Chapter Text
'When you said blind date I wasn't anticipating this.' said Haru flatly eyeing the object in Hiromi's hand.
'Yeah I know but if I had mentioned the blind fold earlier you definitely would have said no and it was hard enough to get you to agree.' she replied.
'I still have time to pull out.' muttered Haru.
'Oh Ru do this for me. Please!' begged Hiromi.
Haru had always been a bit of a sucker when it came to her best friend since childhood.
'All right.' she sighed before Hiromi leapt on her, squeezing her with a squeak 'Just let me grab my bag.'
Releasing her Hiromi nodded and patiently waited at her door. Haru picked up the bag she had left on her desk and briefly glanced at herself in the mirror. She had chosen her green top and cream skirt. Not too smart and not too casual but now with blind folds involved it seemed a little pointless, she could have been wearing her pyjamas for all he would know. She pulled the door closed behind her.
'The guy is going to be wearing one of these as well right?' she asked.
'Yes.' nodded Hiromi 'It wouldn't be fair otherwise. Come on we had better get going. We don't want to be late do we?'
'You can never resist bringing that up can you.' sighed Haru.
'Never.' agreed Hiromi.
They moved away from Haru's flat and out into the warm summer sun.
'So what is this guy like?' asked Haru still in shock she had agreed to this.
'Well from what I've heard he's really nice.' began Hiromi.
'Hold up Romi!' interrupted Haru coming to a standstill 'You mean that you don't know him!'
'Well no.' she admitted realising that her friend was about to flee 'Look I know one of his best friends and we got chatting and you seem to have a lot in common.'
'His best friend?' repeated Haru looking unconvinced.
'Yeah he's on my course. We sometimes hang out after class, you know grab a coffee.' babbled Hiromi her cheeks blushing slightly.
'When you talk about us?' asked Haru.
'Well no but you just came up in conversation. He mentioned his friend and you do have a lot in common.' replied Hiromi.
'Such as?' enquired Haru.
'Well you're both bookworms, good at languages and you have similar tastes in movies. Oh he likes cats too!' explained Hiromi.
'Is there a reason why you haven't met him?' asked Haru.
'Well Toto says that he's a bit of a recluse.' she replied.
'What! So you are setting me up with a hermit you have never met and I have to wear a blind fold!' hissed Haru.
'Look I know it sounds ridiculous but what's the worst that could happen?' asked Hiromi.
'Romi I don't exactly have a great record when it comes to dating.' sighed Haru dejectedly.
'Have a little faith.' she replied as she checked the directions on her phone 'If it's a disaster you walk away and you have a very high chance of never bumping into the guy again.'
Haru sighed and ran a hand nervously through her hair. They had passed through the Crossroads and were now in an area of town she didn't know.
'Here we are.' said Hiromi before knocking on a set of double doors.
Haru anxiously eyed the white and green house. The door was opened by a youth of a similar age to themselves. He had messy black hair which whipped around in the breeze like feathers.
'Is this her?' he addressed Hiromi who nodded.
'Yes this is Haru.' she replied 'Haru this is Toto.'
Toto bowed before inviting them in. Hiromi happily stepped forward whilst Haru followed nervously behind her. Toto closed the door before his attention swung back to Haru.
'I'm relieved you came. Baron has been anxious that you wouldn't show.' he said.
Haru let out an awkward laugh.
'Well I won't lie but I did contemplate running away a couple of times on the way over.' she confessed.
Toto chuckled.
'You know I like this girl already.' he said to Hiromi.
'What happens now?' asked Haru.
'We've set up a table in the other room where you both can chat and have a drink. You know get to know each other.' explained Toto.
'Or awkwardly sit in silence' thought Haru.
'Will you and Hiromi be with us?' she asked.
'Nope, that's my job Chicky.' came a voice from another doorway down the hall.
Haru jumped and spun around, her eyes falling on a man twice as wide as Toto.
'Who are you?' she squeaked.
'I'm the babysitter.' he grinned.
Toto sighed and ruffled his hair.
'Fatso here is Muta. He'll be at your beck and call if you need anything.' said Toto.
'What did you call me Birdbrain!' snarled Muta.
'Guys please Haru is stressed enough.' sighed Hiromi.
Haru swung a glance at her best friend. It sounded like the name calling was a common occurrence.
'Are you leaving me here?' she hissed beginning to panic.
'No I have a project to work on with Toto. We'll just be in the other room.' assured Hiromi 'Come on let's get this blind fold on.'
Haru sighed defeatedly.
'Fine.' she muttered as her world plunged into darkness.
She almost jumped when a meaty hand landed on her shoulder.
'Come on Chicky let's get this show on the road.' murmured Muta.
'Good luck!' chorused Hiromi and Toto.
As if she hadn't felt anxious enough that nearly sent her over the edge. She allowed Muta to guide her along the hallway and into a room.
'Stay there for a sec.' he murmured as she heard a chair being moved and then she was guided to take a seat.
'Thank you.' she replied.
'No worries.' he grinned 'If you need anything I'll just be outside the door.'
Being without sight Haru had to rely on her other senses. She was pretty certain she wasn't alone after Muta left.
'Hello?' she said with uncertainty.
'Good afternoon Miss Haru.' came an accented voice.
'Oh you are there.' she replied with a nervous giggle.
'Yes I apologise if I made you jump.' he responded.
'Oh no that's okay.' she murmured 'Toto said that your name is Baron?'
'That is correct.' he agreed.
'Look Baron I'm going to be honest with you.' she began.
Haru heard his breath hitch which caused her to frown slightly.
'This isn't something I normally do. I've never been on a blind date in my life especially not as strange as this one. I don't really have much luck with dating at all.' she admitted.
She heard a relieved sigh and a chuckle.
'I assure you Miss Haru you are not alone.' he replied.
'Oh' she responded in surprise 'So this isn't you usual way of dating?'
'Certainly not!' he almost snapped before sighing 'Forgive me. Like yourself I was talked into this. All I can hope is that Toto did not exaggerate your qualities.'
'Well I don't know about that.' she murmured 'I'm nothing special. Pretty ordinary I would say. If you weren't behind this blind date can I ask what you hope to get out of this?'
'Well I will admit it is mostly to get Toto off my back but I hoped if we did have these things in common then perhaps I could gain a friend. I'm afraid I struggle in that department due to things outside of my control.' replied Baron.
'You too.' whispered Haru 'I suffer with social anxiety and I struggle to make friends. I'm not sure what I would do without Hiromi.'
'Yes I will admit that I feel the same with Toto and Muta even if they regularly fight with each other.' he said.
Haru heard a snigger from outside the door. As she began to relax her other senses began to compensate for her lack of sight. She sniffed the air.
'Is that tea?' she enquired.
'Oh yes, would you like some?' he asked 'It's my own blend.'
'Yes please.' she replied shyly.
She could hear Baron attempt to move the crockery on the table but he was as blind as her.
'Curses.' he muttered 'Muta I need your assistance.'
The large friend came into the room.
'Boiled grass for two?' he asked with a snigger.
'Not a fan then?' asked Haru curiously.
'Nah.' he responded as he filled the cups.
'Milk or lemon Miss Haru?' asked Baron.
'Milk please.' she responded.
'Good choice.' he replied.
'You know you don't have to be so formal with me. It's just Haru.' she murmured.
'As you wish.' replied Baron.
Haru heard Muta place the cup in front of her and the aroma was strong which helped guide her to the cup. This was certainly an experience she would remember. The tea made her gasp.
'Is everything all right?' asked Baron with concern.
'Oh yes, it's just the tea is really good.' she replied.
'I'm glad.' he replied before dismissing Muta.
'So I guess as our friends have put us in this strange situation we should at least get to know the basics about each other.' said Haru.
'Yes that sounds like an excellent idea.' agreed Baron.
'Okay I'm Haru and I'm twenty. I grew up not far from here with just my mother. I'm currently studying English at the University but I'm hoping to include modules in classical and Mediterranean languages too. As I said I'm pretty shy and I find solace in books and now I'm getting embarrassed talking about myself.' she ended with a giggle.
'There is no need to feel embarrassed.' assured Baron.
'Perhaps but I can't help it.' sighed Haru 'Your turn.'
Baron seemed to take a deep breath.
'Well I go by the name of Baron and I'm twenty four. As you can probably tell from my accent I am not native to this country. I grew up mostly in Germany and then Britain before coming here. Both my parents have passed. I'm a linguist and consultant and I work from home which I share with Toto and Muta. As you have probably been informed I don't go outside often. I enjoy reading, chess and classical music.' he explained.
'I'm sorry about your parents.' whispered Haru.
'Thank you.' he replied.
'How did you end up in Japan?' she asked curiously.
'That is a long story.' he sighed.
'Well I'm happy to listen if you want to share.' responded Haru.
Although she couldn't see him Haru suspected that Baron was chewing his lip mulling over the idea. Without thinking she moved her hand to lay where she suspected his own to be and was surprised to come in contact with a gloved hand. At the slight connection he withdrew his hand as if electrocuted.
'I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that.' she apologised taking back her own hand.
'No I apologise at my rash reaction. Things are just complicated.' he sighed, his words muffled slightly indicating he had dropped his head into his hands.
'Okay.' murmured Haru.
There was an awkward silence between the two of them as they mulled over their own thoughts.
'Please understand I have fallen out of conversing with others outside of work apart from Toto and Muta.' he finally said.
'It's okay.' responded Haru quietly 'You don't need to explain yourself or tell me anything you do not want to share. We are practically strangers after all.'
'Yet I feel I can trust you.' came back his surprising response 'You have a good aura.'
Haru felt her cheeks glow at the unexpected compliment.
You can tell that even blind folded?' she asked.
'Oh yes.' he smiled.
'Well we don't need to discuss anything that concerns you now. I have no idea how long we have been here without being able to check a clock.' replied Haru.
'Still plenty of time Chicky.' drawled Muta through the door.
Baron ignored Muta still contemplating what Haru has said.
'So you would consider doing this again?' he asked curiously.
'Well this is probably the longest conversation I've had with a male in some time.' she admitted. 'You haven't offended me so far and I don't appear to have sent you running for the hills. Plus the tea is really good.'
Baron chuckled.
'Would be better without the blind folds though.' she continued.
His chuckles turned to a sigh.
'I do apologise but there is a valid reason for them.' he said.
'More for your benefit than mine I'll bet.' replied Haru.
'Yes.' he agreed.
Baron had surprised himself with actively enjoying spending time with this girl. She seemed too good to be true from Toto's description but even though she had been coerced into coming she had proven herself to have a pleasant demeanour. He contemplated once again the idea of telling the truth about himself. If it all went wrong they could just wipe her memories of the event. He heard Haru shuffle in her seat. He decided to bite the bullet completely unprepared for what reaction it may cause.
'Do you believe in gypsy curses?' he finally asked her.
Haru went tense and her eyes widened behind the blind fold before she shot onto her feet taking Baron by surprise as the crockery rattled.
'What has Hiromi been saying?' she hissed with an accusatory tone.
'Nothing.' responded Baron taken aback at Haru's reaction to his question 'I can assure you this is purely from myself. I didn't mean to upset you.'
Haru settled back into her seat rubbing the part of her forehead not covered by the blind fold in frustration.
'I apologise for my outburst.' she sighed 'It's some what of a tender subject.'
'Then I will not bring it up again.' replied Baron.
'No I shouldn't have reacted like that.' she murmured 'Besides you said that you can trust me then I feel I should be able to trust you.'
Haru's ears pricked at hearing a funny almost vibrating noise before it was replaced by Baron coughing and spluttering.
'Are you okay?' she asked in alarm.
'Yes.' he replied after a few more coughs 'The remnants of my tea went down the wrong way.'
'Well I would offer to pat your back but I would probably do myself a mischief trying to locate you.' she grinned.
'I am grateful for even just the thought. I am fine now.' he assured.
'I'm not completely Japanese in my heritage. ' began Haru 'On my mother's side I have gypsy blood. When I was younger some of the kids in my school found out and made my life a living hell.'
'Children can be so cruel.' muttered Baron.
'I don't know what I would have done without Hiromi. She had never judged me.' sighed Haru 'Even over my quirky habits.'
'Quirky habits?' asked Baron feeling intrigued 'Did you inherit some gypsy gifts?'
'Well only one that I'm aware of and I've been able to do since I was little. I'm hoping you won't laugh.' she said.
'Never.' he answered.
'I can talk to cats.' she explained.
Baron's mouth dropped open in surprise.
'Really?' he said.
'Yeah I discovered the ability when I was around six and chose to share my fish crackers with a stray kitten. We had an interesting conversation and she told me that life is tough.' she replied.
'She was right about that.' sighed Baron 'So you like cats then?'
'Well yes. Toto said it was something we had in common.' responded Haru sounding confused.
'Indeed.' he agreed 'I do. Haru I believe you shouldn't hide away any such gift you have and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. They are nothing to be ashamed of.'
'Thank you.' she replied feeling a little stunned at his acceptance.
This time it was Baron who reached out and managed to successfully place his hand on top of hers. To Haru it felt warm and slightly odd but she didn't move hers away. Baron sighed before scratching the top of his head with his free hand.
'Haru the reason for all this is not just because I have been a recluse that has shied away from society.' he began, carefully choosing his words 'It's because I'm cursed and even though it sounds fantastical I'm somehow confident due to your heritage you wouldn't have trouble believing me.'
If it hadn't been for the blind fold he was pretty certain Haru would be staring at him wordlessly.
'So the blind fold is to prevent me from seeing something?' she asked.
'Well yes.' he confessed feeling uncomfortable.
'But you have one on as well?' she replied in confusion.
'Well I didn't think it would be fair otherwise.' he responded.
The laugh that tinkled from Haru sent his pulse racing.
'So am I allowed to know what this curse is?' she asked.
'You promise that you will not discuss this with anyone including Hiromi?' he replied.
'I swear.' she promised 'Please tell me what the curse is.'
'It is probably easier if I show you.' he murmured sounding nervous.
Haru heard the rip of velcro as she assumed Baron removed his blindfold before he called Muta to assist with hers. The sudden brightness after being in the dark for so long caused Haru to shake her head slightly until the tea cup in front of her came into focus. Finally she raised her head to look at her companion. Her eyes widened and a gasp escaped her mouth. Opposite her sat a large golden and white cat in a suit. Baron squirmed under her gaze.
'Wow you're cool.' she finally murmured 'No wonder you seemed happy that I liked cats.'
'Ha yes.' laughed Baron awkwardly 'As much as I don't mind cats I would rather hope that I don't spend the rest of my days as half feline. I am rather hopeful that you may be the answer to my prayers.'
Haru felt her cheeks redden.
'Well I dont know what I will be able to do. I guess I'll need more details about how the curse was set and I think with your permission speak to my grandma.' she replied.
'I'm willing to do almost anything if we can break this.' he insisted.
Haru moved her fingers around to squeeze the hand which was still lying on top of hers.
'You know what Baron?' she began.
'What?' he asked cocking his head.
'I'm sort of glad that Hiromi and Toto bullied us into this. It's been one hell of a blind date that's for sure and I'm curious to see where things lead.' smiled Haru.
Baron squeezed her hand back as a happy and relieved grin spread across his face. He couldn't remember the last time he had been able to smile since being cursed.
'Well here's to interfering friends and blind dates!' he said lifting his empty cup towards Haru.
She grinned in amusement before lifting her own cup.
'Cheers!' they said in unison.