As always, slow music plays in the background of this cozy, not so crowded café. Semi-warm lights add enough brightness to this place, yet they do not take away the night, romantic warm vibe. I take off my winter, beige coat, as I observe the busy, neonly illuminated streets of Tokyo under us. I am just genuinely enjoying the way it feels here at night. Hoshi also puts his black coat beside him, revealing his dark blue sweatshirt. He looks at me, and in the corner of my small eye I can see that his big lips softly smile. I return him a neat, yet a bit more energetic smile and I Hoshi begins the conversation. "So, how have you been? We haven't seen each other for a while now…" He asks, shyly smiling. The slight blush on his face honestly just makes my heart melt. "I've been good. I've been studying a lot, and staying cozy in my apartment" I say, my calm mind only processing his handsome face. I find him even more tender, and prettier than I usually do, his skin soft and a little bit paler, the look in his brown eyes making me feel warm.
"And what did you do?" I lean against my hand, slightly tilting my head, indicating I'm not about to talk much. Tonight I only feel like silently listening to his heavenly voice.
"Oh I have been to my parents and studied, too" He says as Daehyun brings us our order.
"Where do your parents live?" I ask to get the conversation going.
"In Kyoto." He says. "It's actually my home town too. They haven't moved since marriage"
"Kyoto? What a beautiful country!" I sit straight, and feel a sudden pang of energy spreading through my body. I thought I'd only listen, but I guess not. I closely listen to Hoshi describing the place he grew up at, contributing after his every sentence. I'm really excited to hear about not only Kyoto, and its original vibe, but also about Hoshi's nostalgic childhood, and the peaceful memories of his. Suddenly I don't feel so calm and sleepy, rather energetic and happy, picturing the wonderful places.
I take a bite of my light blue winter dessert, and as my senses work hundred percent more, I genuinely enjoy the flavourful creme. The hot cappuccino also warms me better than ever. Hoshi keeps yapping about his interesting hometown, my light eyes literally shining with astonishment. Later, we also indeed open the topic of his childhood.
"I think I already told you, but these are the memories that I love to recall the most" He begins. "Although I wouldn't call myself an introvert, I always preferred to stay inside with my parents, in our kitchen. I remember my sister and our best friend always running around, yet I would always cook and play with them after me and my dad finished. Or I would bake with my mom and play with them while the pie cools down. We would all eat it together then, and again, I would have fun with them later" Hoshi says, smiling thoughtfully. I can't help it but smile at such beautiful and valuable memories.
He already mentioned gaining baking skills from his mom, yet he hasn't told me about it properly, until now. The obvious happiness in his face, his voice, as he talks about this only assures me of the kind of person he is. Telling these memories with honest words from his heart.
Hoshi's mom is a baker, and his dad is a chef. They together own a successful restaurant in Kyoto. No wonder Hoshi's food is irresistible when he comes from such a family, although it for sure isn't the only irresistible thing on him.
We could talk like this for hours, and trust me, we would love to, but the café closes at nine - in ten minutes. We take our things, thank Daehyun and leave our comfortable spot.
It's genuinely cold outside, probably freezing. The bus stop is near, and my bus should be there in 10 minutes, so we begin to walk, the snow once again decorating our divergent hair.
"Hoshi" I say "I think we still have a lot to talk about and I was thinking… Don't you maybe wanna sleep over?" I ask shyly, a little unsure of myself.
"I'd love to!" Hoshi exclaims. "I'll just let my roommate know to take care of Nelson" He says, as the bus arrives.