My phone suddenly buzzed and I dropped it like it burnt me, staring at the screen as it lit up, displaying a video call from my brother. I quickly wiped away my tears, pasting on a smile I definitely didn't feel as I shakily lifted the phone, answering it. "Hey buddy! How are you feeling?" I asked cheerily, deciding to hold my phone with two hands so it didn't shake as much. "I just now saw your video! It was so cool!" He says, smiling widely at me as I feel my heart squeeze. "I couldn't leave you out of all the fun, caterpillar! Make sure to thank Kozu-kun for editing the video for me, he was very kind doing so." I say softly, and he nods enthusiastically. "I will!" He chirps before he suddenly seems to shift, bringing his phone closer to his face. "Are you okay? You look like you've been crying, but your phones shaking too much for me to tell." He asks, though I quickly shake my head. "No! I'm fine, I just did a lot of exercise today, the sweat must have gotten into my eyes and made them irritated." I say, and he just smiles at me. "Exercise? You mean extra fries? I got to eat some today! The doctor said I could, they were so good!" He says happily, rubbing his stomach and smiling.
"No way! I bet they were absolutely delicious!" I say, smiling at him as he lets out a satisfied groan. "They were so heckin' good, I can't wait to have more! I'd die for more fries right now!" He says, making me laugh softly. "Don't go keeling over on me just yet! There's yet so much for you to explore, remember?" I say, and he gives me a knowing smile. "Yeah, I know! You still gotta take me out for more of that heavenly sweet, greasy carnival food!" Akira says, and I wink at him. "You know it! You haven't even tried the funnel cake yet!" I say, and he rolls his eyes. "I know, I know! You've told me a thousand times it's better than cotton candy, but it's just pancake mix fried and topped with powdered sugar!" He says, and I smack my hand to my chest like I was offended. "Just- do you hear this? Just pancake mix with- you chose sugar string over fried pancake mix- get this- WITH powdered sugar on top!" I say, pretending to be offended. "Excuse me? Did you just call cotton candy 'sugar string'? Get it straight, peasant, it's sugar that was blessed by the wind gods to become a fluffy cloud of deliciousness!" Akira says, making Kuroo snort as Aima and Misaki burst out in laughter.
"You really just called me a peasant!" I gasp, though Akira tilts his head at me. "Who're you with?" He asks, and I hold up a finger. "Now hang on, caterpillar! Funnel cake is a fine delicacy that is a scarce art nowadays, only to be found in the joys of childhood and your happiest days in life. Sugar string is a thriving and bustling community, you can find it everywhere, even at a gas station! As your big sister, it is my job to make sure you experience the finest of life, and if you don't let my peasant self take you to enjoy the finest thing your tongue will ever be graced with, then by gods will I make it my duty to find a way!" I say, and he rolls his eyes. "Yeah, the finest thing my tongue will be graced with is ice cream with toppings wrapped in cotton candy." He says, making me scoff as I drag a hand down my face. "You can get funnel cake with ice cream on top! And chocolate drizzle, and caramel drizzle- I'm getting hungry just thinking about it." I say, and he just mocks me. "Whatever! Now tell me who you're with!" He sighs, giving me a sweet smile as I scoff and roll my eyes. "One day, you'll see what I've been telling you, caterpillar." I mumble, flipping my camera phone and turning it to Aima.
