Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sunlight peaked through the blinds of a dimly lit room. The room itself was full of barely unpacked boxes, bookshelves full of romance novels, a simple desk with a plethora of stacked papers, and a scattered mess of clothes on the floor.

Of course, the jewel of the room was none other than a queen-size bed. Under the blanket, lies a peaceful Yashiro Nene.

The night before, Yashiro has been late home after a night out with her friends, including Aoi. The moment Yashiro had gotten home, she immediately collapsed into bed. Only waking up once to get changed, and falling right back asleep.

According to Aoi, she had gotten into an argument with Yamabuki over something stupid like the best genre of movie. Yashiro had said RomComs, Yamabuki had said Action movies.

Why did it matter that action movies had better plots?? Yashiro lived for the cheesey switch-ups in RomComs, and how hilariously awful the acting could get. Sometimes even for the bittersweetness and heart throbbing confession scenes. Nene Yashiro was in love with the idea of being confessed to, especially in a beautiful place.

Suddenly, a loud alarm had buzzed from her phone. Yashiro let out a grumble, and reached for her phone to snooze it. It was her alarm to get up and get ready for college and coffee. She usually grabs coffee first because the lines can become so long in that store.

Yashiro laid still for a few minutes, blinking awake and processing the time..

Coffee..

She immediately sat up and tossed her blankets to the floor in a frantic frenzy, yelling out

"Shit! The lines are about to get long!"

Yashiro pulled thick leggings over her legs and threw a sweater over herself. She had bought it the other week, it was so warm and soft.. she shook her head. No time for reminiscing the first time she picked it up! She frantically brushed her hair and teeth, pulled on her leg warmers, threw on her coat and shoes, grabbed her wallet and keys, and flew out the door.

She stopped for a moment to think. Should she grab her scarf Aoi had bought her for her birthday? Yashiro looked at the time, and then at the door. Sighing, she quickly walked in to grab it and rushed out, slamming the door and running down the sidewalk.

The traffic was a hassle with the crosswalks, but Yashiro eventually made it just in time before rush hour. She felt so proud of herself... and exhausted. Yashiro went to reach for the door, when a guy had cut in front of her to open it, and she tumbled backwards into someone else.

"Hey!!-" she shouted at the boy, who didn't turn back. He seemed to be in a rush as well. Yashiro turned her head back to the person behind her, "I'm so sorry miss! Please forgive me."

The girl had short green hair, and beautiful green eyes. Yashiro had to glance twice at her beauty. Then, she spoke up, "No worries. I understand how rude people can be when they're in a rush. He, in particular, has no sense of direction or the people in front of him."

Yashiro smiled, "The rush can get hectic.."

Then she remembered. The rush. She looked over and saw more people approaching, "S-sorry, it was nice talking! I gotta get inside!" Yashiro quickly waved and stepped inside.

"She's quite the temper, don't you think my lady?" Natsuhiko looked up from his phone and looked at Sakura, waiting for her response.

She never responded to him.

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Inside, the coffee shop was greatly warmed. Perfect for the winter season. The huge chalkboard menu behind the register read out many unique coffee names and combinations. Yashiro always went for a Toasted Chestnut Latte. It always tasted the best, especially with whipped cream!

Yashiro approached the line, and stood behind a pretty tall guy.. the same guy who pushed her without warning away from the entrance! She realized there was no reason to cause a fuss now, so she had patiently waited in line. Yashiro peeked around the guy in front of her, and smiled when she saw the cashier. Mitsuba was working the front today! That saves her time with ordering.

She looked around more, and saw Aoi in the back speeding through orders. They looked so perfect... She wondered how Aoi mastered the craft.

Aoi was her roommate in their apartment. She was always the best one out of the two living there. Both girls were in different majors, but got along well! They've been friends ever since highschool, sharing dark and spooky stories to each other.

Mitsuba on the other hand, Yashiro had met the beginning of the year. She didn't know much about him, though his mom was the sweetest lady she has ever met.

Yashiro smiled and stared down at her phone, moving forward in line. What had she been so worried about? She wouldn't be late at this rate of speed! It was just a slight change of pace from her usual day, it was her normal schedule. Yashiro went to step forward to the cash register, and accidentally bumped into the guy in front of her.

Something had felt hot on her chest, and she looked down to see coffee spilt on her sweater and coat. She had already been so irritated from this guy already. Yashiro looked up at him, ready to raise her voice and frustrations at him. But, when her eyes met his, she released some tension in her muscles.

His eyes were a glittering amber color. She blinked and channeled back into reality, hearing him apologize. He looked frustrated too. What had changed?

"I can pay for your drink-! Would that make it up somewhat?" He looked down at her, and she could see his face light up from embarrassment. At this point, she felt pity on him. He didn't need to do that, especially when she was the one at fault for not paying attention.

Yashiro sighed, and spoke, "It's no trouble, really. I'm sorry for not paying attention and watching where I was stepping. There's no need to pay for my drink."

The boy's eyes averted from the long eye contact they had shared, "Are you sure? It'd probably help relief the trouble of cleaning up that tack-" and Yashiro heard a small smack, watching the boy flinch.

"Cleaning up that outfit." He finished.

Yashiro smiled softly and giggled "It's fine. We're holding up the line." She gestured her hands for him to move out of the way.

The boy nodded and scooted out of the way and out of the door with his one drink that was unscathed. Yashiro sighed and turned to the register, "First spill of the day, and it's all over me."

Mitsuba snickered at her clothes "Wasn't that new? That makes it even worse! He's a total jerk, you know. Will it be the usual?"

Yashiro groaned "That's the worst part! It *was* new! Aoi and I had just gone shopping the other week... and yeah, the usual please."

She took out the money and handed it over to Mitsuba, who responded "At least you have a change of pace for once. Maybe get a change of clothes too. Who told you leg warmers were a good idea?"

Yashiro moved out of the way to wait for her drink and snapped back at Mitsuba, cheeks puffing out, "They cover my ankles well and they're comfortable!!"

Mitsuba took the next order, and quipped back, "Yeah, but they don't match with your outfit!"

Yashiro huffed and sat down at a table. This was a wonderful start to her day. Waking up late, rushing out the door into traffic, getting pushed away from the coffee shop door by some dude, and getting coffee spilt on her outfit by said dude!

She wish she could just go back home and work from there. But she couldn't. She had an exam coming up for her English class, and her professor assigns so. Much. Work.

Yashiro sighed and placed her head on the table to rest for a bit. This was way too much for today, and it wasn't even past noon. It was embarrassing for her and the boy. She thought about something.

How come everyone else knew him but her? Who even is he? Why are his eyes so gorgeous? Yashiro shook her head on the last question.

'That was stupid to think. He was a jerk to you.'

Moments later, she heard a hum come from a familiar voice, "Ne~Ne!~"

It was Aoi, with her drink in hand, and apron put up. Seems she took her break early. Yashiro sat up and looked at Aoi with tears forming, "Please don't tell me you saw what happened.."

Aoi sighed and smiled, "Of course I saw it. Nene, why didn't you take that boy's offer? Isn't that a similar start to one of your romcom troupes? Why not give it a chance?"

Yashiro mumbled "Because he was a jerk to me already by pushing me out of the way. He doesn't even seem like my type either, Aoi! I don't even know his name!"

"Oh, that was Amane! Yugi Amane!" She answered pretty fast after Yashiro's statement. Somehow, that name seemed familiar to her. Probably shared a class together at a certain point.

Then, she heard Mitsuba's comment "Yeah that perv is my friend's brother!"

Aoi called back at Mitsuba, "Hey! He isn't that bad! He's just quiet sometimes and he can get real cheeky."

Yashiro turned her head to Aoi, "Hopefully I don't run into him anytime soon .. it'd be embarrassing for the both of us.."
She took a sip of her drink, and relaxed. The warmth of the latte and the flavor was a remedy. It had a soothing aftertaste.

Aoi spoke up, "Speaking of running into... We're gonna have a potluck soon! Sometime next week, since we'll all be on break! I wanted to go together as roommates! Everyone else wants you to come with. They just loove your snacks!"

Yashiro thought about it for a moment, and smiled.
"As long as I don't see him, I'll be there!"

Aoi clapped her hands with glee, "Yaaay!!~ You're the best, Nene! It'll be tons of fun! I promise you. I gotta head back to work, I'll see you when I get off. Then we can plan what to bring!"

Yashiro waved to Aoi, and stood up to leave. Aoi always knew how to cheer her up. She's one of the greatest friends she could've ever asked for. Yashiro came to her after her first heartbreak, and she instantly cheered up the following week.

Her tension had relaxed, and she was on her way to go back home to change real quick. Surprisingly, she had enough time for this. Her phone had a notification that read "CLASS DELAYED BY 30 MIN." which was a relief.

There was no sight of Amane, and that was good enough for her. Yashiro returned home, changed out of her stained sweater.

The next thing on her mind was what to make for the potluck. She'd have to decide with Aoi.

Chapter Text

Hours had passed since Yashiro's morning fiasco, and she was waiting outside the campus building. She was texting Aoi about their potluck plans and who was going to attend. Yashiro received the following list of people; Akane, Mitsuba and his friends, Natsuhiko, Kou, and Lemon.

Yashiro bit her cheek at the thought of Lemon being listed. She hadn't really talked to him since their argument. She'd have to text him later and apologize for it...

But why should she? She's pretty much correct on RomComs being better than Action movies! Nothing is gonna change her mind! Nobody can rewire Nene Yashiro's brain! Maybe a pretty boy but-

Yashiro shook her head and put her phone away. Aoi wasn't gonna be home for a while, and she had to walk alone. It's been the same routine of walking home alone for about two weeks. From what Yashiro can remember, Aoi had said she'd been given later hours in the coffee shop. Something about deep cleaning the shop for a refurbish.

'I guess Aoi is their best employee.. Mitsuba hasn't had that schedule change..' Yashiro was lost in deep thought. She kicked a pebble and watched it roll ahead. Her eyes dragged up and looked ahead.

Two boys were on a walk together, chatting and occasionally hitting each other. Playfully, of course. She smiled and thought about how identical they looked. But, dread had filled her when she saw one of boy's eyes shined a deep amber color as she got closer to the two. An amber color she had recognized.

In the midst of her spotting Amane, he had also seen her, and tried to avoid her as well. It was impossible since there was rarely space on the sidewalk for all three of them. What Yashiro assumed to be Amane's brother, didn't move behind him.

Yashiro tried to keep away from the road as best as she could and kept on her path, staring down at her phone to avoid eye contact with the two.

"Come on, Amane! You said you'd come!" Tsukasa whined, "Tsuchigomori said you need to get out more than clinging to your work 24/7!"

He pushed himself more forward, knocking Yashiro off the sidewalk, paying no attention to her.

Yashiro fell down on the road and dropped her phone. She sighed, grabbing her phone "How many more times am I-"

The sound of a horn rang out, and her heart dropped. Her head snapped and she saw the oncoming lights. But, a voice had pushed into her thoughts, yet it wasn't her own.

"Careful!"

Yashiro felt a grip on her arm, and her body jerked up and out of the street. Right into an embrace.

Her vision went static for a moment. She didn't dare move from the figure, and she didn't even want to look up at him either. Yashiro was in too much shock. She heard the car pass by quickly, and tears started forming.

Could have she been easily injured just because of one accident? What would've happened if they had just kept walking without a care? Yashiro didn't want to think about seeing herself in a hospital for the next week or two. She would've had to skip out on the potluck, and everything would've been ruined because of her. Not only that, but her entire school year would be harmed as well. She'd have to make up so many days.

Yashiro took a deep breath. Her friends cared about her. They wouldn't hate her for being a klutz, especially if she explained what exactly happened. Luckily, her college experience wasn't going to be destroyed.

"Heellooooo??" A voice had interrupted her thoughts, and she turned to look at the boy. He had more light amber eyes than Amane, and... creepy pupils.

"See Amane?? She's okay! You can let go of her now! You're probably scaring her!" Tsukasa gestured to Yashiro while looking straight at Amane. She looked up at Amane, who was red in the face, and his expression was bunched up. Almost as if he was angry and embarrassed.

She couldn't help but find it silly, yet strange. Then, she felt the pressure of his embrace release.

"Maybe you should apologize for getting in her way and almost killing her, Tsukasa!" Amane groaned and turned to face Yashiro, not looking at her, "In advance, I'm sorry for him. He doesn't know personal space or the people around him."

Yashiro rolled her eyes, "It's fine.. I'll just - be on my way."
She moved past them quickly and heard Tsukasa teasing Amane from behind her. She paid no mind to it and continued to walk faster. She didn't want to see him or deal with him anymore for the rest of the day, or the rest of forever!

Yashiro took a turn on a block and ran straight towards a building door. No more Amane, no more college, no more anything for today. She was finally home.

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She unlocked the door and collapsed inside. Her knees hurt so bad from the fall, and she swore she could feel the bruises and scrapes. Yashiro wanted to cry on the floor, but it would definitely be a sad sight for Aoi to come home to.

Aoi.

That's right! She had Aoi to text about the situation! Aoi had always been her gossip buddy! Yashiro pulled out her phone, which had gained new scratches from the road unfortunately, and started texting Aoi.

Yashiro explained in little detail on what had just happened. How she was pushed off the sidewalk by this boy named Tsukasa, how Amane had grabbed her and held her close to void her from falling again, and how similar the two looked.

She didn't even want to look at the responses Aoi had given, but her phone was blowing up with a PLETHORA of spam messages from her teasing roommate.Yashiro needed something to clear her mind. A smile crept on her face when she found a solution.

Yashiro remembered buying some really good soap and tea candles the other week when she was shopping with Aoi. She decided she was going to have a nice and soothing bath! Surely that would help clear her mind before Aoi would remind her and bombard her with questions when she got home

She clapped her hands with glee and gathered everything. Yashiro decided to grab her speaker too. For music, because sometimes the silence can get pretty scary...

Yashiro turned the faucet in the bath, filling it with hot water. She sighed, and smiled. The steam filling the bathroom felt relaxing as well. Maybe she should visit a bath house with Aoi sometime soon. It's a good winter day idea! Especially with it getting more colder.

Once the bath was filled, Yashiro stripped and stepped into the bath. She just wanted to melt into the water and never return once the heat of the water hit her legs. It was super cold that day, who could blame her??

She finally submerged into the bath water more, and added her soap. Yashiro swirled the water a bit to form the bubbles. This is what she needed after her long day. Hopefully the rose scent would rid of the coffee stench from this morning. She didn't have time to take a quick shower and fix her hair.

After a couple of minutes, maybe even an hour and a half, Yashiro drained the water and dried herself off. She took her pajamas (that consisted of shorts and an oversized band t-shirt) and put them on. Almost immediately as she was walking out of the bathroom, she heard the doorknob click.

"Nene!! You gotta tell me EVERYTHING!!!" Aoi rushed over to Yashiro and grabbed her by the arm, dragging her to their Girl Talk Couch™️. The only way Yashiro could describe Aoi's face was giddy and mischievous.

Yashiro groaned, but what was she expecting?
Obviously this, but she wish it was something different!

"Look. All he did was pull me away from danger. I barely know him besides his brother being friends with Mitsuba as well!" Yashiro placed her face in her hands, "I'm just hoping I don't see him again anytime soon.."

Aoi pat Yashiro on the back, "I'm sure you won't! Believe me, he doesn't really steer away from his work often. He's studying Physics and Astrology and all that other science-y stuff!"

Yashiro sniffled and looked at Aoi "It was so embarrassing... We were both trying to steer clear of each other! He looked so embarrassed when he grabbed me!"
She hunched over and looked down "I can't even get a cute guy to save meee...."

Aoi rubbed Yashiro's back in circles "You'll find one eventually! It's a matter of time. Plus, there's pretty cute guys majoring in English as well! Surely you've caught your eye on one! Maybe you should give.."

Yashiro shook her head "They don't really peak my interest once I spy on their personalities.."
She rubbed her eyes and yawned, "Enough boys, what are we gonna make for the potluck?"

Aoi looked at the fridge and the cabinets "Well, I was thinking muffins or brownies, or any pastry!"

Yashiro thought about it "We'd definitely need to bring something sweet and savory... What about some donuts? They're pretty delicious and can keep them busy!"

Aoi clasped her hands together "Now you're on the right track! We can start tomorrow if you want! I don't have work for the next couple of days, and it'll be the day before the party! I'll experiment with some recipes tonight. You go get your beauty sleep."

Yashiro's expression turned full of worry "Are you sure you wanna do this by yourself? You just got off a long day of work! It'd be better together.."

Aoi waved her off "I'll be alright! I have my magic and you have yours. Plus, you had a pretty eventful day too. You go get rest now!"

Yashiro sighed, and smiled "Okayyy.. you better let me try the first experimental batch tomorrow. First thing in the morning!"

Aoi held up her hand, "I swear I'll let you try the first batch in the morning, sir!" Aoi giggled.

Yashiro laughed and waved, "I'll see you then! At ease!"
Yashiro walked around the corner of the kitchen and headed down the hallway to her room. She could finally crash into bed, and dream of nothing.

She opened the door to her room, and collapsed into bed. Wiggling under the blankets, Yashiro got herself comfortable, and drifted off to sleep.

The only thing burned into her mind that night were the pair of amber eyes.

Chapter Text

Yashiro was sitting down at a table. She was all dressed up in cozy clothes, perfect for a date! In fact, she was waiting for a special somebody to arrive at the coffee shop! She was all giddy over the thought. Nene Yashiro, finally going on a date for the first time in forever!

A cute boy had asked her after her creative writing class. The more Yashiro thought about the boy, the more excited she got for her date!
‘It’s about time I had somebody ask me out! Aoi was right, I just needed to scope more boys out!’

Yashiro heard the bell of the door ring, hearing somebody enter. This was it, she gave herself a pep talk before the boy came to sit down with her!
‘Okay Nene, this is it! Don't be weird, be cute, and maybe he'll want to go on a second date!’

Yashiro took a deep breath and looked up from her phone at the boy, and smiled, “Hey! Are you Fuj-”

It wasn't who she thought it was, and she froze in her place. His hair was all choppy, there were scars on his hands, and most of all..

His eyes were that burning amber pair she had never forgotten.

As the sunrise peaked through the window of the shop, the smell of coffee and freshly baked treats filled the air. The aroma had traveled from the kitchen.

That was enough to make Yashiro wake up from her dream.

Yashiro sat up and shrieked. Why was he there?? Was it some kind of connected interstellar dream like those books she's read??? Some kind of date??

She shook her head and cleared her mind, ‘Come on, Nene! It was just a dream! Dream’s don't mean anything! Do they…?’

Then, she heard Aoi's voice call from the kitchen

“....ne, are you up? You said yourself you'd be here to try the batch of donuts!~”

That's right, Yashiro did say that.. why should she keep sitting in her bed worrying about some dumb dream! She had to prepare tons of donuts and grab drinks for the potluck tomorrow!

Yashiro threw on her robe, and walked down the hallway and into the kitchen. To her surprise, Aoi made about a dozen donuts to try! She glanced at Aoi, “Did you make all of these in one night??”

Aoi shook her head and smiled, “No, most of these were made this morning, silly! Each one is a different recipe. That way, we can determine which one is the best!”

Yashiro blinked in astonishment. Sure, Aoi was a good cook, but she worked so fast on these! She thought how amazing each one would taste and how amazing Aoi had been at cooking them..

“Alright, time for judgment! We'll see which one is the best recipe, and we can make more! We should also grab some drinks for the party as well… I doubt anyone will grab them..” Yashiro sat down at the counter

“Ooh, good idea. I think someone else has them covered, but it wouldn't hurt to have a variety!” Aoi smiled, sitting next to Yashiro.

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After a couple of minutes of taste testing, they both collectively agreed that the first recipe would be the best. They were a bit plain because they didn't have any frosting at home… but nonetheless, they were still tasty!

“Alright! We'll start cooking them later! Nene, could you run by the market to get the drinks and some ingredients? I'll prepare with whatever we got right now. That way we're ready with a small batch, to make an even bigger batch later!” Aoi looked back at Yashiro while she was cleaning up the donut mess.

“Oh? Sure thing! I just have to get ready. Get all glamourous, you know?” She smiled and walked back down to her room to get changed.

Aoi called back to her, “Oooh, to get some guy’s attention? You're already cute as is, Nene!”

Yashiro giggled and responded from her room, “You flatter me too much, Aoi! Let me live a little!”

She closed her bedroom door, and started to change out of her pajamas. Yashiro decided to go cozy, perfect for the winter day. It was getting colder and colder as the week went on! The forecast said there was a chance of snow tomorrow.. hopefully it'd be during the potluck. Yashiro didn't want to think of the idea of driving on an icy road..

To Yashiro, snow was very romantic. Playing in it with someone you loved, making a snowman together, having a snowball fight.. even kissing them while you get sprinkled with flurry. She squeaked at the idea, it was all too perfect to write about! A girl falling in love with someone during the winter seasons, and her only chance is before the spring comes!

‘What tragedy! I should write about it for my project..’ Yashiro sighed, and finished getting ready.

Yashiro approached the front door to her and Aoi’s apartment, opening the door.
“I'll be back in a bit! It looks pretty icy outside..”

Aoi responded from the kitchen, “Be safe! Don't lose your head, Nene!~”

She giggled at her remark, and left the apartment. Carefully, one by one, Yashiro went down each step of the stairs. She thought she was in the clear, but she had slipped on the last step and fell straight on her ass.

Yashiro yelped, and looked around to see if anyone had just witnessed her fall, it'd be so embarrassing! But thankfully, there wasn't anyone around. Who would want to be out in this weather? Waaay too chilly for anyone's taste, except for sociopaths… Yashiro shivered. She wouldn't wanna get murdered on her way to the market..

She heaved herself up with the stair railing, and continued on her way. Luckily the market was just around the block at the end of the road. They had lots of good ingredients for sale. Yashiro thought about bringing some hot cocoa mix for the party, since it was gonna be really cold. Surely, Aoi would agree that it'd be a good choice.

Yashiro made it to the market, and grabbed all the ingredients she needed. While she was browsing the frostings for the donuts, a person had caught her attention from the corner of her eye. It was Kou! She turned her head and called to him, “Hey Kou! Fancy seeing you here!”

The blonde boy turned his head and smiled “You here for party materials too?? Whatcha bringin’ Nene?”
He was full of energy, as he normally was.

Kou was a business major, just like Aoi was. In fact, a majority of her friends were business majors… all except Mitsuba. Mitsuba was an art major, specifically photography. Yashiro still believes, to this day, Kou should've majored in culinary arts. He was the best cook she knew! Though, he wanted to live up to his brother’s expectations..

How unfortunate.. but nonetheless, Kou seemed happy! She picked up a couple of frosting cans, “That's going to be a surprise! You'll have to wait and see. At least you know there's frosting with them though..” Yashiro looked down at the can of frosting.

Kou chuckled, “Well if it has frosting, it's gotta be tasty! Mitsuba was planning to-”

Yashiro shushed him “It's gotta be a surprise! But, I do have a question…”

Kou tilted his head a bit, “Oh? What's up?”

“...Do..” Yashiro took a deep breath and looked Kou straight in the eyes, “...do you think hot cocoa is a good beverage for the potluck?”

Kou thought about it, and nodded, “It'll be pretty chilly! So, I would say so! I know Tsukasa would appreciate it!”

“...Tsukasa?” Yashiro looked at Kou with a newfound worried expression “.. he's not coming, is he?”

“Tsukasa? He is! He always comes with Sakura, Natsuhiko, and Mitsuba! Is there an issue you've had with him?” Kou looked concerned for a moment.

Yashiro thought about yesterday, and how Tsukasa knocked her into the road without a care. But, she shook her head and smiled, “N–no! All good. I was just wondering because- well.. he can be a bit weird!”

Kou knew Yashiro was a bad liar, but he believed her for her sake, “..Alright then. Well.. I'll see you at the potluck tomorrow! I gotta get home since Teru-nii is expecting me to get back before the ice gets even more slippery. You should too!”

She nodded in agreement, “Right! See you later, Kou!!”

Kou and Yashiro parted their ways, and Yashiro went to purchase all the ingredients she needed. After that, Yashiro left the market, almost running into another person.

“Oh! I'm so sorry!” She turned her head and looked up at the person. She apologized quickly, and headed home. Kou was right, the ice was freezing more, and getting more slippery. Yashiro carefully waddled her way home. Someone could have easily mistaken her for a penguin.

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Eventually, Yashiro had returned home with her ingredients unscathed. She opened the door and called out “I'm home!”

No response. Maybe Aoi had gone to visit Akane and Lemon..
Yashiro was fine with that, though. Aoi needed a break from baking so many donuts.

She placed the ingredients on the counter and got to work. The recipe was written on some notebook paper, a very classy way to keep recipes, and Yashiro read it carefully and thoroughly.

One thing had stuck in her mind though, Kou had said Tsukasa was coming. Surely that wouldn't mean Amane would be going too, right? That would give her an opportunity to get to know him more… but she was still waaay too embarrassed about yesterday, and surely he was too!

Yashiro’s face flushed, and she shook her head, “He won't come! Surely he won't be there! Aoi said he sticks to his work! Hmph!”

Yashiro continued to stir the batter, pour it into the donut tins, and place them into the oven. Repeat three times to make 3 dozen donuts plus the ones Aoi had already made. This should be enough, or too much, for the potluck. It'd give people an opportunity to take some home with them! Maybe they should keep the other dozen here, and take the 3 dozen to the party.

‘Hopefully Aoi would be alright with that…’

Yashiro thought more about Amane… maybe she would give a chance and try to get to know him more. Not in the romantic sense! He wasn't her type at all. Just… as a friend! He's friends with the rest of her friends, she's just never met him for some reason.

Yashiro placed the donuts on a cooling rack, and put up her apron. She went to the sink to wash her hands, and sighed.

“It won't be too bad…”

Drying her hands off, Yashiro had to think about what she was going to wear. Something cute definitely. She wanted to make a good first impression. Well… a better first impression than the bad first impression yesterday.

Nene Yashiro was going to do her best, whether it would be awkward or not! She can't refuse a social party when she sees it just because of one guy!

What could go wrong??

Chapter Text

Yashiro stood in front of her mirror, cycling through outfits. She went through at least two before settling with her current outfit. Thick leggings, leg warmers, her red scarf, a cute skirt, and a comfy sweater! Not the same sweater she wore during the fiasco.. It was a much darker sweater.

She finished up her make-up just as Aoi knocked on her door. Yashiro stood up and brushed her outfit off before calling to Aoi, “Come in-!”

Aoi smiled, “All ready to go? You look so cute, Nene!”

Yashiro looked down at her leg warmers, “All ready! I think the leg warmers might be extra… but they cover my ankles! The donuts and hot cocoa are packed.. hopefully we can make it home sober!”

Aoi giggled, “Your leg warmers are reasonable! They fit with your outfit. No promises that we won't be doing drinking games, Nene!~”

Yashiro groaned, “Aoiii.. I don't want to walk home in the cold..” she shivered at the thought of it.

“I promise I'll monitor myself, Nene. Trust!” Aoi held her hand up to look like she was giving an oath.

Yashiro smiled, “Okaay.. don't destroy my trust!”
She grabbed her phone and her bag, then turned to Aoi, “I wanna try to get to know Amane more.. I feel like the first two interactions were super bad. Hopefully sometime soon…”

Aoi sighed, “Oh Nene.. What am I gonna do with you? I'm sure he’d want to be friends as well! A little birdie told me he's been talking about you too.. all about your coffee incident!” she giggled and held up her phone.

Yashiro shrieked, “I thought nobody would notice!! Aoi, how many people did you tell??”

Aoi pondered, “Mmm, just Lemon, Kou, and Akane! There's no need to worry so much. It's not like it's gonna be viral!”

Yashiro groaned, “Lemon is an influencer, Aoi, you better hope he's not going to make it viral! Now if I ever see him again, it's going to be ten times awkward!!”

Aoi pat her back out of pity, “You'll be fiiiine, Nene! Come on, let's get going.”

Both girls grabbed their items for the potluck, Yashiro taking the donuts, and Aoi taking the hot cocoa. They placed them in the backseat of Aoi’s car and hopped into the front. The car started and the heat kicked in.

“I'm so relieved your heat is working..” Yashiro commented, “We'd be popsicles by the time we arrived!”

Aoi laughed and began their journey, “I always keep it in check! You should really consider trying to get your license..”

Yashiro groaned “I've been tryiiiiing! But it's time overlap that worries me!”

Aoi chirped to another topic, “You also need to try with Amane! He's not all that bad, I promise. He's just a bit nerdy, sometimes he can be a bit… dirty minded. But it's mainly him screwing around, you'll grow used to it!”

Yashiro sunk in her seat “That'll take a loooong time getting used to..”

Aoi shrugged, “That's just how the cookie crumbles!”

The two best friends continued on their way with their journey. Akane’s house wasn't too far away, just a few blocks around. They only took the car because it'd be faster, and they wouldn't catch a cold so easily. After some more conversations about new movies, books they've read, and juicy gossip, the two finally arrived.

Yashiro and Aoi gathered their share of the potluck, and approached the door. Yashiro shifted the donuts into one arm, and used the other to knock on the door. She took a deep breath and kept her composure.

“Listen man, I don't wanna buy your drugs-” Amane’s voice chirped out in a joking tone, and Yashiro wanted to die right then and there. Amane stared down at Yashiro, and cleared his throat, “Good to uh, see you here-?”

Yashiro looked down in so much embarrassment, and luckily, Aoi chimed in, “Good to see you too Amane!” and dragged Yashiro inside with her, pushing past him.

Yashiro heard the door close behind her, and she wanted to go home. She shook her head.
‘No! You wanted a new first impression, now is your chance at it, Nene!’

-------------------

Yashiro quickly scrambled to the kitchen before Amane could even turn around, and she placed the donuts on the counter. Announcing her arrival, “Viola! Donuts and cocoa!”

Tsukasa perked his head up from behind the couch, “Donuts?? Awesome! Amane likes those!”
He scrambled over the couch to grab a cocoa packet, “Natsuhiko, start boiling water!”

Natsuhiko sighed, “You couldn't pick anyone else?”

Tsukasa stared dead at him, “Water. Now.”

Yashiro quickly sat down on the sofa in the dining area before she would be caught in a crossfire. When she sat down, she glanced at the coffee table to see an assortment of tasty treats..

Akane and Lemon had made some cookies. Mitsuba and Kou had brought some strawberry sandwiches. Tsukasa, Natsuhiko, and Sakura brought freshly baked sweet bread and some fancy food Yashiro forgot the name of… she definitely speculated Sakura did most of the preparation. Amane brought… some games.

Yashiro didn't really expect much from him, but she shrugged. She looked down, and thought about the best approaches she could make. Maybe something about their coffee orders?? No- that's just gonna lead to their incident being talked about! Maybe their favorite animals! No.. too basic! Come on Yashiro..

She was all stuck up on what to say to him, when she heard Sakura’s voice invade her thoughts.

“Just be casual.” She calmly spoke, “He's more nervous about this than you think. Amane isn't hard to talk to.”

Yashiro looked up at her, “Is it really that simple?”

Sakura looked down at her cup of tea, “Believe me.”

Yashiro looked down, then back up, “Thanks..”
She smiled softly.

Sakura only nodded in response.

Yashiro stood up and gave herself a pep talk, ‘You got this. Just go in there and be casual. Be. Casual.’ She took a deep breath and walked to the lounge. Yashiro peeked around the corner, and glanced at Amane. He was chatting with Kou, and messing with him. She giggled, and approached the couch he was sitting on.

She was ready to spin and sit down, but she ultimately failed and smacked her head right on the arm rest. Yashiro yelped and landed on the floor after. Defeat..

Lemon hollered out “Oooh shit, wipeout-!”
To which Akane gave him a deserved punch in the shoulder.

Aoi rushed over to Yashiro, “Oh my god! Nene, are you alright??”

Yashiro rubbed her head, there was a small red bump. She whined and looked at Aoi, “I guess so… I think I need ice..”

“Okay! Well…” she looked around, and immediately sniped Amane a look, growing a grin.

“Amane! You go help Yashiro out with her fiasco. Okay?” Aoi chirped and lifted Yashiro up, handing her over to Amane.

Yashiro felt so betrayed in that moment, but Amane hustled her down the hallway. His hand was on her shoulder, making sure she was stable enough to walk. She shivered, his hands were so cold…

“O-kay…” Amane flipped the bathroom light switch on, and started looking for an ice pack.

Meanwhile, Yashiro pulled herself up onto the counter and sat in silence. Amane kept glancing at her, waiting for her to say something.

Yashiro glanced over once, and Amane had an ice pack in hand. She shifted a bit on the counter and held out her hand for the ice pack.

Amane placed his hand on her bump and she shrieked. Yashiro batted his hand away and all she heard was his laugh ring out.

“Cold, aren't they? Here.” Amane offered the ice pack, and Yashiro snatched it from him.

“You're terrible!” She whined and hopped off the bathroom counter, walking back into the lounge and sitting down. Amane joined back a few minutes later, sitting a few feet away from Yashiro.

She sighed, looking at the games the rest were playing, minus Sakura, her, and Amane. It was a drinking game. Aoi was winning, but she looked shit faced drunk.

Yashiro turned her head to Amane, who was just laughing at Mitsuba every now and then. She took a deep breath and initiated a conversation, “I'm Nene Yashiro-”

“I sort of know already.. mainly because of him.” He pointed at Lemon, “I'm sure you know my name too. Amane Yugi.”

She nodded, and looked at Lemon, who was incoherently yapping at Amane. Amane rolled his eyes and they looked back at each other.

“So what do you like, Amane?” She held her ice pack on her bump, “any movies or some sort?”

Amane thought for a moment, “Well, I'm more into classic movies. Like Frankenstein! Monster movies were the foundation set for future movie making..”

She snorted at how passionate he looked, and covered her mouth, “Sorry-! It was just-” she shook her head “I'm more into RomComs.. thrillers are alright..”

Amane looked at her funny, “Why was I expecting that from you? You seem like a romcom girl..”

Yashiro placed a hand on her chest, looking offended, “Ouch! Have a little respect, Amane!”

He laughed and shook his head, watching the others play games and eating food. They both already had their share of potluck treats..

Yashiro wanted to talk more with him, but she felt as if Amane wasn't interested anymore. So she sat by and watched the others as well.

She sighed, seeing Aoi drunk, she knew she would have to walk home in the freezing cold. Yashiro wasn't ready for that, so she had to prepare herself now.

--------------------

After a few hours, those hours being filled with games, karaoke, and sharing snacks. It was time for the potluck to come to a close. Everyone was wishing each other goodbye, Tsukasa was thrown over Natsuhiko’s shoulder, and Aoi was leaning on Yashiro, telling her how much of a great friend and roommate she was. Yashiro squirmed out of Aoi’s grasp and stood up. Her ice pack was long melted, and she handed it back to Akane.

Akane spoke up, “You'll probably have to find someone else to ride home with. Aoi's way too influenced right now, and I wouldn't want you both to be at risk. Plus, when she's better, she can just drive home.”

Yashiro sighed, “I figured. I can just walk home.. it's no biggie, Akane..” she bundled up tight and threw her scarf over herself. She grabbed her bag and phone, “I can take it.”

Akane looked concerned, “It's freezing outside- are you sure??”

Yashiro was about to speak, when Amane spoke up, standing right behind her, “I can take her home- it won't be an issue.”

Yashiro jumped and turned around “.. really??”

Akane’s face of worry melted into a suspicious one, looking at Amane, “Riiight.. you better get her home safe. Am I clear?”

Amane put his hands up in defense, “I'm not gonna do anything! It's a simple drive.. plus, I'm about the last person here anyway.”

Akane squinted, but shrugged it off, “If it's fine with Nene.”

Yashiro looked up at Amane and nodded, “...thank you.”

Yashiro and Amane waved to Akane and left out the door. She shivered at the breeze, but Amane wasn't bothered in the slightest. Yashiro thought he was strange…

He opened the passenger door for her, and she sat down in the seat. After that, Amane closed the door and entered on the driver's side. Yashiro looked out the front windshield, before Amane spoke up, “So, where are we heading?”

Yashiro looked at him, “Oh! Uh… just down the end of the road and around the block.. third apartment building.”

Amane turned his key to start the car, and off they went. It was a rather silent drive. Nothing but the radio playing some faint jazz music, and an awkward atmosphere. Every stop light they hit, all Yashiro found comfort in was Amane’s tapping on the steering wheel.

“Look-” Amane spoke up, and Yashiro kept her eyes on her phone.

He kept talking, but she was listening, “I'm really sorry about the whole coffee shop thing. I would've paid for your drink but you refused, and I didn't wanna persist since you already looked annoyed-”

Yashiro turned her head at him, as the light turned green, and they continued on. She replied, “It's no issue! Really- I mean- it was embarrassing but.. I'm over it! You don't got to keep worrying..”

“You sure?” Amane was focused on the road, “I wouldn't want you to feel as uncomfortable as you already do-”

“I'm fine, Amane, really.” Yashiro reassured him. He nodded in response, and eventually they reached the apartment in silence again.

“...thank you, again.” Yashiro opened the passenger door and stepped out.

“It's no problem- and uh.. see you again soon?” Amane rubbed the back of his neck and looked at her. Yashiro smiled, he looked like a dork.

“Yeah! It was fun chatting finally. Hopefully we can be friends.” She watched as Amane relaxed, and waved.

“I'll see you later then!” Amane smiled, his eyes glittered in the porch light.

Yashiro closed the door and nodded, making her way to her apartment door, and entering inside. Once she closed it, she heard Amane drive off.

‘That’s.. pretty considerate.’ she thought about it for a little while, but eventually moved on. Yashiro hung her scarf up. It was gonna be a night alone, so Yashiro decided to sit on the couch and binge some thriller movies.. before passing out on the couch, curled into a ball.

The last thing on her mind was the glitter in his eyes as she drifted to sleep.

Chapter Text

Warmth. That's all she felt when she passed out on the couch the other night while watching old movies. Yashiro dreamt so peacefully. Maybe it was because things went super well, more than she expected? Whatever the reason, it was the best sleep she ever had in a long time.

Eventually, Yashiro’s eyes slowly opened. She went to sit up and a great pain shot through her back. She thought about the consequences of her actions, and cried quietly from the aches. Yashiro noticed the blanket around her, and looked confused.

She didn't remember grabbing a blanket.. only just conking out on the couch. Yashiro stretched and shook the blanket off her shoulders. She stood up and walked over into the kitchen to eat breakfast.

Yashiro was texting Aoi, hoping she was better and well… awake. Aoi replied to her texts, seemingly alright. Yashiro sighed with relief, not only because Aoi was alright, but because she was the mystery behind the blanket. Aoi had stopped by the house earlier to find a curled up Yashiro on the couch, dreaming so peacefully.

She giggled at the texts, and sat her phone down to eat. After finishing her food, Yashiro washed her dish and went to take a shower. She was planning to go to the coffee shop to get some TA work done. Unfortunately.

It was a pretty demanding job, but proofreading student work was always fun, yet frustrating at times because a lot of student work made no sense. Especially poems. Poems were a nightmare for her.

Nonetheless, Yashiro scrubbed her hair and washed herself. Her outfit for today was a cute one! A button-up with a cardigan over it, the usual skirt, tights and leg warmers, and fabulous boots. Plus, her red scarf. She would never forget her signature.

While she was applying her make-up, mainly light, she started thinking about last night again. Was Amane so willing to be her friend that easily? He doesn't seem like the type to have any friends… no offense to him of course-

She sighed and put her brush down. Yashiro genuinely meant it when she wanted to get to know him more. He seems so forgiving, yet annoying and a pain to deal with…
She shook her head. She'd have to text him later about it. Until she realized..

She doesn't have his phone number.

Yashiro thought about it, and immediately embarrassed herself. She didn't need it in a romantic way, surely! It was only to be able to contact him! Nothing else, nope!

She collected all her makeup and shoved it back into the drawer. There was no time to think romantic thoughts! Especially not about Amane! He's only a friend, and that's all he ever will be!

Maybe Yashiro was being a bit harsh. But he isn't her type, and surely she isn't his. Whatever her reason is, she'll have to get his number some other time. Maybe from Aoi or any one of her other friends.

Yashiro fixed her hair in the mirror and checked herself out. She seemed decent for a coffee shop visit, and even more decent for a college student! Yashiro texted Aoi that she'd be on her way as of now, and started her journey. Yashiro flicked the lights off, grabbed her keys and her laptop bag, and headed out.

—-----------------

Walking down the sidewalk, she was glancing at her phone and up at what was in front of her path. Nothing was really in her way, so she continued on. She wanted to keep herself aware ever since her almost-getting-hit-by-a-car fiasco. It was really cold out, but not as cold as last night. She should thank Amane for saving her from a frostbite situation..

Yashiro looked down at her phone again and felt a person bumped into her. A decently aged man, probably mid twenties. She awkwardly smiled and apologized, “My apologies, sir- um-”

The man replied and waved it off, “Ehh, no issue miss. What are you lookin’ at anyway?”

Yashiro held her phone close, “Just some texts from my friend- I guess I got distracted and wasn't clear of what was in front of me. I'll be on my way now-”

She tried to step around the guy, but the man persisted and stepped in her way “Woah, what's the rush? Can't stop to chat a little? You're pretty cute.”

Yashiro felt a lump in her throat. She backed up, and he followed. To which she responded, “I'm just trying to get somewhere- could you please—”

“Come on, what's wrong with wanting to be a friend?” He grew a grin.

Yashiro trembled a bit, and backed into someone else. She jumped as the person wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head.

“Hey dude, what's the commotion about?”

She knew that voice, and this warmth was familiar to her. Yashiro looked down at his hands and saw them scarred up. It was Amane.

Yashiro clung her hands to his arms as if she was a fish without water. She looked at the guy in front of them, who had his hands up.

“I was just trying to apologize to her dude- lay off!”

“Riiight, well, we'll be on our way, thanks.” Amane shot him a glare with a hint of threat in his eyes. The guy hurried past them, and Amane let go of Yashiro.

Yashiro turned to him, tears forming in her eyes, “Where did you even come from?? Thank you, of course, but-”

“I was on my way to the coffee shop. Is that where you're heading too, Yashiro?” Amane looked down at her.

Yashiro nodded, looking down at her phone. She was debating on texting Aoi, but Amane chimed in before she could even lay a finger on her keyboard.

“We should probably walk together. It would be safer that way. More for you than me, but that would help. Wouldn't it?” He smiled at her, and her heart fluttered for some reason..

“Uh- yeah. That would help, thank you.” She softly smiled, and turned back to the direction of the coffee shop, continuing her journey with Amane!

“I'll be your worthy sacrifice then.” Amane chuckled and walked beside her.

Yashiro giggled, “Oh come on, I'm sure you could take a fight or two!”

“You see how I look?? I could fatally die by one scratch!” Amane put his hand on his head dramatically, “You would put my life at risk??”

“Yes.” She stuck her tongue out at him, to which he gasped in shock. Jokingly, of course.

“The consequences of my actions. Catching up to me!” Amane whined.

Yashiro elbowed him, which almost threw Amane off balance. She smiled at him, and spoke up, “Thanks for last night.. I really appreciated it.”

“Oh? It's - no problem, really..” Amane turned his head away and rubbed the back of his neck. Yashiro tilted her head in confusion, and Amane turned his head back and stopped in his tracks. Yashiro stopped as well, and looked over.

“We made it, come on.” Amane grabbed the door handle and held the door open for Yashiro.

“Quite the gentleman.” Yashiro chirped and walked inside.

Amane said something back, but she couldn't quite hear him. Yashiro looked around the building, and immediately made eye contact with Aoi. Her friend was pointing behind her with glitter in her eyes.

It took Yashiro a second to process what she meant, and Yashiro frantically, yet silently, denied anything of her implications. She felt Amane behind her, and he spoke up to ask, “What's the problem, doc?”

Yashiro whipped around and looked up at him, “Nothing! It's just- Aoi, is all. Could you order for us? I usually get a Toasted Chestnut Latte..”

“Guess I'll be your knight today, huh?” Amane nudged her playfully and went to stand in line.

Yashiro gave him a silent thank you, and went to sit down at a table. She took her laptop out and started working on her peer editing. More like TA approval..

Amane eventually came over with their drinks and placed them down, sliding Yashiro’s towards her, “As her likeness has requested.”

She snorted and covered her mouth quickly, “...th-thanks.”

Amane laughed and sat down on his side, pulling out notebooks. Yashiro assumed he was also a TA, and she was right. Most of the complex math in those books was not a consistent style of writing. She looked up at him.

“What do you TA for? Math-?”

“Science slash Physics. Rocket science sometimes, but only paperwork.”

Yashiro blinked at rocket science. Was he really *that* smart?? She would never believe it.. now she felt bad for even thinking he was ever stupid. From his looks alone, she thought he was a college dropout!

Yashiro resumed her work, “Crazy..”

“You seem to be an English major *and* TA. Aren't you?” Amane rested his chin in his palm, grinning.

“Was it that obvious?” Yashiro sipped her drink, and continued to work. Amane sighed and nodded.

“It's all in your clothing style and your organization. I could sense it.” Amane took out a red pen and went to work.

“What's that—” she paused and looked at him. He had glasses on. Amane Yugi. Had glasses on. She was just learning new things about him casually, and it was scaring her a bit.

Yashiro sipped her drink and glanced up to look at Aoi, who was teasing her nonverbally. Yashiro choked on her drink and started a coughing fit. Amane put his pen down and looked at her with concern, “Are you okay, Yashiro??”

Yashiro nodded and beat her chest a few times, “Yeah I'm good- it's just- Aoi..”

He turned his head to look at Aoi, and looked back at Yashiro with a shit eating grin. Amane put a hand on his chest, “Was this just a ploy to get me to go on a date with you? You flatter me, Yashiro Nene~”

Yashiro snatched his pen and started to whack him with it, “That's not what this was for!! You know that!” she whined.

Amane cackled and snatched his pen back, continuing his work, “I know, just messing with you.”

Yashiro sighed and put her head on the table. She wasn't about to get any work done, nor was she about to get his number so easily anymore. Yashiro couldn't just ask him now! It'd give him more reasons to tease her!

Yashiro just decided she could get it from Aoi. She would rather have the teasing done from her best friend than Amane. Yashiro tapped her pencil on the desk lightly, trying to focus for her life.

Amane spoke up, “Did I make you uncomfortable-? I could leave you alone if-”

“No-! No, you're fine. I promise-” Yashiro smiled nervously and waved it off. Amane wasn't buying it for a second.

“It's no issue, really. I'm being a distraction to you-” Amane stood up, “I'm sorry.”

He rubbed the back of his neck and waved, “Look I'll - see you soon.”

Yashiro wanted to protest, but he probably wouldn't listen to her. Yashiro closed her laptop and sighed defeatedly, “Yeah.. see you.”

Just like that, Amane had left. Yashiro sighed, and finished her coffee alone.

She heard footsteps tapping over, to which it was none other than Aoi.

Aoi sat down and spoke up, “What's wrong, Nene? What happened?”

Yashiro rested her head on the table again, “Amane thinks he made me uncomfortable when he didn't - and I didn't even get to reassure him!”

Aoi pat her back, “He's a difficult case, Nene, maybe you could text him later about it. You have his number, don't you?”

Yashiro lifted her head and pulled her phone out, “No… I was going to ask you about it later..”

Aoi pulled her phone out and scrolled through her contacts, “Gotcha!” and she handed her phone to her.

Yashiro was typing his number into her contacts, “Thanks Aoi…”

“No problem! How come he was with you in the first place? Did you guys hit it off that well?~”

Yashiro sighed, “No… I got a run in with a creep on the street, and he was conveniently there to save me. We were both heading here anyway.”

Aoi smiled, “Nene… he's a knight in shining armor, don't you think? He likes you!”

Yashiro finished typing up his number into her contacts, and was in immediate denial, “No way!! More like a dusty hermit! He's not my type and there's no way I'm his! We're just friends, Aoi!!”

Aoi sighed, “Oh Nene, you're a nutcase for sure.. you'll find a guy someday! By the by… we're having another group hangout soon, and I don't mean to spoil a surprise but… Akane wants me to move in since Lemon is gonna go live on his own..”

Yashiro gasped and her mood swapped into excitement, “Ooh! That must be exciting! But… when? Are you gonna tell the landlord?”

“Of course I will! Probably sometime next week.. we'll get everyone together to get my stuff out of there. You'll be okay on your own right? I wouldn't want to throw this on you without thinking about your feelings!”

Yashiro smiled and reassured Aoi, “I'll be alright. Maybe it'll give me more freedom to sing my heart out!”

Aoi giggled, “Come on, I sing with you! It's fun!”

“I knoww.. I'm just joking.” Yashiro giggled, and put her laptop away, “I'll try and make it.. I can't guarantee.”

“You're the best, Nene! I gotta head back to work.. I'll see you when I get home!” Aoi gave her a tight squeeze and rushed back behind the counter.

Yashiro waved and finished off her drink. It was time for her to leave too.. She gathered her stuff and gave one last wave to Aoi before heading out the door.

She bit her lip, thinking, and pulled out her phone. Yashiro opened up a conversation to Amane's number, who she promptly named “The Hermit (Amane)”, and texted him.

*‘Just wanted to let you know that you really didn't make me uncomfortable..’

Left on read. She sent one more message to him.

*’Hopefully we can hang out again sometime soon? Maybe the hangout coming up if I can make it! ^^” ‘

Again, left on read. Yashiro sighed, and put her phone away. She continued on her way home.

A thought popped into her mind, why did he say that it was a date? It was a joke of course, but what if…

Yashiro shook her head and whined to herself, ‘Come on, Yashiro! He's not your type! How many more times do you have to tell yourself that?!’

Yashiro's type of guys are normally tall, cute, and handsome. A knight in shining armor, like Kou’s brother.

Amane did not fit into ANY of that list, aside from tall. But that's it! Amane has choppy hair, cold hands beyond belief. He looks dead from his lack of sleep physically showing, and his eyes-

His eyes… they're a pretty burning amber color, she had to admit.. but that shouldn't count! His personality is annoying, and he teases her! Like hell she would ever date him!

Yashiro sighed, and kept on her journey home. No creeps in sight. She thought about Aoi’s invitation to the hangout.

Maybe alone time would do her well. She has work to do anyways. She could probably get chores done earlier and leave less worry for Aoi, and more time for packing. Yashiro wishes she could take back her text to Amane, but it was too late for it anyway.

She would have to pay him back somehow for her drink.. but how?

Chapter Text

The rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains of the living room. On the couch was Yashiro Nene with her laptop and notebook by both her sides. She had so much work to do for her English class. Peer reviewing on poetry… a research essay about the uses of social media… a test to study for… Yashiro wishes she could catch a break. But it'll all be worth it to become a great writer! Perhaps an English teacher herself…

Yashiro took a second to look up from her laptop to glance at the folded cardboard boxes in the corner of the room, leaning on one another. She was waiting for Aoi to clock out so they can sort out what goes with her, and what stays with Yashiro.

She looked down, and thought to herself ‘Will I really be okay on my own..? Aoi and I have done so much together and it's been so easy living with another person. Especially paying our rent..’

This string of thought was immediately cut off. Yashiro sighed and continued typing on her laptop, thinking out loud,

‘No! Aoi’s moving on to better things! You need to learn to be a proper adult, Nene! You shouldn't just force her to stay because you're so clingy! Maybe living alone won't be so bad..’

Even if she didn't like the thought of living alone, Yashiro could always scope out a new roommate! That's only if she was ready enough, and she really didn't have any ideas on who could be a potential new roommate! She's so unprepared… bless her little heart.

Her phone buzzed, and she picked it up. She'll have to figure this out at a later date. Yashiro slid her attention down to her phone screen. 32 notifications. Mainly Aoi messaging her. Majority of these texts consisted of ‘I’ll be around your apartment soon to start packing! ^^’ or ‘Do you want me to grab any drinks for us? It'll be a long and tough packing job! <3’

Yashiro sighed, and responded to some of her mass texts.

‘I think lemonade will be great! ^^💦 Preferably unspiked Aoi. We gotta drive your stuff over and I don't wanna become a day drinker..’

That last part was obviously a joke. The two girls know better than to get drunk during the day hours. Let alone when they're both busy. Aoi responded moments later with a thumbs up and a heart.

Yashiro was ready to set her phone down, but she noticed she still had 2 unread messages. She raised an eyebrow and scrolled through her messages list. She paused underneath Akane, and her eyes widened a bit.

It was Amane.

Amane Yugi texted her. The grip on her phone tightened as she clicked on the conversation, and read the two messages he had left for her.

He was asking if she had been well, how sweet. The corner of Yashiro’s mouth tugged a bit, almost into a smile.

‘Tsukasa heard from Mitsuba that you've been a total floppy mess. is smth the matter?’
‘pinky heard from aoi too’

Yashiro choked a bit, and pulled up the keyboard to her phone to respond in quick taps.
‘Never been better!! ^^ Why do you ask?’

She sighed and placed her phone down quickly. Returning her gaze to her computer screen. Yashiro wasn't expecting him to respond, as those texts were from 3 AM… why does he think she'd be up at that hour? How come she didn't see them until now?

Yashiro placed her fingers onto the keys of her laptop, and her phone immediately made a ‘ding!’ sound. She blinked, and looked down at the screen.

Amane had responded almost immediately.
‘just wondering’

Just wondering? Was he worried for her? That's.. really sweet of him, Yashiro thought. She smiled and thought about one of her romance movies she's seen.

The boy always gets worried for the girl when she's acting strange! He always makes sure she feels comfortable in her own world and shows her love she's never had before! Just thinking of it made Yashiro's heart swell.

She was immediately brought back to reality of the text, and shook her head. It was just Amane being worried! It doesn't mean anything! It's not like that with him!

…is it?

She kept staring at the text. Why would he show worry for her when all he does is tease her and mess with her! Sure, the thought of her favorite troupe made her get butterflies in her stomach, but it means nothing! It's Amane! He wouldn't mean anything romantic about it. He's just a friend looking out for her, there's nothing else to it.

Yashiro sent a thumbs up and put her phone down. Maybe she could use a shower to clear her thoughts. She closed her laptop and placed it to the side, along with her notebook and pens. A shower will do her great. She'll be refreshed and presentable when she and Aoi head over to Akane’s.

Yashiro gathered a new outfit together, her towel, and set them down on the counter of their— well, her — bathroom. She started the hot water and stripped herself.

A shower will do her great.

--------------------

The buzzing of the silence ringed through Amane’s ears. He was staring blankly at his phone, staring at the text from Yashiro, staring at her contact name, then her texts again. This went on for a few minutes. Why was he so dry with her? Surely she found his sudden concern weird. Hell, even strange.

He had to ask her though. Amane couldn't really believe Tsukasa at first. He said he heard from Mitsuba, and that's where his doubt stood. Until Tsukasa said that Mitsuba heard from Aoi, and that's where his slight concern for her started.

The atmosphere of Amane’s apartment felt more heavy for as long as he stared at his phone. His mind immediately rushed to what happened the other day. He was only nearby by accident. He wasn't really going to get coffee that day. He was on his way to check on Tsukasa since he had been sick that day.

He'd only been walking down that same street, and his attention only shifted when he heard Yashiro and that creep. What would've happened if he just took a different route? Continued on without doing anything? Would she have been hurt?

He wouldn't want this world to lose a tiny light like her. He's not that heartless as people make him out to be. Surely, she appreciated his help.. hopefully.

Amane's phone slipped from his hand and landed smack in the middle of his face. That brought him back to his senses. The present. He groaned and peeled his phone off his face, and held it close to his chest.

He stretched and rose from the couch he'd been lying down on for the past couple of hours. Amane stalked down the hallway of his apartment and into the kitchen. Flipping the light switch, he squinted his eyes at the sudden illumination.

Fuck. How long had it been since he slept? He rubbed his eyes and walked over to the cabinet, reaching for a pill bottle. He took his medication for the morning, and didn't think anything else about it. All he's known is that his heart was weak ever since he was a child.

Kind of ironic since he drinks coffee. A beverage not made for the faint of heart. Like hell he cared. He was pretty average after 1 cup. He put the bottle back and closed the cabinet.

Turning his head, he looked at his messy counter. Everything he needed for college was there. His laptop, a stack of textbooks, student notebooks since he was a TA, papers everywhere, the whole experience. One thing that stood out was a constellation lamp. He was gifted the lamp by his parents before him and Tsukasa had left home for college. It shined constellations around the room, rotating them from wall to wall, and onto the roof as well.

Amane has loved space for as long as he can remember. Sometimes he turns the lamp on to feel a sense of safety. It was a good lamp. Dorky, but it did its job.

Amane opened another cabinet and pulled out a can of coffee grains, and coffee filters. He didn't want to go out and grab his coffee from the shop. He'll just have to make it at home. His coffee pot was pretty small. Mainly because he lived by himself. Tsukasa took off with Sakura, Natsuhiko, Mitsuba, and Mei. Mei was normally busy with school trips and touring museums, so she wasn't normally around.

He liked being alone. Amane wanted to be saved from the embarrassment of his messiness. It's only because he's an intern, a TA, and was working towards a Bachelor's degree with Astrology and Science. Not like it'd be hard for him..

Amane wanted to ask Yashiro if she'd be willing to hang out today, assuming she wasn't busy. But he hesitated, as he always does. Why would she want to be around him of all people? He couldn't text her about it even if he tried.

As the coffee brewed, he thought about an excuse. Perhaps he could just say he wouldn't want her to be bored with writing smut all day while Aoi was gone. He snickered at his own joke. That would get her riled up for sure. He found her frustration with him fun. It's been a while since he's found someone like that, excluding Kou whom he was friends with already.

As the last few drops of coffee brewed, Amane went and grabbed a mug. It was a basic NASA mug, as if he wasn't already a huge nerd.
He still wanted to ask her, but why would she wanna hang out with him? He makes everything awkward and she acts so uncomfortable. Why'd he even want to get to know her in the first place?

He'd have to admit it honestly. She was pretty. Even when he ran into her that day they met. He sighed and poured his coffee into the mug below the brim. If he admitted that aloud, he'd get laughed at. She seemed like she would be a good friend. He's heard about things she's done for mutual friends, but he's never really met or seen her until now.

What is he thinking? Is he stupid? He shouldn't fall in love so fast. If he should even call it that! He was just.. intrigued. Yeah.. intrigued by her. Her neat hair, her eyes that shined brighter than supernovas, the deep color of them…

“Stop!” Amane grabbed his coffee and took a long drink. Why was he thinking like that?? She’s only a friend, and that's all she'll ever consider him too.

Amane placed his mug down, and his phone started to ring. It was Lemon.

He took a deep breath to recollect himself, and picked up, “Yellow?”

“Orange.” Lemon replied, thankfully with a chipper tone.

Amane leaned against his counter, speaking with a cheeky tone, “What's up? Calling me because you missed me?~”

“Hardly. Are you gonna come over and help move my shit out of Akane's house today? We're moving Aoi's things in. It'll be about an hour and a half before she gets here.”

Amane thought about it, and responded, “You're asking me because I'm the strongest guy you know? You flatter me tooooo much, Yamabuki.”

He could hear Yamabuki sigh from the other end, and his voice became sharp, “You're the last person I'd think would be strong enough for this. But I'm askin’ you anyway since I figured you'd wanna come because Yashiro is helping too. Unless you're busy with your ‘work’ or whatever you wanna-”

“First of all, ouch. Second, I'm not gonna be busy today. I can come! I didn't even know she'd be helping with that today… I figured she'd be busy doing other stuff.” Amane looked out the window

Lemon spoke up, “Yeah, she's been pretty busy, but she'd do anything to help Aoi. She'll be on her own now."

Amane went quiet for a bit and thought about the consequences of Yashiro living alone. He didn't really see her as the strong type. She'd definitely bring a guy home with her each night, wouldn't she? Seems like her to Amane! Poor Yashiro..
(Obviously that's not the case, he's joking to himself again.)
How would she even handle a break-in?

“You still here?” Lemon's voice invaded Amane's train of thought.

“Yeah, I'm here. I'll be there soon then. Just lemme get ready and junk.” Amane didn't wait for Lemon's reply and just hung up.

--------------------

Yashiro was well out of her shower, feeling refreshed. Her outfit, she considered, was cute for a moving day! Short overalls, tights, a nice, light sweater, and her hair in a braid! Not to mention her horn hair clips.

Aoi had just arrived at home, and they've been doing chores. Yashiro scrubbed the floors of Aoi's room, sweeping, dusting, all of the things necessary to make it look just like the day they moved in together. She felt nostalgic in the moment, seeing the room empty again.

Aoi was gathering her things into a box, carefully making sure they fit together. The two conversed from time to time, and sang along to the songs they played. While it's heartbreaking to Yashiro that Aoi’s moving out, the two were still having fun together. They would always have fun together! They're still friends after all, they'll just not be living together anymore.

As Yashiro was emptying the dust pan, she thought about the other day. It was sort of weird that Amane was there at that moment, but it was a lucky gift too! She shuddered at the thought of what could've happened if he weren't there. She's not exactly the best at self defense, but she's decent!!

His hands were cold, sure, but his body heat felt so comforting in the moment. Yashiro sighed. Amane should learn personal space at least. Of course she appreciated his nearness but..

She grumbled and shook her head, ‘Quit confusing yourself!’

Yashiro emptied the dust pan into the trash, placed the broom back in its place, and quickly scrambled back to Aoi's room with another folded box for her clothes.

Aoi watched Yashiro unfold the box and tape the bottom of it, “Is that for my clothes?”

“Mhm! For the ones you want to keep, of course. All your outfits are cute!”

“Aw, Nene! You're sweet! But, most of these don't really fit anymore..” she looked down at a small shirt, “We could definitely donate those ones!”

Yashiro nodded, and started scanning through Aoi's closet.

“By the way, Lemon just got confirmation your new best friend is coming to help~” Aoi held up her phone.

Yashiro leaned in to read the text, “Amane? I figured he'd be at home hunched over his own work..” she stood up straight and turned back to the closet.

“Normally… yes..” Aoi raised an eyebrow and examined Yashiro. She showed no sign of dread anymore, more confusion. Aoi stood up and nudged Yashiro.

“What's up with you? You've grown used to him!” Aoi smiled, “Could it be…”

Yashiro turned her head towards Aoi, “It's not like that! We're just friends now..! I need to be better about that! Everything's perfectly okay!”

Aoi sighed and smiled, “Well, if you say so, Nene!”

She definitely had her doubts.

Yashiro finished going through Aoi’s laundry and her closet. Of course she'd asked Aoi through the process on what she wanted to keep and what she wanted to donate.

The two had finally finished packing everything that belonged to Aoi. The harder process was taking the heavy boxes to her car..

They did the hefty lifting first, and settled for the light work last. Both girls had succeeded in their endeavors, and rewarded themselves with a lemonade break.

“Are you sure you'll be alright on your own, Nene?” Aoi asked before taking a sip of the bitter lemonade.

Yashiro thought about it for a moment, confessing, “I thought about it.. at first I considered asking you to stay here. But, I'm sure I can handle being on my own! You should be able to make your own decisions without having to worry about me!”

“Yeah, but I always want opinions on that kind of stuff! I don't have to leave if you—”

“Aoi, we've already packed up your car. I promise I'll be okay! If it'll ease your worries, I've considered looking for another roommate. Not yet though!” Yashiro smiled, and set her empty cup into the sink.

Aoi finished her lemonade as well, and set it next to Yashiro’s empty cup.

“Promise you'll visit me?” Aoi frowned

“Of course! That's what the friend hangouts are for! I'll be sure to come the next time we have one.” Yashiro beamed, hugging Aoi tightly.

“Neneeee!” Aoi sniffled, “You're a great friend! I promise to come hang out with you too!”

Both girls started crying together, but not for long. The two gave each other one last hug and headed out the door together. Yashiro entered the passenger side of Aoi’s car, while Aoi entered the driver side.

Aoi turned the ignition on, and the two buckled up. Pulling away from their parking spot, the two drove off to Akane's house together.

It seems like there's new beginnings for the both of them.

Chapter Text

It’s been weeks since Yashiro had helped Aoi move out of their humble abode! During those weeks, she hung out more with her friend group. Going out to eat, study groups, and even movie nights. Though, the movie nights would originally be planned as a study group day.

Nevertheless, it allowed Yashiro to kick back and relax a little. College was stressing her out majorly, and she needed something to escape it all. As much as she was a smart cookie, and got her assignments done on time, it was the backload of checking her classmates' works. She had a special box in her room now because of it. An ugly looking box that didn’t fit the vibe of her room at all. At this point, she thought about making them pay her for doing the task.

Another thing was that her and Amane finally settled down the tension between them ever since their bad first impressions. They were good friends finally, and slowly learned more about one another. Yashiro learned that Amane liked plain donuts, kaiju films, and space. It was a bit funny to her, since she never really saw Amane as a nerd type. It was kind of..

Jumping to the present, Nene Yashiro is on a, not-so-long, break. Her, Aoi, Akane, Lemon, Mitsuba, and Kou had planned one of their study get togethers this afternoon. She was just deciding what to wear. The weather had been fair as of recently. The harsh winter was slowly coming to an end, as it was early February.

Yashiro was standing in front of her mirror, checking which pair of pants matched with her turtleneck. The white pair? Too blinding in the sun.. also risky. The common blue? She shook her head and groaned, picking up her phone. Scrolling through her contacts under ‘A’, she decided to call Aoi about it.

The phone rang for a little while, and Yashiro fiddled with the tips of her hair. Was she busy? Maybe Aoi was setting up for the study session, and she was just being a bother. Yashiro twirled her hair, glancing at her mirror. She studied herself, her figure. Was she always that pudgy and fleshed out? Her ankles would look swollen in pants.. people would mistake her pants for bell bottoms. She traced her eyes along her shoulders, God they looked wide. Yashiro bit her lip and turned away from the mirror, not wanting to see the flaws any longer. Noticing Aoi didn’t pick up, she reluctantly sighed and put the phone down.

Yashiro sniffled, sinking down to her floor. It didn’t matter what she looked like, she was just going to hangout with her friends. It’s not like they care what she looks like. Do they? She ran her fingers through her hair, groaning.

“It’s nothing, but everything at the same time..” her voice cracked.

Saving her from her thoughts, her phone rang. Yashiro quickly picked up and answered without looking.

“Aoi! I’m sorry for bothering you, but I have uh.. a fashion crisis.” she hurried with her words, her voice a little broken still.
There was silence for a few moments, and then chuckling. Deep chuckling. Yashiro processed for a few minutes, until a voice spoke up on the other end “How close are mine and Aoi’s names on your contacts?”

Yashiro’s eyes went wide and she looked down at her phone, seeing it was Amane’s number. She shrieked.

“Amane!? You didn’t hear that! Nothing! Nope! I’m perfectly capable of picking my outfits okay bye!-” her words fell out of her mouth. She felt embarrassed, her face now heavily dusted in pink. Yashiro went to hit the end call button, but Amane interjected.

“Waitwaitwait don’t hang up yet-! It’s funny you called me by accident, but are you okay Yashiro? You sounded upset about something. Is it the pants crisis?” He had a hint of concern in his voice.

Yashiro breathed in, trying to expel the earlier thoughts, “It’s nothing, Amane, just- girl stuff. Yeah. I still need help if I wanna wear pants or not..”

Yashiro was trying to play it off, and it seemed like it was working. But, she heard him reluctantly sigh on the other end. It definitely didn’t work.

“Whatever you say, Yashiro. The real question is if you actually want to wear pants. Personally, they… they look fine on you.” Amane stuttered a bit, clearing his throat. That made her smile a bit.

Yashiro replied, feeling her mood lighten a bit, “Well, I could always wear my short overalls.. It’d look cute.”
Thinking about it, Yashiro nodded to herself, “I think my white turtleneck would look great with it!”

She heard Amane chuckle again, and that made her stomach do some tumbles, “See? You didn’t need that much help! All I did was repeat the question!”

Yashiro realized, then huffed, “You know what? No, you didn’t help.”

“Come on! At least have a heart, Yashiro! Nobody credits me for anything! My poor ego… oouuugh..” Amane dramatically whined. Yashiro broke into small fits of giggles.

“Okay, okay! I’ll put in a good word for you with the fashion police.” Yashiro snickered, picking up her overall shorts from her bedside, along with her tights, “I just gotta pick the right pair of shoes now, which I can do myself!”

Amane sighed, “You won’t let me help with that too? So mean..”

Yashiro once again huffed, “I’ve gotten plenty of help from you already, ‘Mane!”

“Alright, alright! You’re gonna knock my eardrums out! I’ll see you later, ‘kay?” Amane spoke from the other end, a little closer like Yashiro was.

“Okay! Yeah! Bye!” She lifted her phone away from her face. Before hanging up, she spoke softly, “...Thanks.”

“No problem, Yashiro.”

—------------------------------------------------------

Yashiro was in the bathroom finishing her eyeliner, and heard a honk outside. It scared her, but it also allowed her to make a perfect wing. Intriguing. She blinked in surprise, but smiled in strange satisfaction. Leaving the bathroom, she skipped down the hallway to the front door. Yashiro brushed off her outfit, and adjusted the hems of her shorts. When she felt comfortable enough, she opened the door.

Amane was staring down at his phone. When he heard the door open, he looked up at Yashiro and smiled “Finally done? Been here for hours.” It was only a couple of minutes.

Yashiro pouted, mumbling, “It wasn’t that long. How do I look?” she did a spin around.

Amane sheepishly replied, “It’s uh.. It's nice.” he rubbed the back of his head. Yashiro observed his expression, he looked nervous.

“Just nice?”

“Yeah,” No. It was much more to him. More than he wanted to really say.

Yashiro clicked her tongue and walked past him, “Let’s get going, we’re already late enough because of me.” she joked.

Just like that, Amane was back to himself again “You took years. I’m already wrinkling!” Amane stretched and squished his face. Yashiro laughed, grabbing the passenger seat door handle.

“Okay, okay! Let’s go.” she smiled, getting into Amane’s truck. Amane followed in suit on the driver’s side. The car started up after Amane turned the ignition. The rumbling of the car increased as he started driving down the road to Aoi and Akane’s. The ride was silent for the most part, aside from the radio playing whatever song was trending at the time. Yashiro drummed her fingers on her thigh to the beat of the song. Amane was dangerously quiet for her liking. It felt a little uncomfortable.
To break the silence, Yashiro cleared her throat. Amane glanced over at her from the corner of his eye, and focused back on the road. She hummed, and Amane finally spoke up “Somethin’ wrong over there?”

Yashiro perked her head up, glancing at him scarcely, “Just.. wanting to break the silence is all. I know the radio’s playing, but it wouldn’t hurt to make conversation right?” She gave a nervous smile, fidgeting with her hands. Why was she being awkward again? She just wanted to break the silence, it was nothing new. They were comfortable with each other. At least she hoped.

“Mmm.” Amane responded dryly, “We’re almost to their place anyway.”

Yashiro sank a little bit in her sink, looking ahead out of the windshield. It was true, they were just right there. She sighed, glancing down at her phone to check the time. They were arriving a little late. Hopefully Yashiro can make it up to them.

Amane noticed her mood change, and rested an arm on her shoulder, “Hey, ‘ts alright. Sorry for not being that talkative, it’s just… I’m still awkward. Y’know?”

She looked over at him, giving a gentle smile, “I know, I’ve been awkward too.. It’s why we hang out often. So we can get rid of that awkwardness, right?”

Amane nodded. Yashiro felt something warm in her chest, and she looked back ahead of them.

They began conversing with one another after that at the occasional red light. They talked about previous hangouts, betting on how things would go at Aoi’s, it made the both of them feel better, and it let some tension dissolve. Things felt better with Amane around, Yashiro decided. As they were about to approach the house, Yashiro felt her face drop when she looked back at Amane.

There were bright lights coming in their direction. Yashiro gasped, fear settled in.

Amane panicked. Yashiro felt her heart drop, her hearing muffled, and the both of them jerked in their seats. Yashiro knocked her head on the console and fell unconscious.

—--------------------------------------------

Yashiro’s vision was blurry, she couldn’t move anything, or feel anything. Her body ached. She wanted to scream, but she couldn’t. Her mind took in everything that just happened. Yashiro could’ve sworn she heard Aoi crying, and Akane arguing with someone. She wanted to hear Amane. She wanted to hear his voice to know that he wasn’t hurt. Amane. Amane. All she could think was if Amane was okay.

She felt a warm liquid dripping from her forehead, and a thumb shakily brushing over her cut. The voice cracked, it sounded like they were crying. Someone came up to them, trying to pull them away from her.

“..I’m not gonna leave her like this! It’s bullshit if you think..”

She knew his voice. She turned her head to the side, and stared down at the sight of what just happened. Amane’s truck had a massive dent in the driver’s side, it smelt of gasoline, and the windows were cracked, even on the passenger door.

Amane’s voice broke through her muffled hearing again. He was apologizing. Her blurry vision could only make out his eyes, and his arms trying to reach for her. Two blondes, assuming it was Kou and Lemon, were holding him back.

Yashiro used all her energy just to call out.

“...Amane..?”

Yashiro saw him fight off the struggle, and darted over to her.

Her vision went black again. She passed out.

Chapter Text

Yashiro was sleeping peacefully in bed. It felt a bit stiff, and her blanket was warm. It was strange, though. She never slept with one pillow. Her comforter felt more… flat? This wasn’t her bed at all. She knew the comforts of her own covers very well, and these weren’t them. The comforts of this strange bed were weird, but it caused her to slowly wake.

Yashiro’s eyes peaked open a bit, and then fully fluttered open. She sat up and looked at her surroundings. There were cards nearby, for her she assumed. A vase of flowers, more cards, some clothes. She blinked slowly, examining the room some more. She wasn’t home, she was in a hospital bed.

At that moment, everything came back to her from the previous day. She had gotten into an accident. Yashiro reached up to feel her forehead, and felt the gauze that circled her head tightly. It hurt to raise her hand, and she noticed a wrist brace around her right arm. Right then and there, she wanted to cry. How is she going to do her work now?? She was right hand dominant! She might as well start learning how to be ambidextrous. Yashiro rubbed her eyes, shifting her legs to sit on the side of her bed.

Looking out the window at the melting snow, the sun rays had shone through the window, perfectly illuminating her skin, as much as it could in the hospital gown.. She looked down at herself. Maybe she should change out of it? It feels weird to wear. Yashiro turned to look at the clothes that were nearby. Aoi probably grabbed them for her. She picked up the shorts and a shirt. She wished it was a more comfortable pick. It was one that shrunk on her, and Yashiro assumed that Aoi didn’t think of it, she just grabbed something frantically.

‘Oh Aoi…’ she sighed. Looking through the selection of shirts, only three choices, she shook her head. None of them were ones she was in the mood to wear. She glanced around the room like she was gonna find something else. This wasn’t her house, of course she wouldn’t. Fortunately for Yashiro, she would find something else. On the armrest of a chair, was an inviting shirt.

She blessed whatever angel there was in the room and quickly hobbled over to it, picking it up. It was a few sizes too big, but it didn’t matter! It looked comfortable to be in, considering she still felt sore, and small clothing would feel so restricting. Yashiro grabbed it, and turned away from the chair. Glancing around the room, she opened the bathroom door nearby to change. The shirt smelt a little weird.

—-------------------------------------------------

Out in the hallway, Amane was pacing back and forth. He shouldn’t have been out and about, but he was worried. He blamed himself so hard for what had happened. He blamed himself for Yashiro getting hurt, for the accident, damaging his truck, not being a safe driver. He rubbed his neck, his shoulders, his arm, his palm. Anything to try and get the nerves out. But it wasn’t doing enough. Amane sat down in a chair nearby. He was outside of Yashiro’s designated room, debating if he wanted to check on her or not. She probably wouldn’t want to see him. Not after all the danger he just put her through. They were both fortunate enough to even come out okay from the crash, but he still felt like he caused everything to happen. He sighed and put his head in the palm of his hand. His right arm wasn’t available, as it was in a cast.

In his solitude, a voice rang out that addressed him. It was Kou.

“Is Nene okay?? Has she woken up yet??” The poor blonde boy looked deathly worried, he looked like a lost puppy, Amane thought.

“Yeah, I’m doing great, Kou. Thanks for asking.” Amane grinned, but immediately let it falter, “As for Yashiro, I think she’s okay. I dunno if she’s awake.. Last time I checked, the doctor said she was fine.” He looked down.

Amane went back into his thoughts, muffling out Kou’s exclaims about Yashiro, his faults, and everything that had happened yesterday after the mess was cleaned up. Everybody but Kou, and obviously Yashiro, knew he was in her room overnight watching over Yashiro. If Kou knew, he’d get an earful about if he tried anything, he would be dealt with. Amane dragged his hand over his face, and sighed. He wouldn’t want her to find out about that, it would be ego shattering for him.

“Are you even listening, asshole?” Kou piped up. Amane returned to reality and looked up at him. With a grin forming on his face, he replied.

“What were you sayin’? I was thinking about the ways to smooch her awake.”

Amane got a punch in the shoulder for that, and a stern talking once again.

—-------------------------------------------------

Yashiro was back to sitting on her bedside, looking through all the cards that were sent to her by friends, parents, and classmates. Some of them were funny cards, others sincere and wishing her a speedy recovery. It made her smile. She hoped to have a speedy recovery herself, too. Then she thought about it more. Placing the cards down, she wondered if Amane was okay. She hadn’t heard anything about him since she got to the hospital. Yashiro hugged herself, only having a small glimmer of hope for her friend. She looked over at the door, when something caught her interest from the corner of her eye. It was the chair she got the shirt from, and on the seat was a dinosaur lanyard, with a couple of keys on the keyring.

She shifted in her position to get a better look at it, seeing there was some sort of student ID on it. The glint from the light was making it hard to makeout. As she leaned over the bed frame more to get a better look, the door opened. It startled Yashiro, and she lost her balance.

“Woahwoahwoah- easy there, Yashiro-” he scrambled to catch her in time. Forgetting his arm was broken, and how he was a little weak, he fell down with her. Yashiro fell onto the floor, on top of Amane. The both of them laid there for a moment, then scrambled apart on opposite ends. They were only a few feet away from one another. Yashiro glanced at him, absolutely embarrassed of herself. Amane just nervously chuckled, and pointed at her.

“..I see you found my shirt, huh?” He smiled gently, which turned into a grin “Can’t believe you’re stealing from me like a bo-”

She didn’t let him finish that, as she kicked him square in the knee. Amane choked and held his knee, “Come on! Be nice to me! I’m hurt too, y’know?” He chuckled a bit, waiting for her response. His smile fell a bit, noticing her quietness.

Yashiro looked down, her hair covering her face. She was glad it was serving as a curtain, because tears were forming in her eyes, and her face was getting all puffy and ugly. She was trying not to hiccup, trying not to let any tears fall for him to see. But she couldn’t hold back anymore, her eyes were swelling. Yashiro sniffled, and started to cry.

Amane’s mask fell almost immediately, and he reached a hand out to move her hair out of her face, “Heyhey- it’s okay, I’m okay. I’m sorry for-”

Yashiro threw herself into Amane, and hugged him tightly, sobbing into his chest. He was okay, but not okay at the same time. She saw his broken arm, and felt guilt. If she hadn’t pushed him to conversation, he wouldn’t have lost his car, or had broken his arm. Thinking about it made her tighten her arms more around him. Amane was at a loss for words, he wasn’t sure what to do. He was still. Without his own conscience, he gently hovered his arm around Yashiro, too afraid to touch her.

She hiccuped, “I’m so sorry, Amane! I shouldn’t have- I didn’t-” she couldn’t find the right words, feeling the need to apologize. Yashiro wasn’t sure what she was going to do, she felt like she owed him so much. In the midst of her cries, she felt Amane gently touch her back.

“It’s okay, Yashiro. I.. I’ve been kind of blaming myself too.” He admitted, “I put you in danger, I should’ve been more careful. I’m sorry-” Amane looked ahead of him, as he placed his chin on top of Yashiro’s head. Would she even accept a half-assed apology like that? He was being too vulnerable, maybe. Amane went to pull away, but Yashiro wouldn’t let go of him. She looked up at him with puffy, shining eyes, “...Can you stay for a little longer?”

It was an embarrassing request for Yashiro to make, but she didn’t want her friend to slip away from her. She wanted to make sure he was fully okay. Amane reluctantly sighed, but gave a small smile, “Sure, I’ll stay for a bit. They said you can go home today if you’re feeling better. Personally, I think-”

“I wanna go home.” She cut him off “It feels eerie here, and I prefer my own room and privacy.”

Amane cracked a smile, fuller this time “Oh yeah? What kind of privacy?”

Yashiro pushed Amane away, getting red in the face, “Amane!”

Amane pulled her back and locked her close in his arm, “You’re avoiding the question, Yashiro!” He chuckled, watching her squirm and beat down on his arm

“Let go! Come on!” She tried to act mad, but she had a few giggles slip from her mouth, “None of your business what I do with my freetime!” Yashiro struggled, kicking her feet. Amane’s laughter grew louder, and Yashiro couldn’t help but be thrown into a giggle fit. The both of them backed away from one another and stood up.

“Okay, okay, grab your stuff. I’ll tell Kou to start his car.” Amane waved his hand, and Yashiro nodded, already gathering her cards first. Luckily, there was a small box for her to place her things in. She placed her cards into the box, and turned to grab her clothes, “Could you- uh..”

She was gonna ask him to grab the vase, but seeing his arm was broken, she held off “Nevermind..”

Amane raised an eyebrow, but shrugged, “I’ll text Akane that you’re goin’ home, so Aoi can hear the news too.” He pulled out his phone, and started to tap away with his thumb. Yashiro sighed, looking down at the shirt she was wearing. So what if it was Amane’s? It was comfortable, but she’d definitely wash it and give it back as soon as she got home. Looking around the room for any remaining items, she noticed his lanyard.

Amane had just finished texting Akane, when he felt something tug his neck down. Yashiro placed his lanyard around him. She smiled up at him, “Don’t wanna forget these, right?”

He smiled back, “Right you are.”
Yashiro’s heart skipped a beat, and she turned back to her flowers, “I’ll carry the vase, could you use your arm to carry the box?” She asked. Amane nodded, sliding the box underneath his arm and wedging it between his side and his underarm.

‘..Well that was easy enough..’ Yashiro thought. She walked over to the counter and picked her vase of flowers up, smelling them. They were camellias, near the end of their season. She smiled softly and turned back to Amane, who was waiting for her.

“Ready?” He asked her, standing with her box still. Yashiro nodded, and the two of them headed out to check her out.

After what felt like an excruciatingly long 20 minutes of paperwork, Yashiro and Amane left the hospital, and met Kou by his car. Kou immediately rushed to hug Yashiro, crying how he was glad she was okay. Mitsuba was there too, “You don’t look half as bad as you did before.” he sneered.

Amane placed Yashiro’s box in the back middle seat, and went to elbow Mitsuba in the side, to which he got a squeak in response. Amane sighed, “Give her some credit, pinky, she walked out of that crash like a badass.”

Yashiro knew that part wasn’t true, but she shrugged either way, climbing into the car as the two boys were bickering. Kou followed along, getting into the driver’s seat. He shouted at them, “I’m about to leave the both of you behind if you keep arguing! Then maybe Yashiro and I can make brownies without you.”

The two boys immediately got into the car without another word.

The ride back to Kou’s place was a bit long, but it was nice and slow. She felt relaxed, sinking into the seat and holding her vase. She glanced over at Amane, who looked deep in thought. He was so weird sometimes, one moment he’ll be chatty and weird, and the next he’s just.. quiet. Yashiro felt like he was still feeling bad over everything that happened. That wasn’t the case.

Yashiro spoke up to Amane, hoping he heard her over Kou and Mitsuba’s chatter, “..So, how did you break your arm anyways..?”

The car ride suddenly got quiet.

—-------------------------------------------------

“He tried protecting you??” Aoi looked at her friend wide-eyed as she set Yashiro’s things down in the living room.

“Shh! Yes.. he did-” Yashiro mumbled, quietly chatting with her friend. Still in her same outfit, Yashiro hugged herself. She was a little cold. Aoi’s eyes sparkled with wonder as she spoke.

“Awwh.. Yashiiroo.. He cares about you! Well, he always has ever since you two started becoming closer. Plus, you’re wearing his shirt..” Aoi grinned, and Yashiro immediately started to throw her hands around.

“Nonono, it’s nothing like that, I promise! I was gonna return it anyways! I just need to wash it is all, and then he can have it back!” Yashiro hid her face into the shirt, trying to avoid more questions. She didn’t even know it was his shirt until he said something about it. She would just wear it for the rest of the night, and then throw it into the wash to give it to him tomorrow. Easy peasy. There was nothing more to it.

Aoi hummed, “Mhm.. like what? I never said anything about it being more~”

Yashiro groaned and fell back into the couch, sinking, “Aoiiiiiiiii… please..” She felt embarrassed enough talking about their heart-to-heart with her in the hospital room, now she was just in total embarrassment. Aoi pat her back and reassured her, “There there, I’m just teasing you. But seriously, he’s been pretty adamant about you.” Aoi peeked her head over the couch, before whispering to Yashiro.

“Apparently, he stayed with you the entire night. That is, after he got his cast.” She smiled.

Yashiro’s eyes widened, “Really?”
Aoi nodded.

Yashiro looked down at the shirt, thinking of Amane. He wasn’t so bad, as much as he tried to make himself a weirdo. Did he really care about her that much? Maybe that explains why his t-shirt was there and his lanyard. Now Yashiro felt stupid for not realizing earlier. She turned to Aoi to speak, but before she could, she felt a cold arm pull her back.

“What’re you two gossiping about, huh? Girl talk without me?” Amane pouted.

She shrieked from the coldness of Amane’s arm, he felt so ghostly, but he was alive. Sometimes she wondered about that, and why he won’t stop doing that. It makes her jumpy.
Aoi hummed, “You know you’re not allowed in girl talk, Amane. Not since you freaked out about us talking about-”

Amane let go of Yashiro, his cheeks coated in a pink color, “Yeah, okay, I think that’s my cue to leave- I think the kid needs help in the kitchen, anyways.” He rubbed the back of his neck, “Also, to prevent Tsukasa from eating raw ingredients. You know how he is.” Amane sighed, and left quickly to avoid any discussion.

Both Yashiro and Aoi started giggling. Yashiro really didn’t know what she was talking about, but the thought of it was hilarious to her.

—-------------------------------------------------

Hours passed, and everyone was heading home. Yashiro gave Amane a small hug, just to be sure he was okay, and headed out to Aoi’s car. She offered to take her home, and Yashiro felt relieved. If she wanted anyone taking her home, it’d be Aoi. Yashiro learned that the flowers were from Sakura, which she found sweet, and she definitely needs to talk to her more. Once the both of them were in the car, they took off and headed to Yashiro’s place. The car ride was silent for the most part. Yashiro didn’t wanna repeat the same mistakes. While Aoi made light conversation, Yashiro only responded in quick nods or headshakes.

“..I heard the coffee shop was hiring..” was the only thing that caught Yashiro’s interest, and she turned her head towards Aoi.
“Wait- really? Who quit?” She asked in curiosity. Maybe this was her chance to find a decent job. She was ‘fired’ from her online business job, as they started to ghost her about deadlines, sales, and reports. When she finally got a hold of them, they told her she was irresponsible, and couldn’t keep up with the rest of her coworkers. It was a really embarrassing day for her.

Aoi replied, keeping her eyes on the road, “Well, I think it was Satou? He didn’t look too happy being there, if I had to guess. Who knows!”

Yashiro recognized that name, it was one of Kou’s best friends. She wasn’t sure if she ever met him before, but she had seen him. So maybe that counted! After all, Yashiro recognizes people by one glance. Maybe…

The two girls pulled to a stop in front of Yashiro’s home, sitting for a moment. Yashiro turned to Aoi, “Is there anywhere I can go to make an application?” she gave a nervous smile, and Aoi pulled her phone out with an even bigger smile.

“I’ll send it to you, ‘kay? You go on ahead inside. I’m so glad you’re okay, Nene.” Aoi hugged Yashiro tightly, and she returned the hug. Yashiro was glad to have a friend like Aoi. Sure, she missed her being around the place, but she was moving on with her life, doing greater things than her. Yashiro was doing good things too! Going to college, spending time with friends…

She let go of Aoi, and thanked her for helping her get home safe. The two girls departed from one another, and Yashiro walked inside her humble abode.

It was much colder than she last remembered, obviously because she wasn’t home for a while. It felt much scarier in the dark, and even more because she was alone. Yashiro felt uneasy, but she pushed herself down the hallway nonetheless. Holding her hand close to her heart, she turned her phone light on, stalking towards her room.

It was just dark! It wasn’t anything to be afraid of! Right? Yashiro shook her head, she has to be brave about living alone. She just has to, she can’t depend on others. She’s an adult now, she’s got to deal with things on her own. Yashiro took a deep breath, and stood up straight. She wasn’t gonna let some measly darkness scare her!

Her phone’s messages went off and she yelped, making her scurry to her room, and shutting the door quickly. Leaning against the door, she checked her phone. It was just Amane texting her, it gave her a sense of relief.

–’You made it home right’

Yashiro exhaled, letting some of her worry dissolve. She looked down at the text for a couple of seconds before replying.

–’mhm! you just scared me with your notif’

Yashiro kept her phone close to her, the light from it made things a little better. So much for little miss independence, she sighed. Amane texted back with a thumbs up, and she turned her phone off, sitting there for a little while.

For some reason, she didn’t want to be alone. She didn’t feel like being alone, everything felt more intense. Her thoughts echoed off the walls of her mind, some negative, some questioning herself and her feelings, and some she couldn’t even understand herself. Yashiro pulled the shirt over her knees, and sighed. She looked down at the design of it, it was tacky, but it was a Dracula tee. She didn’t know tacky shirts could be this comfortable.
…Maybe she could hold onto it for just a liiittle bit longer..

Yashiro picked up her phone again, reluctantly sighing. Lifting it up to her ear, she spoke, “Do you wanna come stay the night-?”

After an uncomfortable silence for about twenty seconds, she got a reply.

“..I guess.” Amane spoke.