A/N: Yeah, Ira is reformed, I said that in the first chapter. But I think I didn't mention that I made him go to school.

Chapter 15: A walk back home

Season: Dokidoki Precure

Pairing: Rikka x Ira

Summary: He has indeed changed…

CAP LOCK: SHOUT

A navy-haired girl was staggering towards the school gate, dragging her right leg. Apparently, she was trying to keep it down.

She stopped when she saw a light-blue-haired boy waiting beside the gate.

Rikka: Hello, Ira.

Ira: I doubt a floor higher would take you that much longer to come down.

Rikka: Sorry. So, you're coming over for dinner tonight?

Ira: Why else would I be standing here? Let's go.

Ira: Where's Cu… uh, I mean Mana? Doesn't she always go home with you?

Rikka: She has some business to attend to.

Ira: Is it related to Regina?

Rikka: I didn't think she would tell you.

Ira: No, of course she didn't! I knew because she ran out of the classroom immediately after the bell rang, yelling 'You're gonna pay me back, Mana!'

Rikka: (giggles) I imagined. She ushered Mana out of the classroom while announcing to the world that she would make Mana give her back the ice cream she promised last week.

Ira: So that's what it's all about, I was almost worried that she may blow our cover. Hey, Rikka…

He turned around expecting Rikka to be right behind him, but she was at least a few metres away.

Ira: Why in the freakin' world are you walking so slow today?

Rikka: Sorry… I'm just tired, it's been a long day.

Ira: But we have a lot to do tonight, you said you wouldn't let me give up on my project and you said I could ask you for help, and I really need it.

Rikka: (sigh) I did say so, didn't I? Alright, I'll try to keep up.

Rikka tried to speed up, but pain shot across her ankle, she let out a yelp and fell on the ground.

Ira: RIKKA!

She tried to stand up, but she fell again. She clenched her ankle in pain.

Ira: Don't move, let me see.

She remove her right shoe and sock, Ira realised that her ankle is swelling.

Ira: Why didn't you tell me you got hurt, I could've waited for you.

Rikka: It's nothing to worry about, I just sprained it on PE lesson, nothing too severe.

Ira: It looks pretty serious to me, it's swelling. You should've told me, and I should've noticed.

Rikka: I can walk.

She tried again, but to no avail.

Ira: (facepalm) Man, you are such a pain in the neck. Climb on.

He gestured Rikka to climb on his back.

Rikka: (Blush) No thanks, I really can walk.

Ira: My patience is running out. And please hurry, kneeling is tiring too, you know?

Rikka: Okay…

She carefully climbed onto his back and steadied herself by wrapping her arms around his shoulder, heart thumping against his back. Ira slowly started their walk home.

Rikka: (murmur) You really have changed, haven't you?

Ira: What did you say?

Rikka: Oh uhm… I said thank you.

Ira: Oh, you're welcome.

Oblivious to each other, they both smiled to themselves.

End of Chapter 15