23.) First Date

Monday January 18th, 2021

Toru sits at his desk, eyes locked on his screen. When he looks at the time he quickly saves his progress to finish up tomorrow, not wanting to leave Kaya waiting on him for their first official date. He sends Kaya a quick message and quickly packs up his belongings, wearing a smile on his face as he heads out after reading her reply. Once on the elevator he starts to hum happily to himself, thinking of what all he needs to do before he picks up Kaya.

"Hello Mr. Oikawa." A female voice greets him from behind. Toru turns and looks at the voice who'd spoken, a woman of about five feet and seven inches with green eyes and black hair. "Hello, I'm afraid I don't know your name." Toru responds with a friendly smile. "I'm Chia, I work in legal." She beams at him. "Ah, that's right. You've only been here a few months." Toru tells her with a smile, recalling he had to hire a legal team as Date Tech hadn't had an in-house one when he arrived.

Chia nodded happily at him that he might remember her a little. "Yes, I started at the end of November." She smiles, pushing hair behind her ear and looking back up at him. "Well Chia, I'll be sure to remember your name next time we meet, have a nice day." Toru tells her, stepping off the elevator. He hears her heels quickly clacking behind him and lets out a sigh, he'd really been hoping she was just being nice.

"Um, Mr. Oikawa. I was hoping I might be able to invite you to dinner." Chia suggests, her face red. "You know, like a date." She finishes while nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Toru turns to her and gives a sympathetic smile. "I can appreciate that it was hard for you to say all of that, and I commend you for not being one of those women who leaves everything to the man. You seem like a very nice person, but my heart, body, and mind belong to someone else. I'm sorry." He lets down as gently as he can.

Chia's face turns even redder as she mentally hits herself for not considering a man like Toru Oikawa would have already found love. "Of course, that makes sense. She must be really very lovely." She tells him, with her voice cracking. Toru thinks of Kaya and smiles, wondering what she plans to wear tonight. "She's the most wonderful woman in the world." Toru replies, "You'll find your happiness in time, Chia. Just don't settle ok." He soothes before turning and walking away.

He listens behind him as he leaves her, happy that she didn't stop away angry or in a hurry like she may go off and cry. Reaching the parking lot he quickly gets into his car and heads back to his apartment. Kaya's text said she would be ready in about thirty more minutes which gave Toru enough time to get a fast shower, change out of his work suit, and stop by the florist for his order.

Rather than waiting for the elevator at his apartment complex, he decides to run up the stairs, fitting in a little exercise before he gets his shower. Once inside he quickly goes into the bathroom, stripping off his suit as he makes his way to the shower to turn on the water and allow it to get hot. Toru allows the hot water to hit his body with a happy sigh before running shampoo in his brown locks then conditioning and rinsing, followed by a fast wash.

He steps out of the shower, rubbing the towel against his body then hair in turn before wrapping the towel around his waist and securing it. His contacts bothering him he takes them out and puts them in their case before blow drying his hair. Toru grabs a clean pair of boxers, white tee shirt, and long black socks, putting them on and walking over to his closet and grabbing the hanger he'd hung there earlier that day off the back of the door.

Toru put on his dark maroon skinny leg slacks before walking back into the bathroom and moisturizing his face, putting on deodorant, and spraying his cologne on his tee shirt then wrist, rubbing them together. He walks back into the closet and grabs the black turtleneck shirt and puts it on before going back for his contacts, using eye drops before putting them back in place.

Satisfied that he was now ready, Toru heads for the door, grabbing a pair of ankle length black boots and putting them on before tying them up well. He stands and drapes a dark grey scarf over himself then puts on a black jacket and holds onto it on his way back to the car, this time taking the elevator not wanting to be sweaty and smelling when he picks up Kaya.

Arriving at the flower shop, Toru pulled in the front and hopped out, making his way inside as quickly as he could knowing he was expected at Kaya's in about another seven minutes. "Hello, welcome to Petals on Prince. How can we help you sir?" The older woman behind the counter asks. "I placed an order, it's under Oikawa." Toru informs her with a warm smile. "Ah yes, that was a very nice order. Much more thoughtful than some of the others we get through here." She beams at him as she makes her way over to a shelf.

Toru approaches the counter and waits for her to give him Kaya's gift, happy he'd already paid over the phone so that he could get to Kaya that much sooner. The woman placed the plant into a box to keep it from moving around and smiled over at Toru. "Would you like me to add a ribbon?" She asks. Toru shakes his head regretfully. "She's expecting me soon, so I'd better pass." He tells her. "Ah, well I'm sure she'll love it. Have a good night Mr. Oikawa." She told him with a smile.

"Thank you, when will you start taking orders for Valentine's day?" He asks, the woman smiling at him with a knowing grin. "We will take them as early as next week." She informed him, receiving a smile from him. "Perfect. I'll be in touch." He informs her as he heads out the door, the woman watching him with a satisfied smile. From the look of love in his eyes, she had a feeling she'd just met a new longtime customer. She found herself even hoping for a lifelong one, hoping things work out for him and his young lady.

Toru made his way over to Kaya's, already thinking over what he would do for her for their first Valentine's Day together. He hoped it would be the first of many, but he still wanted to get the first one started off on a good note. When he pulls in at Kaya's he feels grateful that he made it just in time. Grabbing the box from next to him he makes his way up to her door and knocks on it.

As he waits, his phone goes off and he pulls it out to see a message from Kaya. 'I'm sorry, I'm not ready yet. Door's not locked, let yourself in.' Toru feels a touch of regret that he didn't consider she might not be ready and he would probably have time to get that ribbon after all. In his experience the longer it took a woman to get ready the more she cared about making a good impression and often the more beautiful she would look.

He lets himself into her apartment and hangs his jacket on the hook by the door before making his way over to sit on the couch and wait for her. He looks around the living room happily and wonder's if Kaya is wearing pants or a dress, what color she might be wearing, how she decided to do her hair, even if she would be wearing her pandora and if so would she choose to have it in bracelet form or necklace.

Ten minutes later, Toru heard Kaya coming out of her room and stopped playing Candy Crush, putting his phone in his pocket as he stood and turned to greet her. When his eyes land on her he finds himself unable to speak. She'd somehow made the curls at the top of her head become straight, the ends of her hair falling in large ringlets around her shoulders. Her makeup is immaculately done and her kissable lips shine brightly.

Kaya wears a silver teardrop necklace, falling between her breast, her long sleeve royal blue dress having a deep V show just enough cleavage to drive Toru insane with wanting to kiss her upon it. The floor length dress has a slit all the way up to her mid-thigh and flows around her like the perfect creature she is. "I'm sorry it took longer than I thought it would." Kaya tells him, with nervousness in her voice.

Toru shakes his head. "Why, was there something else you wanted to do to get ready that you haven't?" He asked, looking at her and feeling she couldn't possibly be more beautiful than she is now. "No, I at least made sure to do all I'd planned, but I made you wait." Kaya told him, her voice cracking. "Oh my little cutie, never apologize for getting all dolled up. Every woman who sees you tonight will be envious of your pure beauty." He tells her, watching a dazzling smile meet her lips as she heats red in the face.

"I don't think that's true, but I'm glad you at least think so. I like to get done up like any woman, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want you to enjoy it." She tells him. "Oh trust me, I'm enjoying it. I won't be able to peel my eyes away from you. We might crash and die." He jokes. Kaya lets out a laugh and shakes her head, "Are you saying you need me to drive?" She asks, raising a brow at him?"

"No way could I let you drive. You might wrinkle your dress more than you already will just getting in the car. I'll do my best to keep that from happening though." He assures. "Anyway, this is for you." He tells her, holding out the box for her to receive. Toru watches her face light up in delight as she moves the lid, the look of wonder as she stares at the plant before lifting it.

Kaya studies the greenish blue petals of the plant, and loves the fact that it almost looks like a rose. "This is so cute, but I have no idea what it is or how to take care of plants." She confesses. Toru chuckles at her as she pokes at the soil it's planted in. "It's a succulent. They don't require much care, but I can get you a book about them. This one is called a blue rose succulent. I didn't like the idea of flowers that would just die for our first date. I wanted something that can last, as I intend for our relationship to do." He tells her.

Kaya smiles warmly at him then moves in for a kiss, which Toru plants gently on her cheek. "Let's not mess up all your hard work by kissing before we even leave." Toru taunts, gaining a laugh from Kaya. "Good point, let me put away my super thoughtful plant, put on my shoes, then we can get going finally. Thanks for being chill about waiting." She tells him. Toru shakes his head. "You'll get used to the fact that I'm never going to be upset over such trivial things in time." He tells her gently, as she places the succulent on the kitchen counter.

Toru watches Kaya slip on a pair of silver heels then grab her white coat she'd been wearing the night they first kissed. He took the coat from her and helped her into it, then opened the front door and walked her out to the car, opening the door and holding out his hand for support while she entered. This time is a little different however, as he holds up the bottom of her dress for her with his other hand. Once Kaya is seated, Toru bends over to ensure her dress is inside the car, smoothing it out as best he can hoping not to ruin it.

Satisfied he's done all he can to prevent wrinkling, Toru makes his way over to his side of the car and clicks his seatbelt in place before putting the car into drive and heading to their destination. "You never did say where we're going." Kaya reminds him gently, curiosity seeping from her. "It's a surprise, but a good one." He responds, giving a little wink. Kaya pouts that her attempt didn't work out before resigning to wait and see.

When Toru parks Kaya lets out a little laugh, "I might not have dressed up as much if I knew we were coming here." Kaya informs him. He shakes his head, crossing his arms. "This is the perfect place. We made peace here together and if not for that we may not be here now as a couple. Besides, I dressed up nicely as well, and who says you can't wear a beautiful dress to a pizza place. It's not the place little cutie, it's the occasion you dress for." Toru tells her.

Kaya smiles at him, realizing he's right and she's overreacting, helping to calm her. "How'd you get to be so smart?" She asks, cutely. "Who me? I'm a certified genius." Toru responds, his tone and body language reminding her just how arrogant he could be sometimes. At first it used to bother her, but now knowing that he can back up most of his arrogance and that he's not actually so conceited, it is somewhat endearing.

Toru comes around and opens the door for Kaya, gathering up her dress and offering his hand to help her up. "Thank you." She beams up at him, wishing her shoes made her just a little taller so she could kiss his cheek. "Of course." He responds, closing the car door behind her and escorting her to the door. Toru opens the door for her and allows her to enter Ted's Most Best before him, hearing a familiar voice that gives him the urge to punch something.

"Kaya! Haven't seen you around lately. How are you?" Yuri asks happily. "I've been really busy, a lot of life changes and such, but I'm good. How are you." She asks kindly. "I'm good, you look amazing. What's the occasion?" He asks, not yet noticing Toru who was taking deep breaths so he wouldn't cause a scene on their very first date. He'd hoped since the flirtatious waiter worked lunch before he wouldn't be here at this hour, but life has a way of not giving you what you want.

"First date." Kaya gushes, moving her head to look at Toru. Hearing her happily telling the waiter she was there for a date with him helped him to calm down enough that he now looked at Yuri full on and placed his hand on Kaya's waist. "Oh, you're dating now?" Yuri asked, trying to sound casual and friendly, but his tone fell. "Yes we are. Kaya was gracious enough to agree to be MY girlfriend." He tells him, pulling her closer to him and kissing her cheek.

Yuri nods and grabs two menus. "Well um, booth or a table?" He asks. Toru looks at Kaya and down at her dress before looking back up at Yuri. "High counter seats would be good so my beautiful Kaya doesn't ruin her lovely dress." He tells him more calmly, happy that Yuri easily accepted he could never have Kaya and to get it out of his head once and for all. "Right, good idea. This way." Yuri beckons.

The couple follow him to a high table for two, Toru laughing when he hears Kaya whisper "Certified genius." Under her breath on the way to their seats. Toru pulls out her chair then moves the bottom of her dress to one side and helps her to hop up onto the seat before gently placing her dress down and scooting her chair in for her, a kiss landing on her cheek before he takes his seat as well.

"Here are your menus, and Hina will be over to get your order in a few minutes." Yuri informed them, laying their menus on the table and walking away. Toru looked at it for a moment then up to Kaya, "Do you even need this thing?" He asks. Kaya shakes her head sheepishly. "No, I know just what I want." She smiles. Toru nods happily, placing his menu face down. "I'll get the same." He tells her, taking her by the hand.

Kaya looks at him, a question she'd thought of before, but never actually asked, reaching her lips before she actually decided if she wanted to ask it. "Why do you usually just get whatever I'm getting?" She asks. "Ah, well from the moment I tasted your tea I felt I could trust your palate, plus I'm not terribly picky when it comes to food. Honestly, I'm just happy the one time I made the food decision you liked it so much." He tells her.

Kaya thinks over what he says and goes to say something when Hina approaches the table. "Yuri said y'all are here for a date tonight. Can I get you started off with a bottle of wine?" She asks sweetly. Toru gestures at Kaya to make the decision and she shakes her head no. "Two raspberry lemonades and two…I'm sorry love, I can't recall what all goes on that delightful creation of yours." Toru says, causing Kaya to blush and Hina to 'aww' at them.

"Pesto base, gouda cheese, chicken, prosciutto, mushrooms, garlic, and cherry peppers." Kaya informs Hina, who writes the order in her book. "That sounds really good. I might have to try that soon." Kaya tells them as she finishes writing down their order. "I'll be back with those lemonades in a moment." She tells them, walking away from the table. "I love making you blush." Toru admits once Hina is out of ear shot.

"Why is that?" Kaya asks. "Because you're so cute." He says matter-of-factly. Kaya shakes her head softly and runs her thumb over the back of his hand. "What will you do if I get used to your flirtatious nature and don't blush anymore?" She asks innocently. "Get more flirtatious." He responds plainly, lifting their hands from the table and placing a kiss on hers as Hina sets their drinks down with another 'aww.'

"That poor girl is going to die of an aww overdose at this rate." Kaya jokes, looking into Toru's large brown eyes. "She'll recover. The sweeter she sees me being to you the more she'll know how whomever she chooses to be with should be treating her." He tells her. "You're quite the advocate for making sure women know how they should be treated." Kaya observes allowed.

Toru nods seriously at her. "I love my sister, she's an amazing person. But Takeru's dad is trash, he never treated her the way she deserved to be treated. I hated him with every fiber of my being, I hated being too young to do anything about it too. When she found out she was pregnant and told that low life he just up and disappeared. Her husband is actually someone who'd been a family friend for years.

"He met Tama when she was dating her loser ass boyfriend and liked her right away. She ignored him in favor of Takeru's deadbeat birth father, but he never stopped thinking about her. When he found out they broke up and why he came to her and told her he'd loved her from afar for years, begged her to give him a chance to show her not all men were trash and he would take care of her and the baby.

"Tama didn't know how to feel about it at first, but dad insisted she at least give him a chance if she wanted to keep the baby. I didn't understand what he meant by that when I heard him say it barely being 6, but I learned later dad told her not to bring shame on the Oikawa name by becoming a single mother and to get rid of it. She agreed to go on three dates with Tatsuya before making a decision.

"The two had always gotten along very well, and the dates went off without a hitch. Two weeks later they announced their engagement. When they married the official story was that she was only 6 weeks along instead of three months. A quick wedding was put together and since Tama insisted on keeping the Oikawa name for her children's sake, Tatsuya took the name instead so he wouldn't have a different last name than his wife.

"Their 20 year wedding anniversary is coming up in May. Tama is much happier with Tatsuya than she ever was with her old boyfriend. Growing up I watched the way my father and Tatsuya treated their wives and thought to myself that any man who didn't treat the woman he loved with that level of care must not love her as much as he claims he did. I did come to learn later that's not necessarily the case, lots of people just don't grow up around it to feel the same way I do.

"Now I just feel society has really failed at teaching men how to be respectful and so many women suffer from it. To make it worse, they don't even realize they do because they themselves either think men like me no longer exist or they are so hellbent on being independent that they can't stand the thought of it. I may open doors for you and dote on you, but I'm sure I've never overstepped to make you feel you no longer have your independence. At least I hope not, and I plan never to do so." Toru finishes, a determined shine in his eyes.

Kaya smiles softly at him and squeezes his hand gently. "The only time I felt like you were taking my choice out of my hands wasn't entirely your fault." She tells him honestly. Toru furrows her brow at her, "When you bought the company and took over." She finishes, before he gets the chance to ask what she was referring. "That was nothing personal Kaya. I'm sorry you lost your dreams and goals for what it's worth, but I'm not sorry that the decision led to us meeting." He tells her with full sincerity.

"Thanks Toru. I know it wasn't personal. It was hard not to take it personally at the time though. To be fair at the time I felt much more betrayed by the board than I felt you were ruining everything. I mean, buying other companies is what large corporations like the big Seijoh Corp do. If anything I should be happy you let us keep our name, location, most of our employees, and me and Kaname a job in the company." She tells him.

"I knew it was a family business. My father has gone in and thrown out family members of family businesses he's acquired right away, but I hated the thought of doing that. I thought, how would I feel if I were suddenly told I could no longer run Seijoh Corp. Sure I'm not the CEO of Seijoh Corp right now, but it's been decided when my father retires I will be. Date Tech was my test if I could handle it and I passed with flying colors." He tells her.

Kaya's face lights up to hear this and she beams at him. "That's great! I'm so proud of you. You have put in a lot of work and I'd never admit it in the office, but you've done a lot to turn things around for Date Tech. Way more than I would have even thought of doing. The profit margin this past quarter has increased a good bit and I know that's thanks to you." She tells him. Toru gives a small smile and shakes his head at her.

"Thanks little cutie, it means a lot to me to hear your praise and congratulations, but let's not start talking shop on our date. Agreed?" He asks. Kaya gives an apologetic smile, "agreed." She tells him, just as Hina brings their pizza over. The two sat and talked happily as they ate. They laughed and flirted and both were just very happy to be spending time with the other.

When it was time to go Hina bid them a good night and told them they were the cutest couple she'd ever seen and she hopes to find what they have some day. Toru took that as his que to very seriously tell her not to settle for anything less because she was worth being treated with the utmost amount of care and respect possible. Feeling she'd given great service and having heard her say she was a student at UGA Toru made sure to leave her a $100 tip and bid her a good night.

Getting Kaya back home, Toru pulls her into him and kisses her lips gently before allowing her to pull away. "I feel so torn about inviting you in." Kaya confesses. "Then don't." Toru responds. "Don't you at least want to know why I'm torn? She inquires. "If you want me to know then tell me, but it isn't a gentleman's right to know why a lady would rather not have him in her personal space." He tells her seriously.

Kaya shakes her head with a chuckle. "It's just, we got really hot and heavy in Dillard and I feel like had we had condoms that would have gone a lot further. I can't help that I desire you, but I do want to try to fight it a little longer. I want a little more time getting to know you as my boyfriend before we go all the way." She tells him.

Toru nods at her and kisses her lips lightly. "Then that's what we'll do. I have zero interst in having sex with you if you're not 100 percent sure it's what you want at the time. I can and will wait. I'm going nowhere. I mean except home, but I'm still going to see you tomorrow. I'm still going to want to see you, take you out, kiss your lips. Sex isn't a right of mine either. It's a lovely bonus you can chose to give to me or not." He tells her sweetly.

Kaya feels butterflies in her stomach at how sweet he's being about it and pulls him in for another kiss. "Goodnight Toru. I'll see you at work." She whispers. "Goodnight my Kaya. I'll text you when I get home and see you in the morning at work. How's coffee in your office at 8:50?" He asks. "Perfect." She responds, before unlocking her door and entering.

"Until tomorrow." She says, turning to face him again. "Until tomorrow." He responds, watching her slowly close the door.