The weather was scorching. Natsuki wished she didn't have to wear the stupid uniform all the time. It didn't help her body temperature in anyway. She was sweltering. She frowned, wiping sweat off her brow. It was too sticky and wet.
Suddenly, a shadow appeared over her head. She looked up; MC was standing there with an umbrella. The shade was soothing, and she would never admit it, she was glad MC was there. But she had a reputation to uphold.
"What are you doing?" Natsuki snapped at him.
"Providing shade?" MC asked. "It's a hot day today, y'know."
"I don't need you to do it for me." Natsuki grumbled.
"You seemed like you needed it." MC commented.
"Well, I didn't!" Natsuki growled.
"Oh, well, I suppose I'll go then." MC said, turning away.
"Hey!" Natsuki snapped. She faintly blushed. "Well, um, you're here now. You may as well stay."
"Thought so." MC said, sitting next to Natsuki. He held the umbrella above their heads. There was silence for a few moments. It wasn't necessarily awkward, just peaceful.
"So…" Natsuki croaked. "You seem… close with Monika."
"Huh?" MC frowned. "Well, she's nice… kinda weird, but nice."
"You like her, don't you?" Natsuki interrogated.
"Not in that way," MC assured, waving his hands. "She's just a friend."
"That's what they all say." Natsuki snapped, glaring up at MC.
"Says the immature first year." MC retorted.
"Hey!" Natsuki slapped his arm. "I'm not a first year!"
The two continued their colourful banter until the sun was almost gone. They had bonded in that strange, frenemy-like way. Monika didn't mind them doing such a thing. It wasn't romantic, and besides, Natsuki wasn't mature enough to start dating, despite what she said.
Though, Monika did know that MC seemed more… easy going around Natsuki than her.
And it bothered her to no end.