Classroom Heartbeats

Chapter 13. First Night Together!

Saturday morning dawned with a crisp, clear sky, as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the windows of Yuto's mother's flower shop. The shop was alive with the vibrant colors of fresh blooms, their sweet scents mingling in the air, creating a calming and inviting atmosphere. Yuto was busy arranging a bouquet, his hands moving with practiced ease, when his phone buzzed with a message from Kazuki.

Kazuki: "Hey, Yuto! Planning a small get-together tonight for my 20th birthday. Just us four. Need a place to hang out. Any ideas?"

Yuto smiled as he read the message. He knew Kazuki valued these intimate gatherings with close friends, and he wanted to make it special.

Approaching his mother, who was trimming stems at the counter, Yuto hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Mom, can I ask you something?"

She looked up, a warm smile lighting her face. "Of course, Yuto. What is it?"

"Would it be alright if we celebrate my friend's birthday on the second floor of the flower shop tonight? It'll just be a small gathering with some food and drinks. Only four of us, including Kentaro and Kibin," Yuto explained, hopeful but uncertain.

His mother paused, considering the request. "That sounds fine, Yuto. Just make sure to clean up afterward. You know how much I trust you and your friends."

Relieved and grateful, Yuto quickly replied to Kazuki, "We can use the second floor of my mom's flower shop. Let's meet in the afternoon to do some grocery shopping."

Kazuki responded almost instantly, "Awesome! Thanks, Yuto. See you later."

Later that afternoon, Yuto and Kazuki met up and headed to the local grocery store. They walked through the aisles, selecting ingredients for their celebration. The anticipation of the evening ahead filled them with energy as they gathered everything they needed for Chicken Katsu and Karaage.

Back at the flower shop, the second-floor space was cozy and inviting. It had a small kitchen, a table, a comfortable sofa, and even a single bedroom. The aroma of breaded and deep-fried chicken soon wafted through the air, making their mouths water in anticipation.

With everything ready, Yuto and Kazuki split up to fetch Kibin and Kentaro. Yuto went to Kibin's house.

"Hey, Kibin! We're having a little get-together tonight at the flower shop. You in?" Yuto called out, waving.

Kibin looked up from his work, a smile spreading across his face. "Count me in. Sounds like fun."

Meanwhile, Kazuki made his way to Kentaro's house. He knocked on the door, and Kentaro's mother, sitting comfortably in the living room, answered with a smile. Kazuki was a familiar face; he and Kentaro had been friends since childhood.

"Good afternoon, Auntie. Is Kentaro home?" Kazuki asked politely.

"Yes, he's upstairs in his room. I'll let him know you're here," she replied warmly. Moments later, Kentaro appeared, looking curious and excited.

"We're celebrating my birthday tonight at Yuto's flower shop. Ready to join us?" Kazuki asked, a twinkle in his eye.

Kentaro's face lit up with excitement. "Absolutely. Let's go."

With everyone gathered, they made their way to the flower shop. Kibin and Yuto arrived first, followed shortly by Kazuki and Kentaro. The second floor was perfect for their celebration-intimate and away from the bustle of the shop below.

It was around 7:00 PM as they settled in, unfolded with laughter, stories, and the delicious aroma of Chicken Katsu and Karaage. The friends shared memories and jokes, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. Kazuki, the birthday boy, felt grateful for such close-knit friends who had been with him through thick and thin.

Sitting on the sofa, Kazuki raised his glass, a grin on his face. "To another year of friendship and unforgettable memories," he toasted.

"Cheers!" they all echoed, their glasses clinking together in a harmonious melody.

The room filled with the sound of their laughter and the warmth of their camaraderie. Yuto, looking around at his friends, felt a deep sense of contentment. These were the moments that mattered, the times when life felt both simple and profound in its joy.

They had already downed several bottles of beer. Kibin, who usually had a high tolerance for alcohol, was starting to feel its effects. The same went for Kentaro, Yuto, and Kazuki. The small, cozy space of the flower shop's second floor was filled with the murmur of their voices and the warmth of their camaraderie. Kibin stood up, slightly unsteady, and headed to the restroom, his mind a swirl of thoughts.

Meanwhile, Kentaro remembered Kazuki's question from when they were at Gordie's Hamburger about his first kiss. His mind, clouded by the alcohol, drifted back to that moment.

"Didn't you ask me before if I've ever had a kiss?" Kentaro said, his voice slurred as he turned to Kazuki. It was clear from his movements and speech that he was quite drunk. "The truth is, I have had my first kiss. It was an accidental kiss. My first kiss," Kentaro said, smiling and laughing softly, his eyes unfocused.

Kibin emerged from the restroom and was making his way back to the table when he overheard Kentaro's words. His steps faltered slightly as he processed what he was hearing.

"See, you wouldn't think that quiet, unassuming Kentaro has had his first kiss," Kazuki teased, leaning in closer. "Who was your first kiss?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his tone.

Kentaro didn't answer Kazuki's question, possibly not hearing it in his drunken state, but continued on his train of thought. "That's what a first kiss feels like, you can't quite understand it," Kentaro explained, his voice filled with a kind of wonder.

Kibin heard every word Kentaro said. He knew Kentaro was referring to him because he was his first kiss. Like Kentaro, he couldn't explain the feeling of that accidental kiss. It wasn't Kibin's first kiss, as he had girlfriends before. But like Kentaro, it was his first time kissing someone who wasn't a girl. Despite trying to hide his feelings at the time, Kibin couldn't deny that, like Kentaro, he felt emotions that couldn't be explained with simple words. The words he heard from Kentaro and the feelings he had during their kiss made Kibin's cheeks flush and his heart race. He felt nervous. Kibin tried to push away these emotions, emotions he didn't like, and sat down to continue chatting with his friends.

The conversation and drinking continued. The atmosphere was warm and a little hazy, the room spinning slightly with the effects of the alcohol. Kazuki and Yuto couldn't handle their drinks anymore. Yuto left the flower shop to sleep at home, while Kazuki lay down on the couch, too drunk to move. Kibin and Kentaro were still at the table, sitting next to each other. Kentaro was very drunk but still awake, his eyes heavy-lidded and his movements slow.

Kentaro reached for the last bottle of beer to pour a drink for Kibin, and their hands touched. Kibin's heart raced, and he told himself it was just the alcohol. At that moment, they were the only ones still awake. Kibin quickly pulled his hand away, took the drink, and downed it in one go to end the drinking session.

The large gulp made Kibin feel dizzy. He stood up to steady himself but suddenly fell. Before he hit the ground, Kentaro caught him. Kentaro was sitting, and Kibin ended up sitting on Kentaro's lap, his arms hanging limply while Kentaro's hands held him steady.

Perhaps it was the alcohol that made Kentaro act and speak so boldly. He was confident and cheeky, a side of him Kibin rarely saw. Kibin did nothing, just sat on Kentaro's lap, his eyes tracing the contours of Kentaro's face.

"You were my first kiss, you know," Kentaro said suddenly, his words slurred but sincere. "Why did it have to be a guy?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion and curiosity.

Kibin had no answer because it was an accident. "I didn't plan it, Kentaro. It just happened," he replied softly, his heart pounding.

Kentaro's gaze softened. "I don't regret it. I'm happy that it was you," he admitted, his cheeks flushed with alcohol and emotion. His words made Kibin's heart race and his face flush. In that moment, Kibin felt the warmth of Kentaro's body, the intensity of his gaze, and the closeness of their faces, which heightened Kibin's tension and emotions.

Kentaro, too, didn't know what to do. Like the first time, their faces were close. Kibin's warmth seemed to melt the coldness Kentaro felt, a sensation he secretly enjoyed but feared he might get used to.

Without a word, Kibin raised a hand and placed it behind Kentaro's head, gently pulling him closer. "Kibin," Kentaro said, and then he claimed Kibin's lips. This time, it wasn't an accident; Kentaro kissed Kibin intentionally. Kibin was stunned but couldn't deny the small part of him that wanted this. All he felt was their shared breath, the pounding of his heart, and the warmth from Kentaro's body slowly melting his own.

Kibin pulled back slightly, but Kentaro held his face. "Kentaro," Kibin whispered. "Kibin," Kentaro replied. Hearing Kentaro say his name made Kibin feel completely lost, dizzy. This time, Kibin's hands cupped Kentaro's cheeks, and he kissed back, a deep and emotional kiss, full of feelings only they could understand. The emotions between them were intense. Kentaro lifted his face, and as he leaned in to kiss Kibin again, he slumped against Kibin's shoulder, falling asleep from the alcohol. But the warmth and emotions between them remained very much alive.

The flower shop's second floor, usually filled with the calm and sweet scent of flowers, was now a silent witness to this unexpected and emotional moment. The night had a way of revealing hidden feelings, and in that moment, both Kentaro and Kibin felt something shift between them, something profound and yet undefined, leaving them both to wonder about what the future might hold.

Kibin woke up with a pounding headache, clearly suffering from a hangover. As he opened his eyes, he realized something was obstructing his head-he was resting on Kentaro's chest, while Kentaro's arms were wrapped around him. A surge of panic shot through him, and his heart began to race.

He looked up at Kentaro's face and saw that Kentaro was already awake, staring back at him. Startled, Kibin quickly jumped out of bed.

"This isn't what it looks like!" Kibin blurted out, trying to explain. "I just woke up like this, and I was as surprised as you are."

"Did I say you did anything?" Kentaro replied, laughing softly.

Just then, Yuto arrived with a basket of food. He called out to Kibin and Kentaro, inviting them to breakfast. "Mom made chicken soup to help with our hangovers," Yuto said, setting the basket down. "She's always so thoughtful," Kazuki added, a sentiment that both Kibin and Kentaro echoed with nods of agreement.

As they sat down to eat, Yuto noticed how spotless the second floor was. There was no trace of beer bottles, and all the utensils had been washed. "Wow, the place is really clean. Who cleaned up?" Yuto asked.

Kazuki chimed in, "It was Kibin. I woke up in the middle of the night and saw him cleaning."

Kibin looked puzzled. "I don't remember any of that. I must have been really drunk last night."

"Are you sure, Kibin? You don't remember cleaning at all?" Kazuki pressed.

"Not at all. I was so wasted, I don't remember anything," Kibin admitted.

"What about you, Kentaro? Do you remember anything from last night?" Kibin asked, hoping for some clarity.

"I don't remember much either. I can't even remember why I ended up sleeping in the room," Kentaro replied.

After finishing their breakfast, Kibin, Kentaro, and Kazuki decided it was time to head home. They thanked Yuto and his mother for their hospitality and left, each of them contemplating the previous night's events and the new, unspoken bond that had formed between them. The day ahead was sure to bring more clarity, but for now, they were content with the quiet understanding that whatever had happened, it had strengthened their friendship in unexpected ways.

When Kibin reached his apartment, he was exhausted and disoriented, the remnants of last night's revelry still clouding his mind. He groggily made his way to the shower, hoping the hot water would wash away the alcohol-induced haze. The steam enveloped him, soothing his aching muscles and providing a brief respite from the pounding headache. Emerging from the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist, he headed to the sink to brush his teeth.

As he reached for the toothpaste, it slipped from his grasp and fell to the floor. Bending down to pick it up, a series of vivid images flashed through his mind. He saw himself sitting on Kentaro's lap, Kentaro's arms wrapped around him. Kibin shook his head, trying to dispel the thoughts. "It was just my imagination," he muttered to himself, trying to convince himself that nothing unusual had happened.

He straightened up and squeezed toothpaste onto his brush. But as he brought it to his lips, another image surfaced-Kentaro kissing him, and Kibin responding by cupping Kentaro's cheeks and kissing him back passionately. The memories of the previous night at the flower shop's second floor came rushing back, leaving Kibin stunned. He couldn't believe what had happened between him and Kentaro, something he never thought Kentaro would do, and something he never imagined himself doing.

Kibin felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. How was he supposed to face Kentaro on Monday? The thought of seeing him again, especially after remembering their kiss, made Kibin's heart race. The normally unflappable Kibin now felt a whirlwind of emotions. He feared that his behavior might not be normal, that he wouldn't be able to act naturally around Kentaro, now that he remembered the kiss they shared.

He stood there, staring at his reflection in the mirror, his mind racing. "What if Kentaro remember it?" The questions swirled in his head, each one more unsettling than the last.

Kibin took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The thought of their friendship being awkward or strained was too much to bear. But how could he look Kentaro in the eye now, knowing what had happened between them?

As he finished brushing his teeth, he resolved to take it one step at a time. "I'll face this on Monday," he thought. But deep down, Kibin knew that things would never be quite the same again. The kiss had changed something between them, and whatever lay ahead, their friendship had already taken a new, uncertain turn.

With that resolution, he headed to his bedroom, trying to focus on the present and leave his worries for another day. But even as he lay in bed, sleep eluded him. The memory of the kiss lingered, a potent mix of confusion, fear, and an unexpected spark of something more.

One Monday morning, as the sun began to rise, Kibin was getting ready to head to university. The morning light filtered through his apartment window, casting a warm glow on his surroundings. Just as he was about to leave, his phone buzzed with a message from Kentaro.

"Hey, are you already on campus?" Kentaro's message read.

Kibin quickly replied, "Not yet, still at my apartment but heading down now."

"Let's walk to campus together," Kentaro suggested.

Kibin's heart skipped a beat. He didn't want to walk with Kentaro because he felt embarrassed about what had happened between them on Saturday night at Yuto's flower shop. He was worried that Kentaro might remember what happen between them on that night. "I'll go ahead on my own," Kibin replied, hoping to avoid any awkwardness.

As Kibin stepped out of the apartment gate, he was surprised to see Kentaro waiting for him. Kibin couldn't bring himself to look Kentaro in the eye. He immediately started walking, and Kentaro fell into step beside him.

"Are you okay after our drinking session?" Kentaro asked, concern evident in his voice.

"I'm fine," Kibin replied quickly, his voice a bit too high-pitched. "Why wouldn't I be? Nothing bad happened." Kibin was desperate to change the subject, hoping to avoid any discussion about Saturday night. He made up excuses to steer the conversation away from the topic.

The walk to campus was filled with an awkward silence, punctuated only by the occasional forced small talk. Kibin's mind raced with thoughts of their kiss, and he wondered if Kentaro remembered it too.

After their class with Professor Smith, the four friends headed to the rooftop to hang out. The rooftop was their usual spot, a place where they could relax and unwind. The view of the city below was breathtaking, but today, the atmosphere felt different.

Kentaro tried to put his arm around Kibin, but Kibin shrugged it off. "It's too hot for that. I'll get all sweaty," he said, moving to a different spot. Kentaro noticed Kibin massaging his hand and tried to help by massaging it for him. But Kibin quickly pulled his hand away, unable to act normally around Kentaro.

"What's wrong, Kibin?" Kentaro asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"Nothing, I'm just... tired," Kibin lied, avoiding Kentaro's gaze.

The tension between them was palpable, and Kibin struggled to maintain his composure. The memory of their kiss lingered in his mind, making it difficult for him to interact with Kentaro as he usually would. The rooftop, usually a place of relaxation and camaraderie, now felt charged with unspoken emotions and unresolved feelings.

Kazuki and Yuto sensed the awkwardness but didn't say anything, unsure of what was going on. They tried to keep the conversation light, but the underlying tension was hard to ignore.

As the day went on, Kibin couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He knew he needed to talk to Kentaro about what had happened, but he didn't know how to bring it up. The fear of ruining their friendship loomed over him, making him hesitant to address the issue.

For now, all Kibin could do was try to act normal and hope that things would eventually go back to the way they were. But deep down, he knew that their friendship had changed, and he wasn't sure if it would ever be the same again.

Kibin couldn't shake the nagging thoughts from his mind as he paced around his room. Determined to find some clarity, he decided to ask Kazuki if anything else had happened after he cleaned the entire second floor of the flower shop. Kazuki, still groggy from the night before, replied with a yawn, "No, nothing else happened. I remember you cleaning up, and then you went to the room and fell asleep."

Kibin nodded, pretending to be confused. "I don't remember cleaning the second floor at all. I must have been really drunk," he said, trying to mask his embarrassment.

In reality, Kibin remembered everything that had happened. He was just pretending to forget because he felt ashamed and wanted to see if anyone else remembered. He asked Kazuki again if he recalled anything before seeing Kibin cleaning. Kazuki shook his head. "Nope, I was out cold. Too drunk to remember anything."

Despite his embarrassment, Kibin mustered the courage to ask Kentaro if he remembered anything. The two of them were sitting on the rooftop, the city spread out below them like a living, breathing entity. The air was crisp, and the sky was a clear blue, but Kibin's mind was fogged with uncertainty.

"Hey, Kentaro," he began hesitantly, "do you remember anything from Saturday night?"

Kentaro looked puzzled, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall. "I don't remember much, to be honest. I was really drunk. Why are you asking, Kibin? Did something happen?"

Kibin quickly replied, "No, nothing happened. I just wanted to know if anyone remembered anything." He forced a laugh, trying to sound casual.

Kentaro studied him for a moment before asking, "Did you do something that night, Kibin?"

Kibin laughed nervously, standing up and moving away from Kentaro. "No, why would I do anything? You're always so suspicious."

Kazuki, who had been lounging nearby, chimed in with a laugh, "If nothing happened, then stop asking about it. We were all drunk. None of us remember anything."

Kibin thought about Kazuki's words and realized he was right. If anyone remembered anything, they would have said something by now. The tension he felt around Kentaro began to dissipate. He walked over to Kentaro and placed his hand on Kentaro's shoulder. "Alright, my hand hurts. Can you massage it for me?"

Kentaro smiled, relieved to see Kibin acting more like himself. "Sure, Kibin. Let's get that hand feeling better."

As Kentaro massaged Kibin's hand, the awkwardness between them melted away. The rooftop, once filled with tension, was now a place of laughter. The friends chatted and joked as they enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the comfort of each other's company.