For the Climate Control Challenge on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
While the Sweets Princes were huddled over their benches and practising for the classes ahead, Ichigo was distracted by the howling wind battering the trees outside. She peered out the window, eyes wide with such wonder that Kashino couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"Amano, you need to focus," Kashino scolded. "You need all the practice you can get."
As her eyes scanned the dried chocolate splattered on the ends of Kashino's shirt sleeves, she sighed. "I suppose you're right."
"I'm actually getting a bit tired," Andoh said. "Maybe we should all take a break."
And before Kashino had time to protest, Andoh had already pulled off his apron and folded it over a stool. Hanabusa was quick to follow suit. Both boys immediately took their place either side of Ichigo, falling into easy conversation as they watched the snow whirl. Kashino frowned.
"Well, I think there's still a lot to work on."
"Well, then you can practise by yourself." Now that it was three against one, she was braver, punctuating the statement by poking out her tongue. "And we will take a break together."
"We?" Kashino muttered under his breath. "Aren't you supposed to actually start working before taking a break?"
But much to his dismay, his critique went entirely unnoticed. Or, at the very least, entirely ignored. While he continued to slave over the counter, Ichigo's twinkling laugh echoed around him. It made Kashino's grip on the whisk tighten. At one particularly high-pitched giggle, he jumped. He winced as the metal whisk clanged against the bowl, mentally berating himself for his carelessness. If he noticed the sideways glance from Hanabusa, he didn't show it.
"See? You're tired!" Ichigo chirped, sounding smug. "Come take a break with us."
"I'm fine."
He turned his back to her quickly, busying himself with the task at hand. But he had to admit—just quietly and only to himself—that he found himself hoping that she might ask him again. He would decline, of course. But still, he hoped she'd ask again.
The silence that followed tasted bitter.