After much anticipation you finally have an interaction of female Makoto and Sousuke (Yaaaay). And we have more of an interaction between Rin and Makoto in a platonic manner
I apologize for not updating in a while, a lot of things happened in the past few months. It was my dad's 3rd anniversary, I moved into my own place 3 months ago and have been settling and all sorts. My creative flow has also been all over the place
I hope you like it and please feel free to comment in the reviews for any ideas you have have for future chapters
Makoto peered behind the door shyly, though she knew it was bad to keep Haru waiting. She couldn't help but want to stay here a little longer, just to be able to admire him to keep the memory burned into her mind. Though she had a busy enough life she tried to make sure that every spare moment she was able to just admire and appreciate him for a short time.
Whenever she saw him he always looked so... perfect, even right now after kendo training and pushing himself he still made her heart skip a beat. Sure, he was a little hot and sweaty, his hair was messy, and he would be tired. But something about him seemed to allure her in like a bee to the flower, unable to resist her temptations. Causing her affections to only grow stronger.
His messy black hair lightly dripping with sweat and water, his flushed cheeks that were so fine and sharp. His shiny turquoise eyes, that reminded her of the ocean. His perfect lips that were blushed and swollen from the heat. Then there was the more awkward and embarrassing thing she couldn't stop looking at. The abs, his perfectly formed muscles that peaked out of his kendo robe.
She wondered how someone could be so handsome, so charming and so mysterious. He was like something out of a movie or a comic book, but here he was standing before her. From the first moment they had met as brief as it was, she had felt something inside of her that she had never felt before in her life. That feeling being adoration and affection of the romantic kind. Having never looked at another man the same way.
She knew it was rude to stare, that she was probably being a bit perverted and strange right now. But Sousuke was just so…. alluring. She could never stop thinking about him and whenever she was around him. Her heart skipped a beat, her head became a mess and she could never seem to speak normally around him. She tried to hide it but even some of her classmates were becoming wary of it.
"He'll probably never notice me though, there are loads of popular and prettier girls who confess to him all the time" she thought to herself. She knew she would never have a chance with him. But she was happy enough admiring him from afar. Suddenly, she pushed to hard on the door and panicked. Causing the gym door to creak open slowly making her presence known. Makoto panicked, knowing she probably looked like a creep or a stalker. God why didn't she just leave sooner? Now she had made it obvious she was there and staring at him like a stalker, god the only thing that would make this worse would be if she took a picture of him with her phone. Now he probably thought of her like all the other annoying fan-girl's who hounded him every second of the day.
Sousuke looked up quietly, averting his gaze towards the door. A bottle of water in his hand, he had thought all of the other team members and students would be gone by now. Unless it was the janitor come to clean up. He was pleasantly surprised to see it was Makoto Tachibana, a regular visitor of the club. As annoying as some fan girls could be, she was surprisingly polite and pleasant to be around. His only complaint was that she never seemed to visit more often.
She brought first aid for him, she gave him medicine to help his stamina and health that she made herself. Having heard from fellow classmates that her family ran a natural medicinal shop. He was impressed at the level of skill she showed at making such complex remedies and all from memory and training, they worked really well too. Always happy when he found her giving him more.
She watched every match he took part in but never approached after the match due to him being bombarded by other women. Unlike his more obsessive and clingy fangirls who only ever wanted to get into his pants. Makoto seemed to genuinely care about him, which he had to admit was a breath of fresh air. "Makoto Tachibana, right? You don't have to hide, you can come out you know" he replied in a kind tone. He would be rather grateful to be able to speak to her for once, given she said so little to him when they did have their meetings.
She tended to just hand him the medicine and say, "Your welcome" and leave shyly. Or when she did acknowledge him it would be a shy nod. Not being one for many words when she was in his company. Probably not wanting to be a bother to him. Then again she may also feel intimidated by the competition who were more fierce and would bully her to no end if she was more bold about her affections towards him. He hated how a lot of his fans were ruthless and harassed his more quiet fans, they were the worst types of people.
Makoto blushed, feeling humiliated that she had been found out. She couldn't exactly hide or pretend she wasn't there and running away would be stupid and rude. But what the hell was she supposed to say to him? Then again when would she get another chance to talk to him personally like this? With no fan girls to get in the way and get all territorial. She wasn't the only person who had an interest in him after all. She swallowed nervously and gripped her firsts, not having any medicine to use as an excuse this time. Slowly she edged away from behind the door and stepped into the room, her eyes pinned to the ground and her face red as a raspberry.
"K… Kon'nichiwa Sousuke-kun" she replied shyly. God he was even more handsome up close, her heart hammering inside of her chest. She really hoped she didn't mess this up and say something stupid. She was stunned she hadn't had a spontaneous nosebleed out of the pressure and embarrassment she was feeling right now. Though she was known for being kind and friendly, she was also prone to anxiety under pressure.
She just needed to relax, there was no need to get worked up. But around Sousuke that seemed to be a habit, she could just never seem to act normally around him. However, she needed to try and control her feelings. She could just say "hello" or "Training hard again", anything to bring up a topic of conversation. Anything would be better than this awkward silence, the tension was killing her.
Sousuke gazed at her silently, she was even lovelier up close in person. Her short olive hair brushing against her cheeks, her bangs slightly covering her eyes. Her beautiful green eyes and rosy cheeks. How long he had wanted to be close to her, instead of her always being so far away and out of reach. He wanted to walk up to her and kiss her, but he knew she would just freak out. Patience was a virtue after all. But spending more time with her instead was still an option and it would give them time to talk. "Are you free this weekend?" he asked casually. He usually spent his weekends training, with his family or just relaxing.
He was a very casual and laid back person when he wasn't pushing himself during training. He had a lot of hobbies and could even be considered an easy going and boring guy, to anyone who knew him personally that is. It often amused him of half the rumours that his admirers thought about him, knowing they didn't know anything about him personally. Putting imaginations inside their head of what they wanted him to be.
But she never assumed anything about him and he appreciated that more than she knew. He was the only person he had felt that saw him as a person instead of an idol like everyone else. That only made him like her even more. Hell, she didn't have to be free herself, but it was worth asking. He knew she was childhood friends with that Nanase guy, they may be doing something together. She may also have friends in her class that she may want to spend time with. Or even her family.
Makoto stiffened, her mind going blank as shock overwhelmed her. Her face now radiating with heat, to the point she looked even darker. Steam erupting in small clouds from her head. She couldn't believe this was really happening outside of her own imagination. The guy she had been crushing on in secret for what felt like forever was asking her out on a date. This was like a dream come true, she just hoped this was real and not a figment of her imagination.
She couldn't let this chance slip through her fingers and give off the wrong impression. "H… Hai, this weekend is fine, but… if you want to see your friends instead you don't have to force yourself" she replied bravely. As happy as she was she knew he had a life outside of her and had people he cared about. Relationships were about trust and respect right? She had to give him space and understand he had important things in his life.
Sousuke blinked at her, utterly in awe of the person he was speaking to. She was so cute, so angelic that it hurt. How willing, understanding and sweet she was, it brought out his dominant side. His desire to protect her, to treat her right. He shifted, now feeling awkward himself. He had never been so affected by a woman before, given the number of fan-girls who threw themselves and endless amounts of gifts and love letters at him nearly every day. "I want to, really. I guess… what I'm saying is, I've been interested in your for-a while" he replied awkwardly. She wasn't like the other girls, she didn't kiss his ass or bombard him with patience. She gave him space, she was understanding and sweet.
Makoto was stunned, she had thought this would just be another day of admiring him from afar. Then leaving with that sweet memory in her mind until they once more crossed paths. Or she caught a glimpse of him from afar or briefly in person. A shy smile spread across her face as happiness began to fill her, admittedly acting like a quite literally schoolgirl in love. "I… I'd like that" she replied bravely. Maybe they could get ice cream and share hobbies or something like that. She had always been a romantic at heart and preferred the simple things when it came to a date.
Sousuke then smiled back at her, glad she had finally smiled for him. It was warm and sweet like sunshine, not forced or scary like the others but natural; real. Like a girl should be. Feeling hopeful at whatever may happen between them in the future. "I'll see you at the weekend then" he replied repetitively. He would be counting down the days. He knew he would be thinking about their date for a long time, before and after it took place.
Makoto nodded eagerly in agreement, before heading off quickly. She had to meet Haru about his medicine supply being renewed again, but she also needed to cool her head. Trying to get it into her mind that she was going to be dating her crush, that their relationship had finally taken a more serious step up. This felt so weird, like a dream but one she didn't want to wake from. She felt a squeal building up inside of her, desperate to be set free.
Haru wondered wearily through the house, his body heavy and his mind fuzzy. It had been a long day, excessive training of his mental strength and powers. Making sure he was at his peak and capable of protecting the temple. He couldn't relax for even a second, this temple needed protecting from all manner of demons and wicked spirits. He had known this since he was young, though it was tiring the pay off of protecting people was worth it. All manner of souls were weak to certain spirits and demons, leaving them open to all manner of harm and influence. Which he would keep fighting against for the rest of his life, to keep people safe.
He had been sworn to this duty from the day he was born, from the minute his powers began to grow and make themselves known. His grandfather had taught him well and was the reason for all he knew, many hours had been spent honing in his gifts until he was as strong as he was now. This temple was not only his home but his responsibility as the heir to the family lineage and its current protector.
He knew he needed to rest, but he couldn't. There was so much to do, hopefully some of Makoto's medicine would work as a pick me up for a while. Though he knew Rin would chew his ear off about it. He was touched by her concern over him but he had been doing this a long time before she had come into his life. He was a lot stronger than she gave him credit for. He was not as weak as he had been when he was a child, though it undoubtedly did bring on fatigue in more serious matters.
But he felt like he was using Rin as an energy feed, she was a person too. Yes, she was a demon, but she obviously was not heartless. She loved him and had done for a very long time. The idea of taking advantage of her made him feel like crap. Though he had done nothing to hurt her, he kept leeching her own strength from her so that he could recover, to the point he kept expecting it in an almost selfish manner which he felt guilty for.
He refused to constantly go to her for energy which in turn would be draining her somewhat. He had to get by on his own too when Rin would not be around, he had done for a long time after all. After his grandpa died, Makoto had come to stay with him for a while before he was old enough to take care of himself, making sure he was at full strength. Then he had lived here alone and had done every day after that.
"Haru?" Rin's voice came from behind him. God, he looked so pale like she was looking at a Yurei haunting the temple grounds. Like he was about to pass out at any second, truth be told she was stunned he hadn't already by now. What the hell was he doing pushing himself like this? Was he trying to get himself killed? He would not be able to protect the temple and exorcise demons if he did this to himself. What would he do without her? That medicine he took would only be able to do so much as it was not long lasting at all. Even he was aware of that himself.
She approached him in a heartbeat, she needed to restore his energy now. She was worried about being rough with him due to the anger and frustration she was feeling, but right now there were more important matters at hand. She didn't want him to get ill or prone to demon attack, even with her protection there were still spirits that could affect Haru. If he let himself get in states like these for long wicked spirits and malevolent demons would get in, even with her protection.
Haru saw her coming and held her at arm's length, refusing to partake of her energy. He would not die from this, all he needed was some rest and some of Makoto's medicine and he would be back to normal again. But the look he gave her made his heart feel like it was being squeezed. He felt awful, seeing the hurt expression that came across her face. But he didn't want to keep relying on her to recover all the time, surely this would take a toll on her too, even demons had their limits to how much they could handle.
He then slipped, falling to his knees, his body finally giving up on him due to the fatigue and pressure he had put himself under. God he was so tired, his body feeling like a sack of rice. The sounds around him sounding distant, faded even; his sight becoming fuzzy and exhaustion starting to get to him. He needed rest, but he had no time. There was so much he still had to do.
Rin grabbed him in a heartbeat, holding him close to her protectively. Daring any lower spirit or demon to even try anything, corner a scared dog and it would attack without hesitation. He was in a bad state and she could sense it, how weak his energy levels were, he couldn't keep the temple safe like this. "Haru, you need to rest. God, why don't you just let me share my energy with you" she scolded. She was surprised by Haru's stubbornness, he was probably worse than her sometimes. Maybe that was why they were so good for each other, like Yin and Yang.
Haru sighed falling lower, to which Rin started to slide with him and blush at where he was ending up. This really wasn't appropriate, but she knew he couldn't help himself. He had been working too hard again. All of his strength would be leaving him, for all his powers were strong his body had a limit. The body was a fragile thing and he had been neglecting himself despite how much she had been asking him about his well being.
Eventually, she managed to lower herself to the floor in a sitting position so neither of them would get hurt. For all her demon strength, Haru was physically heavier due to him being a male. Now Haru could lean against her and get some rest, then he could feel better again. But Haru had plans of his own. He slowly leaned his head towards her legs and rested himself contently on her lap like a small child. Rin's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his bold gesture, wondering if he was doing this on purpose.
"I'm using Rin's lap, its your job to look after me, right?" Haru replied bluntly a playful tone in his voice despite how exhausted he was. He had never been close to a woman like this before. Her thighs were soft, and she smelled really nice, he had been able to smell her perfume when he fell on her chest as he began to pass out. Sometimes it wasn't so bad having a cute demon girl to look after you. She really wasn't as bad as the stories about her kind wrote about. I guess you had to meet one in person before you judged them.
Rin pouted. He was enjoying this wasn't he? God, sometimes he could be so bratty, but then she was just as bad. But it was not often she got to act like a couple with Haru, due to their duties at the temple. So, she may as well make the best of this before things were back to normal again. "If my legs die while your out of it, I'll wake you up" she warned. Though deep down she knew she could endure anything for his sake, love was funny like that after all. It made you do the stupidest of things.
Haru smiled, he knew she wouldn't. If the smallest thing were to happen to him right now she would lose it and panic. She was just being stubborn, at the least she would move his head and place it on a pillow or something. But then he doubted she would ever try and get away from a situation like this, she would be enjoying it too much. "Sounds fair" he replied sleepily, his eyes slowly closing shut as he faded into sleep.
Rin sighed, god she loved him so much but damn it did he annoy her sometimes. But she was glad he was finally getting some much-needed rest, plus with her around no wicked spirits would even try and make any trouble. She then summoned her wings; the bright sun would unsettle Haru and make it hard for him to rest. Her large black wings protecting them like a feathered umbrella of sorts, her maroon eyes glowing with a light hint of red glow. She smiled softly, raising her head to watch the leaves slowly falling around them.
Makoto smiled to herself, she couldn't stop thinking about it. She was going on a date with Sousuke, after all her pining and all of her longing. She was finally going to go on a date with the boy she had been crushing on since she started middle school. She hadn't stopped smiling or blushing all the way home, almost in a daze. So, this was what it felt like to be in love, no wonder everyone was so happy during it. There really was no feeling like it. To celebrate she had bought some pork buns, ramune and Taiyaki. She was in such a good mood she wanted to share it with Haru and Rin. Though she felt that she would be more confident to tell Rin before Haru.
Though she knew Rin had felt threatened by her presence when they first met, they were now on better terms due to understanding her relationship to Haru better. They were slowly becoming friends though she knew it would be a while before she fully gained the trust of Rin to a similar level to that of the closeness she had with Haru. But friendships took time after all and she was willing to wait and allow it to grow naturally.
"Ohaiyo? Haru? Is anyone home?" she called out loudly. She hated to bother them if they were sleeping, things had to get hectic around here what with tourists and customers looking for charms, gifts and exorcisms. But then again maybe neither of them were in, they had a life after all. But then she could always leave her food as an offering to the temple for good luck instead.
"Oi, Haru's had a long day! Try keep it down!" Rin growled quietly. Honestly, could she be any louder? Though she had never expected someone as polite and passive as Makoto to be capable of such a loud voice, she sure had a pair of strong lungs. She could be rather clueless sometimes for all she was pretty. But then she seemed like a nice girl. She obviously had a big heart and was very giving indeed.
Makoto flinched at the anger in the tone of voice and turned around quickly in panic. But then she saw Haru napping on Rin's lap peacefully, now understanding her temper. Feeling rather rude and guilty for being so thoughtless, she must have been worried about him. She approached quietly, bowing her head apologetically. A look of worry on her face "Is he ok? He looks so tired and pale" she asked in an almost frantic tone. Why hadn't she come home sooner and brought medicine.
Rin gazed down at him quietly, unless they were a demon or had spiritual/magical powers. Nobody could see her wings, so she had no need to hide them. Besides, if Makoto could she had all sorts of influence to keep her quiet and she couldn't exactly act surprised as she knew off all of Haru's gifts anyway. She stroked his fringe out of his face affectionately making him moan sleepily. "He pushed himself again not wanting to be a bother. He obviously passed out but he's resting now. I'll give him hell for it when he wakes up" she joked. She would make sure to kiss him so hard he would pass out from lack of air.
Makoto softened it was clear Rin really did love Haru. She was glad that he had someone to take such good care of him,knowing how lonely he had been growing up, especially after his grandpa died. But she was curious as to how long they had been together and how long they had liked one another. She held up the bag of goodies quietly, the smell of the food wafting lightly from the bag. "I brought some snacks, to celebrate" she replied happily. Maybe she would just have to wait to tell them since Haru was asleep.
Rin perked up, worrying over Haru had made her hungry and she hadn't exactly been able to move. As stereotypical as it was she did get rather moody when she was hungry. Makoto was a godsend, she had come at exactly the right time. She wondered if she had any of Haru's medicine on her too. "Gimme" she replied eagerly trying to hide the fact she was drooling and her stomach was growling.
Rin happily munched on a pork bun, humming quietly under her breath as she eagerly filled her empty belly. She hadn't realized how hungry she was, but then again, she had been more focused on looking after Haru. The very thought of leaving him alone in the state he was in had not been an option to her. "Sorry I snapped at you, I was just worried about Haru" she apologized. She had been out of line and she shouldn't have been so curt towards Makoto. She should have just said shush and put a finger to her lips.
Makoto laughed awkwardly, smiling at her "No, I should have been more self-aware, I guess I was just a little excited" she apologized. She had just been too lost in her own thoughts that she had been cut off from the world around her for a while. The memory of Sousuke making her cheeks heat all over again. She was just so happy she couldn't hold it in. How long she had waited for this moment and dreamed of finally being able to date him.
Rin raised her eyebrow curiously, ok now she was curious. But then Makoto had a life outside of her grandparents and looking after her best friend. She was a woman with needs and dreams after all. I mean she was always a positive person, but now she was acting like a kid who was just given an allowance for the sweet shop which was not like her at all "Got yourself a date or something?" she asked curiously.
Makoto blushed again, this woman was really perceptive. No wonder she and Haru got along so well, they were more similar than they realized they were. Suddenly, she felt a little too warm. Knowing Rin had read her like a book without knowing it, that her secret was now in the open. Suddenly she felt all nervous again and tried to focus on eating to try and avert the situation from its current topic of conversation.
Rin stared at her in shock, not expecting to hit the nail on the hammer. Rather taken aback by this, wondering whom the lucky boy was. "Ok… wow, um… congrats I guess. Who's the lucky guy?" she asked awkwardly. Its not like Makoto didn't have her own life or interests, but she spent so much time hanging out with them at the temple that it didn't seem real at all. Where had she met this guy and how long had she liked him?
Makoto smiled shyly, her eyes shining brightly with joy. There was no way to put into words how happy she was feeling, all that would come out of her would be laughs and squeals. Except for it felt like she was dancing on a cloud and no form of bad mood could ever get her down. "Sousuke, Yamazaki Sousuke. He's a senior student in the Kendo club. We're kind of meeting this weekend" she replied bravely. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep tonight at all, thankfully he had also given her his number.
A small smirk spread across Rin's face, so she was into the princely, macho type huh? The kind of guy who would protect her and look after her. "So, an older guy. Who knew you had so many kinks, older, buff and obviously a knock out to get you so flustered" she teased. But deep down she was happy for Makoto, she heard from Haru that she lived with her grandparents. She spent most of her time being a good student, caring for her grandparents, training her medicinal skills or caring for Haruka. It was good to know she had her own life, especially a potential relationship. She spent her time doing so much for other people and never asking for anything in return.
Makoto shifted, this girl kept hitting the button. How was it she seemed to know everything about this guy despite not knowing him? But then again, she could just be lucky, she needed to calm down. For a long time, she had been worried Sousuke would never give her the time of day. Feeling that she was plainer than the other girls who had sent him love letters and pined for his attention constantly. The other girls who wore make up, knew fashion, were popular, long flowing longs, used diet trends and were good at flirting and speaking their mind.
"I've never met a guy like him. You'd think a guy as popular as him would be a jerk and take advantage of his fans. But he turns down every love letter, every chocolate gift, every confession all of them. He always shows his dislike and annoyance of those who pester him, but never me" she explained. There were girls who teased with their sexuality, girls who pestered him and tried to get cozy with him. Girls who had obsessed over him and fought over him, but he turned them all down.
Rin scoffed, why was Makoto so humble? She had a lovely figure, nice assets, legs and soft smooth skin on account of the medicine she made and a healthy diet. She had beautiful green eyes and soft olive hair. She was proud of her sexuality as a woman and a demon, she used her female influence to allure Haru a little admittedly. But then again human women did the same thing, some were just bolder than others. "He's obviously a guy of good tastes if he rejected a bunch of horny fan girls for you. You're no wallflower Makoto, be proud of the fact he noticed you" she reassured her kindly. Hell, she was a catch that Sousuke obviously wasn't willing to lose.
Makoto felt her chest fill with warmth and happiness envelop her. Giving her a confidence boost she didn't know that she had needed. Rin was the female friend she had never had growing up. She had never been on a date before and had no idea of how things would go or how she should present herself. But she knew she was looking forward to that moment more than she had before in her life. Knowing that Sousuke had chosen her, that out of all the offers he got he noticed her. She had never thought much of herself but obviously to him she had made some form of an impression.
"Arigato Rin-chan, I… I honestly feel like I'm in a dream or something. I never thought that Sousuke would ever notice me, let alone that he may feel the same way" she confessed. Love truly did make you act crazy, because right now she couldn't stop smiling or blushing like a fool. She felt like she could say or do anything and not care about the affects, though nothing bad of course.
Rin hummed, she felt a kindred spirit of love in Makoto. Two young women so deeply in love that they would do anything for them, their hearts captivated by someone who meant the world to them. They both loved a guy for what felt like forever and never knew if the latter would ever give her the time of day. But if Haru was warming up to her, then Makoto had a chance too. She had to use this chance for all it was worth.
She had finally made herself known to Haru, was living at the temple with him and had started a relationship of sorts with him. Though a stressful and often tense moment faced them, they did care about one another. Haru had come to find himself finding comfort in her presence and accepting her affections and difference of her stereotypical demon nature. Makoto had obviously liked this guy a for a long time though she had no idea since when the latter's affections had blossomed. But she had finally made her move and was starting to grow a relationship with this guy.
"Love really is exciting isn't it. You feel like your going crazy but sometimes it's a bittersweet but wonderful feeling" Rin sighed under her breath. She honestly could never see herself in a life that did not involve Haruka by her side. There was no wonder people yearned for it so much and it inspired so many great stories, poems and famous people. Because it brought out such strong passionate feelings inside of you that you just had to share the emotions that it brought out of you.
Now it was Makoto's turn to scoff and chuckle under her breath "It really is" she agreed. She had suffered so long feeling like Sousuke was out of her reach, but now he was within her grasp. It felt like a load had been lifted off her chest. The two girls sat on the porch peacefully eating their snacks while Haru slept soundly on Rin's lap. Joking and conversing about their own experiences with love and more amusing moments in their life.
Haru's eyes opened wearily, the brightness of the light feeling like he was in a dream. Like he was being born again, like a child trying to make sense of the world before they were able to adapt. He felt himself resting on something warm and familiar, the scent of something delicious wafting up his nose. Voices in the background that felt close and yet so far away from him. "Konbanwa Haru, you must be hungry" a familiar voice replied. Good thing Makoto had brought plenty, she had been really hungry. But she had managed to have an enjoyable conversation with Makoto all the same.
Haru blinked slowly to see himself resting on Rin's lap while the latter was eating something contently. A peaceful expression on her face as she peered down at him while gazing into the distance. He was surprised to see her in such a pleasant mood after how upset she had been at him earlier, but was none the less happy to know she was still here. Haru moaned sleepily while sitting up, his body still sore from sleeping for so long. He rubbed his eyes and cracked his stiff joints to get comfortable. "Gomen Rin, I slept for too long" he apologized.
"Don't apologize Haru, from the looks of it you needed rest. Good thing Rin was here to take care of you" Makoto reassured him. He was only human, he needed to rest sometimes. Being the priest of this temple was a heavy duty after all. But she hadn't seen him sleep for that long since he was a child, he really must have been through a lot to take that much out of him.
Haru looked around and blushed to see Makoto sitting beside Rin. How long had she been here? Holy crap he had been in the company of his best friend while drooling in his sleep like a child. He wanted to be mad at Rin, but he had asked if he could use her lap, so it was his own fault. He felt so ashamed for causing so many problems because of his own failure to take care of his own well being.
"Would you like something to eat? I got plenty of pork buns to share" Makoto offered. He must be hungry after sleeping for so long. Given how tired he must have been, he must be starving by now. If he wanted to continue growing his power and retaining his strength he needed to take better care of himself, they weren't kids anymore after all. Rin and herself would not always be there to help him.
Haru gratefully took a meat bun and was met with the familiar and pleasant taste that filled his mouth. His stomach gurgling at the food that was about to fill its empty hole, eager to devour more tasty food. It had been a long time since he had eaten meat buns, not since their childhood in winter or at a festival, nostalgia hitting him harder with every bite.
Rin sighed, relieved to finally see him eating something. But he would need a proper meal later on and she would be sure he ate every morsel "Honestly, you push yourself too hard Haru. You should know better, one day you'll get yourself in trouble" she scolded. She dreaded to think what may happen to him if she hadn't been there. What may have happened to him without her support.
Usually Haru would get short with her and comment that he wasn't a child. But he remembered seeing the fear in her eyes and how she had scolded him. How hurt she had been when he pushed her away and falling into her arms. She had been through a lot and it had to be a relief to see him waking up fine. "Arigato Rin, you took care of me despite how much trouble I caused you. I hope I can still stabilize later on with your help" he asked sneaking a wink at her. Though he had been able to sleep peacefully and recover, he would need her kiss to fully get back to himself soon. However, that would take place when Makoto finally made her leave for the day.
Rin blushed, but she couldn't stay mad at him. The puppy dog eyes he was giving her right now were just too much for her to handle, was he even aware of his own cuteness sometimes? "Your damn lucky to have me Nanase, don't forget that" she muttered. God if she didn't love him so much she would have punched him for pushing himself so much. The things he put her through.
Haru smiled warmly at her "Never" he replied gently taking another bite out of his bun eagerly. He had noticed over time that since Rin came to the temple. It felt more like a home again, less lonely and more comfortable. The air was clearer and there were less spirits to drain him. All because of her. The days without her were something he never wanted to experience again.