Chapter Text
He was too pretty to be single.
A large hand reached for the ceramic coffee cup, lifting it to his lips. He took a languid sip, tongue slipping along his bottom lip to catch a stray drop. Slender deep brown eyes fluttered shut in pure enjoyment. He looked like someone who drank his coffee black. All silk and casual charm. You thanked the gods for dropping this absolute specimen of a man into your little shop today.
Your co-owner Nanami Kento followed your gaze to the mysterious man seated alone in the corner. "You're going to embarrass yourself if you continue staring," He chided, pressing a cup into your hand. "I didn't think he was your type."
You scowled, begrudgingly starting a round of espresso shots. You glanced down at Nanami's neat writing on the cup. Ten pumps of caramel and ten of white chocolate? You thought you might be sick. Some orders ought to be banned for their crimes against good coffee. "Who says I have a type? He's just handsome. And not a regular. Have you seen him before?"
You internally berated the teenage girl at the register for not saying a word about this beautiful man. You would've taken his order in a heartbeat!
Nanami didn't answer immediately, having to step away to take another order. You pushed your thoughts into the back of your mind. There was zero point in attempting to romanticize the life of a barista. Meet-cutes where the male lead sloshed hot coffee onto your favorite outfit? No thanks. That shit hurt.
Was it too much to hope that this godly-looking man was single? Definitely.
The usual din of your coffee shop quieted with a second man's appearance. His shock of pure white hair caught your eye first. Then the expensive-looking suit he wore underneath a black trench coat. And lastly, the pretty blue eyes peering over his round sunglasses. Where your first man was sleek and relaxed, this one was his polar opposite. Flamboyant and immediately on your nerves with his loud call of "Suguru!" and an animated wave. And much to your dismay, equally as attractive.
And dating each other with my luck. You reflected, watching as he dropped into the seat across from the dark-haired man. What you wouldn't give to be seated across from them.
"Hey. Watch what you're doing or you're going to burn the milk," Nanami snatched the pitcher out of your hand just in time. "What's gotten into you?" He sighed, taking in your chagrined expression. "The dark-haired one is Geto Suguru and the annoying one in a suit is Gojo Satoru."
How did he know that? You scrutinized him suspiciously. "Do you know them from somewhere or something?"
Nanami pretended to busy himself with salvaging your steamed milk. "We attended the same college way back. Where Gojo goes, Geto goes. They're a pair of menaces so I suggest you shut down any silly ideas of romance immediately."
"Oi, oi, Nanami! I knew it had to be you!"
Nanami swore under his breath.
You jumped in surprise. One, because Nanami rarely swore at work. Two, because the white-haired man was gorgeous up close. He offered you a toothy grin, arms dangling over the wall right above your bar space. You thought he might be checking you out through his sunglasses but you couldn't be sure. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you! It's been what- five years?- since our crazy college days?"
"Not long enough and maybe crazy for you ," Nanami responded wearily. "Get your filthy street clothes off my bar."
"'Filthy?' This is Dior!" Gojo gasped. "Yo, Suguru, come say hi to Nanami-kun!"
You shot an accusatory glare Nanami's way along with an elbow to the side. Why hadn't he told you about them before? He returned your glare with one of his own, mouthing: "This is your fault!"
"How is it my fault? They're your friends!" You mouthed right back, flailing your hands around to express yourself. You were unaware of the two intrigued pairs of eyes witnessing your non-verbal exchange until Nanami hit you in the side.
"Ow!"
"Let me introduce the co-owner of Overtime. This is Ito [ Name ]. [ Name ], this is Geto Suguru and Gojo Satoru. Do not let them pull you into their mischief while you're at work. I mean it," Nanami warned. "They aren't going to leave us alone from now on."
Gojo's peachy lips pursed into a pout. "Straight to the point as always, eh Nanami-kun? You can call me Satoru," He offered you a wink. "I didn't think Nanami had such pretty friends."
"Mm. I have to agree," Suguru's honeyed voice with the intensity of his dark gaze made you shiver. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ito-san. Me 'an Satoru were Nanami-san's senpais in school. How did you end up at his coffee shop?"
You contemplated his words or attempted to while your heart pounded in your ears. Having two unfairly attractive men solely focus their attention on you was overwhelming. "I have a masters in business,"
"Impressive," was Suguru's low murmur. You shot him a grateful smile.
"So I landed this great job at a company. Until I got fired because I wouldn't sleep with the boss. They'd rather keep him than a singular employee out of hundreds," You shrugged, slightly bemused by the immediate outrage that took over the two men's expressions.
"I needed a job to keep me afloat and I noticed Overtime was hiring. Kento took one look at me and told me absolutely not."
"You told her no?" Geto turned to Nanami in surprise. "With a master's in business?"
"I didn't know that at the time," Nanami grumped.
Gojo stole a sugar stick from one of your displays, popping it in his mouth and pointedly ignoring Nanami's glare. "So, how did you win him over? I noticed you're on a first-name basis."
"I heard him talking with one of the workers about having a hard time finding a good bakery around here. So I told him where the best hole-in-the-wall one was located and left my number," You grinned at Nanami, blissfully unaware of the transfixed men following your every movement. "The rest is history."
Gojo let out a cackle and slapped a palm on the counter. There was something weirdly infectious about this man, and you found yourself cracking a smile. "You were won over by a loaf of bread, Nanami-kun? You're the definition of a stomach being the way to a man's heart." He teased.
"You know, Satoru's the CEO of a well-to-do company. Maybe he could find you something if you're still looking," Geto offered kindly. "Hopefully I'm not overstepping my boundaries, Ito-san."
"Not at all. I appreciate the offer, Geto-san," You could feel Nanami's eyes on you, likely out of surprise. "I guess you could say once you leave the corporate world, you never want to go back. I found my niche at Overtime and frankly I don't want to leave. I'm happier here than I ever was behind a desk."
Geto's eyes softened. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, and you wondered how you could make him laugh. "That's very admirable. Actually, I'm the same way. Left my office job and I own a flower shop a few streets down from here."
You perked up. "You do?" If you weren't wildly attracted to him before, this discovery sent your heart hurtling into oblivion.
He graced you with a short nod. "I'd love it if you visited it sometime. I'm sure we'll see each other from now on if Satoru has anything to say about it,"
Gojo let the stick poke out of his mouth. "I have to say, I'm enjoying the company. Now that I know what Nanami's been up to, I don't think I can stay away. You don't mind if we come back, do you, Ito-san?" His voice subtly dropped and his glasses dropped to the bridge of his nose. Oh fuck. His cyan eyes were hypnotizing. And you were 100% sure he used this exact tactic on every girl.
You weren't a total loser in the way of flirting back either.
You smiled to yourself, leaning forward to meet him halfway. Plucked the empty stick from his mouth. "If I did mind, it'd be terrible customer service to admit it aloud, wouldn't you say?" You watched him blink in surprise at the boldness of your gesture, a goofy grin spreading across his lips. Suguru's low chuckle from your left brought a wave of unexpected warmth to your cheeks. You could hear Nanami screaming internally so you decided to take pity on him.
You peered past the blonde, gulping at the sight of a busload of kids pulling up to the store entrance. Well shit.
"Sorry, we're about to have a line to the door so Nanami and I are going to be busy for a while," You apologized. "I'd love to talk to the both of you later!" You felt Nanami subtly grip your hand to drag you away from the pair.
"You're thinking. That's rarely a good sign." Geto remarked, returning to his abandoned spot at the corner table. He'd have to ask for a refill after your rush was over. Upon observing your and Nanami's stressed appearances, he couldn't help feeling a strong sense of pity. Customer service was not for the faint of heart. You handled each unruly child like a pro, gently nudging them towards less-caffeinated drinks or a fruit smoothie.
"Nothing looks good? Okay, then let's get you something you like! How about a strawberry lollipop?" He watched you raise a finger to your lips and pretend to look around. "Don't tell anybody, but I'll let you have it for free, okay? Our little secret!" The child bounded off, evidently satisfied with the sugary treat.
This subtle kindness was undeniably attractive. You were undeniably attractive, he admitted to himself.
There was a lot to be said about the grace with which you conducted yourself. Your skillful avoidance of Nanami's figure as you maneuvered around the bar area to finish your respective drinks. Your pink tongue poked out in concentration while you meticulously pieced a specialty latte together. He thought that was pretty cute. The tendril of hair that managed to escape your work updo and tease your cheekbone. His fingers itched to brush it away, watch a pretty pink rise to your cheeks.
"So are you. You haven't stopped staring at her for a second, Suguru." Gojo regarded him carefully, fingertips absentmindedly tapping the tabletop. "What do you think? Are the cutie and Nanami a thing?"
Geto watched you two work for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't think so. Nanami's too professional to strike up a workplace romance," He pointed out. He paused. "Satoru... Are you asking for me or you?"
Gojo leaned forward in his chair, eyes glinting with mischief over the rims of his glasses. "Who says I'm not asking for both of us? We both think she's pretty hot, right?"
"Not everyone is comfortable being shared, especially between two people already in an intimate relationship, 'Toru." Geto shook his head slowly. "Besides, she's Nanami's friend."
Gojo hummed thoughtfully. "Okay, so we'll wine and dine her separately at first. Call me crazy, but I have a good feeling about her. It was somethin' in the way she was looking at both of us..."
Suguru chuckled, tossing an arm along the back of an empty chair. "Don't you think I feel the same way? She couldn't take her eyes off of you, 'Toru." It made his chest swell with pride to know you found his best friend and lover attractive.
"Me? Nah, she was looking you up and down like a prime piece of meat. Say, Suguru, why don't we make this interesting?" There was that trademark glint of mischief. Gojo's schemes either crashed and burned miserably or went off without a hitch. Sometimes it was hard to believe he was the actual CEO between the two of them.
Ignoring any reservations, Geto leaned forward in his seat to meet his partner halfway. "I'm listening."
Gojo glanced around to make sure you and Nanami were out of earshot. "Why don't we make this a fun little competition? We compete. Let her get to know us one-on-one before we tell her about the relationship. No harm to anybody involved if we figure out if she's even open to a three-way first. If she's only interested in one of us, we back off."
Geto sighed. "This could backfire miserably, 'Toru. Don't you think we're moving a little fast? Maybe she was just being nice," At Gojo's deadpan look, he raised his hands in defense. "Okay, you're right, even I don't believe that."
Pleased with his answer, Gojo's lips twitched into a grin. "Then from this moment on, you and I are at war. Rich and super hot CEO versus charming and handsome flower shop owner."
Geto hummed thoughtfully, fixing his boyfriend with a slightly-lidded look. "Don't think I can do it, Six Eyes? I landed the aforementioned rich and super hot CEO, you know." Pink immediately tinted the white-haired man's cheeks, and he glanced away with a little scoff.
"Who says I didn't land you first?"
"They keep looking over here. I don't like it." Nanami threw back a chilled shot of espresso. You grimaced. He only did that when something was stressing him out.
"They didn't seem that bad, Kento."
He whirled around to face you, slamming the little glass on the countertop. "You don't know those two as I do," He muttered darkly. "They threw me into the pool at a house party because they thought it'd be funny. I mean, who does that without warning first?!"
You stifled a laugh, turning your back to take a customer's order. You could see why Nanami's no-nonsense didn't mesh well with Gojo's mischief. Still, you thought Gojo genuinely seemed to like Nanami even if the former didn't share the sentiment.
You snuck a glance at the corner table, noting that the two men were in deep conversation. Yup, probably dating. You needed to shut down your train of thought ASAP.
"And you. You were ogling them the entire time!" Nanami pointed an accusatory finger your way. You splayed a hand on your chest in mock offense. "I'm telling you, [ Name ], it's a bad idea. They've been a thing since college, probably even high school if I cared enough to go into their history. They're inseparable," He warned. "And the thought of me having to put up with Gojo Satoru for your sake..." An actual fearful shudder wracked the blonde man's body, and you couldn't help your undignified snort of laughter. "It makes me sick. It does."
"Okay, okay! I get it! Off limits!" You raised your hands in defense, grumbling under your breath and turning your back. Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru were off-limits. Right. Nanami confirmed what you already knew.
You carried a cup of tea out to an elderly customer, locked eyes with Geto on your way, and almost melted into a puddle on the spot. Gojo turned in his chair to send you a little wave coupled with a wink.
Well, some things were easier said than done.
It was their third time visiting Nanami (and you.)
How could they be so wrong? Gojo was truly dumbfounded. One spare glance told him Geto was equally surprised. The front door flew open and a pink-haired boy threw himself directly at your knees.
Your startled burst of laughter brought a smile to Gojo's face regardless of his slight disappointment. Of course, a pretty thing like you was spoken for. "Yuji-kun, you're here early! Did you have fun with Megumi today?"
"Yep! We played with his two new puppies alllll day! Do I get a lollipop? Can I have the red one?" The boy's eyes rounded in anticipation, beaming widely as you placed a swirled red and white lollipop in his grubby hand. "Where's papa?" The pink-haired boy glanced around frantically. "Papamin? Papamin, where are you?!"
"This just keeps getting better and better," Geto murmured.
Gojo's white brows furrowed. Papamin? Don't tell me...
Nanami's low voice out of nowhere made him jump. "Yuji, what have I said about using an inside voice when I'm at work?" Gojo was certain his eyebrows shot past his hairline. Nanami was a father? Did that mean you were the mom? When the hell did this happen? And why wasn't Gojo invited to the wedding?
"I'm sorry Otou-san... But lookie! Look what me 'an 'Gumi painted today!" Yuji pressed a wrinkled piece of colorful paper into his father's hand. "S'me and you! Our family!"
Gojo didn't think he'd ever seen Nanami's expression so... soft. Then again, he never imagined Nanami was the type to have kids to begin with.
Nanami stooped to the boy's level."This is very nice, Yuji-kun. You did a great job on this. Why don't you grab a coloring book and sit over there until I'm done with my shift, okay? Try not to talk the customers' ears off like you did last time," He ruffled his pink hair, watching the boy run off and throw himself into the nearest armchair with crayons in hand.
"You're curious, aren't you?"
Your voice from nearby made the two men jump out of guilt. You offered Gojo a small smoothie and replaced Geto's empty mug with a steaming one. Gojo didn't seem like a bitter coffee kind of guy, and your assumption was correct when his face scrunched up in disgust upon peering into Geto's mug.
Geto cleared his throat. "Congratulations to you and Nanami. I must say, I never expected Nanami to settle down any time-"
"Oh! No, Geto-san, you have it all wrong!" You waved your hands around frantically. Were you blushing? Gojo leaned forward in his chair. Now that was a sight he could get used to. "Nanami and I aren't like that! Yuji's not mine, though he's a great kid," You paused. "You two actually care about Nanami, right?"
"Of course! We went to college together and our group used to be close. We ended up drifting apart for a long time but maybe this is a sign to get the gang back together," Gojo answered. "If you and Nanami aren't together, then who..."
You smiled faintly, wiping your hands on your apron. "Okay, I'm happy to hear that. It's probably not my place to say this. But I trust the two of you," Geto gestured for you to sit down. You did so, a bit hesitantly with your hands clasped loosely on your lap. "His wife passed two years ago. Stage 4 cancer snuck up on her fast and within a couple of months of Yuji's adoption, she was gone,"
Damn... Poor Nanami.
"Kento ... Took it hard. He loved her. Like the once-in-a-lifetime love they sing about in songs," Gojo wondered if you believed in a love like that. "After that, he had to figure out how to raise Yuji without her and that's where I kinda came in. I babysit Yuji when Nanami's busy here," You raised a shoulder in a shrug. "No secret children with my coworker, I'm afraid."
"Wow. That's a relief." Gojo found himself saying.
"What's a relief?" You met Gojo's gaze, confused and maybe a little offended.
Gojo smiled back innocently, resting his chin in his palm. "Oh, nothing. You don't seem like Nanami-kun's type, that's all. For some reason, he attracts the real cheery types."
You let out a little scoff. "And whose type am I, Gojo-san? Yours?" Your gaze flicked to the handsome man on your left. "Geto-san's?"
"Does it scare you if I say both?" Geto surprised you and Gojo with his sudden honesty. You blushed. Gojo gritted his teeth. While he had his fair share of admirers, Geto was the ladies' favorite. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable by making a move at your workplace, of course."
"It doesn't scare me. I'm flattered that you both think so highly of me after a couple afternoons of knowing each other," The playful lilt in your tone made Gojo smile. If he didn't know better, you were the player playing them. "Is this... okay? Really? Nanami hinted that you're... well, together."
Gojo blinked. Of course, he had. "We are," He told you honestly. "We're committed to each other but willing to date other people if we both like 'em. Haven't met anybody that both of us like enough, though."
"And the two of you like me?" You glanced between the pair, clearly shocked. It felt so invasive to nudge your way into an established relationship. Geto and Gojo exchanged a meaningful look before they both nodded.
Geto cleared his throat. "This doesn't have to be anything serious. In fact, I'd like to get to know you. Just the two of us first. Satoru wants the same. He suggested we make this a little competition... See who wins you over first. All in the name of good fun, of course. We don't want you to feel like you're a prize."
"At the same time, you're a pretty nice prize. We'd be lucky to have you," Gojo ignored Geto's exasperated sigh, flashing you a boyish grin. "What do you say? You game for a little fun?"
You hummed in thought, leaning back in your chair. "What's in it for me?"
"Huh?"
"How do you boys know I like you like that?"
Oh, Gojo liked this. You weren't afraid to toy with them right back. Where there was sugar, there was spice. That was the tempting combo reeling him in.
"Didn't you brew a fresh batch of coffee for Suguru just now? If he wanted a refill, he could've gone up to the counter himself," Gojo relished in your embarrassed reaction complete with reddening cheeks and eyes darting to the side. "And you brought yours truly a smoothie. Guessed that I don't like the bitter stuff. So yes, I think you like us like that."
You wondered how many people Gojo managed to fool with that flippant exterior. Underneath those glittering blue eyes and boyish charms, there was a sly and intelligent man worthy of the CEO title. You'd be lying if you didn't find that hot.
Geto graced you with a gentle smile, reaching for a napkin and stealing a pen from Satoru's pocket: "Why don't we give you some time to think about it? I'll give you me and Satoru's numbers. You can let us know what you decide. It's totally up to you, Ito-san," He slid the napkin across the table. "But for the record... We'd be lucky to have you."
This was crazy. You paced your apartment, phone clenched in hand. You weren't committing to a relationship. They made that clear. You'd go on a date with Geto and then Gojo. You'd feel each other out in a non-professional environment, and things might not even work out.
Would a regular person be offended that they were competing over you? You felt the opposite. You wondered what Geto looked like when he was jealous. Would those beautiful angular eyes turn a darker shade of brown? Would that large hand clasp yours to drag you away without another word? And Gojo... Gojo was not the type to pull his punches. You bit your lip to bite back a smile. A jealous Gojo would be cute. Blue eyes flashing, maybe a sassy out-of-pocket insult, and a hand protectively on your hip (or ass).
Maybe you were getting a little ahead of yourself. Maybe the years of loneliness had finally caught up with you. You wanted what they had so badly. That instinctive bond. The knowledge of what the other was thinking without a second glance. You craved it. So bad your heart twisted in your chest.
Nanami was going to kill you if he found out.
Me to Geto Suguru: I'm in. Where are we going first?