Makoto flashed his fangs, his eyes crinkling with amusement. It was nice to see how Nagisa's enthusiasm was influencing the other athlete.
"Having fun yet?"
"You really aren't that scary," Rei said.
It seemed a strange thing to say, though Makoto noticed as Rei averted his eyes from the real-looking gash in his neck. Makoto was proud that people were noticing. It had taken him a while to get the effect just right.
"I like your wings," Makoto replied, touching the shimmery purple mesh as Rei winced and mouthed something along the lines of don't remind me.
Then he looked to his right and jumped with surprise when he saw who was descending the stairs. Haru walked into the party, dressed in his usual sweater and track pants but this time wearing a black cape. So he had at least made an attempt to dress up for the party.
Makoto didn't take his eyes off of Haru's blue ones as he mumbled a goodbye to Rei and bounded up the stairs to his friend.
"Hi," Makoto said.
"Hey."
"How was the pool?"
"How did you know I was at the pool?" Haru wondered.
Makoto chuckled at his friend's serious expression. "You're wearing your tracksuit, your hair's still damp, and you reek of chlorine."
Haru slouched into his sweater and shrugged. His friend knew him so well.
"The cape looks nice though," Makoto complimented him.
Haru shrugged. "Just something I threw on. Your costume, on the other hand, is really great."
Makoto grinned. "Thanks!"
The pair was silent for a moment amidst the noise of the party. People pushed their way past them on the stairs and Makoto realized that they weren't standing in a great place. He pointed up the stairs.
"Want to get some chips from the kitchen? A drink, maybe?"
Haru nodded and turned around, his cape swishing. He led the way back out of the basement.
