Smooth Talker

Haru and Sakura found themselves waiting in a long queue outside a famous burger restaurant, which was just a walking distance from Miouji. It was a 2-story building with brown exteriors, and glass walls and doors, while the inside had wooden furniture and chairs in navy blue and mustard yellow.

Sakura, however, had to take calls from her colleagues as they stood in line, while Haru patiently waited for her and their turn. After almost an hour, the two were called by an employee, who seemed to be a Western woman with medium-length wavy ginger hair. They were led to a two-seater table at the easternmost part of the fast-food chain, where the menu was already placed. When the employee went back to the counter after they thanked her, Sakura quickly turned the pages of the menu.

"Isn't it your day off today?" Haru asked, a brow almost raising.

"Uhm… yes, but also no. I get calls even on my day off. "I apologize-"

"Don't. You already told me about your sched this week, so I understand."

She slowly looked up to him, a shy smile displayed on her face, "Thank you… Uhm anyway, I've been wanting to eat here, and I'm already famished. Should we order food for Kyoko, too? Is she on her way now?"

"Kyoko hasn't answered my messages yet, but I already informed her of our whereabouts. I'll just text her again while you're picking the food you want."

Another 20 minutes had passed, and there was still no response from Kyoko. Thankfully, Haru caught a glimpse of the ginger-haired employee coming their way. Sakura's eyes also glistened upon seeing their orders being served in front of them, and the aroma alone of the burgers made them salivate.

Sakura got their most famous burger with tomato, compote, shiitake mashed potato compote, parmesan crisps, and beef patty as well as a vanilla milkshake. Haru got a double beef patty burger with mushrooms, garlic aioli, and sauteed onions, and strawberry lemonade for drinks. They also ordered an avocado salad with shrimp, broccoli, and soy dressing for sharing.

She took quick snaps of the food and called the handsome man in front of her, who was silently, yet amusedly watching her.

"Hmm?" Haru's brows raised.

She grinned after taking a photo of him, "As expected, you still look good even though it was candid," and smiled softly when she showed his picture.

The pink-haired lady said her respects before excitedly taking a bite of her burger, smearing her lips with the juices from the burger.

"Slow down, we're not in a hurry," he mentioned, handing her a table napkin.

She quickly took it and wiped the corner of her mouth before speaking. "Sorry! I got too excited! But seriously, I've been wanting to eat here ever since I moved to Tokyo… and this is sooooo good. It really deserves the hype it gets!"

"Well, it definitely should. We've also waited for a long time outside, so it better not disappoint," he chuckled.

–

"Is everything going smoothly at work?" Haru inquired after putting some avocado salad on his plate.

"Mmm….it should be since almost everything's been settled yesterday. But… they can't contact the studio where the photoshoot is going to be held, that's why they called me…"

*BEEP BEEP*

"Oh, sorry, I'll just answer this real quick."

Haru already noticed the cream on Sakura's heart-shaped lips as she talked on the phone. He momentarily stared at it and felt a sudden urge to remove the cream off her lips using his. He shouldn't be thinking of such things, but he wondered how sweet it would be to feel her soft lips again.

However, his thoughts were then cut off when he saw her frowning during the call.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to join you in watching the special clip. I have some errands to do afterward," she heaved a sigh.

"So work isn't going smoothly after all?"

Sakura nodded, the sparkle in her eyes had already faded, "I have to check the availability of some studios since there's a conflict with the studio we rented."

"I see. I'll come with you then-"

"It's okay, Haru. Besides, I'll also be visiting the studios and-

"Where are these situated again?"

"Uhm… I still have to wait for my colleague's message, but it's not around here… somewhere a bit far I guess?" she pursed her lips as she thought.

"I don't want you getting lost on your way, so bring me with you."

"No, it's okay. Really-"

"Are you sure you're not going to get lost?" a slight smirk was appeared on his face.

"I can ask Mei and my colleagues… and I can use the map, too."

"Why ask Mei and your workmates if you already have me with you?" he stared straight into her brown doe eyes.

"Oh, I didn't know you're a smooth-talker, Haru," Sakura's lips curled into a smile.

Haru's cheeks felt warm as he averted his gaze. "I am not. Anyways, you're not bothering me at all, Sakura," he uttered and gave her a reassuring smile. "Eat up, so you'll have energy later."

Sakura, even though she was already feeling shy with his suggestion, still returned a grateful smile. Haru's been helping her since morning, so she was determined to finish everything as soon as possible so that they could go home and rest earlier.

It was already past 2:30 when they finished their lunch, and as they headed their way to the bus stop, Haru finally received a call from Kyoko. She apologized for not being able to join them since her meeting with her manager got delayed. She also went back home because she forgot her power bank in her room. Further, she would not be able to come with them later that afternoon since she also needed to attend to some things in the café, which of course, were all completely understandable.

"I'm really really sorry, Sakura. It's really supposed to be a girl's date with our bodyguard, but my schedule got fucked up."

"Bodyguard huh…" Haru smirked and heard the two ladies laugh.

"I'll see you soon, Sakura. Enjoy your date, you two!"

"Chotto matte…" Haru stopped his tracks, "Did you just say 'date'?"

"Eh? I thought you two are legit dating now?"