Guided by the two college girls with different aesthetics when it comes to their fashion sense; Juri being the cool fashionista and Setsuna sporting a bratty and charming air at the same time, I soon found myself sitting opposite them in a certain fast-food chain with a clown as its mascot.
What happened?
After Juri apologized again for making a mistake in the directions she sent me and Setsuna-nee-san duked it out with me about who could tease the other the most – which I lost after surrendering after the woman used an 'older sister' card – the triumphant teaser suggested, or rather, dragged me and her best friend there without letting us voice our opinion.
As for her reasoning, she hadn't eaten her breakfast yet. And that made her crave fast-food burgers that she could chow down in three or four bites.
Really, Setsuna-nee seemed a lot more brazen than the first time I saw her. And from what I picked up from Juri's reaction, it was as though she was also seeing a new side of her best friend.
When I tried probing about it, Juri confirmed that this was the first time she saw Setsuna-nee getting too worked up on something. That included the way Setsuna-nee refused to back down in out-teasing me.
But then again, I could also take that as a sign that she's already comfortable with me. There was no need for her to mind how she could be seen by me.
Or this was the manifestation of her threat back when Satsuki slept over. She said she's going to hang me when we meet…
Uh. Whichever the case, one thing was for sure…
She's not going to come with us on this trip. Her attire wasn't fit for it.
And if I'm guessing it right, she probably had just woken up and tagged along when she saw Juri leaving their dorm.
I had no idea if she was also like this to Sakuma but knowing that guy… she must've been like an angel in his eyes or a Goddess he worships.
With the guy still failing to score the date with her, either it's Setsuna-nee not giving a clear answer or he's still acting like a wimp; cowardly shying away from possible rejection.
But well, I've given him enough advice. From what I last heard from the guy – yesterday, to be exact – it would be harder for him to meet Setsuna-nee because of college as well as her return to her dormitory. She could still come home during weekends and that was the remaining window for him to seize and further his attempts to woo her.
The idiot still couldn't make plans to take her out on a date. And obviously, she's still shutting him down, saying she'd be busy on that day.
Really, I wonder what is in her mind for stringing along that guy?
Anyway, that's not my problem anymore. Sakuma has to step up for himself and push this woman down or he won't get anywhere.
Maybe I got too lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice that I was already staring at her. And that resulted in the woman finding another ammo to tease me.
"Hmm? What? Why are you staring at me? Have you fallen for your girlfriend's sister?"
With her cheeks still bloated from what she was eating, the girl smirked condescendingly.
At her side, Juri poked Setsuna-nee's cheek and scolded her, "Stop talking while eating! That's inappropriate."
Now, there's the propriety freak. But that's a nice save nonetheless. Not that I needed it but it's still something I appreciated.
In any case, I still came up with a rather unhinged answer. Looking over at the two women in front of me, I straightened my back, rested my elbows on the table, and leaned forward with my mouth hidden behind my clasped hands.
"Nope. Let's see. If I have a choice to fall in love with someone other than Satsuki, it won't be you, Setsuna-nee…" I trailed my voice and let my eyes wander to Juri.
Although I haven't said anything yet, the cool fashionista immediately averted her gaze, her cheeks turning pink.
It reminded me of her image last Sunday when we were so into the act of being a couple.
"What?! That's rude!"
"You… You can't say that Onoda-kun!"
Not noticing the subtle change in her best friend's behavior, Setsuna-nee took that as an offense as she almost stood up to get back at me.
As for Juri… it sounded like there was a double meaning to her words. Either she's scolding me for saying that to Setsuna-nee or she's telling me not to voice out what's in my head.
Whichever the case, I remained calm and collected, watching and relishing their reactions.
This continued for a while and no matter how much Setsuna-nee raged at me, I would simply meet it with a nonchalant expression. That made her pissed, of course, but she couldn't do anything else but accept that I wouldn't butt heads with her anymore.
At least, not on the current occasion. It's tiring and I just wanted us to move on.
Anyway, when she finished with her food, Setsuna-nee stood up to bring it to the corner where the trays and trash were supposed to be put. She also didn't return right away, saying she was going to the bathroom.
Thanks to that, it finally gave me the chance to talk to Juri alone.
"Uh. I think I need to apologize again, Onoda-kun. I never told you that Setsu is with me."
"You don't have to. I kind of predicted that she'll also be here considering you're staying at the same dormitory and she knows about this trip."
'R-right…" She pursed her lips, perhaps not knowing what to say anymore.
My mind quickly formed words to keep this conversation going. And instead of going in circles, I went directly to the purpose of our trip today.
"That aside, I take it that we're going to the first location after this?"
"Yes. We'll check out the lake park first. It's the farthest so… better to start there. That way, when we finish checking out the third location, going back won't be a hassle."
I see. So, the lake park first then the forest camp, and lastly, the hills. I guess that's the order she decided. Since I am only supposed to escort her, she's the one who prepared everything, including booking tickets and calling those locations for our purpose of scouting.
She must've been busy these past few days. And given that she was still a little baffled at the aftermath that was completely against her expectation, I could somehow spy some black lines beneath her eyes.
"I understand. I'll do my best to be of help to you today, Koizumi-san…" I put on an amiable smile which infected Juri.
"Yeah. I'll be in your care. By the way, Onoda-kun… Won't you call me by my name?"
This… Thinking about it, our act ended abruptly back then and I sent her back before we even got to end it properly… Is she, perhaps, still hung up on it?
"You mean…?"
"Yes. I think I prefer it better if you start calling me by my first name… And if you don't mind, I'll do the same for you… Ruki."
Upon saying that, Juri lowered her head, perhaps anticipating her cheeks to heat up again.
Well, that's not what happened. Somehow, her mentality got a boost that she recovered instantly. She raised her head once again, bearing her usual, cool expression, accentuating her natural beauty.
I didn't answer right away to see if she'll find it awkward. Even after a minute passed, her clear, blue eyes never left my figure. It felt like she was burning my image in her memory albeit in a subtle way.
I was waiting for her to bring up the 'date' that she suggested or question me again about what I did but that didn't come. Most likely, she's holding it back. I guess I have to expect that later. When there's no Setsuna-nee that could interrupt our moment.
"Mhm. I don't mind it. But Juri, I have to be honest. If I start calling you this way, it'll make me remember our act."
I thought of teasing her a bit. However, instead of my expected reaction, Juri heatedly stared at me, gratitude filling her eyes. Then, she reached for my hand, clasping it in between hers.
And as though we're not in a busy place where people come and go, Juri put on her most beautiful smile as she endearingly muttered. "I don't mind if it reminds you of it. I'm just as guilty of that. Besides, it's a memory I won't forget… I haven't thanked you properly yet. But Ruki, there's no doubt that you saved me there. I will always appreciate it."
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