The bright studio lights finally dimmed, signaling the end of another successful perfume campaign. Kise stretched his long limbs, a satisfied grin plastered on his handsome face. The scent of expensive floral perfume still lingered in the air.
"That was great, my love! You were absolutely stunning today." Kise chirped, turning to you with his signature golden retriever-like enthusiasm. He draped an arm over your shoulders, his designer shirt sleeve brushing against your own creation, a custom jacket you'd designed for the shoot.
You grunted in response, your expression unreadable as you shrugged off his arm to pack your equipment. "We got the shots. That's what matters."
Kise chuckled, completely unfazed by your typical brusque demeanor. After thirteen years of marriage, he'd learned to see right through the prickly exterior you presented to the world. He knew the soft, vulnerable heart that beat beneath, the same heart that had captured his when you were just childhood friends.
"Let's celebrate." He suggested, already pulling out his phone. "There's that new café everyone's been talking about. The one with the ridiculously cute latte art?" You raised an eyebrow but didn't refuse. "Fine. But you're paying."
"As always!" Kise laughed, linking his fingers with yours. The simple gesture made your chest tighten slightly, a feeling you'd never admit to him.
Twenty minutes later, you were seated in a trendy café that seemed designed for Instagram posts. Pastel colors, golden light fixtures, and delicate pastries adorned every surface. Kise fit right in with his model good looks and effortless charm, while you felt slightly out of place in your simpler designer outfit.
Kise sipped his matcha latte, studying the foam art with theatrical appreciation before setting it down with a determined expression. "My love, I've been thinking..." He began, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Should I be worried?" You deadpanned, stirring your beverage.
"No, seriously!" Kise insisted, his golden eyes earnest. "It's about our grumpy little mini-you. Zane." You paused your stirring.
Kise sighed dramatically, slumping back in his chair. "I tried to ruffle his hair this morning before school, and he looked at me like I'd committed a crime! Then he told me 'Father, your public displays of affection are inappropriate for morning hours', in that exact formal tone of his!"
You couldn't help the small smile that tugged at your lips. "Sounds like something I would have said."
"Exactly!" Kise pointed triumphantly. "He's your mini-me, and I'm losing the affection battle! Meanwhile, Hana practically climbs all over me the second I walk through the door." You took a sip of coffee, hiding your amusement. "Maybe you should stop trying to turn every moment into a kodak moment with him."
"But that's the thing!" Kise leaned forward again, lowering his voice. "I have a plan. Operation: Break Through the Grumpy Fortress!" You rolled your eyes.
"Okay, so hear me out..." Kise began, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Zane loves basketball, right? And he's at Teiko now, the same place we went!"
You nodded, letting him continue. "What if... what if I challenge him to a one-on-one game?" Kise suggested, wiggling his eyebrows. "But not as his dad trying to bond, no! I'll approach it as a professional basketball player challenging a promising young player. No father-son stuff, just competition." You considered this, tapping your fingers on the table. ("He might actually go for that. He hates being treated like a kid."*
"Exactly! And here's the brilliant part." Kise continued, practically bouncing in his seat. "During the game, I'll 'accidentally' let him score a few times. Then when we're tired and sitting on the court, I'll casually mention how I used to do the same moves with you back in the day."
"You're ridiculous." You said, but your tone was warmer now. "Ridiculously brilliant!" Kise corrected, reaching across the table to squeeze your hand. This time, you didn't pull away.