Prompt 25

[aibamods]

Pairing: Aiba Masaki x Matsumoto Jun

Rating: G

Words: ~8.500

Genre: Romance, (Restaurant) AU

Other Persons/Tags: Ninomiya Kazunari, Kazama Shunsuke, Sakurai Sho, Misunderstandings, Rivalry 

Summary: A new restaurant opens across the street and Aiba, owner of his own little restaurant is not pleased with his new rival and neighbor

“Look at them” Aiba said, waving his hand vaguely in the direction of the entrance door. “It's four o'clock and these people are still lining up like they are handing out free money.”

With a loud sign he dropped down on one of the chairs in front of the counter.

“They had their grand opening yesterday. It's only natural for a new restaurant to catch some attention.” Aiba knew his friend and waiter Kazama was only trying to calm him down, but his words had little to no effect.

The opening of the new Italian just across the street had caught Aiba off guard.

“That's what you get from not reading local newspapers” his roommate Nino had teased him this morning, and although he had a point there, Aiba was still angry with him for not informing him any sooner.

His own little restaurant has had some slow days before, but this time it felt different. They had only served three customers at lunch, which was usually the busiest time of the day. And since there was nothing left to prepare and no part of the kitchen left to clean, Aiba was so bored that he had left his kitchen to hang around in the seating area.

For the last weeks he had observed painters, carpenters and electricians come and go, but for some reason he had never assumed for the new shop to become an actual rival restaurant. The fancy brick wall at the storefront, the whimsical white bench, the potted plants and cutesy wooden decorations, everything had reminded him of these small boutiques or hairdressers targeting housewives and female university students.

Looking at the cue of waiting customers proved Aiba right about the target audience, but the Trattoria Baccanale was without a doubt a restaurant that he now would have to deal with.

“They put a lot of effort in promotion, you have to give them that” he heard Nino say from his usual seat beside the service hatch. 

“Don't you have some work to do?” Aiba muttered. Praise for the rival party was the last thing he wanted to hear right now.

Completely ignoring his friends nagging, Nino turned his laptop around so that Aiba could see the stylish photographs displayed on the restaurants website. The pasta definitely looked delicious.

“They have profiles on every important website and app you could think of. I told you stuff like this is important.”

“I know, I know...” Aiba bit his lip while Nino was clicking through the information and various high quality photos. “Argh, getting photos like those looks really expensive” he sighed “but seems to pay off.” If only had some money for marketing himself.

“There are also ways to help yourself to good publicity without any money though” Nino whispered in an ominous tone and opened a restaurant ranking website. Aiba almost groaned when he saw the Baccanale on top of the list with a perfect score of 5 stars.

“There are also some comments” Nino explained further. “Here...comfortable atmosphere, excellent service and the best carbonara I had in years.”

“Great” Aiba rolled his eyes.

“No, look closer. This comment was written a week ago.”

“When they weren't even open yet!” Aiba realized. “Wait, isn't this cheating?”

Nino shrugged. “I heard it was common practice to submit some nice reviews yourself, but doing it in such an obvious way is certainly on a whole different level.”

“That's the worst” Aiba sighed dramatically. The dread of losing customers was bad enough of its own, but this happening due to dishonest schemes resulted in frustration rising even higher.

“Don't worry. In the long run, customers will value good food, right?” Kazama said cheerfully, sticking his head through the service hatch. “If you keep on doing what you do, customers will come back to this place.”

Aiba nodded. “Not everyone likes Italian, right?”

“Not everyone likes queuing for an hour.” Nino interjected. “Maybe you can attract at least the impatient ones.”

It was meant to be a harmless joke, but Aiba couldn't bring himself to more than a very bitter smile.

//

It got better the week after, at least a little bit.

Aiba had taken Ninos advice to heart and decided to go with a little special promotion of his usual lunch menus, now offering an extra plate of fried chicken with every order.

His aim was to allure hungry customers still contemplating whether they really should waste their lunch time to line up (“impatient ones” as Nino liked to say).

Still, his guests primarily consisted of the usual regulars and people from around the neighborhood.

Although sales had recovered a little, there was still no escape from the Baccanale. Aiba heard his customers talk about it, he saw the fancy new advertising panel in front of the nearby train station, and whenever he took a look out of the window or door there was this shop front with all its potted plants, decorations and the usual queue of hungry customers.

 As much as he hated the thought of it, Aiba had to admit that this was all he could think about lately.

 This was why when he turned around the kitchen corner after at the end of the day and saw Kazama and Nino bending over the same table, his mind immediately jumped to the right conclusion.

Kazama tried his best to hide away the gourmet magazine as soon as he noticed his friend lurking behind them. But Aiba was determined and stronger and managed to get his hands on the glossy.

 “The old lady from the flower shop left it on the table” Nino explained.

 Aiba stared at the spread before him. He didn't even have to read the title to know that this article was about the Baccanale.

 The whole left page was dominated by the high resolution photograph of a young man in a white chef´s jacket flambéing shellfish. His dark eyes, which were framed by gorgeous and perfectly plucked eyebrows were locked on the pan before him.

“Serving looks and delicious meals: Owner and Chef Matsumoto” was written under the picture.

 “You would think food magazines would focus more on the... food aspect, am I right?” Kazama asked in an attempt to lift the mood.

 He was right.

 “Well, now we know for sure how they get all those female customers. You have to give it to them, that's a pretty smart idea” Nino commented.

 “At least I don't have to rely on my looks to sell my cooking” Aiba replied in a defensive tone.

 “That would be a hopeless endeavor anyway.” Nino remarked bluntly. Where he usually received a light smack or complaint by his roommate, this time he was being ignored.

Aiba tried to read through the first paragraphs, but he felt his eyes wandering towards the picture again. There was no denying that the guy was handsome. But he seemed like the type of guy who knew that. Who would have a big enough ego to promote their restaurant with their own face anyway.

 “Matsumoto” Aiba whispered.

 

//

 

A cold wind was blowing when Aiba stepped out of the house. He knew he should have worn a pair of warmer shoes, but it was only a trip to the convenience store, so he quickly decided to go as he was. Checking the small shopping list he had thought up with Nino, Aiba strolled down the dark street.

 Before he got to the street corner however, a suspicious sound caught his attention. Footsteps, something scraping on metal, the rustling of leaves.

Someone was definitely creeping around the houses.

 Only seconds later, a black figure carrying two big bags of trash emerged from the back of the Baccanale. Aiba didn't need to see the face of the man to know his name. Intrigued, Aiba stopped in his tracks. Not that he took joy in watching people taking out the trash, but somehow this guy didn't seem like a person who would be taking out the trash at 2 a.m. in the morning. Or take out the trash at all.

 Normally, he would have just kept on walking. Despite his cheerful attitude towards customers and friends, Aiba was actually rather shy. Furthermore, this was not the most natural situation to start a conversation with people you have never talked to before.

Maybe it was the strange kind of curiosity that had plagued Aiba the last days, maybe it was the three glasses of beer he had drunk this evening, but somehow he felt the urge to engage. His legs seemed to move on his own, carrying him across the street.

 “Hey” he stuttered in a low voice as soon as Matsumoto looked up, bewildered.

The young man just lowered his head a little, insinuating a small polite bow.

 “I'm from the Chinese restaurant across the street. Keikarou.” Aiba explained, pointing behind him without looking back.

 “Okay...?” Matsumoto replied, confusion written all over his face. “Good evening?”

 “You are new around the neighborhood, right?”

 “My restaurant is, yes. My apartment is still in Tokyo.” 

Aiba raised his eyebrows. That was a long way to commute. Especially if he was only finishing work in the middle of the night every day. Jun nodded, waiting for Aiba to break the awkward silence.

 “Well...I'm sure you are aware, but...we have different ways of separating our trash here, so I just wanted to make sure you know about that...”

Trash might not be the best topic to talk about, but Aibas mind was blank at this point and he was desperately searching for a reason to explain his blunt approach.

 “Thanks for reminding, but I made sure we're getting it right.” Matsumoto answered.

“Sure. Sure! It's just that lately there had been some incidents were the trash was not collected because there were some separation issues...and since the collection side is right in front of my restaurant it was a bit troublesome”

 “Well, that's unfortunate.” There was no sign of shame or scorn in Matsumotos eyes, so the cook was either innocent or good at lying.

 “I mean, I don't want to blame you. I was just considering the circumstances and...if the culprit wasn't unaware of the rules, would mean they did it on purpose”

 “To what end?” Matsumoto asked, looking back at Aiba as if he was seriously questioning his sanity.

 That escalated quickly and definitely not in a direction Aiba had intended. He certainly didn't want to make a scene, and hated arguments anyway. Even with someone he didn't really find congenial.

 “Haha, yeah...” Aiba tried to avoid answering directly, facing to the ground. “I'm so sorry! I think I watched too much drama. All these neighborhood feuds and rivalry...it's not really my cup of tea, so I guess I was really barking up the wrong tree... ”

“Rivalry? Don't tell me you are considering me a rival?”

 Actually, he wasn't so sure what he considered Matsumoto to be. He just knew that he didn't want him and his restaurant to be there. It might be childish and immature, but who could blame him for panicking a little? His family’s restaurant had been the only eating place in this area for years. What if the customers only kept coming because of the lack of an alternative?

It has only been two years since Aiba took over the restaurant, and he was trying his very best to honor his parents legacy. It had been going okay so far, but losing face because of a guy like this...a guy who was so different from him, so unpredictable...

 Feeling Matsumotos beautiful dark eyes piercing through him was sending shivers down his spine. Obviously tired of waiting for an answer, the young man sighed.

“I'm sorry to break it to you, but we are no more or less then neighbors.”

Aiba was hanging his head in shame, partly because I felt stupid for initiating this conversation in the first place and partly because he really felt kind of guilty behaving so unprofessional. He wished he could just turn around, get the damn toilet paper and potato chips from the convenience store and head straight home.

 But Matsumoto wasn't finished yet.

“You know, if you feel intimidated by me, you should take rather take a look at yourself instead of over the street. It's not my fault if you're not able to manage your own business.”

 Aibas raised his head so quickly his neck hurt.

“I'm more than capable to manage my own business! At least I'm competing fairly with the actual taste of my food.”

 “So in your eyes, having an inviting guest room or good advertising are unfair practices? Well, maybe you would have fewer worries if you put just a little bit more effort in those sections, too.”

 Aiba was floored. Who was this guy to look down on him? To tell him, Aiba Masaki, who had spent his whole life mastering his father’s recipes that he wasn't putting in enough effort? It was not only rude and ignorant, but also a challenge to Aibas now awakening competitive spirit.

 “You'll see what I'm capable of “he proclaimed ominously.

 Matsumoto just lifted one eyebrow.

“Try me” he murmured, before turning away and disappearing into the dark side street beside his restaurant.

 

//

 

Although Aiba had returned to his home confident and inspired that night, there wasn't much determination left when he woke up the next morning.

He very much disliked fighting with people. On the contrary, Aiba secretly prided himself with the fact that many thought of him as an especially kind person. He usually tried to be the nicest and happiest he could be. It was not a facade or an act, but a principle he truly wanted to follow.

Therefore, he was not comfortable with the thought of making enemies, even if those were as arrogant and unlikable as this Matsumoto guy.

 He also discovered a big fault in his plan. As much as he wanted to get back at his new archnemesis by becoming more successful, wouldn't that actually prove Matsumotos claims to be true?

 Nino, who was the first person Aiba talked to about this new development couldn't see the problem, however. For him, this little feud just functioned as an opportunity to finally implement all these changes he had urged his roommate to before. In an attempt to cheer up Aiba, he even volunteered to help out, making over the homepage in his spare time.

 Since their brief but intense conversation, it seemed like Matsumoto as a person was just as omnipresent as his restaurant. Although Aiba had never consciously met this guy before, he now ran into him everywhere.

They did not only meet at the convenience store three days in a row, Aiba felt like every time he looked outside his window, Matsumoto was there. He was either commuting to work, or watering his plants, or just staring back at him from the windows in his own restaurant.

 “You don't have to be friends.” Kazama had commented, “But don't let this guy get to you. Don't even think about him. It's not worth it.”

 That was easier said than done.

Aiba really wanted to keep a low profile, wanting to live it down. He sometimes bopped his head a little, greeting the rival cook with a smile whenever they met. If enough time would pass, maybe they could just forget what happened. And who knew, maybe one day they could even talk about the weather, or baseball in a friendly way.

 There was just one problem. Matsumoto didn't seem to agree to this sentiment.

Maybe it was just his paranoia, but in the following days and weeks there were some intriguing incidents Aiba just couldn't shake of as coincidence.

 One time he had set up a handwritten chalkboard inviting customers at the beginning of the street. The next day there was a bigger one for the Baccanale, blocking the view.

He had also spend as much money as he could handle on an advertisement in a local newspaper, but right next to it he found a much fancier (and more expensive) one for the Baccanale.

When he extended the lunch time and offered even cheaper set meals, it didn't even take a week for the Baccanale to do the same.

As much as he tried to promote his own restaurant within the monetary limits he had, Matsumoto was right behind him.

For someone claiming to be uninterested in the other one's business, Matsumoto seemed to “borrow” quite a lot ideas from Aiba. If that wasn't a rivalry right out of the books!

This curious relationship went one for about a month without any resolution or escalation in sight.

 It was only in the afternoon of a rainy, but otherwise regular Thursday when an unannounced visit would get the ball rolling again.

At this day, Kazama came charging into the kitchen with a wide grin on his face.

“You won't believe who just came the neighborhood! Sakurai Sho! “

Aiba nearly dropped the huge frying pan he was holding.

“The guy from News Zero, who-”

Of course Aiba knew who Sakurai Sho was.

“Are you kidding? He's here?” in one swift automatic movement he turned off the heat of his grill and headed for the guest room. Some customers were already standing around the windows, whispering in excitement and disbelief.

Kazama had troubles keeping up with his friends pace.
“I think they're filming for that morning show where they visit neighborhoods and stuff.”

Aiba had made it to the restaurants entrance where he had a good view of the street.

There, maybe twenty meters away he could clearly see a filming crew with two cameras and microphones and technological equipment he didn't know the purpose of. And there, amid the crew stood a handsome man that could only be Sakurai Sho.

Usually Aiba wasn't very well-informed of celebrities. He was working until late at night and only watched some little TV shows and dramas he recorded. But the shows Sakurai Sho appeared in were a must. And to think that he could actually see him in person...

“Do you think they will come to the restaurant?”

Kazamas question snapped Aiba out of his daydream. “I mean they do some local gourmet reports, right?”

Aiba intuitively glanced at the Baccanale. 
“Can I leave the restaurant in your hands?” He didn't give the perplexed waiter time for an answer.

A few moments later, Aiba left the Keikarou with a big plate of freshly steamed gyoza. It was a mystery how he managed to simultaneously prepare a meal, get a freshly washed chef's jacket out of his apartment over the restaurant and brush his teeth in just ten minutes. But time was of essence and the excitement and panic did wonders.

Meanwhile, the film crew had moved on a few meters. The Italian restaurant was surely more of an eye-catcher than his own Chinese place, so it was no wonder that Sakurai was interviewing the three girls that have been queuing in front of the Baccanale. He looked even better in reality than on television.

Aiba didn't want to disturb the filming, but at the same time he knew that this was a chance he absolutely had to take. He needed some effort, just as his rival had suggested.

As soon as the director gave the signal to cut and the camera were put down, Aiba gathered his courage and stepped in.

“Have a nice day!” he greeted the staff, who had not noticed him before and flinched in surprise. “Would you like to try some home-made gyoza?” 
He presented the full plate with a generous smile.

The staff members exchanged confused glares. Sakurai was the first one to answer.

“I'm sorry, but are you by any chance from this shop?” He sounded just as polite and charming as always, although the camera was not rolling.

“Oh, actually I'm not!” Aiba explained. “I'm from the restaurant over the street!”

He tried to point at it with his right hand, but the plate was shaking dangerously so he quickly had to put it back. “We serve great mapo tofu and, well, these gyouza. Would you like to try?”

The director took a quick look on her watch. “We could come over in about half an hour if we finish up our filming on this one fast enough...”

Fortunately, Sakurai seemed to be more interested in the food in front of him. 
“I'll gladly partake!” he said joyfully, taking one of the dumplings with a toothpick and shoving it into his mouth.

Aiba watched over him, all tensed up, waiting for a verdict.

“So good!” the reporter moaned, grabbing another dumpling. “Seriously, you should try this!”

“It's even better with our homemade sauce” Aiba advertised. He had Sakurai hooked.

“What are we waiting for? Let's go!”

“What about the filming here?” one of the staff members interjected.

“I'm sure the food here is excellent, too” Aiba replied, trying to sound as neutral as possible. “But they opened pretty recently. If you are searching for the taste locals prefer, I would rather recommend the Keikarou. It's already in second generation and has become a staple in this neighborhood” he explained, already heading back to his place with Sakurai following.

“If we still need some filler, we could come back” the director decided. “Get the camera rolling again”.

When Aiba held the door open for the crew to enter, he could see Matsumoto standing at the entrance of the Baccanale, his mouth wide agape in disbelief.

//

 

Normally, people would be most nervous to serve one of their favorite celebrities. So when Aiba had to cook for Sakurai Sho and moreover for a television show that was airing nationwide, he was in a considerable state of panic.

Why was it though that compared to that day a few weeks back, he was even more fussy just cooking for a totally ordinary guy today?

With a little groan he wiped some sweat from his forehead and resisted the urgent need to take a spoon and taste his food. He didn't have to taste it for the fifth time. He would be fine. He had been fine all the time. Why worry about it now, when it didn't even matter?

“What is he doing?” he immediately asked a little too loudly as soon as he saw Kazama walk by the service hatch.

“Doing? Uh...nothing really. He took some pictures of the soup but has not started eating yet. Is the main dish ready?”

“Leave your eyes glued unto him, understand?”

“You know you can just throw him out of the restaurant if you don't want him here?”

“And give him a reason to complain?”

Aiba mustered his courage and arranged the freshly made mapo tofu on the best and whitest plate he could find. Some Sichuan pepper here, rice on the side and the dish was finished.

Kazama had already prepared a tablet and was eagerly waiting on the other side of the service hatch, but Aiba had different things in mind. 
Without any prior warning he turned off the heat, adjusted his jacket and took the dish out in the guestroom by himself. With big steps he wished looked confident, he drew nearer to the table next to the entrance door.

 “The main dish” he announced and put the plate down in front of his customer.

 “Served by the chef himself” Matsumoto replied when he looked up. “Thank you”

 Aiba tried to smile, but he felt like his nervousness made him grimace instead. What was happening?

 “Can I ask why you are here?”

 “I'm having lunch.”

 On the closing day of the Baccanale? The only day Aiba was usually spared from seeing this guy around?

 “Interesting choice of restaurant. You know you don't have to actually eat here to give me a bad review or something.”

 Matsumoto shrugged and took some pictures with his smartphone. Aiba gulped. Not that it was forbidden to do so. But somehow he was afraid what those would be used for. The plate was not nearly interesting and fashionable enough to be SNS material.

If he didn't knew that nobody could copy a recipe just by a picture...well, if anybody could do that, it had to be Matsumoto.

 “You are not going to poison me, are you?” the cook asked when he noticed Aiba still standing there. “Look, I was just interested in your food since Sakurai Sho seemed to like it. I trust his verdict.”

 “Sorry for luring him away like that. I really thought they would go back to the Baccanale...”

 “No need for an apology. I underestimated you and you rightfully took your chance. And if it hadn't been my favorite host you stole, maybe I would not have been mad.”

 He liked Sakurai Sho, too? Well, he was a generally likeable person, so that shouldn't be too surprising.

 “A-...Anyway” Aiba murmured, unsure of what to say next. “Enjoy your food.”

 He did not dare to come back to the table.

 

//

 

Hours of refreshing, and the rating of the Keikarou was still unchanged. Aiba just couldn't find any negative reviews, any badmouthing or claims at all.

Kazama had tried to convince him that maybe, just maybe, Matsumoto really was here to enjoy some good Chinese food. Aiba knew that his friend just wanted to help him calm down, but it was ineffective.

 At least Nino took pity on him (or rather got defeated by Aibas hour long worrying and nagging) and decided to support his search.

Only 10 minutes had passed until he texted Aiba a link, without any further written comments.

 “How did you...”

 “Do me a favor and learn how to do some basic research” his roommate sighed next to him.

 “You are the best”

 Aiba could swear he saw a satisfactory grin as Nino grabbed his laptop to move up to the apartment.

“Open at your own risk” he whispered solemnly right before he disappeared.

Aibas fingers hovered over the screen. He could feel his heart beating faster, his hands getting sweaty again. There was definitely some anxiety of what he would find, but his curious side definitely won this battle. With eyes closed he tapped on the link.

When he opened his eyes again he found himself on an instagram post. The picture, without any doubt showed the food he had served his rival yesterday.

“Best Mapo Tofu I had in weeks :) #yum #lunch” the caption read. 36 likes.

"That's it?” Aiba whispered in disbelief, almost disappointed.

 “That's it” he heard Nino chuckle from up the stairs. He must have been watching Aiba from a safe distance. “Happy now?”

 He left Ninos question unanswered and turned back to the screen, underwhelmed as he was.

 “Jun, 31. Likes coffee, fashion, working out, good food and having drinks with friends.”

 The information on his profile was meager, but Aiba was intrigued for some reason.

So his name was Jun. Why did he found out just now? Why did he even care?

 It turned out that Matsumoto Jun was posting on a frequent level and that yesterday’s lunch was just one example of many simple food reports. But that wasn't the only content on his page.

 Besides the stylish black and white photos of everyday scenes, and a lot of food and coffee, there were also a lot of photos of Matsumoto himself. Sometimes it was a simple it picture in front of a mirror to show off his outfit of the day (which always were either incredibly stylish or mildly hideous). Sometimes it showed him with his assumed friends at a night out or on a trip.

What Aiba surprised the most however was how this guy presented himself. Sure there were some photos in which he posed like a model. But on others he made weird expressions, or smiled from ear to ear, or cuddled with a cat who obviously didn't enjoy what was happening. All of those did absolutely not fit the image he had of Matsumoto. This guy usually looked cocky and distant, almost intimidating. But seeing all of these pictures, Aiba couldn't help but be astonished. Somehow he couldn't stop grinning at each and every one of them. He especially loved the one in which Matsumoto was intensively hugging a mascot. He just looked so silly and childish and soft.

 “Are you still stalking this guy?” Nino asked him hours later when they were chilling in the living room.

“It's not stalking. I'm just looking at his profile.”

Nino rolled his eyes. “That's what...okay, forget it. What's so interesting anyway?”

“Did you know he has a bonsai? A real cool one?” Aiba asked and turned his phone so his roommate could see the picture.

Nino was not impressed.

“So he is an actual human being with interests and friends. What a shocker” he remarked in an ironic tone. “You don’t have to instantly like this person just because he didn’t behave like an asshole for one time.”

Aiba sighed. “I know, I know. It’s not that I like him or anything. I just feel like we could actually get along better. And he was not the only one behaving an asshole. I was the one who started it all. If I had just welcomed him properly when his shop moved in, things could be different now.”

“Sure. But don’t forget that communication goes both ways. He also didn’t come over to introduce himself. And that visit yesterday as much as this post probably had nothing to do with you, either. He was just around for some lunch and that’s that.”

“Does it matter though?” It was an instant thought Aiba didn’t know the origins of. “I was in the wrong for suspecting him doing something shady. And that is not the first time. If I would treat him in a more friendly way –“

“Neutral would do, too” Nino intersected, a mischievous smile on his lips.

“Anyway, seems like I totally missed that chance when he came here and I couldn’t even see him as anything other than my enemy.”

“Well, if you absolutely insist on making up for that…” Nino put away the game-pad he had been holding, moved over to his roommate and snatched Aibas phone. “I’ll show you how.”

 

//

 

“You're welcome anytime“ was all that Nino allowed Aiba to write as a comment under the original post. Simple words that somehow eased his bad conscience. It was a nice but polite gesture, not too intrusive. Something he could tell each and every one of his guests.

He was hoping that Matsumoto would understand his comment and intentions. That Aiba acknowledged Juns actions (or lacking of thereof) as some kind of truce.

But Aiba had never expected Matsumoto to interpret his comment so literally, let alone thinking of it as an invitation.

It only took Matsumoto two weeks to enter the Keikarou again.

He was sitting at the same table as before, studying the lunch menu attentively.

This time, Aiba was there to take his order.

“Glad to have you back again” he said in a tone as nice as possible.

“I was nearby” Jun responded as if he needed an excuse. He was still looking at the menu card. “Maybe I'll just go with the Chef's recommendations today.”

Was this a way to set Aiba under pressure, or did Matsumoto really just came here without an idea of what he wanted to eat?

“There are some more dishes Sakurai-san tasted, if you would be interested in that.”

“You always find a way to rub that in, don't you?”

For a moment, Aiba was irritated. That was not what he had wanted to hint at. He thought Matsumoto would appreciate the opportunity. But just before he retorted something possibly hurtful, he noticed a little smile on Juns lips.

“That was a joke. I'll have what he had.”

When Aiba checked Juns account this evening he found a post just like before. A simple picture, an even simpler description and no indication of ill-feelings.

It strengthened him in the belief that Jun was uncomfortable with their tense situation, too.

Sooner or later both would have to learn to live with the other ones business just across the street, and Aiba was determined to at least try to establish a neutral relationship.

Still, it was strange when Matsumoto entered the Keikarou again, exactly two weeks later. It almost seemed like he had given himself a mission to try each and every dish on the menu.

A few months back, Aiba would have called that suspicious, but now he was positively surprised and even happy that he had acquired a new regular costumer. And Jun became more and more of the most regular customer the Keikarou had.

When at first he would come to eat lunch every two weeks, that soon changed to every week Wednesday, without a week of pause.

Aiba and Matsumotos exchange was nothing more than a few words and phrases in the beginning, but soon their talk went on longer and longer. Week for week, Jun allowed a new little piece of his character shine through. Sometimes, when no other customers were to be served, Aiba would even sit down and they would chat until Jun had finished his food. They talked about the weather, the latest news and movies and eventually even about their own work.

Jun told him that he had worked some time in Europe to learn about Western cuisine. He described how hard it was to find a job in a restaurant that matched his perceptions and how opening his own place had been one of his biggest dreams. He also explained that with the little loan he had managed to obtain, a restaurant in Tokyo had been impossible for him.

 In turn, Aiba acknowledged that taking over a running shop was relatively cheap in comparison. But he also had stories to tell, about how frustrating it was to live up to your parent’s expectations, about how difficult it was to both hold up a tradition and try to do something innovative and new.

 “I shouldn’t have said that you lack in effort” Jun admitted one day, and although Aiba shared this sentiment, the sudden apology was unexpected.

 “I shouldn’t have blamed you for that garbage problem, either.”

 Jun shook his head. “I found out that you were right that time. The part-jobber I had back then made some mistakes. I should have discovered that sooner.”

 “But at that time I was just accusing you without proof.”

 “Yeah, and I was pissed” Jun said, laughing out loud. “I thought you were just trying to start trouble. And I got carried away.”

 Aiba nodded, and both men stayed silent for a while.

 “Well, I’m happy we’ve overcome that somehow. And I’m glad you’re here.”

 

//

 

“Are you on your phone again?” Kazama asked when he brought empty plates back to the kitchen. 

Caught in the act, Aiba almost dropped his smartphone in the soup pot. There was proper reason why his father had forbidden texting and browsing your phone during work, and he had followed this rule for years. It was almost embarrassing how fast he had abandoned the rule now.

“They are no orders right now” he murmured as an excuse, but blushed.

“It's Wednesday again, huh.” Kazama said with a soft smile. “Do you know if he's going to come visit today, too?”

“Well, that's what I was trying to figure out.”

“Sometimes I don't get why you have to make it so hard for yourself” he suddenly heard Ninos voice say from the kitchen entrance. “Just ask him out already.”

“W-What are you talking about?” Aiba responded way too loud and tried to cover his uneasiness with a fake chuckle.

“I have to agree.” Kazama said. “You are so clearly into him.”

“I am NOT into him.” He crossed his arms in disagreement.

“You check his profile every day.”

“You saved his selfies on your phone.”

“You turn red as a beet whenever you talk to him.”

“You talk about him EVERY day.”

“You-”

“Okay!” Aiba knew he had lost to the two of his friends. “Maybe I'm kinda into him...”

Nino sighed dramatically. “Finally!”

“That doesn't mean I should ask him out, though. What if he would hate the idea...”

“You're right. It's not like this guy is spending time on every free day he has to travel all the way back to work just to see you for half an hour!”

Aiba just stared back at Nino with a face as blank as his head right now.

“You only now noticed how crazy that sounds?” Kazama asked.

“But we're not even free on the same day...”

Nino just let out a groan and Kazama couldn't help but laugh. He took a step closer and patted Aibas shoulder.

“Will you ask him out if he comes today?”

“I...” Aiba bit his lip and averted his eyes. “I can try...But if he should not come-”

“He will come” Nino stated. “He is just as stupid as you are. No offense.”

No offense was taken. Nino was to be proven right.

As soon as Aiba saw Kazamas wide smile through the service hatch, he knew who just entered through the door. He wanted to protest, he just wanted to ignore the conversation he and his two friends had earlier. Just pretend nothing had happened, and he had no obligation whatsoever.

Aiba could feel his waiter’s glances on his back as he brought Jun his food. Kazama actually had the order to watch over the kitchen for as long as Aiba was busy, but it seemed like he couldn't resist taking a peek at the guestroom anyway. He also heard Nino coming down the stairs and taking a seat, so that he wouldn't miss the spectacle.

He wasn't sure whether Kazamas and Ninos presence made things better or worse. He didn't really like those public confessions and proposals, but he definitely needed the pressure and coercion to finally speak out what he never even dared to think about.

Jun didn't seem to notice anything. He smiled at him, as usual, before taking a picture of the plate. How many pictures of the same dish he had to own.

Aiba tried, he really tried, but he couldn't bring himself to anything else but meaningless small talk. Jun ate, they continued their chatting, Jun paid and nothing had happened.

But it just couldn't end like this every week. In this point he shared his friend’s opinion.

“Matsumoto-san?” he asked, just as Jun was about to leave through the front door. “There is something I wanted to ask you.”

Jun stopped in his tracks and waited a few seconds before he turned around to come back to the register. 
Aiba could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Was he blushing again?

Without noticing himself he made a few steps forward, getting closer to Jun.

“I heard there was a new Coffee shop around the station and I wondered whether you already checked it out.”

Jun tilted his head. “The one on the corner? I sometimes get myself a latte to go.”

“Oh, I see” Aiba tried to hide his insecurity with laughter. “Too bad.”

The confusion on Juns face was conspicuous.

“Well, I...I thought we could maybe check it out together?” He didn't dare to look directly in Juns eyes. From what he saw, Jun was behaving the same way. He seemed to look over Aibas shoulder, as if he was in a daze.

 There was some silence, a lot of silence, too much silence for his taste.

 “I'd like to have coffee with you” Jun finally answered in a sober tone.

“But I think that wouldn't be a good idea.”

 Aiba raised his head, now actively searching for eye-contact and an explanation.

“So that's a...”

 Jun lips were quivering. “I'm sorry. I really shouldn't have come over...I'm sorry.”

 Before Aiba could respond, Jun turned around. “Thanks for the good food” he whispered before leaving in a hurry.

 

//

 

It was a warm and sunny day when Aiba decided to finally tackle a project he had thought about for a long time. He wiped away some sweat on his forehead and continued brushing the smooth white paint on the outer wall of his restaurant.

There was not enough money to remake the shop front and, if he was honest, he didn’t see the need to do so. But a new coat of paint was affordable and could do wonders. However, it was even more exhausting than Aiba had imagined and he already regretted not getting some experts to do it for him. At least Kazama, being too good of a friend had offered his help.

 “That’s just like getting a new haircut” Nino had joked this morning, before he apologized with a rare sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry. I never thought that wouldn’t work out. But…You’ll get over him.”

 Sure he would, he absolutely had to. It was just absurd to Aiba how bad it felt to lose someone he never even “had” in the first place. It had been nothing more than a crush. It was even hard to speak of a friendship. But still, Jun coming in every Wednesday had been more than a ritual to him. And he realized that just now, two weeks after Juns last and disastrous visit. Somehow he had imagined Jun to be back the next week as if nothing had happened.

 Aiba had thought of taking the initiative, maybe visiting the Baccanale for the first time, showing that he still cared. But he didn’t want Jun to feel uncomfortable or pressured by his presence. And yes, maybe some distance was the best thing for now. I will be polite and nice, he told himself daily. Not too persistent, not pushy, not annoying.

These were the words that went through his mind, even now in this moment. He had to be an adult, he had to do the right thing, he-

“Hey.”

Juns voice was so close to Aibas ears that he whipped around in an instant.

There he was, Matsumoto Jun, standing right in front of him. Speaking of the devil!

“Hey” Aiba replied surprised, unable to keep himself from smiling.

He wasn’t the only one surprised though.

Whatever Jun had wanted to say, whatever the reason for his greeting had been – no he was just looking down on his outfit, his mouth agape.

His stylish black leather jacket, shirt and jeans were full of thick white spatters.

Aiba looked down on his right hand still holding the wet paintbrush.

“Oh, I’m…I’m so sorry! “, he finally manage to spurt out. In desperation he tried wiping the paint on Juns sleeve away with his fingers, only making matters worse. “I’m going to fix that!”

“I…was supposed to go to an event after that” was the only sentence Jun was able to reply. There was a mixture of anger, panic and disbelief.

“An event?” Aiba asked to distract Jun. As hard as he tried to rub it off, the paint wouldn’t go away.

“A friend of mine holds a small concert.”

“Is that the reason why the Baccanale is closed after lunch?”

Jun didn’t answer Aibas redundant question and instead tried to tackle the paint problem himself.

“This is not working!” in a frustrated groan, Jun took of his jacket. “But if I have to go home first to get some new clothes…”

“You don’t have to” Aiba replied in an instant. This time he wouldn’t chicken out. He would make up for what he did.

“Kaza-pon? I’ll be back soon” he yelled so his helper around the corner would hear it.

“I’ll get you something to wear” he then promised Jun and took him by the hand.

Jun looked unconvinced and even reluctant at first, but he didn’t resist when Aiba guided him into the restaurant and then to the stairs past the kitchen.

“Is this really okay?” Jun asked almost bashfully, as if it was HIS fault they were here.

“Why shouldn’t it be?”

“What about Ninomiya-san?”

“He’s not home today” Aiba answered, although he didn’t get what Nino had to do with Jun coming upstairs.

It was only when the two men arrived at the end of the stairs and Aiba opened the door to his apartment that he started to worry about his sudden invitation. Was the apartment presentable? Should he let Jun wait downstairs?

“Please ignore all of the old manga mags lying around” he said with a nervous smile before entering. “They don’t belong to me. I mean I read them, too, but…okay let’s just go this way.”

He showed Jun the way to the little eat-in kitchen he almost never used. This was where

his mother used to cook for him and his brother, but now Aiba mostly prepared his meals in the restaurants kitchen. Therefore, this room was the easiest to keep clean.

"Just wait here, I’ll be right back.”

 With throbbing heart and cold sweat running down his neck, Aiba rushed into his room. What clothes should he pick out? He wasn’t sure whether the thought of him sharing stuff with Jun was exciting or mortifying. They were about the same in height and from all the outfits Jun had showed of online, Aiba knew they at least shared some opinions on fashion. With shaking hands he sifted through his closet. A few years back he had enjoyed going shopping alone or with friends and even owned a few brand pieces. But since he had to wear working clothes almost all week now, he never felt the need to update his closet on a regular basis.

Aiba would have preferred more time to find the best pieces he had to offer, but decided to go with his gut feeling so he wouldn’t leave Jun to wait for too long. He snatched a shirt similar to the one Jun was wearing, dark slim pants and a jacket that was not nearly as cool as the leather one, but still casual enough to wear to a concert.

This had to be it.

 As fast as possible he hasted back to the kitchen, almost tripping over a pile of empty beer cans he had forgot to take out together with the garbage.

 When he arrived at the kitchen, Jun was standing with his back to him, examining a framed picture on the wall.

 “I really like that photo” he commented without turning around.

 “It was taken at the opening day of the Keikarou” Aiba explained, putting the new clothes for Jun on the eating table.

“It's really amazing that you took over the restaurant your dad. Is this your whole family?”

Aiba laughed and joined Jun in front of the picture. “These are all neighbours and friends. Here” he said and pointed on a group of kids next to his young dad. “That's me. And Nino and Kaza-pon here have been around back then, too.”

“Wow. You have really known each other for a long time.”

“I wouldn't be here without them” Aiba said proudly. “I couldn't even imagine how things would be”

“I understand that so well” Jun said. There was melancholy in his voice. “There is a reason why I still haven't moved here. I think I am afraid of being separated from my friends. From everything that is important to me. Everything that defines me.”

Aiba nodded, unsure of what to say next.

“Maybe I was kind of jealous when I first saw you from across the street.”

“Jealous? But you're restaurant is running so much better...”

Jun shook his head. “I mean watching you interact with everyone. You are so close with your customers and the people in this neighborhood. And I wanted to be part of that so badly. I don't know what happened. I was frustrated and behaved like an ass...”

“You are always welcome here.” Aiba said with a big and honest smile. “I know we can't replace your friends in Tokyo, and we don't have to. But you can come by after work, or when you're free and we can drink and eat and laugh together. Kaza-pon and Nino and I, we will be here for you.”

Jun lowered his head. He was smiling too, but somehow he didn't look happy.

“I don't think your boyfriend would like me coming here.”

“My...My what now!? Who are you talking about?”

Aiba and Jun were staring at each other in uttermost confusion.

“The guy you are living with? The one who always comes down the stairs whenever I come around to surveil me?”

“Are you talking about Nino? Nino is not my boyfriend! He's my best friend.”

“Oh” Jun whispered. “OH.”

Aiba laughed, not sure if it was because of Juns absurd assumption or the face he was making right now. “Why would you even think that?”

“I mean...You are posting so many photos with the two of you. And you're living together. And when he came over to talk about you I felt li-”

“He did what?” Aiba interrupted. “When? What did he say?”

“About a month ago. He bluntly asked whether I'm single and whether I was attracted to you and all these really private questions. So I thought he was just jealous...”

That was the first time Aiba had heard of this. Should he feel betrayed? Thankful? What was even happening right now?
He had to order his thoughts, but this situation was absolutely impossible to process. It just didn't feel real, but like a TV drama that was unfolding before his eyes. Maybe that was a good thing, because it allowed Aiba to ask things he usually would be too embarrassed about.

“What did you answer?”

There was no denying it, Aiba wanted to know.

Jun seemed reluctant to answer, averting his gaze. He had seen this before, exactly two weeks back.

“I told him that he didn't need to worry, because I had no interest in you.”

Aiba nodded, already hating himself for setting up getting his heart broken two times in a row.

But Jun was not finished. A faint pink color swept over his cheeks.

“Which was a pretty easy to see through lie.”

It took Aiba some moments to understand what Jun had just said.

“What? You mean...you like me?”

“You're sounding really surprised for someone who actually asked me out on a date.”

“You refused the invitation, what was I supposed to believe?” He pouted, but there were no ill-feelings whatsoever. His body, his mind everything just felt light and bubbly.

“Let's just agree that we both suck at this” Jun responded, now starting to laugh. He radiated softness and warmth. “But I got it. This time it's my turn. Have I told you about the concert this evening? What do you think about being my plus one?”

The tender kiss Aiba placed on Juns cheek was answer enough.

Comments

[nicefinalbeam]

I'm a big fan of rival shop stories! LOL I love that Aiba is protective over his restaurant and his family's legacy! Kind of love also that Jun pushing his buttons actually motivated Aiba to make a move and get that TV crew to his place instead :D I laughed so much at Aiba recognizing that if he DID start marketing and making choices like Jun did it would prove Jun's point if it made him successful? Ahaha.

All in all it was fun to see how the two of them kind of pushed each other to be better and OF COURSE their little rivalry wasn't enough to squash that attraction ;D Hope they have a great time at that concert whoo! :D

[ladyc2]

Rivals to lovers is always such a good trope. This was great. I like that Aiba started it (even if it was mostly subconciously) but of course Jun wasn't going to take a step back. Loved when Aiba managed to steal Sho out from under Jun's nose (with food, what else, lol!).

And then Jun kept coming for lunch and Aiba wasn't sure what he was up to at first but then his friends pointing out what it had to mean. But then Jun had the wrong end of the stick thanks to meddling Nino and, ah, I'm just glad they worked it out in the end.

Thank you - this was such a good read.

[wjktl1999]

This is sweet!!!

Brat Nino... arigatou!

[marineko]

Awww... this was so cute! I love the rival restaurants thing, and the Aiba/Nino/Kazama friendship, especially <3