The Takahashi family always had breakfast together. Diago was already seated on his favorite couch, his wife next to him. Daigo was waiting for an explanation for the outburst during the meeting yesterday.
Yuu came downstairs to have breakfast and just like he had expected, his father was down already and Yuu knew that his father would demand for an explanation. A valid one.
Yuu had barely finished talking about the meeting when his dad interrupted him. He straightened up in his chair, and narrowed his eyes. This was a habit Daigo showed when he wanted to ask questions. Real questions.
" Hold on, you said that boy's name was Ren. The boy from highschool" Daigo said looking at Yuu who was sitting across the room.
Yuu froze.
His mother's posture stiffened and a slight shift only Yuu noticed.
No one said anything.
Daigo stared between his wife and son confused.
" I remember the name because you were in a very bad shape, and it upset me so much. You never forgot that name," he said.
Yuu swallowed hard.
" Yuu, that argument had some sort of familiarity, like there was history between you. You would never get angry like that just because of contrasting values," he said looking at Yuu.
Yuu opened his mouth to say something but no words came out.
Mrs Takahashi held her husband's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
" I am just trying to understand why a stranger seems to pull such emotions out of you. I am not saying you are wrong son, it's just that you defended yourself as though you'd been hurt by this boy before."
" Maybe…" Mrs Takahashi started but didn't complete her statement.
" It's not like that, it was just an argument about values" Yuu who had been silent finally replied.
Mr Daigo was not convinced even though Yuu had forced a smile. He got up and went to Yuu. He sat next to him, reached out for his hand.
" ... are you two, more than coworkers?". Daigo asked. He wasn't accusing, not assuming romance but trying to fill a gap that didn't make sense.
Yuu couldn't answer immediately because the truth was far more complicated.
" I won't force you to open up to me, but I just don't want you to hurt yourself again. I don't want to go back to those frustrating months, be careful" he said patting Yuu's hand gently.
" Let him breathe" Mrs Takahashi said. " The boy from highschool , I had seen him with Yuu a few times and I can tell you that Ren Nakamura and that Ren are two different persons. I don't think Yuu is attracted to Mr Nakamura" she defended.
Yuu just nodded in approval.
" I know you are so kind hearted and working with someone like Ren might be not so simple but I hope you have a good working relationship and resolve your differences. I am talking too much right?" Daigo asked.
" No Dad."
" I am going to talk to Mr Nakamura too for being unprofessional" he added.
They all headed to the dinning area to have breakfast. Yuu didn't eat much. He didn't have an appetite. Mrs Takahashi was watching him closely during the meal.
" Why don't you take two days off?" She suggested. " You can't say no, I'd have Risa update on your work schedule, I'd handle everything for you."
" That's a nice idea" Daigo supported.
Yuu didn't even have intentions of refusing. He was not in the right frame of mind to see Ren or face the office gossip girls.
" Then, thank you mom, you are the best," he said as he smiled softly.
" I'd be upstairs." He said as he got up and headed to his room.
The truth was, even Mrs Takahashi was scared. She didn't want to loose her son again. As she watched him walking up the stairs, she said a silent prayer from within.
Daigo got a call from Ren later on . He didn't say why he left abruptly, he just apologized for his unprofessional behavior. Daigo was not going to make him take accountability for his behavior because Yuu would also be involved. He just dismissed Ren with a warning.
Ren also took a day off. He was not ready to see Yuu. He didn't want to see his tired eyes or hear his soft voice.
But he still longed to be with Yuu.
There was an old bar in Yuu's vicinity. The bar that also held memories of them. The bar that never changed. No matter how times changed, technology evolved , nothing changed. The interior, the music, the drinks all stayed same. If nostalgia was a place, it would be Bg pixie bar.
The adults had told Yuu and Ren that the bar had been existing since the inception of Hanuel Quarter. It never changed.
What made the bar interesting were the drinks. The cocktails had very unusual names. The bartender would ask you questions about your preference and then made it according to what he thought suited you. The drinks were even named after brands, they even had an anxiety cocktail.
Yuu and Ren would sometimes go there to do their homework while listening to old music and sipping their not so strong drinks. The bartender always gave them " Genius juice" cocktail anytime they came with unfinished homework.
On days when they were just relaxing, they would always get the " sweet denial sip"" or the " almost lovers lemonade."
Ren drove from his place to Yuu's vicinity. He told himself that he just missed the bar and it's ambient lighting and music. He didn't plan to stay long. The bartender was elated to see him again after a long time. He didn't recognize him immediately but he found him familair. After they had discussed and exchanged pleasantries, the bartender knew. He asked Ren about his other friend.
" Yeah, he's fine," he answered slowly. The bartender gave him an " overthinker is on ice" drink.
He chose a dimly lit corner and sipped on his drink slowly.
The doors swung open.
Ren didn't care to look up. He had only looked up when the bartender had suggested a drink. "Warm heart honey fizz".
A very familiar voice said thank you.
His heart did a summersault.
Yuu.
He was yet to see Ren and just when he was contemplating about leaving the bar, their eyes met.