says, following Tokugawa in. “I was expecting something more traditional.” Like some mainland version of Hirakoba’s house.

It feels quite odd to keep his shoes on, but Hirakoba takes the invitation to slowly head a bit further into the house, looking around curiously. “Do you often come home to no one?” he asks, turning around to face Tokugawa. “Or did you chase everyone away because I was coming over?”

Hirakoba's speculation isn't misplaced, and Tokugawa isn't able to conceal a puff of laughter. He definitely could have chased everyone but their househelpers away, but he didn't.

"No, they're just really busy today. The timing was opportune," he responds. There's a table with a bowl of keys and Tokugawa unceremoniously dumps his house keys and bike keys there, even though he didn't really use either. He just had both just in case.

Tokugawa shows Hirakoba to the living area where the couches are big and comfy. There's a television set if the boy wants to watch something, and there are also magazines for the perusal of guests and everybody else. Books line up the shelves, but there's also a study nearby for the actual books and trophies.

"Do you want something to drink while waiting for dinner? I won't take long, so you can watch something on TV, if you'd like."

If he’s slightly uncomfortable about the whole thing, following Tokugawa into the living room, he doesn’t show it. It’s just… really odd, being given almost - but not quite - free reign over someone’s house. But he wanders in anyway, running his fingers idly along the spines of books in the bookshelves.

“Would the drink be alcoholic or not?” Hirakoba asks, smiling a bit over his shoulder at Tokugawa. “A drink would be lovely, whatever it is.”

He looks quite approvingly around the room and moves to sit on the couch, toeing off his shoes so he can tuck his legs up under him and curl up properly. “I’m fine, darling. I can keep myself amused, just go cook dinner.”

The kitchen is a bit of a walk from the living area, but Tokugawa's voice is low and loud enough to be heard from there. "I'm not sure what kind of alcohol goes well with tori katsu." It sounds more like him musing, with the hum that he makes afterwards. It's why he just serves a glass of iced tea, together with a coaster just so the table doesn't get water stains on it.

It almost seems like Tokugawa's home doesn't have any people in it but the two of them with how quiet it is. A helper is already fixing up the ingredients for dinner with Tokugawa's instructions, while the others are likely upstairs or in their quarters.

The emptiness of the house is… oppressive. While his own at home is much the same, there’s at least his grandmother lurking around in the front rooms, the sound of his fish tank, usually some music playing at least… Hirakoba has to get up and move around the room to look around.

Perhaps this is why Tokugawa’s so quiet and still.

It doesn’t help that he still really wants to go snoop in Tokugawa’s bedroom, but he has a suspicion it was upstairs where apparently he’s not allowed to go.

“Tokugawa-kun,” he calls out, heading vaguely in the direction he’d seen him going for the kitchen. “Do you have a garden?”

There's at least a game room with a bigger television set and some consoles -- gaming and movie-viewing alike. There's even a foosball and some beanbags and other Western games. Most of the Tokugawa household is more Western than Eastern, actually. They travel a lot and have acquired a certain taste for things.

When his name is called, Tokugawa stops and looks at Hirakoba. He can take care of the other ingredients later, he figures, so he nods and walks away from the kitchen.

"Let me show you the way," and he does, leading Hirakoba to where the garden is!

The garden is even more quiet than the actual household, filled with shrubbery and flowers. Small statues of animals like frogs and foxes can be found, too. In the middle of it all is a small pool, and at the sides are lounge chairs, tables, and a small barbecue area. The garden is more of an outdoor park than anything, really.

The more he sees of Tokugawa’s house, the more surprised he is. Just… the westernisation of it all doesn’t match the image that Hirakoba’s built up of Tokugawa in his mind. Although maybe that explains the motorcycle.

“Ah, I should’ve brought something to swim in,” Hirakoba says regretfully, looking straight at the pool. He practically skips to the pool, crouching down to start rolling up the legs of his pants. “You can just leave me here, darling, I’m happy,” he says, rolling one more time over to secure one pant leg under his knee before he starts on the other.

And it feels a little bit more normal to take off his shoes too to stick his feet in the pool and Hirakoba sighs happily as he kicks at the water a bit.

Ah, there's one thing Tokugawa forgot to do. "I'll show you around later after dinner." Maybe he should have done that sooner, but Hirakoba's feet are already in the pool and that's making the inflatable bed move a little. And with that, Tokugawa leaves.

By the time he comes back about ten to fifteen minutes later, his sleeves have been rolled up and his hair looks a bit unkempt.

"Hey," he calls as he stands by the glass door. "Are you ready to eat?"

Excellent, being shown around so he can snoop a bit more. Since what he’s seen so far has been…. a bit sterile. Still, it’s probably best to not say that to Tokugawa, so Hirakoba just hums in agreement and he’s happy enough just splashing in the water in the meantime.

It’s easy to lose track of time and Hirakoba entertains himself: messaging his friends as he waits, leaning back on his palms to look at the sky while he kicks in the water, humming to himself and waiting… He jumps a bit as Tokugawa’s voice suddenly cuts across his thoughts and Hirakoba twists around to look at him.

“That looks suits you,” he says with a smile, curling his toes a bit as he pulls his legs out of the water. Tokugawa looks a bit more relaxed with his sleeves rolled up and Hirakoba rather likes it, he decides. “And if you get me a towel to dry my feet, I’ll be ready to eat?”

Oh, right.

Tokugawa walks back inside, looking a bit startled at the request—not because of the fact, but because he didn't even think of it—to get a towel from one of the broom closets on the first floor. Seconds later, he's back out and he hands Hirakoba the towel.

"It's always quiet here," he says as he looks at the garden. "The neighbourhood is peaceful. Sometimes, my family hosts parties, and that's the only time our house is ever noisy."

Hirakoba listens in interest as he dries his feet first and then starts putting his shoes on. “So you’re the noisy ones in the area,” he says, standing up and unrolling his pant legs. “We’ll have to come back out here later when you give me the house tour.” And now that he’s had his fill of splashing in the water (at least for the time being) he can actually go look at the rest of the garden.

He skips forward to loop his arm through Tokugawa’s, tugging him back towards the house. “Shall we go eat? I’m rather looking forward to seeing if you were being truthful about your cooking.”

Tokugawa lightly tugs at Hirakoba now that their arms are linked, but he doesn't make any verbal reaction to it.

The food is served in the informal dining room just outside the kitchen. The table itself is modest and so is the presentation of the tonkatsu—it definitely has a homey vibe to it despite Hirakoba's being served in a bowl of his own, and another bowl is on the other side of the table for Tokugawa. For beverages, there's a pitcher of iced tea and another pitcher of iced water in case Hirakoba doesn't fancy tea.

As for the taste, when Hirakoba does taste it after the "itadakimasu"s and other pleasantries, is rich and flavourful. Living alone in Paris taught him how to cook properly. He can actually be very domestic when he needs to be.

Given his own penchant for buying food rather than cooking it himself, or living on whatever food his house keeper puts in his fridge… or the food he has at home, Tokugawa’s meal is… surprising.

And that seems to be happening a lot to him this time around.

Hirakoba does take his time though, pouring them both drinks before he settles down to eat. He pauses after the first bite to put his chopsticks down and sigh at Tokugawa. “Why are you so perfect, Tokugawa-kun?” he asks, resting his cheek on his palm. “Maybe I should just ask you to marry me before someone else does.”

It's a good thing Tokugawa doesn't have food in his mouth, else he'd have choked.

Contrary to his usual response where he tries to act tough or dismissive, though, he goes back to eating after the second spent that he freezes in place. Just before putting some rice in his mouth, he says "It at least has to be a romantic proposal". And as he chews, his lips are slightly tucked upwards as if he's smiling. That's because, well, he is. At least, it's the smallest show of a smile because he's actually humouring his guest right now.

Hirakoba laughs a bit - maybe a little sourly, before he prods at his food some more. “I’m just not a romantic person, it’s such a shame or else I would.” And again with the overly dramatic sigh.

He is very aware that Tokugawa’s a bit of a romantic though, from the short snatches of their conversations that have swerved into that direction. And really, given the short of person Tokugawa is… it isn’t surprising.

“So do you cook often at home?” Hirakoba asks, prodding at the meat thoughtfully with his chopsticks. “Can you make anything else?”

Tokugawa isn't able to well whether or not Hirakoba's response is a serious one, but at least he leaves that topic be thanks to the question posed to him. But he is a romantic; he's an emotional guy to begin with despite what his stoic exterior may give off.

"Not here," he responds before drinking from his glass. Seconds later once he's more refreshed, he continues. "But while travelling, I cook for myself, especially when I'm alone. It's usually just the easy meals, like this one. Pasta, too."

Hirakoba just smiles at Tokugawa’s lack of response to his comment - not that he actually expected one. Getting nothing is probably better than the otherwise disapproving frown or the stern face. The sort of smile is much better.

“That makes sense,” Hirakoba says, starting to eat again. It really is quite tasty even if it’s simple. “I’m surprised you’re not on a more strict diet while you’re overseas with tournaments, though.” Katsudon isn’t the most… healthy thing, after all.

His expression sours a little and he narrows his eyes at Tokugawa. “Unless you’re going to add to how unfairly perfect you are, and tell me that it’s not necessary for you.”

"Nobody's perfect."

The response is immediate. He knows this because he did once think he was the best among the rest. He used to think that he was all that, but his world was turned upside down after one awful loss. To this day, Tokugawa thinks about it and how much it's affected him. In a way, it was a good experience. He's a much better person now, he thinks.

"I do maintain a proper diet, but I'm not playing now. It's fine to spoil myself a little." It's not like he eats katsudon everyday or anything! It was just something he mentioned to Hirakoba before since it's something he's proud of being able to cook.

Hirakoba raises an eyebrow at Tokugawa and sits back slightly to consider him more. “Well, you have a lot of very good points,” Hirakoba says, and he’s sure that people that Tokugawa relaxes more around could say more on that. “I suppose your bad hugs are one of your not-perfect points.”

Because Hirakoba has to admit that was pretty poor. It still makes him laugh a bit when he thinks about it.

“Just don’t spoil yourself too much and get out of shape,” Hirakoba says, but he’s teasing and it shows in his mischievous expression. “Or else I’ll have to deduct more points and just…” he trails off and shakes his head slightly.

Tokugawa already drinks often enough as it is, but the advice is appreciated. (It is advice, isn't it?) And for a moment, he stays silent, merely eating, but it's obvious from how furrowed his brows are that his mood's dampened slightly.

With a soft clink of the chopsticks on the bowl, he finally speaks.

"I won't get out of shape. I have tennis to go back to." A pause, then bitterly, he adds: "Even if it'll take some time."

After that, he sighs, realising that he upset behaviour probably isn't something he should be showing to a guest.

"Nevermind. What was that? You'll deduct more points and?"

Hirakoba frowns a little at Tokugawa’s sour words - it just… seems to show up now and again. Not pleasant at all.

But thankfully this time Tokugawa changes the subject easily enough and Hirakoba laughs at the question. “I’ll deduct more points and I just won’t be as fond of you as I am now,” he says. “Since part of your appeal is being good looking.”

Hirakoba waves his hand vaguely as he picks up his chopsticks again to keep eating. “And, then you’ll have to find someone else to go on dates with. It’s just not worth getting out of shape.”

Look - it's better that he cuts himself off before he starts angsting in public. He's an emotional guy, as mentioned, and that means he dwells on the negatives for a long time. He cries at night sometimes. Anyway--.

"Maybe then I'll actually become a hermit," he says with a low chuckle. It looks like he's in a better mood now-- or at least he's trying to be in a better mood.

Hirakoba’s gaze sharpens at the chuckle and his eyebrows rise slightly. There’s no alcohol, right? - Hirakoba sips at the tea quickly just to make sure. Perhaps it’s the safety of being in his own home that’s making Tokugawa relax more. Either way, it makes Hirakoba relax slightly too and he laughs a little as well.

“That’s really not an option,” he says, sighing a bit again. “I can’t have you becoming a hermit, I’ve worked too hard to get you out of the house.” All of three times.

He perks up suddenly. “Maybe we could go swimming next time. It might be something I can actually best you in.”

"Maybe," Tokugawa responds. By now, he's almost done with his food. Just a few bites left. "But if you challenge me, I'll definitely do my best."

His knee should at least be fine to swim a little bit competitively, anyway. He'll live!

Tokugawa watches Hirakoba as he eats, too, and tries to gauge when is a good time to bring up dessert.

Hirakoba leans slightly forward over the table to narrow his eyes at Tokugawa and he can’t help the almost a smirk. “I’m a very good swimmer, Tokugawa-kun,” he says. “I’m quite sure I can beat you.”

Apparently he’s not as fast at eating though and Hirakoba pauses as he looks at Tokugawa’s bowl and then his own. “I’ll have to think of what I want as a prize when I win at swimming.”

A prize? Right, this is a competition. Alright, then. Tokugawa decides to place a good prize for Rin if the other does win.

"Another hug?" He muses, because. Okay. He'd be willing to give Hirakoba that. It's… it's not so bad.

A hug. That’s.. Hirakoba does give Tokugawa a bit of a judgemental eyebrow raise at the suggestion, but he has to admit that it’s… cute. “See, but that implies that I’m not going to get one at the end of this date,” he says, looking just a bit displeased. He’s had one hug now from Tokugawa, as far as Hirakoba is concerned, they’re normal now.

“It has to be something more taxing for you,” he says, leaning back slightly to sip at his tea. “And you can think of something of equal value for me to give you if you win.” Which Tokugawa wasn’t going to.

Tokugawa's brows furrow and he looks just a little
bit displeased at the proposition. Something more taxing means something more embarrassing… and he doesn't want to have to endure that. Having to hug someone is already embarrassing for him.

As for his own reward, he's not even all that demanding. He's a simple guy despite what his home implies.

"I want a home-cooked meal," he says, totally serious. See? Simple!

“A home cooked meal,” Hirakoba repeats, almost in disbelief. That’s… he prods at the remains of the cutlet in his own bowl and looks just a little uncomfortable.

“I don’t really cook…” he says. Unless it’s just heating things up, or using the rice cooker. “People do that for me.” And he’s fairly certain his father doesn’t know how to cook all that well either.

“You’ll have to think of something else. Or wait until I can go home and get lessons.”

Tokugawa raises an eyebrow. Cooking isn't so difficult, he thinks. It doesn't have to he grand or anything. Was this a matter of unwillingness or just a matter of "I can't cook, I suck at it"?

"You could try." This time, he averts his gaze from him, eyeing the remaining of his food instead. "Omurice is easy to make."

Hirakoba sighs and rests his chin on his hand again, looking actually a little exasperated. He really doesn’t cook, and… yes he could probably ask Kite for help, but he has a feeling that Kite will just make him cook goya champuru or something horrific like that.

“Can’t I just buy you food instead?” Hirakoba asks, almost a little pleadingly. “I’ll plate it up nicely and I’ll even put on a cute apron and pretend that I’m domestic.”

Actually that sounds scarily domestic and Hirakoba stabs at his rice a bit with his chopsticks to push way the mental image.

The pleading is scarier than the idea of him in a cute apron, really. "Is it really that bad?" Tokugawa asks, and he reconsiders for a mere second before: "No, I'm decided on this. It means a lot more."

For all of Hirakoba's confidence in swimming, he sure sounds like Tokugawa has a chance in winning.

Hirakoba just looks displeased now and he presses his lips together into a frown. Yes, his cooking really is that bad and he cannot comprehend why Tokugawa seems quite set on the idea.

“Well, if I have to risk humiliating myself and cooking… then I think I should be able to ask for something just as bad from you.”

He considers Tokugawa for a long moment and tilts his head slightly to the side. “You’re quite bad at hugs, Tokugawa-kun,” he says, and Tokugawa really should know that fact already. “Are you just as bad at kissing?”

He does know he's bad at hugs!! He only likes receiving them…

Hirakoba's statement is so suggestive--at least, to him--that he can't help (but not notice) how his cheeks slightly flush a pink tinge. Immediately, he attempts to dismiss it by finishing the rest of his food, the clicking and clacking of the chopsticks against the bowl rather loud in the presence of his silence.

When he sets down the bowl, he doesn't look Hirakoba in the eye. "Do you want dessert?" ABORT, ABORT. NEED TO CHANGE TOPIC.

Well that blushing is satisfying and Hirakoba eats at a much more sedate pace, smiling to himself at the realisation that he’s managed to get Tokugawa flustered.

How satisfying.

He blinks in surprise at the suddenly question and he looks down at his mostly finished bowl. “Right now? Maybe we can do the house tour first?” Let the food digest first and he can have a snoop around.

Yeah, sure. Anything is better than continuing to talk about the swimming challenge, if that's ever gonna be a thing. Tokugawa places his chopsticks together on top of the bowl, having finished his meal completely.

"It doesn't have to be now. I can just have it prepared, that's all." Tokugawa doesn't even say what's for dessert. There's a lot they could eat to cleanse the palate in the kitchen, so! "When you're done eating, let me know."

“It would be nice to have some time between dinner and desert.” And in the meantime, Hirakoba can just sigh over the fact that Tokugawa has so quickly gone from blushing to… his usual straight faced self. How annoying.

It just takes a few more mouthfuls of rice before Hirakoba pushes his bowl away from himself and puts his chopsticks down. “Thank you, that was really nice,” he says. “I’m quite satisfied now.” And yes, he could say that Tokugawa could definitely cook, like he’d claimed.

Tokugawa pushes his seat backwards, gets up, and picks up both his bowl and Hirakoba's. He says nothing before bringing it to the kitchen--it's just nearby, at least he isn't gone for long. Once he's back he doesn't sit back down.

"You've seen the small dining, and there's the bigger one across. Do you want to see what's downstairs or are you so eager to see my room already?"

Hirakoba sits back and enjoys his glass of iced tea in the meanwhile, mulling over their conversation. He’s still amused.

He grins when Tokugawa reappears and he stands up. Well, at least Tokugawa’s realistic about why Hirakoba’s wanting the tour. “Your bedroom’s definitely more interesting to me,” he says, tucking in his chair and moving forward to take a hold of Tokugawa’s hand. After all, that’s where all the personality is, rather than the nice, but still sterile main rooms.

Tokugawa's gaze falls to their hands. His stoic expression doesn't change, but it doesn't seem like he minds it. He's really gotten used to the physical contact by now that his only reaction to it is a look before he starts moving to where the stairs are.

Going upwards is almost like being in a very small Tokugawa Family museum. Various picture frames line the walls: some are from years ago when Tokugawa (Kazuya) was still a child and he's with his sister and parents. Some photos just of the Tokugawa parents, while some photos are photos of Tokugawa (Kazuya) playing tennis, or just some solo shots taken of him or his sister.

As for the second floor, it's a pretty straightforward place. The stairs immediately leads to an upstairs entertainment area with a television set, a couch, and some consoles. There's even a small fridge which contains snacks and the like. One side leads to the master's bedroom and guest rooms, while the other side leads to the a broom closet, Kazuya's room and his sister's. Kazuya's room has a hanging name plate with a tennis ball and his name on it.

With his other hand on the knob, Tokugawa stops in his tracks. He doesn't open the door just yet.

"What are you expecting to see?"

Hirakoba really does want to stay and look more closely at the photos and poke and laugh at the little Tokugawa, but with the adult Tokugawa pulling him along by the hand, it’s a bit harder to do that. He gets enough of a look though to smile and glance a few times between Tokugawa and the photos to compare his face.

He pauses at the question, looking at the name plate on the door. “I don’t know,” he says honestly, squeezing Tokugawa’s hand lightly. “You’ve managed to surprise me multiple times already today, it’s probably completely different to what I think.” Maybe it’s a complete mess, although given that there had been plenty of notice he was coming over… that wasn’t likely. Maybe it really is just as boring as he imagines. Maybe it’s a cute childish room? Maybe it’s a sex den. Hirakoba honestly doesn’t know.

Well, he’s pretty sure it’s not the last one.

“Shall I cover my eyes to get the full surprise reveal effect?” Hirakoba asks jokingly, moving his free hand up to his eyes and closing them.

"... Don't." Don't do it, Hirakoba. It just makes you look weird.

Tokugawa's never really been the messy type. He's always been disciplined since he was a kid because it was something that was ingrained in him. So when Tokugawa opens the door to show what his room looks like, Hirakoba will find that it's painfully clean and tidy. If he says that Tokugawa has some perfect aspects to him, another would be his room with how neat it is.

The room itself is fairly straightforward. By the door is a shelf with trophies, medals, certificates, and more pictures (smaller ones this time) of Tokugawa playing tennis. Next to it is a desk with books and stationery, amongst other small tiny trinkets like a toy yacht. The bed is queen-sized and made, and the short nightstand next to it houses various magazines ranging from sports-related to lifestyle related to some books related to his injury. The closet has a sliding glass door to cover his clothes from whatever dust enters his room, but that seems unlikely with how clean his room is. On the other side of the nightstand is a door that leads to the bathroom. It's not childish nor is it a sex den! Surprise surprise.

"Well?" He asks, awaiting judgment. He's sure to be judged. May as well get this over with.

And the room is… a more modern version of what Hirakoba imagined. But at least not as sterile as it could have been and Hirakoba lets go of Tokugawa’s hand to head in by himself and inspect the various things around the room.

It just seems unnatural and Hirakoba thinks of his own bedroom back in Okinawa with everything in it and just… he really wants to inspect the closet, to see if Tokugawa had just hidden things in it, but from what he can see through the glass, it looks as neat and tidy as the rest of the room.

“It’s pretty much as expected,” Hirakoba says and he moves to sit on the edge of the bed, inspecting the nightstand. Also… boring. “I’m almost disappointed, actually.”

"Almost," Tokugawa repeats with a hint of curiosity. While Hirakoba takes a seat on the bed, he pulls his office chair and sits on it. "At least you're not completely disappointed." (Because that makes things better, right?)

His eyes wander around his room to look for anything that might be out of place, but he finds that there isn't any. He would totally get up and fix it it needs fixing, which will probably make things more boring for Hirakoba, but that's just how he is.

"I have some other things in the guest room. From when I came back from Paris. I haven't fixed them yet."

“I don’t know if being right is disappointing or not in this case.” Hirakoba bounces experimentally on the bed - springier than he’d thought and he quickly inspects the fluffiness of the pillows. Somehow he can see Tokugawa being the type who does actually make their bed every morning, instead of just leaving it.

“Trinkets from Paris?” Hirakoba asks, flopping back on the bed to stare up at the ceiling. “Are they going to make your room more interesting?” At least it’s a nice bed, he decides. And he decides to tell Tokugawa that as well. “I quite like your bed, by the way,” he says. “It’s comfortable.”

"Yeah, and some clothes and my tennis gear." Whiiich Tokugawa hasn't looked at in some time. He does dress up in sports gear when he goes to the centre when he teaches kids, but he hasn't touched his own racquet in months—since his injury—because he feels really bad about it all.

"What are you looking for, anyway?" Tokugawa leans back in his seat as he asks. He's definitely more laid-back now that he's in his own room. "I don't have anything like your aquarium." Hirakoba's really had a lasting impact on him.

It takes Hirakoba a few moments before he realises what Tokugawa is talking about with the mention of his aquarium and he laughs. “I don’t keep dildos in my aquarium and you know that, Tokugawa-kun,” he says, vaguely moving one leg to see if Tokugawa is in light-kicking distance. “That rule’s there to keep them out.”

He grabs a pillow to lie on, and another to hug. “And I don’t know, maybe I’m just trying to find things to get to know you better. You’re very shy with details about yourself, you know.” Because surely there’s more than just… tennis. And good looking broodiness.

Hirakoba will find that the pillows are soft—incredibly so—and very comfortable and comforting to hug! Despite looking like an expressionless rock, he doesn't sleep like one and moves from time to time while hugging a pillow. He will also find that Tokugawa isn't anywhere near kicking distance, and Tokugawa knows that so he doesn't even flinch.

Tokugawa folds his arms in thought, though. He's not brooding, but he thought he's talked a lot about himself already. "A lot", because they do talk from time to time and he feels that he has. Of course, his own definition of "a lot" may be different, though.

"What exactly is it that you want to know?" With that, Tokugawa crosses his legs, too. "Maybe I'll divulge them while eating some omurice." Hint hint.

Hirakoba props himself up slightly to narrow his eyes at Tokugawa before he flops back down on the bed again. “I’ll find a place that serves a really good omurice then, to get all my answers from you,” he says with a laugh. “You’re not getting that homecooked meal from me, Tokugawa-kun.”

… Where does he even begin, with what he wants to know about Tokugawa? “What sort of friends you have?” Hirakoba says, pondering outloud to the ceiling. “What you do when you hang out with your friends?” Since that tends to say a lot about a person, and how they are when they relax. “I usually like knowing erogenous zones just for trivia, but they’re no fun to just be told….” he trails off and he laughs again to himself.

"That doesn't mean I don't want it." Somehow, Tokugawa is 100% dedicated into getting Hirakoba to cook for him. Just once. Just once, and Tokugawa will be satisfied.

As for Tokugawa's friends, well. "I still speak to some of my high school friends, most of whom were teammates or people who I was with in the student council. There are some people at the country club whom I spent time with every now and then, and then I have some childhood friends, too." So... kind of normal, right? "We play games like billiards or bowling when they're free. When we go out of town, we go yachting or scuba diving or whatever's available. I don't see them often. They have school and jobs, while I'm just usually here at home or at the centre when I'm not at the hospital."

It's the little things like this (these dates) that make his days exciting, really.

“I think you just want to see me being domestic in an apron for you,” Hirakoba grumbles to himself, but his scowl is very much just for effect and he’s not actually annoyed.

And he’s fairly sure he hasn’t heard Tokugawa say that many words in one go… ever and Hirakoba just looks at him in surprise, not quite sure how to respond to that divulging of information and words all at once. And then Tokugawa just goes and ruins it a little with his end comment and Hirakoba sighs, lying back down. “And here I was thinking you were going to tell me that you weren’t a hermit and had a thriving social life you otherwise kept secret.”

To be fair, seeing something like that would be a change in scenery, metaphorically speaking. And a part of Tokugawa wants to see it because it might be funny. Another part of him wants to see it because it might be cute.

"I'm not a hermit," Tokugawa immediately denies. Somehow, it's become automatic to him to deny that he's a hermit for some reason. Hirakoba's programmed him well. "Like I said, they're just not available all the time." It kind of sucks that he doesn't have much of a life here now that he's back. Contrary to his life in Japan, his life in Paris is a lot more liberated. He's mentioned to Hirakoba before that he's gone on dates here and there, and that was all in Paris where he's met all kinds of people. Maybe it's why he enjoys (secretly) Hirakoba's company. He's not like his usual set of friends.

It always makes him laugh when Tokugawa denies he’s a hermit, for some reason. Maybe just because it’s funny that he always gets the exact same answer every time. “I know you’re not, darling,” Hirakoba says, waving a hand vaguely at Tokugawa. “And I’m working hard to make sure you get out of the house more too.”

Although given what Tokugawa’s house looks like… Hirakoba’s not sure if he’d enjoy being in here all the time, or if it would drive him insane. “What’s for dessert?” he asks suddenly, stretching out and then relaxing with a slump, sighing as he sinks into the bed a bit. So nice. “You might have to drag me off your bed at this rate.”

It's not like Hirakoba has to get up or anything; Tokugawa can just ask one of the helpers downstairs to bring the desserts to his room.
"There's cheesecake, some chocolates, and ice cream. Chips, too." Tokugawa himself prefers the cheesecake they have. It's delicious and just has the right amount of sweetness!

Hirakoba pauses at the list of dessert. It’s… not what he expects. He just can’t see Tokugawa eating something like cheesecake and chocolate. But then as he tries to imagine it, it makes him laugh a little and Hirakoba sighs.

“I shouldn’t let you cook for me ever again, you’re going to make me fat,” Hirakoba says, flopping one of his legs in a half-hearted attempt to again, miss kicking Tokugawa. “Maybe cake. And some tea.” And he can just put off sitting up as long as possible.

Tokugawa probably eating cake seems weird, but it's how it is! It's not something he eats often, because he does try not to eat too much sweets despite how he has a lack of proper diet at the moment. Sugar goes to the stomach, and he can't exactly risk having a large belly.

He gets to his feet and opens the door, leaving for downstairs. "Just stay here," he says, and what he doesn't realise is that he's giving Hirakoba permission to snoop around while he's away. "I'll go have dessert prepared."

Wait. Was Tokugawa actually going to leave him completely alone in his bedroom? Hirakoba stays flopped on the bed until he can hear Tokugawa heading down the stairs. Is this a test?

Hirakoba waits for another few seconds, just in case Tokugawa returns suddenly before he gets up, fully intending on snooping around. The wardrobe is fairly boring, though Hirakoba does make sure to rifle to the very back just in case there’s some hidden cosplay outfits or something at the back.

Nightstand is just as boring as well, but he flips through a couple of the larger books in case Tokugawa is caught up in the childish hiding places of hollowed out books. Under the bed is… clean. Not even a dust bunny in sight and Hirakoba focuses his attention on the desk.

He doesn’t really hit the jackpot though until he starts rummaging through the magazines under the desk. He’s almost willing to abandon it initially when he emerges with tennis magazines - how stupidly typical. But then he spots something quite unexpected and pulls it out. And blinks in surprise at the cover.

A Victoria’s Secret catalogue. A fairly recent one as well, as Hirakoba sits on the bed to flip through it curiously.

Having the catalogue is probably uncharacteristic of Tokugawa, but he has one! And some others… he's particularly fond of the models because they're nice to look at. If prodded, he'll admit to having a crush on Josephine Skriver.

It takes Tokugawa about five minutes to return to his room. Instead of letting the helpers bring the food up, he decides to do it himself. With a tray and two slices of New York cheesecake, some tea bags for Hirakoba (Tokugawa's giving him three choices, but all are black: raspberry, banana, and apple), a small bottle of honey, and a glass of iced coffee. Opening the door proves a bit of a challenge, though, but he manages by placing the tray on his knee for the split second that he turns the knob and push open the door.

Hirakoba’s moved to lie back on the bed again, still looking through the catalogue mostly with a curious disbelief. He can’t… really say that Tokugawa had bad taste or anything, it’s just… adding to the number of surprises that’s happened today.

He pauses as he hears footsteps outside the door and he has to fight the urge to just fling the magazine under the bed and pretend like he’s just been lying there the whole time. But… he never has been very good at not looking guilty. So Hirakoba feigns casualness as he turns his head to look at Tokugawa.

“I will say, Tokugawa-kun, if you’re purchasing women’s lingerie, Victoria’s Secret isn’t a bad choice,” he says, turning the page and pulling a thoughtful face. “I mean, I’ve never worn it personally, but it feels nice.”

Tokugawa tries his hardest to keep a straight face and not drop the tray so he can snatch back the catalogue. Instead of doing that, he gives Hirakoba a look before setting the tray on the desk. There's no point in asking where Hirakoba took the catalogue from - it's obvious that the guy snooped around his room while he was away.

"I don't wear women's lingerie, thanks." It's a deadpan denial as he brings the plate with the slice of cake Hirakoba's way. "If you really have to know, I find the models beautiful."

Okay, there! A dignified answer despite how flushed he looks.

Hirakoba raises an eyebrow at Tokugawa’s answer and he glances back at the pictures with a new eye. Well, that explained… a little bit more, he supposes.

“I see, that’s the type of person you like, then,” Hirakoba says, sitting up to take the plate of cake off Tokugawa. He tilts his head as he looks at the glossy pages of the models again. “I suppose that’s better than finding out that you’re wearing pretty lace things under your pants,” Hirakoba says offhandedly, cutting off a piece of cake and smiling around his fork at the first mouthful - yum.

“You can take that as a hint that I didn’t snoop through your underwear drawer, by the way.”

"I don't have a type," Tokugawa immediately says. What he looks for is a connection, but he won't deny that he has his own definition of beauty. He doesn't even mind going out with guys or girls - just as long as he gets along with them.

With Hirakoba now eating his cake, he brings the tray to his nightstand so Hirakoba has easier access to the tea bags and the small metal container of hot water. Tokugawa, on the other hand, takes his cake and cuts a small bite with his fork before eating it.

"And I'm glad things are clear." He… looks mildly disturbed. "I hope what you imagined wasn't so vivid."

Hirakoba wonders if that response is in the same vein as when Tokugawa denies being a hermit. He just smiles though, looking amused and he closes the magazine to put it behind him on the bed.

The cake and tea are more important anyway, and Hirakoba turns his attention to making himself a cup, looking over the labels on the teabags carefully.

“Well, I haven’t really imagined you in your underwear before,” Hirakoba says, pausing to look over at Tokugawa, unwrapping one of the teabags - raspberry, since there’s no strawberry one on offer. He gives Tokugawa a considering look up and down and then turns back to his tea. “What sort of underwear do you prefer, then? So I can accurately imagine you in them.”

Why… why is Hirakoba like this. This time, a bit of the crushed graham bits gets stuck in Tokugawa's throat and he has to look away as he coughs and tries to prevent himself from completely choking on his cake.

Once he's done (it takes a while, maybe almost a minute), he clears his throat and wipes the sweat off his brow.

"Don't imagine me in my underwear," Tokugawa says, stabbing his cake with his fork. Hirakoba just continues to make things worse for him!!

Hirakoba just watches curiously as Tokugawa dies in his own corner, mixing in the honey to his tea and giving it a curious sip. Had it really been that bad of a question?

“Why? Would you rather show me instead?” Hirakoba asks, without really thinking and he pauses the moment he does, lowering his cup of tea. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that,” he says, laughing a little apologetically.

“This is really nice tea and cake, thankyou,” Hirakoba says lamely, in a poor attempt at changing the subject.

It's not necessarily bad, but Tokugawa's so used to keeping to himself that saying he prefers boxers over brief is something that takes a lot out of him.

"Yeah," Tokugawa says, voice soft and almost fond. "I'm glad you like it. If you want more, just let me know."

Hirakoba’s gaze lingers on Tokugawa’s face for a while after he speaks - he almost misses the spluttering and blushing. Although, he does like the current mood too, as quickly as it’s come on.

“You’ll never get rid of me if you offer that,” Hirakoba says, crossing his legs and prodding at the cake some more. “And I’ll just get fat from all the katsudon and cake.”

It doesn’t stop him from continuing to eat the cheesecake though, smiling with every bite. “I have to go sometime anyway, my fish need feeding.”

Tokugawa's never had pet fish before, but he comes to the uneducated conclusion that fish need to be fed multiple times a day thanks to Hirakoba's statement. Alright, then. He won't try to keep his guest here for too long.

"Do you need a ride going back?" Tokugawa once said that Hirakoba won't look good with helmet hair, but he's just going back to his place, anyway. It'll probably be fine.

Hirakoba pauses and considers the option of getting ride back on Tokugawa’s motorcycle. It’s really tempting. But…

“It depends,” he says narrowing his eyes slightly. “I would want my usual kiss on the cheek at the end of it, and I have a suspicion you might just keep the helmet on and try to avoid it.”

And the fact that his hair would be really awful after… he wonders if he could borrow a hairtie from Tokugawa. “And, I wouldn’t want it to count as the ride that you still owe me.”

It sounds like Hirakoba knows how Tokugawa tics now with the helmet comment. Tokugawa chuckles lowly because he would do something like that.

"Ah. I guess it won't count," he says. It'd have to be a ride of leisure where they can just go around parts of the city. What he just wants when Hirakoba leaves is for him to get back alright.

Yes, Hirakoba’s suspicions are definitely correct. Tokugawa would 100% just drop him off and ride off… Hirakoba just looks unamused now.

“I mean, the other option would be to get the kiss now in private. And then I can accept the offer to be dropped back home.”

And never tell his grandmother that he went on a motorbike she since she’d likely rant at him for a few hours about gangs.

Tokugawa isn't in a gang! But motorbikes really do seem unsafe, so he'd understand Hirakoba's grandmother's apprehension (or perhaps more than that.)

He contemplates for some moments as he drinks his iced coffee as to whether or not he should go along with this kiss thing. It's happened before and while it surprised the heck out of him at first, well. He's concluded that maybe it isn't so bad. Hirakoba's just a really physical guy.

"On the cheek," he says sternly. "Fine."

Hirakoba looks a little affronted at that. “Of course it will be on the cheek,” he says. “I don’t kiss friends on the mouth. … Or below the shoulders,” Hirakoba adds on just to clarify.

He’s still smug though that it’s not an immediate rejection of the idea now though. Tokugawa really has gotten much more used to physical contact since first meeting him. Hirakoba picks up the last specks of cake from his plate with a licked fingertip and he sighs quite happily at that.

Look! Tokugawa doesn't know. Hirakoba's a lot more shameless and physical with friends that he has no idea what to expect from the guy. It's probably good that it's been clarified now, though. Tonight's been one clarification after the other. While some are embarrassing, at least Tokugawa gets a better understanding of Hirakoba.

He falls silent after that, deciding to focus on the rest of his cake. There's not a lot left on his plate so it only takes a bit! And once he's done, he puts the plate on the tray along with his empty glass of iced coffee.

"When you're ready to go, just let me know. Just don't rush yourself."

“Mmm, thank you,” Hirakoba says and he settles back on the bed to finish off his cup of tea in a leisurely manner. It really does finish too quickly though.

As much as he’d love to just keep lazing around in Tokugawa’s room, Hirakoba is terribly aware that he has exams to study for and that just makes him want to stick the pillow over his face and hide there for a bit even more.

“Alright, do you have a hairtie I can use?” From Tokugawa’s sister or something. “And then we can head off and you can go back to being a hermit for a while longer.”

The hairtie will definitely have to come from Tokugawa's sister… or maybe one of the helpers downstairs? Tokugawa himself seems unsure as to where he'll get one, but he gets up from his seat anyway. "I'll go look for one."

Generally, he doesn't like entering his sister's room without permission, but it's just going to her bathroom to grab a hairtie, anyway. And not wanting to stay for too long, Tokugawa gets the first hairtie he can grab. That is, a thin one with a furry pompom thing on it. He's not sure what it's called.

"Here," he says as he offers it to Hirakoba. "Don't say a word about how it looks." Don't say a word!!!

Hirakoba tilts his head and stares at the hairtie as he takes it. Yes, he can definitely understand why Tokugawa had told him not to say anything. Because… he has so many questions right now.

Still, he at least makes it very obvious that he’s questioning it a bit as he prods at the pompoms. Well, it’s something different, he’ll give Tokugawa that much. Hirakoba runs a hand through his hair and ties it up into a ponytail, ruffling quickly at his fringe to make it sit nicely. And he does take a moment to make sure the pompoms are sitting on top of the ponytail.

“Does that look okay?” he asks, turning slightly to show Tokugawa. He doesn’t wear his hair up around other people very often and Hirakoba touches the back of his neck just a bit self-consciously.

“Now, are you going to be the one kissing, or are we still at the stage of me needing to?”

In all fairness, Hirakoba looks pretty cute with the ponytail on, pompoms aside. Tokugawa looks pretty amused, and he makes sure he voices his opinion.

"It looks good on you." And it's not just him saying that as a joke or anything! He really does mean it.

Then he heads for the door. "If I'm going to kiss you, then it may as well be when you get off." He realises how silly it is to say "goodbye" now when they're not parting yet.

That makes Hirakoba perk up and smile, fiddling with the end of his ponytail. Well, at least Tokugawa can give half-decent compliments, he supposes that’s one good thing about him.

He laughs and raises an eyebrow - is that Tokugawa’s way of trying to get out of kisses? Because he really does doubt that Tokugawa will be able to actually go ahead with it when they’re in public on the street.

“I’m not willing to risk it,” Hirakoba says, moving forward to loop his arm through Tokugawa’s. “I’ll just have to do it myself here and wait until next time.”

Not willing to risk it? It sounds so important when it's just a kiss… but fine. Whatever. It wasn't like he was trying to get out of it, but he also didn't consider the kiss being done in public. It totally slipped his mind.

"Let's go, then." And by that, he means kiss him already so they can go downstairs and leave.

Well, at least Tokugawa is accepting that it’s going to happen and that makes Hirakoba quite amused. Maybe just 3 dates ago, he might have been quite repulsed by the idea.

Hirakoba leans up to press a kiss to Tokugawa’s cheek and smiles. “One on the cheek for such a nice dinner and dessert. Thank you again.” And then he moves to kiss Tokugawa very lightly on the lips and pulls quickly away with a laugh, already moving out the bedroom door. “And one because it is our fourth date.”

It's good that Hirakoba leaves Tokugawa alone because he's pretty stunned and frozen for a few seconds. Once he finally moves, it's to lick his lips to gather his composure once again. Then he shakes his head and rolls his eyes. He just needs to get this over with.

And maybe find a pool that's big enough for proper laps training, amongst others. He definitely hasto beat Hirakoba in swimming so he doesn't have to embarrass himself further.

Once he and Hirakoba are downstairs, he asks one of the helpers to lock the gate for them since he'll be taking Hirakoba home. Tokugawa's helmet is a black one, and his extra one is ultramarine in colour, which he hands to Hirakoba.

"Are you nervous?" Because it's Hirakoba's first time riding a motorbike… probably? Tokugawa's just guessing.

Hirakoba takes the chance to slowly wander down the stairs to look at the photos of small Tokugawa and he laughs to himself a bit more. He kind of wishes he’d stayed to look at Tokugawa’s facial expression…. maybe next time. And the worst is that he can’t even tell what it might have been when Tokugawa reappears.

Definitely next time.

He hasn’t seen Tokugawa’s bike before and Hirakoba looks at it curiously before inspecting the helmet. This… is going to ruin his hair, he thinks as he looks inside it.

“Not at the moment,” he says, though he sounds a bit doubtful. “I don’t really know what to expect. Do I have to hug you like on TV?”

Like on TV? Tokugawa raises a brow. "You have to hold onto me. It's probably safer to wrap your arms around my waist." And for the first time, he actually invites Hirakoba to hug him. It is a hug, but it also doesn't count as one.

He puts his helmet on and gets on his bike. He revs up the engine then points to the space behind him with a nod of his head.

"You won't fall, I promise."

Hirakoba very reluctantly puts the helmet on, trying not to think about how his hair’s going to look like when he gets back to his place. “If I fall, I’m pretty sure you’re going to come down with me,” he says, as if that helps (it doesn’t).

He carefully hops on the back and he really has no qualms about hugging Tokugawa around the waist and sitting close. Hirakoba pats him lightly on the stomach and tries to get his feet into a comfortable spot. “Don’t go stupidly fast, please,” is his only request.

It truly doesn't help, and Tokugawa doesn't need another injury. Just how long will he keep brooding at this rate?

With the ride ready and the two of them on it, he steers the bike to face the gate's way and slowly begin to move, kicking at the concrete first until they accelerate and are fast enough to move with both of Tokugawa's feet on the pedal and foot rest.

He doesn't go "stupidly fast", but he's fast enough for the night to feel chillier than it actually is. And fortunately for them both, it's a safe ride to Hirakoba's.

Hirakoba does not like being on a motorbike, he decides very quickly as soon as they start moving. And Tokugawa can probably tell by the way Hirakoba’s fingers clench in the other male’s clothes around his stomach and how tense he is.

It just feels unsteady and he tenses up more as they accelerate away. And just no.

It’s a bit easier when they’re moving faster though, but his grip doesn’t loosen and he’s much too happy to squash himself against Tokugawa’s back for the entirety of the ride and not look at how fast things are going past them. And he’s also quite happy to finally come to a stop outside his apartment block and get off.

His legs feel a little unsteady as he stands on the pavement.

“Thanks, Tokugawa-kun,” Hirakoba says, pulling off the helmet and holding it out to him. “That was…” um, “Very efficient.” And a hair ruiner.

To be fair, Hirakoba's hair doesn't look all that bad despite having worn the helmet for some time. Tokugawa doesn't mention it, though. Giving compliments to people is not his forte.

He can at least tell that Hirakoba didn't have as much fun during the ride. "It wasn't so bad, was it?" He asks, but he isn't expecting an answer. "I'll see you another time."

Hirakoba just shrugs a little at the question, not quite sure how to answer. Maybe next time he’ll like it more when he knows what to expect.

“Yes, we’ll have to arrange another date,” he says, reaching out to pat Tokugawa on the shoulder. “Bye darling, thanks again.”