"What was that all about?" Yukari asked when Minako finally rejoined the group. Minako shook her head.
"I thought I saw something back there," she answered, knowing full well it was a lie. Yukari looked doubtful and cast a worried glance in Fuuka's direction. Fuuka responded with a shrug, thinking it best not to pry since Minako was obviously all right.
"Whatever," Yukari said, turning her attention back to the spa she had been looking at in the brunette's absence. "Anyway, want to check this place out? I've only been here a couple times, but I know Minako's never been here before." Fuuka nodded.
"Neither have I," she replied, peering in the window. Minako saw Fuuka's face light up as soon as she saw the inside of the spa. She wasn't about to tell Yukari that she had already visited the spa at least once a week, thanks to the incessant trips to Tartarus. Instead, she nodded and followed the two girls inside.
The spa itself was gorgeous. A hot tub in the center, greenery all around, and a cheerful atmosphere that would have made even Mr. Ekoda grin from ear to ear. Yukari stepped in front of Minako and grinned.
"Umm, so, I know you're usually the leader and all," she started, "but would you mind if I took the lead today?" Minako shook her head. She was actually quite glad for the break from the leadership role. And, even though she tried to hide it, Minako knew Yukari wanted a shot at being the leader.
After getting a massage, manicure, and pedicure, they decided to head back to the dorm. It was getting late and Minako knew Mitsuru and Akihiko would be worried if they were late. Not to mention Shinjiro's reaction. Minako's face grew hot just thinking about him.
She couldn't quite pinpoint when she first started to notice the subtle kind things he did for her, nor could she seem to recall just when it was that she started to think that he felt differently about her than the rest of the members of SEES. Like a gentle breeze that gradually picked up and knocked over trash cans, Minako had felt her feelings grow for the distant, surly young man.
"Right, Minako?" Yukari asked, drawing Minako from her thoughts and causing her to turn red once more.
"H-huh?" Minako asked, having not paid attention to their conversation at all. Yukari and Fuuka exchanged looks and burst out laughing. "What?" Yukari stopped in front of Minako and grinned.
"I know what you were thinking about!" she exclaimed triumphantly. "You were thinking about Aragaki-senpai, weren't you?" Minako blushed even more.
"O-of course not! I was just, um," Minako looked around nervously and noticed the small flower shop near the station where they were headed, "looking at the flowers over there, that's all!" Yukari scoffed.
"As if!" she persisted. "I know you go out with him at night all the time!" Minako froze. Yukari knew that they went out regularly. What if the rest of the dorm noticed and put the pieces together?
"D-does anyone else know?" Minako asked nervously. Yukari nodded.
"How could they not? I mean, we're all downstairs most of the time," Yukari replied as they flashed their passes and boarded the monorail. "It's kind of obvious when you leave with him at night almost every other night and don't get back until midnight." Minako sighed and plopped down on the seat next to Fuuka.
"Great," she muttered, leaning back against the seat and closing her eyes. How was it that she was just barely realizing how much she loved being around Shinjiro and the others had noticed it before her? Taking a deep breath, Minako reminded herself that there were other things to worry about. Like Theo's new request. She had a feeling it would be more difficult than simply asking around. Or, rather, finding a way to get it from its owner. For all his kindness, Minako knew there were some things he would never give up. Ever.