After practice, Ryuuko went to pick Mako up from detention and the two of them moved Ryuuko's belongings into Mako's room.
"There. That's the last of it." The two looked proudly at the room's new arrangement. Before hand, Mako's bed was pressed against the furthest wall horizontally, with the desk and drawers facing each other on the opposing sidewalls. Surrounding Mako's bed, stuffed animals were piled up against the wall. The room was a complete and utter mess.
Now Ryuuko's bed and Mako's bed were against opposite walls, and the desk was placed equidistance between the two beds against the furthest wall, below the window so lots of natural light would come in. Their respective drawers were a few feet away from the desk, just behind the head of their bed.
"Phew! Thank god, I thought we'd be moving your furniture in for the rest of the school year, Ryuuko-chan!" Mako exclaimed, jumping and falling onto Ryuuko's bed. She rolled up in the covers and looked at the delinquent, who gave her a puzzled look. She smiled. Ryuuko sighed.
"If ya were thinking about sharing a bed with me, then why make us spend 30 minutes gettin' my old bed 'n here," Ryuuko grabbed the red duvet and pulled, dragging Mako along with it until it slipped underneath her and she clung to the side of the bed; Ryuuko dropped the duvet on the floor and put her hands in her jacket pocket, giving Mako a sly grin, "Ya gonna wait a lil' longer to get off my bed? 'Cause I'll pick you up and put you on your bed if it's gonna take a while."
"Boo! You're no fun, Ryuuko-chan!" Ryuuko opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by Mako's stomach growling. She rolled over onto stomach and groaned.
Ryuuko raised an eyebrow, then burst out in laughter.
"I guess all that work made ya hungry, eh? Er, how about it then? I'll take ya' out for dinner! J-Jus' don't get used to it! This a one time thing!" She quickly got up to prevent Mako from seeing her face redden up. 'It's just as a thank you Ryuuko! This isn't a date! Not a date…not a date...' She grumbled to herself as she put her shoes on. Mako got up to put her shoes on as well, but noticed Ryuuko looking a little distressed. She hopped over next to Ryuuko, trying to slip one of her flats on and keep her balance on her other leg.
"What's the matter Ryuuko? You're muttering under your breath and you look a bit sweaty," Mako stood normally now, both shoes on. She walked in front of Ryuuko to try as see her face, "You're not sick right? If you are we shouldn't go out to eat, and I can look through my first-aid and maybe make you some soup or—"
"No, I'm fine! It's jus' getting a bit stuffy in here is all," She hurriedly opened the door and stepped out, waiting for the other to join her, "Let's go!"
Ryuuko didn't try to strike up any conversation as they walked down the cream halls; Mako hummed to herself the whole way out of the building. When the two got outside and walked over to the student parking lot, Ryuuko turned to Mako.
"Uh, so I hope you're okay with riding my scooter. The place isn't that far." She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly as they approached their vehicle. Ryuuko opened up the compartment, taking out two helmets. "I have an extra helmet for you to use, just put it on and climb on the back with your feet still touching the floor okay?"
Mako nodded understandingly and put on her helmet. Ryuuko climbed onto her scooter, turned it on and put her own helmet on. Soon after, Mako climbed on the back, wrapping her arms around Ryuuko's waist, which caused her to tense a bit. She tried to brush it off.
"I hope you're ready," She said as she began to take off, slowly at first, then gaining speed. She felt Mako tighten her grip and pull herself closer to her, "You okay back there? Want me to slow down?" Ryuuko called out. She could feel Mako gently shaking her head against her back.
"No, I'm good!"
The rest of the ride continued in comfortable silence, as they didn't enjoy having to nearly scream to say something to the other. When they arrived at the small restaurant café, Ryuuko cut off the motor and got off, Mako following close behind. They both took off their helmets and put them back in the compartment. As they drew nearer to the door, Mako scurried ahead and opened the door, holding it open.
"After you, Ryuuko-chan!" Mako said confidently, gesturing with her arms for Ryuuko to enter. She chuckled and walked inside, asking the hostess for a table for a party of two while Mako held the door open for a few other customers that came in close behind Ryuuko.
Once the hostess was ready to show them to their seats, Ryuuko turned to Mako who was closing the door, gently grabbed her arm and started pulling her ahead, worried they'd fall behind the hostess. They were seated and given menus, and the hostess left to attend to other guests. They browsed the menu as they waited for their waiter or waitress to come up and ask them about their drinks and food.
"So uh, ever been here before?" Ryuuko asked, feeling pressured to start a conversation in the extremely social environment. Mako shook her head, letting a small sigh.
"I used to pass by here all the time, but I never had anyone to come here with, " Ryuuko peeked over form her menu. 'Man. She could've been passing by this restaurant just wantin' to have a friend to share a good time with while I was eating here perfectly fine bein' all alone', "That is until today! I'm here with you!"
"Really?"
"Mhm! You know, I'm kinda glad I never came in here until I met you!" Mako smiled happily, which made Ryuuko's stomach flutter a bit. 'God dammit. She's really cute. Maybe I'm just not used to hangin' out with someone like her? Yea, that's it. I'm used to hangin' 'round the gang and they're all tough, so no wonder I'm so off-guard and awkward 'round her. Bingo. You're a genius, Ryuuko.'
"Ryuuko-chan? Ryuuko-chan!" Mako was leaning over the table, snapping her fingers in front of Ryuuko's face.
"Huh?" 'Guess I spaced out…'
"Were you even listening to me?" Mako frowned, sitting back down in her seat.
"Did you say anything after the whole thing 'bout being glad you came here with me?"
"Well, sorta."
"Aha, uh, sorry," Ryuuko rubbed the back of her neck. 'Nice going Ryuuko.', "Could you repeat it?"
"Nu-uh."
"What? Why not?"
"I'll tell ya another time when you're listening!"
"No fair! C'mon!"
"I'll tell you later when you're listening!" Ryuuko sighed in defeat.
"Anyways, we should probably order our drinks, I could use some coffee right about now, what about you?" Mako hummed a bit, scanning the menu.
"Hmmm, I think I'll get black tea with milk," She nodded. They got the attention of a waitress, ordered their drinks, and then skimmed the menu for food. "Man, everything looks so good doesn't it Ryuuko-chan? I don't know what to choose!" Mako sighed as she looked through the entire menu for the third time.
"Hey don't worry if its too expensive, I'm paying for both of us."
"Eeeeh? No way Ryuuko-chan! That's not fair to you! Really. I'll just choose something so you don't have to wait on me, but I'm paying!" Ryuuko shook her head, smiling. 'Boy she's stubborn, but I'd feel bad if I let her pay for her food. She always makes me lunch.'
"Hey, I thought I made it p damn clear when we left I was payin', so don't sweat it. It's a thank you for makin' me lunch everyday. I have money that I didn't spend on lunch, but if it's meant to be spent on food what's the harm in takin' a pretty g—" Ryuuko quickly caught herself.
"Pretty g—?"
"Pretty good maybe friend—room mate out for dinner! 'Phew. Nice save.' The waitress approached them with their drinks and held out their notepad.
"Are you ready to order?"
"Mhm," Mako said, "I'll have the, uh, croquettes!"
"I'll have the beef bowl."
"Got it. I'll bring your food over as soon as possible."
"Thank you!" The two said in unison. Ryuuko turned to Mako, raising an eyebrow.
"Croquettes, huh? You seem to me like you'd go for tonkatsu or ramen."
"Mmm, I like those, but something about croquettes is nostalgic. My mom made them all the time for me. She won't give me the recipe now, but hopefully soon! Nothing beats her croquettes. Maybe you'll get to eat them someday!" Ryuuko shrugged.
"Maybe."
Mako changed the subject and the two talked about the kind of weather they preferred to how they liked their ramen to be prepared—anything they could think. Finally, the waitress arrived with their meals and they ate. Mako ended up letting Ryuuko pay for the meal, much to Ryuuko's satisfaction, as she didn't want to bicker with the other.
When they got their dorm, they changed into their pajamas and Mako began prepping some of the food for their lunch the next day. Meanwhile, Ryuuko laid on her stomach on her bed, flipping through the movies and shows on Netflix on her tablet. 'Dunno what to watch… Maybe I should invite Mako to watch one with me, and she can pick whatever we watch? Maybe she actually wants to get some sleep since we do still have school tomorrow.' Ryuuko glanced at the clock. '9:45, huh? She prolly won't but I guess it doesn't hurt t' ask…' As if she could read her thoughts, and Ryuuko was grateful that she couldn't, Mako jumped onto Ryuuko's bed and peaked over the other girls' shoulder.
"What'cha gonna watch?"
"Huh? Oh, uhm, I wasn't too sure actually. If ya wanna maybe watch somethin' with me ya can choose anythin' really. I don't mind." Mako looked at the screen for a bit, then pointed at one of the movies under the action section.
"Oooh, how about Iron Man? Have you ever seen it? I bet you'd like it! There's lots of fighting!" Mako bounced up and down as Ryuuko clicked on the movie, chuckling to herself.
"What's so funny?"
"I wouldn't imagine you likin' these kind of movies. I was expectin' more like cute n' cuddly movies, or chick flicks." Mako pouted.
"Well I thought it would be a good idea to pick a movie we'd both like that's all!"
"I was just messin' around," Ryuuko reassured, gently elbowing Mako, "I've never seen the movie but I'll trust you. "
Halfway through the movie Ryuuko was sucked in, almost like a trap. She didn't expect to find this movie do interesting and the fact that Mako knew half the lines made it even more enjoyable.
"So how many times have you seen this movie?" Ryuuko asked jokingly, but she was shushed by Mako.
"Only like 4 times, now shh! You're gonna miss something important if you keep talking!"
Towards the end of the movie Ryuuko felt something on her shoulder. She looked over, she realized mako had fallen asleep and was leaning her head on Ryuuko's shoulder. 'Should I wake her up? I mean she looks so…peaceful and cute…Shit. I should probably do somethin'...' Ryuuko hesitated a bit, but then pulled the covers from under Mako and pulled them over her.
'I don't want to move her and maybe wake her up, so we can share a bed again tonight…Nothin's gonna happen! Nothing else occupied Ryuuko's mind, and instead she focused on Mako, who had a small smile on her face, which was turned to face Ryuuko. Her back would move up and down whenever she took a breath and she looked like she was having some sweet dreams. 'I should probably go to sleep too, I feel like a creep watchin' her sleep.' Turning around from Mako, Ryuuko scooted closer to the wall, to ensure that there was a reasonable distance between them.
The next day dragged on like any usual school day. Mako had fallen asleep, not that it was much of a shock to anyone, while Ryuuko would tune in and out of the lectures, occasionally jotting down notes for the both of them. Once the bell rang signaling lunch had started, Mako bolted up, turning to Ryuuko.
"Ryuuko-chan, I made us a really nice lunch today so if you gotta make a speech to your friends make it quick so you have enough time to eat!"
"The lunches ya make are always really nice, but don't worry I don't know if I really got much talkin' t' do in the first place." Ryuuko replied, swinging her bag over her shoulder
"Mmm, let's go, let's go!" Said the brunette, linking arms with her roommate. They walked into the halls and to the meeting place, taking their seat on the short wall while the gang, and Mako, looked at Ryuuko with expecting eyes.
"So boss, ya got anythin' t' report?"
"Nah, truthfully I think y'all should just practice while I sit here n' eat my lunch. I saw most of you were slow and behind the last few practices, so get to it! I don't wanna have t' extend practice n' see your faces for any longer than I have to."
There was an insecure murmur, followed by a 'Yes boss!' from every member of the group, who got into pairs and began to practice their techniques.
While the team practiced, Mako bounced up and down, pulling trash and barely used notebooks, though very used sketchbooks, out of her bag until she pulled out two bento boxes. She handed Ryuuko hers, then opened up her own box. They clasped their own hands together and said, "Thanks for the meal!"
Ryuuko looked down at her food, then at Mako who was eating like a monster was going to come and steal her food, before looking back down. Mako had made her beef curry, with rice on the side, but still drizzled with a little of the curry sauce. From the looks of it, there were some carrots in it too. Figuring she had been admiring it for too long, Ryuuko dug in.
Even though it was cold, it had still tasted delicious. The meat was not too tender, and then rice wasn't too dry. She happily began to eat more, smiling more than satisfied with the lunch the smaller girl had made her. Suddenly, she felt Mako poking her sides.
"Hm? What up?"
"I made our lunches different. Try some of mine," Mako picked up some tonkatsu from her bento with her chopsticks and turned to Ryuuko, brining the food close to her face, "Say 'Aaaah', Ryuuko-chan!" Ryuuko took a bite of the food, and a smile spread across her face.
"Damn, that's good! You sure know how t' cook." Mako opened her mouth to reply to Ryuuko's compliment, but another voice cut into the conversation.
"Yo boss," It was Takeshi, who shifted his weight from one leg to another, "Ya know how ya mentioned extendin' practice? Rather not wantin' t' extends it?"
"I don't have the memory of a goldfish. Go on." She scowled, upset her nice conversation was interrupted.
"Well it jus' reminds me that Gamagoori made some announcement when Mako was 'sleep in detention, which is why she hasn't told ya yet." Ryuuko turned to Mako.
"Ya feel asleep in detention? That's dangerous in more than one way Mako." Takeshi once again interrupted before Mako could respond.
"Back t' what I was tryin' t' say. He says Mako n' I can get rid of all our hours of detention for the week if we's just stay at detention today til' 'round 8. "
"Why would they do that? 'Sides isn't 8 kinda late, who would even take up that offer anyways?" He shrugged.
"I dunno. I just decided I'd take it so I could come to practice again. Don't wanna fall too behind. But since I'm gonna be goin', Mako's gonna have t' do it too so I can protect her like ya wanted." Ryuuko nodded, then turned to Mako.
"That sit well with you?"
"Mhm!
"Guess I have no complaints then," Ryuuko said. She turned her attention to Takeshi once more, "Jus' make sure Mako doesn't fall asleep durin' detention."
"Relax boss! That Gamagoori guy hasn't given her extra detention even when he sees her sleepin'. 'Sides, if she did get more detention I'd have to get more too, right? Jeez, ya make it sound like ya don't trust me or somethin'."
"Guess I don't really trust anyone to protect her like I'd want them too." Ryuuko mumbled under her breathe.
"Ryuuko-chan, what was that?"
"Hm? Nothin', nothin'! I just want Takeshi to go back to training so I can finish eatin' my lunch is all." She eyed Takeshi, who got the message and waved goodbye before going back and joining up with his sparring partner.
Soon, lunch was over and they all went back to their classrooms. Once class was over, Ryuuko walked Mako off to the detention room, wishing her good luck and telling her to be strong and not fall asleep during the lengthy detention, before going off to practice. All was well.
Ryuuko turned her eyes to the clock. '7:40, huh? Guess I should go n' wait for Mako.' After heaping herself off the bed and putting her shoes on, Ryuuko made sure she had her key, then left.
Following her normal routine, she bought the two of them drinks and put them on the windowsill, refusing to open her own drink until Mako had greeted her. It was always nice to toast the end of detention or practice, and the start of procrastinating on all their school assignments together.
A few minutes went by and Ryuuko looked at her phone. '7:57? Damn. A few more minutes to wait.' Ryuuko began to tap the windowsill impatiently. 'Why'd they even extend detention in the first place? I mean I guess it kinda makes sense since now she won't have to go to detention for the rest of the week 'cause she's served all her hours, but they never offered me that kinda deal. Hope it's not 'cause that Gamagoori guy is giving her the goo-goo eyes and tryin' to cut her some slack in some weird ass way.'
7:58. 'I mean that'd just be some lame Romeo and Juliet shit, though I ain't like her family or anythin'. Would still be the same concept though 'cause like hell I'd let Mako outta my sight if I thought that was goin' down.' 7:59. 'That's just cause it'd be bad for the gang. But I shouldn't worry too much. I don't see her as that kinda person.' 8.00.
'Yea. She wouldn't do somethin' like that at all. Even if I haven't known her for too long, she's a sweet, loyal person. I mean she didn't wanna leave me even when she was cornered. And she did kinda force me to room with her. Maybe it's a set up though? To get some dirt on me.' 8:03.'Jeez I just need to shut up and stop worryin' 'bout all that. It's. Not. Gonna. Happen.' 8:10.
Ryuuko looked at her watch and raised an eyebrow. 'No one's left yet? I thought it ended at 8. Gamagoori's super punctual too so I can't imagine he'd hold them in 'less they did somethin' to earn them more detention, but if that was the case Takeshi or Mako would've texted me, right? Mako would have for sure.'
Suddenly it clicked.
Ryuuko pushed her self from against the wall and straight to the door, grasping at the handle. She tried to slide it open. Locked. Her heart dropped and she stopped thinking clearly. Ryuuko just stood there: dumbfounded, scared, humiliated and pale; her clammy hands still holding onto the handle of the door her friend and roommate should have been behind.