The Only Exception

Chapter Four

"You got thinner," Junya notes, not with judgment but more of an observation.

"Ah. I got a bit busy from the last time you saw me." Which is really just the photo Eiji took of him .

He manages to look at Junya who is now worrying his lower lip and Shohei wants to kick himself for staring too long at those berry lips. Hmmm... "You're still wearing makeup."

He notices the brown eyeliner that frames those cold eyes and a hint of some red tint on those lips he had been biting on which Shohei figures is really just out of habit.

Junya lets him go and rubs his eyes, "Yeah. I told you I was in a hurry."

"Hey, don't rub your eyes like that." It's his turn to grab Junya's wrist and pulls his hand away, "I think I have something we can use to remove that." Junya gives him a pout but concedes.

"You want some tea first?"

"Can't say no to Kita-san who already troubled himself just to make it."

"Ha.Ha. Very funny." Shohei rolls his eyes as he pours down the tea into two identical mugs. He gives one to Junya who accepts it and warms his hand against the ceramic.

They drink the tea in silence and before it becomes awkward, again, Shohei asks, "Have you had dinner?"

Junya shakes his head, "Why would you ask that? We're supposed to have dinner. " Then in a suspicious voice, he asks, "Did you already eat dinner?"

Shohei winces in guilt, "Yeah, I did. I'm sorry but I got hungry and besides, you mentioned we can just eat some snacks together..."

It's too late to see Junya grinning at him, "It's a trick question. I'm actually happy you ate beforehand. I don't want you to starve yourself just to fulfill a promise to me."

Shohei manages to look affronted, "Who says I'll starve myself for you?"

"I'm already saying I'd rather you not."

"Where do you really get that confidence? I mean, seriously? Are you even human?"

Said man is just snickering at him and Shohei finds himself returning the smile, "You look great, by the way."

"Huh?" Shohei wants to tell him, have you looked at yourself in the mirror? But he lets the compliment sit in their silence. He doesn't know what they're doing or why Junya is even here in his studio, drinking his tea. It's all surreal, honestly and his nerves are slowly getting the best of him.

Shohei tries to avoid Junya's eyes and it somehow falls on the helmet by the table, "You didn't tell me you're into motorcycles."

Junya cocks his head to the side, "Huh, I guess I didn't."

"You don't tell me a lot of things." He didn't mean the accusatory tone in his voice and he immediately regrets it when he saw Junya's eyes widen, "Kita-san, I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay, really." He counters, "It's part of your charm, I guess?"

The other guy blinks at him in equal surprise. Shohei hates the way Junya's mouth twists in a triumphant smile, "You think I'm charming?"

Shohei will never let him win this, "Yes. Like a puppy."

Junya slaps his arm in retaliation and he yelps in surprise, "Ow! Ow! Wow! We just met and you're already like this!" He says this but he's laughing while rubbing the offended arm.

"Stop bullying me then!"

"Be kinder, Junya. I always tell you to be kinder every day." Shohei says, still smiling.