Set across Yuuko's schooling years.
Yuuko was really, really sure she'd had more coins in her purse. As it was, she was frantically searching for a 50 yen coin that may or may not have existed.
And she was so sure she had exact change, too.
Suddenly, she heard the familiar sound of clinking coins, and she looked up in time to see another girl leaning back, having added her own coins to Yuuko's balance. The vending machine whirred to life as it dispensed a hot cup of cappuccino - the only coffee Yuuko could get around school.
Hastily taking the warm cup, she moved aside to let the other girl purchase her own drink. The brunette in question chose green tea - anything to warm her up in this winter, she supposed - and paid for it. Yuuko observed the girl - long, auburn hair tied up in a high ponytail, her uniform sporting a blue ribbon in front. (So she was in Yuuko's year. Must be in one of the other classes.) She wore a disinterested look, and picked up her beverage, turning around to walk back to their classrooms.
"Wait!"
Yuuko didn't know what on earth possessed her to call out to this new student, but before she could hastily apologize, the brunette simply smiled at her, a sly smile that seemed to be both friendly and teasing at the same time.
"What? I already paid for your drink, what else do you want from me?"
Her words might've been harsh, but the light inflection she'd departed them with definitely suggested she was teasing Yuuko. Either way, the blonde was put on the spotlight, and she racked her mind for an answer.
"...Thanks for that. You really didn't need to." It was lame, and Yuuko felt like an idiot after she said it. It was the first thing she'd thought of, though.
"You were holding up the line." The other student reminded her, swirling her mug of green tea next to Yuuko's face. "Besides, I don't mind paying for someone's coffee. Especially if it's a cute girl." She finished with a smirk, and the unexpected comment caused Yuuko's cheeks to heat up.
I've never been called cute before… Yuuko stammered, trying to come up with an appropriate response.
"Uh, um… what's your name?" Smooth. Real smooth.
"Trying to pick me up? I can just give you my number, you know." She certainly didn't stop with the teasing, and Yuuko's cheeks certainly didn't stop with the whole 'looking increasingly red' thing. This brunette was definitely enjoying this.
"It's Natsuki. Natsuki Nakagawa, from Class 1A." The brunette - Natsuki - held her hand out, and Yuuko moved to shake it.
"Yuuko Yoshikawa. I'm in Class 1C." Natsuki had the most wonderful eyes, and Yuuko could not stop herself from staring into those indigo pools.
"Well then, Yuuko," Natsuki broke the handshake, and started heading off towards the school courtyard. "how would you like to have lunch together?"
Yuuko nodded in silent agreement, and wordlessly moved in pace, next to the brunette's side. The two walked in silence, before the blonde, no longer able to restrain herself, asked the one question she'd been wanting to ask for all of about five minutes now.
"...Do you really think I'm cute?" Yuuko squeaked out, and it retrospect, she realised she probably pretty narcissistic.
"Well, sure." Natsuki replied with an easy grin. "But I think the ribbon might be a little overkill." As if to prove her point, she reached over and lightly tugged at Yuuko's comically large ribbon. Yuuko, caught off guard, yelped in surprise and swatted Natsuki's hand away, causing the brunette to burst out in laughter. Pretty soon, Yuuko joined in.
Well, at least that broke the ice.
"So, how're you finding high school?" Yuuko asked. Personally, she found the transition to be slightly intimidating, and it wasn't too much of a stretch to say she had no friends yet. Sure, there were classmates she would talk to, but definitely not friends.
Natsuki shrugged in response. "A lot of my friends from my old elementary school are here, so it's almost like I'm back there, just with new uniforms."
"Thinking of joining any clubs?"
"Who, me? I'm not really the club type." Natsuki smiled sheepishly at Yuuko, "I did swimming back in elementary, so maybe I'll pick it up again when it gets warmer. Other than that, I dunno, maybe something nice and easy like stamp collection." Yuuko snorted at the idea.
"Well, I know I'm joining band."
"Band, huh? One of my friends - Mizore Yoroizuka, she should be in your class - plays the oboe, and she tried to get me to join band. Really though, I can't see myself in it. I mean, band kids are crazy."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Yuuko asked defensively. Her band pride was at stake, damnit.
"No, not bad crazy. Just like… all they ever talk about is band."
"...Well, I can't even deny that one."
They both dissolved into a fit of giggles, and shortly after, Natsuki returned to the topic.
"Well, it's more of me just being really bad at musical instruments. My mom tried to sign me up for piano, but that lasted all of about 6 months. It's just not my forte, I suppose."
"But no one starts out good!" Yuuko's exclamation surprised Natsuki, and before the brunette could respond, Yuuko had launched into a tirade.
"Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to play the trumpet for a band. They look so cool, you know? My cousin plays trumpet for the Tokyo Kosei Concert Band, and he'd play for the whole family sometimes, and he would teach me how to play too. But when I tried to join the elementary school band they told me I couldn't, because they already had a full roster of trumpet players. They didn't care who was better; they didn't even let me try out, or show any of my talents. They just turned me down." Yuuko downed the rest of her coffee, almost as if she was drinking her problems away.
"...I'm sorry." Natsuki genuinely seemed at a loss for words. The change in topic was abrupt, and Yuuko realised she probably said way too much. Natsuki really did look apologetic, though.
Yuuko shook her head, and willed her tears away. "This year, it'll be different."
Natsuki opened her mouth to say something, but just then, the bell rung out. Almost in unison, the students sitting around the various benches started packing up, mentally preparing for another few hours of lessons. Natsuki did the same.
"Well, I guess this is where we leave. See you around?"
"Yeah. Oh, and, uh… thanks for the coffee. I'll buy you a cup in return some other day, I promise."
Natsuki smiled in response, and started walking away, before turning back to readdress the blonde.
"Maybe I'll join band. It might be fun. Oh, and keep the ribbon." Natsuki leaned over, and lightly tugged on the large yellow ribbon. "It looks cute on you." And with those words, the brunette left, walking back towards the school building.
Thankfully, for Yuuko at least, Natsuki was spared the sight of the stuttering, blushing blonde she left behind.
I really don't know what on Earth convinced me to write this. Maybe it was just the distinct lack of Natsuuko in this fandom.
Coffee idea probably came from 'falling in love at a coffee shop' by not a straight trumpet. Seriously, check it out.