Cherreads

Chapter 77 - Art and dancing

"Excuse me, ma'am? I think this little one belongs to you." The woman rushes forward, tears of relief streaming down her face as she scoops Mika into her arms. "Mika! Oh thank goodness! Where have you been? I was so worried!" Mika buries her face in her mother's shoulder, clutching tightly. "I got lost, but these nice men helped me find you!"

Sanemi steps back, giving them space while maintaining his protective stance. The mother looks up at Sanemi with gratitude, her voice trembling. "Thank you so much for bringing her back. I don't know what I would have done if..." Sanemi waves his hand dismissively, though he's clearly pleased with himself. "Just doing what anyone would do. Kids get lost sometimes."

He glances back toward Giyuu, silently signaling that everything is under control. Giyuu walk to them kissing Sanemi's cheek. Sanemi freezes momentarily at the unexpected kiss, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Oi, Giyuu... not in front of the kid." He tries to maintain his composure while Mika giggles at their interaction. "What's so funny, Mika? Nothing's happening here." The mother smiles warmly at their dynamic.

"You two make a lovely couple. Thank you again for finding my child." Sanemi coughs awkwardly, clearly flustered by the mother's comment. "We're not... I mean, we're just... roommates." Giyuu grins mischievously, wrapping an arm around Sanemi's waist. "Sure we are. Very good roommates who kiss each other's cheeks." Mika waves at them cheerfully. "Bye-bye scary man and his boyfriend! Thank you for helping me!" Sanemi groans as Mika's words cause several other people to look their way.

"I told you not to call me scary! And we're not... ugh, forget it." He turns to Giyuu with a mock glare. "You're enjoying this way too much, aren't you?" Giyuu just laughs and squeezes Sanemi's waist tighter. "Maybe I am. You look cute when you're flustered." Sanemi's attention shifts to the music, grateful for the distraction from Giyuu's teasing. "Looks like the festival's starting. Maybe we should head home before you embarrass me any further."

He tries to sound stern but can't hide the hint of a smile at the familiar tune. "Though I suppose we could stay for one dance..." Sanemi leads Giyuu onto the dance floor with surprising grace, their movements perfectly synchronized. "Show-off," Sanemi mutters, though he's clearly enjoying himself as they twirl around. Giyuu spins Sanemi expertly, drawing attention from nearby couples.

"You're one to talk. Remember that time you taught me those fancy footwork moves?" The music swells as they dance closer, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. "Shut up and dance, Giyuu. The kid's probably telling everyone we're the best dancers here." Sanemi dips Giyuu dramatically, earning applause from their audience. "Maybe we should start charging for our performances." Giyuu laughs as they come back up.

"Only if you promise to wear that ridiculous hat you tried on earlier." As the night deepens, fairy lights illuminate the area with a magical glow. "It's getting late. We should probably head back soon," Sanemi says, though he doesn't stop dancing. Giyuu glances at his watch and nods. "You're right. But one more song? This one's my favorite." The music changes to one of the famous dances of dirty dancing.

Sanemi raises an eyebrow at the change in music, a mix of amusement and warning in his expression. "I know what you're thinking, and no. We're not doing that one." He maintains their dance position but keeps it respectful. "Besides, there are kids around now. We should set a good example." Sanemi glances around and notices the absence of children, a slight smirk forming.

"Well, I suppose that changes things... but we're still in public, Giyuu." He spins Giyuu once more, keeping his movements within acceptable limits. "Let's at least keep it PG-13." Sanemi notices the growing audience and tenses slightly, though he continues dancing professionally. "Looks like we've got an audience. Just remember, no funny business." He keeps his voice low enough for only Giyuu to hear. "And don't blame me if you end up being the one who can't keep up."

The music builds to a faster pace, and Sanemi's movements become more fluid, but still maintain their decorum. "Giyuu, if you try anything inappropriate, I swear..." He warns through gritted teeth, though his eyes are dancing with competitive spirit. "Let's show them how it's really done." The crowd cheers as Sanemi expertly matches Giyuu's pace, their chemistry evident in every move.

"See? This is why we're the best," Sanemi says with a confident grin. He spins Giyuu again, adding a slight flourish that earns more applause. "Though I could do this all night without any... extras." Sanemi effortlessly lifts Giyuu into a traditional dance hold, his strength showing as he supports him. "Show-off yourself," Giyuu teases breathlessly, clearly impressed despite himself.

The crowd gasps and claps at the impressive display of skill and coordination. "Alright, alright, put me down before I get too used to this." Sanemi sets Giyuu down gracefully, both of them slightly out of breath from the intense routine. "That's enough showing off for tonight. Let's get some water." He nods toward the refreshment area, still catching his breath.

"Though I have to admit, you're not as heavy as I expected." Giyuu playfully punches Sanemi's arm as they walk toward the refreshments. "You're just trying to flatter me now. And you say I'm the one who's flirty." Sanemi hands Giyuu a bottle of water, taking one for himself. "I'm just stating facts. Besides, it's getting late and we both need to cool down." Sanemi wipes his forehead with his sleeve, the night air cool against their heated skin.

"The moon's already high. We should head back before it gets too late." He glances at the festival lights beginning to dim for the night. "Though I suppose we could walk through the park first. It's a nice night." The park is peaceful and quiet, with only a few scattered street lamps illuminating the path ahead. "You know, this is actually kind of nice," Sanemi admits softly, walking beside Giyuu. The moonlight creates a gentle glow on their faces as they stroll.

"Just us, no annoying students or dorm drama." Sanemi's shoulders relax as they walk in comfortable silence, enjoying the rare moment of peace. "Though don't get used to it. I still need to beat you at that new video game." He smirks at Giyuu, their usual playful rivalry resurfacing. "And maybe we should have a proper dance-off in our room next time." As they approach their dorm building, Sanemi yawns and stretches his arms.

"Finally home. I'm exhausted from all that dancing and saving kids." He fishes out his keys, still maintaining a casual pace. "And don't forget to put your clothes in the hamper properly this time." Their cat Mochi meows at them. She came through the window. Sanemi's face instantly softens at the sight of Mochi, his tough exterior melting away.

"There you are, you little escape artist. Where have you been all day?" He kneels down to pet her, completely forgetting about his previous exhaustion. "And you wonder why we can't keep any plants alive." Mochi purrs loudly and rubs against Sanemi's leg, clearly happy to see him. "At least someone missed me," he teases, scratching behind her ears. Giyuu watches the tender moment with a small smile.

"She probably went to bother Shinobu again. That's where she always ends up." Mochi leaps gracefully from Sanemi to Giyuu, settling comfortably in his arms. "Traitor," Sanemi mutters with mock offense, though he's clearly amused. He stands up and opens the door to their dorm.

"Just like her owner, choosing the pretty one." Giyuu cradles Mochi as they enter the dorm, the familiar space welcoming them back. "She has good taste," Giyuu says with a smirk, stroking Mochi's soft fur. Sanemi rolls his eyes and heads to the kitchen. "Whatever helps you sleep at night. I'm making tea before bed." Mochi purrs contentedly in Giyuu's arms as he follows Sanemi to the kitchen.

"Make me some too," Giyuu requests, sitting down at their small table. Sanemi busies himself with the kettle, his movements efficient and practiced. "Only if you promise not to drink it all like last time." Sanemi sets two cups on the table, one decorated with small cat paw prints - his. "Fine, but you're doing the dishes tomorrow," he concedes, sitting across from Giyuu. He takes a sip of his tea, watching Mochi settle comfortably between them.

"She looks like she's already claimed her spot for the night." Mochi stretches out lazily on the table, her tail flicking playfully. "See? She's taking up half the space," Sanemi points out, though he makes no move to shoo her away. He takes another sip of tea, his expression softening as he watches their cat. "At least she's not destroying anything tonight." Giyuu reaches over to scratch Mochi's chin, making her purr louder.

"She's just being a good girl. Unlike someone I know." He gives Giyuu a playful glare over his cup. "Watch it, or I'll tell her to sleep on your pillow instead of mine." Mochi seems to understand the threat and curls up closer to Sanemi, making him smirk victoriously. "See? Even she knows who's really in charge here." He takes another sip of tea, looking pleased with himself.

"Though I suppose I could share my pillow with you both... for a price." Giyuu raises an eyebrow at Sanemi's suggestion, trying to hide his amusement. "Oh? And what would that price be? More cleaning duty?" He leans forward slightly, genuinely curious about Sanemi's terms. "Or are you just trying to get me to cook breakfast tomorrow?" Sanemi pretends to think deeply, stroking his chin with exaggerated seriousness.

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