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He's a little shocked when he sees Ouma round the corner—
The first thing that comes to mind is how comfortable his outfit looks. A large white t-shirt that has splotches of bright paint and dark spots randomly scattered, and some black sweatpants that look like they have seen much bleach, as there are streaks and a constellation of acid washed browns and reds. Although artistic, it's definitely not Ouma's usual style.
The detective is suddenly very aware of how overdressed he is, immediately feeling a flush come to his face as Ouma openly checks him out.
"You're all dressed up! Going on a date or something?"
Shuichi laughs at the joke, "Nice to see you too Ouma. Here I thought you weren't gonna make it on time."
The dramatics begin, as Kokichi strikes a pose, leaning back while placing the back of his hand against his forehead. "I can't help it! Beauty like this takes time and effort ! There's a reason it's called being fashionably late afterall!"
The pair immediately laugh at his theatrics, but once they recoup themselves Ouma glances over Shuichi once more—
"Ok. I can't lie." Ouma solemly admits, taking a big sigh before continuing, "Your emo outfit isn't a good idea for this…"
Before Saihara can ask for an elaboration, his phone chimes with an alert, reminding him that it was just about time to check into the pottery class.
The instructor is kind, but does make a comment on Shuichi's outfit as well.
"Told you!" Ouma whispers behind the teacher's back, immediately gloating about the truth he managed to slip past Shuichi.
He can feel his face heat up with embarrassment, perhaps he was a bit too eager to dress nicely for their date? It wasn't completely his fault though! Ouma lied three times about their date destination—
How was he to know that he was actually being serious about the pottery appointment, and over text nonetheless?!?
"The best we can do is offer you an apron, but we won't be able to guarantee that your clothes will be spotless after the class." The instructor informs, holding out a deep olive apron that shows signs of previous wears.
Ouma cuts in, trying to reject the apron, "Actually, we might have to—"
Shuichi realizes Ouma's lie and quickly takes the apron for himself, slipping it over his head and tying it comfortably around his body.
Ouma stares at him in confusion as the detective cooks up his own excuse, "We might ask a lot of questions, more so me since I've never actually done a pottery class before. Is that alright?"
"Of course! This course is friendly to beginners and more experienced students."
"Perfect. I-I'm really excited for the class." Shuichi states, his eyes focused on Ouma as he mostly directs his response to the prankster.
And so, Shuichi quickly learns that clay sticks to clothes.
It also happens to show up especially well on black.
The apron isn't able to protect him at all, as the clay has managed to fly and cling even in spots that he never would have predicted!
Yet even with all that, he can't find it in him to be mad.
Not when Ouma has the biggest smile on his face as they attempt (and fail miserably ) to make matching mugs. Even with their flawed drinkware, Shuichi can't help but feel like they both had a lot of fun.
So when they finally finish their projects after a few more sessions and Kokichi proposes to trade mugs, Shuichi can't help but comply.
He holds it gently in his hands, loving the way it feels between his palms—
"So you'll have me to thank for every cup of coffee, tea, and whatever else you end up drinking out of that mug!"
Somehow, all he can think about is Ouma's hands shaping the mug, his joy and frustration and concentration all seeping into the edges of the clay and taking on this shape. Even more ridiculously— Saihara imagines Ouma's hands as being able to hold all his favorite beverages for him to enjoy, in clay form.
Saihara smiles brightly, holding the cup close to his chest, "Well, I hope you'll think of me too every time you use mine."
Shuichi doesn't dare bring up the red that colors Kokichi's face.
"Well I am happy to inform you that my Panta will taste extra spicy out of this custom, one-of-a-kind mug that is fit for the Ultimate Supreme Leader of Evil! Billionaires around the world do not have enough money to purchase this!"
Shuichi laughs so hard he nearly drops the mug, accepting Kokichi's (mostly fake) scolding as he stows it away carefully to take home.