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Title: Maybe It Wasn’t a Missing Shot…
Fandom: Original Fiction
Summary: [This story was written for 2022 April’s Yaoi Otaku Forums Writing Challenge. This month’s theme - The result wasn’t exactly gold medal-worthy.]
[A sequel to As a Gentle Wisteria’s Touch…]
Finally, the long-awaited spring has arrived.
Will Ethan finds a perfect chance to tell about his feeling for one blond bartender?
Read and find out.
Writing challenge - Accepted and completed!
This month’s(April’s) theme: The result wasn’t exactly gold medal-worthy
3 given words: rainbow, pot, sparrow
Word count: 1069
Click here to read
It is finally the long-awaited spring. Perhaps this time, Ethan will find a perfect chance to tell about his feeling for one blond bartender.
And what is the best way to do it? Of course, by impressing your crush with your skills!
Yet, how to do it when someone you like can not only mix a perfect drink but also make magic out of nothing? It won’t be a simple task, that is for sure.
However, maybe the luck is on his side.
A couple of days pass. After a long day at work, Ethan goes home until something catches his eye. Apparently, one poster on the nearest wall stands out from the rest.
Across the blue background, it is decorated with spring flowers, fluffy chickens in the eggshells, branches with blooming buds, Easter eggs, and other details.
Above all this, there is something typed out on the rainbow. Apparently, it is an announcement about the incoming Easter Festival which will be in one of the biggest parks in the city, and the festival’s program.
And thus, Ethan invites his friend. Hopefully, the blond bartender may have a day off.
A few days pass by. The long-awaited day finally arrives. After the dark-haired man picks up John, both are going to their destination point.
As they reach the city’s square, they are greeted with a festive, uplifting, and welcoming mood lingering in the air. The food stands and shops are open, and even the local artisans are here to show and share their proud works.
On their way, something piques the blond’s interest. As his chin points out at the shooting gallery, he addresses Ethan in a playful tone ‘‘Are you up for some challenge?’’.
‘‘Sure. Why not? But I warn you, I could beat you even with my eyes closed. So, just watch me.’’ The dark-haired man replies, acting cool.
‘‘Just be careful and not to shoot your foot, okay? I don’t want to break my spine like last time when someone was asleep during my shift. Believe it or not, you are not so light to carry, you know.’’ John backfires in a patient tone.
‘‘Oh, come on, it only happened once. It’s not my fault that I fall asleep. And now you gonna remind this each time? You could just call a taxi if you wanted. Anyway, whoever gets fewer points will have to pay the full price when we hang out next time.’’ Ethan suggests.
‘‘Well, you can start saving up the money, my dear friend.’’ The blond replies in a playful tone.
The dark-haired man knows that now there is no way he can lose. Not just after making such an announcement. After all, his pride is at stake.
After reaching the counter, Ethan insists on paying for the tickets. Of course, John almost snorts and chuckles at his friend acting like a hero from the action movies. Or rather, like a small sparrow who cannot sit in one spot and keep chirping while trying to act like a bird.
As he takes the shotgun into his hands, Ethan announces with such determination in his voice ‘‘Watch me! I’ll win this one.’’.
When the dark-haired man takes a deep breath, he aims at the target below the big teddy bear.
After a couple of unsuccessful attempts, Ethan finally hits the target. For sure, his friend’s reaction makes his victory even more accomplishing. As he holds his giant plushy toy, Ethan proudly declares ‘‘How’s that? I told you, I can do it.’’.
Yet, the blond replies in an as chill manner as he can ‘‘Not bad, not bad at all. But I can do it better!’’.
While hugging the teddy bear, Ethan replies ‘‘Then, I’m waiting for ~’’.
Despite it being John’s first time holding a gun, he imitates the same stance as his friend. Finally, he aims at the target and pulls the trigger.
As the bullet blasts the expensive-looking pot, the blond falls to the ground.
Fortunately, Ethan rushes toward his fallen friend. As he helps to get up, the dark-haired man gives an avalanche of questions ‘‘Are you alright? Did you get hurt anywhere?’’.
Even the person who held this game got concerned. However, John gives a comforting smile and chuckles while rubbing his nape ‘‘Please, don’t worry about it. I’m fine. I am really.’’. Then, he apologizes to the game’s owner for destroying the prize and politely asks to use his remaining attempts.
The result wasn’t exactly gold medal-worthy. Although, John kept missing the targets. Yet, he feels like accomplishing something great. After all, it’s his first time doing something like this. He knew that nothing is scary when his friend was by his side. Besides, Ethan cheered on him, and it worked as the best charm he could ask for.
Lastly, the dark-haired man holds the teddy bear in front of John while confessing in a slightly embarrassed tone ‘‘Here. You are the one who deserves it.’’.
Just as John widens his eyes and dumbfounded stares at Ethan, the dark-haired man continues ‘‘You should have warned me about that earlier… A-anyway, even for the first time, you did well. So, take it.’’.
As John takes the teddy bear, he just warmly smiles at him.
Thanks to such an expression, Ethan can feel how his cheeks are pinkish color. Yet, he cracks a slightly nervous smile and asks ‘‘What is it? Did I say anything wrong?’’.
John holds the plushy toy in one arm while the other hand reaches his friend. While he ruffles the dark-haired man’s hair, he thanks in a warm and gentle tone ‘‘Thank you.’’.
At the moment, Ethan just silently stares at the blond like nothing seems to exist in the world aside from him and John.
‘Tonight. Tonight, during the fireworks show, I gonna do it. So, even if these three words might end my life, but I’m ready to say them. Don’t you think you’ll get away this time by stealing something precious to me, you pretty boy…’ Ethan thinks to himself while dazing at his friend.
So, even if there is still a lot of time until that moment, he cherishes the last memories with his beloved bartender. Or so, this is the only outcome he is prepared for.
Yet, Ethan doesn't realize that these three words are the simplest yet, most difficult to say words that can be the beginning of the brand-new chapter.
