I slowly opened my eyes, feeling the soft morning light creeping through my eyelids. My mind was still foggy, and I curled up in the couch, sinking into its warmth. What time is it? I lazily turned my head to check my phone-8:20 AM. Still got time until work.
I snuggled back into the cushions, sighing in relief. But just as I was about to doze off again, a sudden click of a door opening snapped me back to reality.
Before I could even process what was happening-
A loud, high-pitched scream shattered the peaceful morning air, jolting me awake like a horror movie jumpscare.
I barely had time to react before I felt something press against the back of my neck. It was Rin. And judging by her trembling voice, she hadn't realized it was me yet.
"Wait! D-Don't move! Or I will kill you! I-I have a broom in my hand!"
I froze. Oh god, I'm gonna get beaten to death with a broom on a Saturday morning.
I carefully opened my mouth. "Rin, it's m-"
"SHUT UP! Put your hands in the air! NOW!" she barked.
I sighed and slowly lifted my hands, trying my best not to laugh.
"Good! Now... turn around SLOWLY. And I swear, if you try ANYTHING funny, I won't hesitate to strike!"
I started turning around, inch by inch, painfully slow.
"Not that slow! Are you mocking me?!"
"TOO FAST! I said slowly!"
I rolled my eyes. Make up your damn mind, Rin.
The second my face was fully visible, Rin's entire body stiffened. Her eyes widened, her face turned a deep shade of red, and-
She dropped the broom instantly and covered her face with both hands. "W-WHY ARE YOU HERE?!"
Before I could answer, Keiko rushed into the living room, looking panicked. "What's going on? Rin, why were you screaming? And... why do you have a broom?"
Rin, still hiding her face, said nothing.
Keiko looked at me for an explanation, but all I could do was offer her my best I have no idea what's happening either smile and shrug.
After a long, exhausting explanation from Keiko about why I was here, Rin finally calmed down. Though her pride was still keeping her from looking me in the eye.
Keiko crossed her arms and sighed. "Now, Rin. Don't you think you owe Ryuko an apology?"
Rin immediately stiffened. "Tch... I didn't even hit her! Why should I-"
Keiko's eyes narrowed. "Rin."
Rin fidgeted, biting her lip. "Ugh... Fine." She took a deep breath, but the words seemed physically painful for her to say.
She clenched her fists, her face completely red.
The whole room went silent.
Keiko facepalmed. "That's not how you say it."
Rin groaned and stomped her foot. "UGH! Why is apologizing so HARD?!"
I smirked. "It's fine, Rin. Your suffering is apology enough."
Her glare sharpened. "Shut up, you broom criminal."
I snorted. She's adorable when she's mad.
Before I knew it, it was already 10:00 AM.
"Ahh crap, I don't have time to go back to hone before work," I groaned.
Keiko checked her phone and gasped. "Wait -10:00 AM?! We're gonna be late!"
Cue: Panic mode engaged.
Keiko practically shoved me into the bathroom. "Just shower here! Hurry!"
It was a chaotic mess of us rushing around, getting ready in record time. We didn't even have time for breakfast.
As we sprinted toward the train station, I couldn't help but think: This could've been a romantic morning together, but instead, we're sweaty and dying.
By the time we arrived at Manna's Kitchen, it was exactly 10:50 AM. We were safe... but drenched in sweat.
The second we stepped inside, Aki, immediately noticed.
"Why are you two late-TOGETHER?!" she scolded. "Hurry and get changed!"
We both bowed and rushed to the staff room, muttering apologies.
"Phew... barely made it," I sighed.
By the time lunch break rolled around, I was starving.
Keiko and I were the first to grab our food, eating like our lives depended on it.
Aki, meanwhile, was eyeing us suspiciously from across the table.
Then, she leaned in closer and whispered, "Ryuko... Did something happen with you and Keiko last night?"
I nearly choked on my food. "W-WHAT?!"
"Well," Aki smirked, "your hair smells like hers today... and you're wearing the same clothes as yesterday... AND you two arrived late together."
I could feel my soul leave my body.
Damn it. This girl was way too sharp.
"I-We-" I stammered, completely flustered.
Aki leaned in with a teasing smirk and whispered, "Don't be shy with me. I know the age difference is big, but..."
Aki's smirk widened. "Oooooh, I knew it! Something did happen, didn't it?"
Before I could answer, Keiko, completely unaware of the interrogation, looked at me curiously. "Ryuko? What's wrong? You look pale."
Aki's smirk grew even wider.