Teuscher

Teuscher


It is a universally acknowledged fact, that our universum securely holds countless mysteries and arcana’s unrevealed from humanity.

Whether because it’s revealing would be too much processing for the human mind or maybe because we’re frankly better off not knowing the truth… Nobody really knows. But everyone agrees, that there are things in our universum that simply have no explanation for their existence or even purpose.  

From Atlantis to U.F.O – s, there are countless, yet still unexplained cases in the world, to which scientists of all kind desperately try to find the answers and reasons.  

There is the seemingly non – existent background of the Bermuda Triangle, the yet still uncoded Voynich Manuscript, the lurking monster of Loch Ness, the Taos Hum…

…and then there was the immensely cryptic case of what possibly might be Makoto Tachibana’s favorite kind of chocolate.


You quietly groaned.


Cars on the main street passed you by, hardly heeding any mind to the other drivers around them, with their engines loudly buzzing and their wheels turning round and round.  Some driver impatiently pressed the horn on their steering wheel, as the traffic lights switched to the familiar color of red, while some other cussed behind their windshield.

It was early afternoon, and people were busy as always.

You absently spotted some people walking with big steps and wearing distressed faces, trying to make their way somewhere (most probably to work?), as they passed you in quite a hurry. Others were simply taking a leisure walk, either with their pets or alone, enjoying the weather of early spring.

Students of all kind were scattering on the streets, some from school, some off to school. There was a close – knit group heavily discussing something school related, a lone wolf peacefully walking somewhere in silence, elementary students walking to school with their friends, a big smile adorning their faces, as they chatted about their favorite cartoon.


…And then there was you, with the seemingly hardest burden on this whole planet. Or at least, that’s what the by passers surely thought, as soon as their gazes swept over your face.

  Since weeks you have been trying to find out which chocolate Makoto likes to most, but to no avail. Of course, you were hesitant to ask him directly, in fear that he would find out why you’re asking him, so you just opted to play your cards of implying. …And to your dismay none of them worked.


Every time you bought up the theme ’favorite food’, he just smiled his trade mark smile, and told you that he ’likes all kinds of chocolate’. Never did he mention any kind of brand or flavor nor filling.


All he ever told you was, that he really adores the Brown Gold gift of the Aztecs.


So while other scientists and explorers had at least some kind of source relevant to their interests, …you didn’t. That’s reason enough to look this stressed.

But then, why were you so frustrated with his answers? Shouldn’t you be relieved, that you could practically bring him any kind of chocolate, not being afraid that you might bring him one he doesn’t like, since he loves all kinds of them?

The answer was no.

Well. …It probably would be a yes, if the receiver would be someone else… But given that we’re talking about the Makoto, the epitome of gentle grace, someone who wasn’t just an ’anyone’, the answer was a definitive no.

He deserved something special.

You already lost count of all the times the gentle giant helped you; whether by letting you borrow one of his pencils when you forgot your own, or by lending you an ear (even a shoulder!) when you were on the verge of tears. He was always there for you. Always caring.
The least you could do is to give him something back, as a show of deep gratitude.

Something he wouldn’t forget.

That’s exactly why you didn’t want to give him any kind of chocolate. Surely there must be some kinds he prefers over others. …Right?

Another grumble escaped your lips. If only you knew which one…

Tomorrow was already Valentine’s Day, which means that if you wanted to buy him something, you’d have to do it this afternoon. The earlier the better.

You often pondered if you should have asked one of his friends what he really liked… But there’s also the possibility that they didn’t know, either. Not to mention the great risk of  them easily finding out the reason behind your question, not believing it to be a simple and innocent inquiry. Not when everyone knew which day was fastly approaching. And then an inevitable teasing would surely ensue from this huge misunderstanding.

Especially from a perky little swimmer…

You shaked your head. No… Asking them would have brought you more head – ache then ideas. You internally whined.

’Is there even something this boy doesn’t like?!’  

And you would have continued grumbling to your heart’s content, if you wouldn’t have turned a corner.
Your eyes immediately got stuck on a shop, standing diagonally from you, tall and proud. After a few seconds of examining it, you weren’t even surprised why it was the first thing that you noticed in this street.

It was anything but invisible, with its walls painted in an unusal shade of auburn, and with the not – so - common décor adorning its store windows and balkons. Even from far away, you easily identified it as a dessert shop.


You halted in your steps.


That shop was anything but unfamiliar. It was quite famous for it’s products, for the owners only imported the finest chocolates, pastries and confectionery from all around the world. From famous Swiss chocolates to well known Japanese brands, if you wanted a certain good – quality sweet, that shop’s shelves were most probably storing it. You yourself, however, never stepped inside the shop, and there was a good reason for it.  


Everything there was expensive. Like, really expensive.


You were certain, that one had to sell a specific limb or organ for only a box of pralinés. No wonder why only the riches of the rich visited the prestigious little shop. Just staring at the building caused your stomach to constringe in nervousness.

…And it was then, when a crazy little idea hatched in your mind.

One that your rational side was heavily protesting against, but you payed no mind to it, even though you knew it was right. This little idea of yours could literally get you broke for a whole two months, and yet…

You practically felt your half empty wallet sink lower and lower in your bag, as if gravity took a sudden interest in it, wanting to pull it down – along with you. But it was a strange feeling. Being really tired, but in a way being relieved at the same time. After all… there wasn’t any other idea in your mind.


He deserved something special, so…


Taking in a deep breath, you straightened yourself and clenched your hands, determination twinkling in your eyes.

Yes. He deserved something special.

And with this, your legs took you to the entrance of the art nouveau styled door. The gentle sound of a little bell signaled your entering.


xxx


Next day arrived fast.


The rapidly growing nervousness and anticipation made you wake up before your alarm clock, and with a painfully pulsating heart, you proceeded to grab your clothes to make yourself presentable for school. A light layer of sweet broke out on your skin.

Just the thought of what you were about to do today made you dizzy.

You were especially nervous about what he might react the moment Makoto sees your present.
Your rational side reassured you, that he’ll be really elated by your kindness, and would surely gift you with one of his radiant smiles. But your paranoid part, which sadly often got the higher hand in your internal turmoil, started to show its skeptical side.


What if he won’t like it? What if his mouth pulls in an uncomfortable smile, clearly showing that he’s anything but happy to see that you got him a present? What if he completely abandons his sweet personality and shows you a grimace, unabashedly showing you his distaste? If he throws it away? If he won’t accept it?


Or… what if he pulls a disappointed face, not because of your present, but because it was you, who gave him one…? Who knows… Maybe he likes someone and is secretly hoping for them to give him something. Not you.

That would just destroy you.

Not just because you got him a really expensive present, that robbed your wallet for like a whole month or two, but also because you were afraid that he might think something more behind your actions. That you might… like him. You felt your cheeks redden.


Despite the fact, that no matter  how much you tried to reassure yourself, that this, of course, was not true, you still felt your heart painfully jerk in your chest. The thought of him being disgusted by the possibility of you liking him didn’t left you unfazed. If anything…


But one glance at the clock made your nettlesome tendencies stop for a second.


Legs deftly getting to work, you ran to the anteroom to get your coat and shoes. While your fingers aptly tied your shoelaces in a knot, you came up with a little plan. That before you gave him your present, you should definitively announce or somehow imply that you got everyone you hold dear to your heart, a present. That it was just platonic.

That this package of expensive chocolates was more of a symbol for a ’Thank You’ than an ’I like you’. It wouldn’t be something hard to believe, since you weren’t the first one to do this.


You distinctively remember that Gou did this like every year; giving little presents to the members of the Iwatobi gang and even to his own brother. So why would your case be any different? You never showed any sign of romantic affection, not just to Makoto, but to anyone. It would be a piece of cake!

And even better, because you would save yourself the uncomfortable minutes your bestowal would follow if, for the off chance, your previous speculations regarding his possible reactions would really come true.

You winced a bit.

’Well, let’s hope it won’t,’ crossed your mind, as you finished tying your shoes and taking on your coat. Grabbing your bag, you glanced outside a nearby window, hoping that it won’t be too cold outside, before you opened the  front door with renewed hopes.


xxx


     By the time the school bell rang, you were already nervously clutching your soon – to – be Makoto’s present.


Though you tried to hide it from the prying eyes of your classmates by tightly – yet, not so tightly – pressing it to your stomach, in hopes that your open school blazer would somehow hide it. …And it seemed to work. Or at least, no one called you out for it or even looked at you funnily. You liked to think that it was because of this.

While the weather got a bit warmer, it didn’t manage to calm your nerves. In fact, you were sure that you were even more nervous now, than you were this morning, considering how only a few minutes later you were going to do something which outcome was still quite uncertain. Your current emotional state and the nice weather created a perfect contrast.


 You swept through the hallways and scanned every nook and place for a familiar tall male. You didn’t really know where to search for him, so your only choice was to look for him everywhere and hope that you’ll stumble upon him.

A sigh of frustration left your lips.

Come to think of it… you didn’t know what kind of chocolate he likes, you don’t really know what he’ll react, and you can’t even guess where he might be right know.

  …You slowly came to the realization that you had limited knowledge about Makoto. This only made you more anxious. Should you have even bothered with all this Valentine’s Day crap?

There is not even a guarantee that you’ll find him! Did he even came to school today?! You don’t remember seeing him! What will you do now? You can’t just give it to someone else…!

And you sure as Hell won’t give it to one of his friends so they could transport it to him in your name. Imagine that humiliation! But you still have to give it to him somehow!! All the money that went to this little present that’s just the size of your palm…


’Did I buy it for nothing…?’  You glanced at it, feeling your heart sink.


So… what now? You won’t have all day to search for him. In fact, you only have like 10 more minutes before the bell rings again, signaling the beginning of the next class. You can’t skip your classes, either. Not just because of morale reasons, but because he had them as well, so it would not make any sense to wait on him outside while he was still sitting inside the classroom, like any normal student would.  


Your mind frantically searched for some sort of solution, but none came. You were already about to turn around, and go back to your classroom.


’Should I take it to his house…? Wouldn’t that be just creepy…?And what if his parents or siblings were the ones who opened the door? What would I sa – ’


”(Name) – chan…?”


You stopped. In all your internal dilemma you hardly even noticed where your legs took you. Briefly looking around, you realized that you were currently located on the third floor of your school. Actually, you were pretty close to the school’s rooftop. That means that you already passed the stairs leading there…

…And sure enough, turning around, you found yourself looking at the long pair of beton blocks that worked as a bridge between the roof and the school hallways. …And on them stood Makoto, looking at you, brows slightly furrowed with a hint of worry.

You only managed to gape at him back, as if he was a ghost that suddenly decided to appear.

”Are you all right? You look a bit…,” he paused, searching for the right word while his eyes discreetly looked you over, ”…lost.”

You blinked.

”Oh…I just…,” you cleared your throat. ”I was actually looking for… you,” you hesitantly finished your sentence, which at the end sounded more like a question than a statement.

’Pull yourself together, (Name!),’ you ordered yourself. Here is he, miraculously showing up when you were about to give up, so don’t ruin everything close before the finish line!'

Makoto, all the while, looked at you a bit surprised.


”M – me? Do you need help with something?”


Of course. Still the ever so helpful knight.

 
A weak smile appeared on your lips, while you slightly shook your head. ”N – no, I’m fine, really. I just - ”


Here we go.


”…I brought you something.” Not waiting for his reaction, you adeptly pulled out the little box of chocolates from your blazer and showed it to him. Your eyes rested themselves on the sea green silk ribbon, admiring the color and the piece of material at the same time. The ribbon was actually the shop assistance's idea, and the color… well…

Still refusing to look at him, you continued to examine your present. ”I thought I bring you something, since you always helped me whenever I needed it. As a little Thank You, you know?” You hesitantly looked up from under your eyelashes. Your heart raced, and you were still haunted by your paranoid thoughts, fearing that the worst will happen in any minute…
…But they were proven wrong, and fast.


By the time you finished your explanation, Makoto was already making his way towards you from the stairs, with a strangely subtle expression, that wasn’t even directed towards your present, but you. This only confused you and made your cheeks redden even more.

Heart racing, you swiveled your gaze back to your present, flusteredly anticipating what he was about to do now. What is that expression on his face…? Never did you recall seeing him sport one like that…

When he finally reached you, his left hand carefully took your present from your hands; his fingers subtly brushing against yours. The package instantly gave away from which shop it hailed from. Apple green eyes widened.


”(Name)… These are from - !”


You smiled at him and nodded, effectively shutting him up. Mouth closing shut, his wide eyes switched between you and your present, still not believing what you just got him. The atmosphere begun to get a bit awkward, so you took it as your cue to explain yourself.

”I didn’t know which chocolate you liked the most, since you didn’t specifically mention any kind. So I thought, I’d just get you one that is high quality. The ones I  bought you are from Switzerland. You just can’t go wrong with Swiss chocolate,” you finished with a sweet laugh, eyes crinkling in the process. He, however didn’t laugh with you.

You stopped, and looked up at him. ”Makoto…?” He seemed serious and worried at the same time. Not angry, just…

”(Name). Why did you buy me such expensive chocolates?” he asked, as if you just committed something unspeakable. You were taken aback. ”What?” you asked him, a hint of irritation evident in your tone.

”Are you just seriously going to complain about the price of my present?” He softened his expression, looking apologetic. ”…That’s not what I meant, (Name). I just… Why did you buy these for me?” He asked a bit meekly, not wanting to annoy you in any way or form. You just looked at him, dumbfounded. Seeing this, he continued.

”I mean… Isn’t there someone who you cherish more…? Someone who would more likely to deserve getting this kind of gift from you?” Something inside you flared at this.

With a surge of heat, you grabbed both of his hands that were carefully cradling your present and stepped much closer to him, pushing his hands and your present in to his chest.

Makoto, not foreseeing this, grunted with surprise, before he stared at your face that suddenly got much much closer to him.

”Just so you know, I bought all of my friends expensive chocolates! You are not in any way special, so don’t get the wrong idea!” you told him, fighting down the urge to blush. His eyes widened a bit, quite surprised at your sudden outburst. First the present, now you suddenly getting defensive all of a sudden…  While you continued to stare at him, he glanced back to the present pressed in to his chest.


Needless to say, he knew about your financial status. Not once did you mention how you were short on money, how you were always afraid that you won’t have enough to buy yourself lunch, how you became tense with nervousness whenever the class decided to communally spare money for charity or the like… They were mostly mumbled signs, fleeting moments nobody really noticed. But he did. And he knew.


Still…


Looking back to your face, that continued to hold that stare of steel towards him, made him realize that he should probably not mention this. For whatever reason, you didn’t want to admit, that this present most probably costed you your whole house. He knew better than to mess with your stubborn side. So he let it slide.

Slowly, a smile crept up on his face, and you had the luck to see it from up close. Your breath hitched as he gazed back in to your eyes.

”…All right. Thank you so much, (Name). I really appreciate it.”

Stuttering a bit, you hoped back a few steps, unable to hide your embarrassment. Not knowing anything better to say, you retorted halfheartedly.

”Y – yeah, right. Whatever. …Just open the present, and have a taste of it. I didn’t buy it just so you could stare at it.”  

Not fazed by your reaction, he warmly chuckled at you, before he got to open your present. The silk ribbon didn’t take too long to get loose, and thus, the present easily opened. Little rich brown truffles of all kinds were carefully placed in the decorative box, and one could only marvel how detailed the coatings were. Every piece was a masterpiece on its own. He was almost sorry to eat them all, they were just so neatly decorated.

 …And that’s when an idea came to his mind.

Your eyes were still looking at anything but Makoto, only sometimes flickered they back to him;  peeking from the corner of your eyes, just to make sure that he really was going to accept the chocolate packed ballotin. When you were sure that he did, you looked away.

And this was exactly the reason why you didn’t saw what he was about to do. Your eyes didn’t catch him taking one of the truffles, carefully cradling it  in his fingers. You didn’t saw how he affectionately twirled it once, while looking back to you. And you didn’t saw how he slowly held the little goody to your lips…

Your eyes widened.

There, against your lips, was the familiar smooth surface of coated chocolate. Its sweet scent immediately hit your nose, given how it was practically right under it. Cocking an eyebrow, you looked up. Makoto was at the moment gently pressing one of the truffles against your lips, with an expression that varied between happiness and content.

You blinked.

He stood there like this was something one did everyday. He wasn’t bothered by the abrupt change of color on your cheeks, or by your confused expression. Just when you were about to question what he’s doing, he opened his mouth.

”I thought, since you bought such exquisite chocolate, that you should have the opportunity to try it as well…”

His voice lowered in volume, to the point where it almost got a bit breathy. He didn’t held the chocolate away from your lips, but it’s not like you protested… you were just really confused. Not by the fact, that he offered you one, that was something anyone could have predicted. But by the change in his posture, voice and even expression.


…Was it just you or did he get a bit closer…?


Too flustered to even say something, you nodded, before your lips got to work on nibbling. You didn’t use your fingers to stabilize the treat yourself, since Makoto still continued to hold it to your mouth. You blushed even more. The atmosphere got so much intimate, and you didn’t know if you liked it or not. This is something you’d have never thought would happen. Though you had to wonder, why Makoto wasn’t noticing in what kind of situation he just pulled you both in. What if someone saw you two like this…?

But to your  delight, the little sweet quickly vanished in to your mouth. Truth to be told, it was one of the most delicious chocolates you have ever tried. By how it tasted, you figured it was a champagne truffle. Creamy and flavorful, and the alcohol wasn’t too strong or overpowering as to cringe from it. All in all, it was… perfect.


But chocolate wasn’t the only thing that touched your lips. You watched with raised eyebrows, how an index and third finger continued to linger on your mouth, eventually following the example of the truffle and pressing themselves against your lips. As if that itself wasn’t already strange enough, the glint in Makoto’s eyes sure was.

You observed him with bathed breath, as he continued smiling at the point where your lips met his skin, eagerly watching how you practically kissed his fingers. He seemed almost dazed.

Your cheeks erupted in to a shade of scarlet.

’Just what in the WORLD has gotten into him?’

The sudden change of color on your face didn’t seem to discourage him, though. The thoughtful expression still remaining, his fingers suddenly moved. Dilated pupils watched as his hand slowly got hold of your chin, his digits delicately brushing against your skin as if it were made from silk. You could only stand there, too flustered to even question what he was doing, despite your mouth being freed.  

…And just when you were sure, that he’d pull away, his thumb suddenly moved back to your lips, in an attempt to give them an affectionate caress…

You stepped back.

”I - I think we should head back to our classrooms! I’m sure that we only have like 5 minutes left, before the next class begins! If we don’t hurry, we’ll get in serious trouble! You know how the teachers are; not tolerating tardiness and all! H – Hah, Hahaha - !!”

And with an awkward laugh, you  turned around, and hurriedly said goodbye to him.
Forget about the Bermuda Triangle and the others! Makoto Tachibana was a big mystery on its own.


xxx