"Wait up!" Ruby yelled and ran faster to reach Yang and Blake. "Jeez, why are you walking so fast?!"
It was pretty hot outside, so Ruby wore shorts and a short-sleeved red t-shirt.
It was now Sunday, so RBY+J wanted to spend it walking through town, and wondered where they'd end up. Ruby, Yang, and Blake had already finished their project, so they decided some fun time was overdue.
Jaune trailed behind her soon after, clearly winded. "It's just... karaoke... nothing too... exciting."
He decided to wear a pale blue Henley t-shirt with jeans.
"Sorry guys, but Blake's excited for me to have a new experience!" Yang exclaimed. "She thinks it's a sin I haven't been!"
Yang's choice was a simple yellow tank-top with shorts, while Blake wore a black shirt that said, 'meow' and high waisted shorts.
Ruby's jaw dropped. "You haven't been to karaoke?!"
"Heh, now I can pick on you for something," Jaune happily added.
"You wish, lady killer," Yang smiled. "That's about to change!"
Blake smiled when she saw Yang was so happy. "All of you will love it, now come on!" she grabbed the blonde's hand and led her through town.
Ruby walked next to Jaune. "It's a shame Weiss couldn't come."
"Yeah," Jaune sighed. "I tried to invite her but she won't answer any of my texts or calls."
"She hasn't responded to any of us," Ruby added. "Something must be wrong…"
Yang and Blake slowed their pace to join the conversation.
"You guys talking about the princess?" Yang asked.
"Yeah," Jaune admitted. "We're wondering if she's doing okay."
"She said everything was fine yesterday," the blonde reasoned. "So she might just be busy."
Jaune remembered the heiress' flushed cheeks and frowned at the memory.
The four kept walking down the sidewalk and passed several shops when Blake turned to Yang. "You have a bad habit of trusting whatever people say."
"I can't help it," Yang replied. "I like to think that people don't lie."
"You're too kind-hearted," Blake giggled. "But that's okay. It's… cute."
The whole time, Ruby and Jaune watched the two talk. Yang was doing well with her crush! They were so proud that she had calmed down in the class rep's presence.
Ruby mischievously smirked and elbowed Jaune in the ribs. "Things are going well with her end of the deal~"
"Yeah," Jaune smiled. "Is this what it's like when you see me and Weiss together?"
"Yep!" Ruby answered. "It's so cute~"
Jaune lightly shoved her shoulder. "Shut up."
"How's that going by the way?" Ruby chirped.
"Well," Jaune drawled. "She hasn't insulted me in a while, so that must be a good sign."
Ruby giggled. "Ya know, sometimes I feel bad we make fun of you so much..."
"Thank you!"
"...but then I remember how fun it is!" Ruby finished.
Jaune let out a heavy sigh. "It was too good to be true."
"We're here!" Blake announced as she led them inside the building. "You are going to have a blast."
"I usually do when I'm with you~" Yang sang.
The more time she spent with Blake, the more she wanted to flatter her. The more she wanted to see her smile and laugh.
All she wanted was to make her happy.
Blake blushed and her face turned a bright crimson color. "S-same goes for you."
The four paid for a room and were guided by one of the employees to their own private room.
Ruby watched them with interest and nudged Jaune again. "I get the feeling we're third and fourth wheeling."
"I'm sorry, Ruby. Is this how you feel when you're with all of us?" Jaune asked.
"Nah," Ruby waved. "I like gushing over you guys."
Jaune rolled his eyes. "That sounds a little too innocent coming from you."
Ruby flipped her hair. "Think that all you want~"
They reached the room and sat on the couches provided.
"Who wants to go first?" Jaune asked the group.
"I think Blakey and I should," the blonde chirped. "It was her idea, after all."
"Sounds good," Ruby replied. "Go, go, go!"
Blake and Yang grabbed the microphones and turned on the T.V. that was provided.
They decided to sing the classic song, "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.
"This is freaking meowt," Yang grinned as she glanced from Blake to her cat shirt. "You didn't tell me you like the classics!"
Blake rolled her eyes playfully once she realized the pun Yang used. "Yes, I do."
The blonde was happy Blake didn't comment, so she figured Blake liked the pun.
"Get on with it!" Jaune whined.
"Boooooo!" Ruby gave thumbs down.
"Yeah, yeah," Yang waved off as Blake selected 'play' on the screen.
Jaune and Ruby watched as the bumblebee pair belted out the lyrics to the song, albeit, a bit out of tune.
Their voices played well off each other. While neither Ruby nor Jaune would tell them they were absolutely fantastic, they were still enjoyable to listen to.
Ruby ended up tapping her foot to the beat and cheering them on.
Jaune tried to listen, he really did. But something else was on his mind. He couldn't get the image of Weiss' flushed cheeks out of his head.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop worrying about Weiss.
He didn't notice when the song ended and that's when he heard Yang ask.
"Jaune, is everything okay?"
Jaune didn't like lying to his friends, so he told the truth. "No," he stood. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to check on Weiss."
Blake gave a genuine smile. "Can't stop worrying about her?"
"I tried, but I can't stop. I'm sorry guys."
"Can't stop, won't stop," the ravenette slyly smirked.
Yang put a hand on his shoulder. "Go get her, lady killer."
"Yeah, Jaune!" Ruby cheered. "Go see what's up!"
Jaune smiled because he had really great friends looking out for him. "I will! Sorry for leaving so soon, but I can't enjoy myself like this," he opened the door.
"BANZAI!" they yelled in unison to cheer him on.
Jaune playfully rolled his eyes and left.
He wasted no time and started to jog to Weiss' place. It didn't take longe since it was close to town, but getting to the front door was another story.
Instead of passing through security like a normal person, he jumped over the fence and landed on the grass with a thud. A surprise visit seemed like the way to go, since she seemed like the person who wouldn't let him inside, especially if she was intent on hiding something.
"Ow," he rubbed his butt from the impact.
He stood and walked at a slower pace since he was bruised in an unfortunate place.
Trudging up the hill, he cursed himself for not bringing any water on a sweltering day like this.
At last, he made it to the front door and pressed the doorbell.
He knew it was wrong to be there since it was technically trespassing, but it was for a good cause!
He straightened himself when the door slightly opened.
"Arc?" he heard a feeble voice.
"Weiss!" he exclaimed. "Is everything okay?"
She opened the door fully but stayed inside and sounded astonished the boy was there. "Why are you here?"
Jaune wasn't surprised when he saw her complexion was more red than yesterday. In fact, she seemed to be just as out of breath as he was. Her off-center ponytail was also disheveled and unkempt like she had been working all day.
"Are you sick?" Jaune asked, keeping his voice calm.
"I've been busy," she replied curtly.
Well, that's definitely not a lie, Weiss thought.
Jaune noticed she avoided the question and that she was leaning on the door for support.
"Weiss, you know you can tell me anything, right?" Jaune assured. "Is everything okay? Are you sick?"
He heard some yelling coming from inside the castle.
She whipped her head around when she heard her name being called.
"I appreciate your concern, but you need to leave."
How'd he get passed security? Ugh, it doesn't matter.
"O-okay, I'll only leave on one condition though," Jaune said. "Don't come to school tomorrow and get some rest. You need it."
How sweet. He's so concerned, she thought. But I have no time to deal with him.
"I can handle myself, thank you," she promptly slammed the door.
Jaune was left alone on the doorstep even more worried than before.
That was the only time Jaune found himself wishing Weiss wouldn't show up for class.
He was actually disappointed when he saw Weiss sitting at her desk and waiting to present their project.
Jaune made sure to send her several texts last night, telling her it was okay to let him present by himself.
But the heiress never replied, choosing to ignore his pleas.
"... Mr. Arc and Weiss, you may present now," Glynda announced.
Glynda inwardly grinned when she knew she'd find out what her ship produced together.
The pair stood in front of the classroom. At least one good thing came from this.
Cardin's seat was vacant.
As the two presented, their friends in the back couldn't help but be worried.
"What the heck," Ruby whispered to Yang. "Why is Weiss here?"
"I don't know, Rubes," Yang whispered back. "She looks pretty ill."
"Ugh," Ruby gripped the edge of her desk. "This is so frustrating. Why didn't she stay home?"
"The princess is stubborn," Yang easily replied. "She probably felt like she would owe Jaune if she skipped."
"But she's obviously sick," Ruby stated. "It's not good for her to exert herself. Look at her!"
It was only slight, but the transfer's posture was a bit more slumped than usual. The trained eye could also tell that the white-haired girl tried to cover her flushed cheeks with make-up.
"Well done you two," Glynda's voice echoed.
Jaune and Weiss took their seats when they were done presenting.
Ruby eagerly pulled out her phone and texted Jaune.
What the heck? Why's she here!?
Jaune felt a slight vibration and pulled the phone out of his pocket. He read the message and set up a group chat with Yang, Blake, and Ruby since he knew they were all wondering that.
I tried to convince Weiss to stay home, but she's stubborn. I'll get to the bottom of it soon
Yang read the text and replied in the group chat. We're counting on ya, lady killer
Ruby read the messages and replied as well. Don't text in class!
Yang faced Ruby with a stare. "You're such a hypocrite."
Ruby giggled.
Why's the group name 'My Bitches?' Blake typed.
Because you're all my bitches Jaune replied.
Blake was on the other side of the row and turned to the side to face Jaune. She glared daggers, which caused him to gulp.
And then he saw Blake firmly flip him off.
Too far? he typed.
Blake frowned and sent a separate group message to Yang and Jaune.
There's another class rep meeting after school today. It's especially important for you, asshole (Jaune) so don't miss it
Jaune sighed. He deserved that one. Fine. But it'll have to be quick. I want to make sure Weiss is okay
Yang beamed giddily at the screen. Another cult meeting? Awesome
Shut up Yang Blake typed.
Yeah shut up, Yang Jaune agreed.
Yeesh, what is this? Pick on Yang day? Yang sent.
"Xiao Long get off your phone this instant!" Glynda yelled.
Yang stood, held out her hands and faced Jaune and Blake. "It really is pick on Yang day!"
"Sit down," the teacher seethed. "Or I'll make you."
"Yeah, yeah," Yang sat down. "Sorry 'bout that, bitch-sensei."
The class erupted in laughter.
Glynda sighed and didn't reply since Yang would continue to argue until she got the last word.
Yang saw her friends snickering in their seats, so she typed in the group message.
You guys suck
ROM-COM RULES THIS CHAPTER: karaoke, and snapping at a friend when they obviously care about your well-being.
