Algae Bloom Mantis Man
Cast:
Natsuki Ai - Cure Rouge's sister - age 13
Midorikawa Keita - Cure March's brother - age 13
May, 2015
"I love you! Please go out with me!"
Midorikawa Keita expected that something like this would happen. The letter he found in his shoe locker was sealed with a heart sticker and is written in an exaggerated feminine script. As the only first year boy starter in the school's Soccer Club, he has also received more than one previous confession.
This girl is wearing the school uniform: the same light blue dress with vertical white folds, white trim, and yellow bow are the same as the girls who confessed to him before. She has even called him to the same location, a quiet, tree-shaded lawn at the side of the building. However, Keita can tell that this girl is different.
Keita knows from being around his sisters what it looks like when a girl wears makeup, whether like Haru, it makes her look like a clown, or if it is subtle and smart like Nao's. This girl has a subtle touch of rouge, light enough that she may even have gotten away with it during classes. The flower-scented perfume is less so. Keita is certain that she put it on specifically for this meeting. She has long, chestnut-colored hair, which she wears pulled into a high ponytail.
As he examines her appearance, he catches just the slightest smirk on her lips.
Yes, that is what is different. The other girls were sincere, even when he rejected them. This girl views him as a conquest.
Possibly she has perceived some tell in his expression. Whatever her reason, she leans into the sell.
"There are benefits to being my boyfriend, you know? I could bring you home-cooked meals before games, for example."
Well, two can play at that game.
"Is that a benefit for me? I could be a better cook than you. If I bring you some of my cooking, you might be surprised."
"I could be your own personal cheerleader."
"I could carry you like a princess."
"If you're lucky, I might even let you kiss me!"
"I don't do luck. Everything I do is skill!"
"You drive a hard bargain, Midorikawa." She's not even trying to hide the smirk anymore.
"Only because I find your offer so amusing- What is your name, by the way?"
"Natsuki Ai. In English, Summer of Love."
That translation is not entirely accurate, he knows. About sixty percent. Calling her on it would be too easy.
"My name in English is Algae Bloom Mantis Man. I think I'll accept your confession, Summer of Love."