(N.T. Taiyou ga Miteru, The Sun Is Watching)
CHOCOPEN chocolate shop, May 16th, Sunday, 4 PM.
The medium-sized city didn't have many café options open on Sundays. The one it did have belonged to the largest fine chocolate chain in the country. It was located inside the downtown mall. Its quality was as high as its prices.
— The prices here are pretty high… — Iker stared at the menu seriously.
— They are. And since you're the one paying, I hope it fits your budget.
Riley's disdainful gaze rested on Iker, who was sitting across from him. The promise of the meeting had been kept, but there wasn't the slightest hint of intimacy between them.
— But why am I paying for everything if you were the one who chose the place?
— You asked me to choose. And you're the one interested, so just know I'm not cheap.
— …Right… You've got a point…
Their orders were placed, and soon the waitress served the two cups of chocolate coffee. The strong smell of coffee blended harmoniously with the milk chocolate. And that was the kind of harmony Iker was trying to achieve with his date. Trying to make the afternoon more pleasant, he started a conversation:
— So… How about we talk? Get to know each other better…
— You already know my name, isn't that enough?
He doesn't make it easy…, Iker thought, frowning.
Holding back his direct nature didn't seem to be working. Iker knew he was walking on eggshells, but it hadn't crossed his mind that Riley would be this harsh. But if going slow wasn't working, it was time to try a more direct approach:
— …Why are you so defensive? Heartbroken, is it?
The question made Riley almost choke on his coffee. His wide eyes gave away his shock. He let out a small grunt and fired back with another jab:
— You're not very good at dates, are you?
— Huh!? No! I'm not Aiden, I never had to do this. — A triumphant smile appeared on Iker's face. But as he mentally reviewed what he had just heard, his expression quickly shifted to mild surprise, though lighter. — Wait, a date? Are we actually on one?
— You're really weird, I'm leaving.
Despite being innocent, Iker's question had sounded like provocation to Riley, who stood up from his chair without finishing his coffee. He was turning to leave when Iker stopped him.
— Wait.
Iker's large, firm hand grabbed Riley's. The boy startled, blushing in embarrassment, staring at the man without saying a word. His straight, unshakable posture had crumbled. The words that came out of his mouth now carried sincerity, along with a slight tremor:
— I… I can learn how to do this… if you give me a chance.
Riley looked deep into Iker's eyes and realized he had set aside some of his air of superiority. He decided to give in a little too and sat back down at the table.
— Okay, okay, but don't grab my hand like that — Riley complained.
— Alright, if you want discretion, you'll have it.
— I don't know what a man like you wants with me. — Riley avoided Iker's gaze, his face still flushed with embarrassment.
— A… man? You look about twenty-five… I'm only two years older. — Iker rested his hands on his legs and looked at the boy with indignation.
— You're twenty-seven? I could've sworn you were close to forty…
— But… of course not. Just because I'm more mature?
Iker stopped speaking and closed his eyes for a second to compose himself. He rested his elbow on the table and one hand on his face. With the other, he held his cup. His gaze met Riley's intensely. Then he revealed how he felt:
— I don't even know what I saw… You're like a skittish cat… But I want to see you, and that's something new to me.
Riley blushed again, but this time it wasn't from embarrassment. Somehow, Iker's sincerity sparked interest in him. He looked away again, but now not to avoid him, he was just shy and didn't want to be noticed.
— Fine… I'll give you a chance… But it has to be at my pace.
— Alright! Deal.
The two came to an understanding, and for the rest of the date, the conversation flowed without provocations.
Sayuri's house, Sunday, May 16th, night.
On that long Sunday, a different kind of silence filled the house. Akiko was talkative, but her voice couldn't be heard, since she was whispering softly into the ear of Hikaru, her boyfriend.
After listening attentively, he went over to Naoko and Seki, passing along a message in an excited but low voice. Akiko also delivered her message discreetly, but with a wide smile, to Sayuri, Guang, and Megumi.
M School, May 17th, morning
In the calm morning, Hikaru discreetly called Adonis over to say something. The former was smiling, while the latter took on a serious and thoughtful expression.
The cheerful Akiko gathered Yukino, Aino, and Minami to talk during break. The three received the message positively and nodded along with what was being said.
Tuesday, May 18th, late afternoon
Sayuri and Miyu were returning from the market and arriving home. They had taken the opportunity to walk together and talk.
— Thank you, Miyu! I really wanted a medicinal plant — Sayuri said, carrying the grocery bags.
— I'm glad! And this one is great! It's antioxidant, aromatic… — Miyu listed various characteristics of the plant in the pot she was carrying.
— I hope it wasn't tiring.
— Of course not! It was really pleasant.
The two reached the gate, Sayuri went in and walked to the front door, which slowly opened. When Miyu looked into the living room, she was surprised:
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIYU! — Akiko, Hikaru, Matsui, Guang, Megumi, Naoko, Seki, Yukino, Aino, and Minami said in unison.
In Akiko's hands was a birthday cake with fifteen lit candles. Miyu blushed and her eyes sparkled. She wasn't expecting anything for that birthday, she had even kept the date a secret.
— AKIKO! — Miyu shouted, trying to sound annoyed.
— Miyu! Everyone wanted to come! You're very loved! — Akiko placed the cake on the small table and went to hug the birthday girl tightly.
— Okay… Thank you very much.
The cake was shared among everyone along with soda and juice. Gradually, they spread out and formed small groups to talk. It was at that moment that Adonis took the chance to approach Miyu, who was alone.
— Hey, shorty!
Miyu's heart immediately raced and she turned to him, who was holding a package.
— Your gift — he said, placing it in her hands.
Shy, she ended up saying nothing, just started unwrapping the package. That's when she found a flip phone.
— Adonis! This is expensive, I can't accept it. — Miyu handed the phone back, pushing it against his chest.
— Don't even start! I worked to buy it so we can talk! — Adonis held her hands, making her accept the device.
— Ahhh… But you're the one who sends messages, I just reply.
— Fine!
The two then locked eyes and fell silent. Their hearts beat faster.
Night came, the guests went home, and each of the residents split up to tidy the house. Sayuri had taken care of the dishes and was washing them calmly.
— Can I dry the dishes? — Megumi asked, holding a towel.
— Thank you! Yes, please!
Megumi started drying the plates and stacking them away. As she did, she gathered the courage and shared her news with the lady of the house:
— Sayu! I bought an apartment. I'm moving this week!
— Moving? But already!?
The surprise filled Sayuri with mixed emotions. Already used to the presence of the older girl, the one she could talk to most equally, she knew she would miss her. At the same time, she understood that this day was inevitable and refrained from commenting further, letting Megumi express her feelings:
— It all happened really fast! The price was very good, and the contract was settled in no time. I think it'll be good for everyone. There are a lot of people for you to take care of. And Naoko won't have to share a bed with Matsui anymore, since mine will be free.
— Megumi… taking care of you isn't a burden for me — a sincere, melancholic smile appeared on Sayuri's face. — But I'm happy you're able to follow your own life.
— Thank you! I'll come visit whenever I can! — Megumi smiled, and tears of joy ran down her face.
The two kept talking until everything was organized. Everyone in the house was in bed, asleep. Except for Miyu, who had just heard her phone beep and went to read the message:
From: Adonis
Don't stay up late so you won't be late.
She looked at the screen and gave a small smile upon receiving the message. Her reply quickly reached his device:
From: Miyu
…But you're the one who shows up late…
BC City, May 28th, Friday, 6 AM
The days passed in the blink of an eye, and daily life had returned to its rhythm.
Kaoru Vacchiano's routine started early. At 6 AM, he was at the gym. He trained at one in the neighborhood where his atelier and main shop were located.
Training was a way to relieve his body and mind from daily demands. And so he was already on the treadmill, sweating, doing cardio before moving on to weights. But his moment alone was interrupted by a familiar male voice:
— Knew I'd find you here.
— Hm?
Kaoru glanced sideways and saw Will approaching. When he reached Mr. Vacchiano's side, he leaned his elbow on the treadmill, looked at his friend, and started talking:
— So! When are you calling the newbie to work again?
— When I need to.
— You know I'm seeing her, right!? — Will made a mocking expression. — But it's a hassle going all the way to her city just for a quick one.
— You say that like you're all alone around here — Kaoru commented seriously, looking at him from the corner of his eye.
— Ah, she's really into me! She probably has no idea I'm seeing other girls.
— Soon women will get tired of that attitude of yours.
— No way! They love a scoundrel.
Will remained leaning on the treadmill, sloppier now, unaware of his own space. The wide, crooked smile on his face disgusted Kaoru, who turned off the machine and stepped down, walking toward the locker room.
— I'm heading to the atelier.
— Already? Didn't you just get here? — Will found it strange.
— It's urgent.
With no one left to brag to, Will went on with his workout and then continued his day in his usual careless way. Meanwhile, Kaoru started his shift earlier, even before the seamstresses arrived at the atelier.