For the Climate Control Challenge on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
"It looks like it's going to rain."
Ryu looked over at Chizu, an amused smile tugging at his lips. Much to his surprise, she was looking up at the sky, eyes filled with worry. It wasn't an expression he was used to seeing on her. Catching him looking, she turned to him and poked out her tongue.
"What?"
He shrugged, pushing his hands deep into his pockets. "Are you worried about getting wet? You've never worried about that before."
Chizu flushed. Another sight he wasn't used to seeing. He watched as she squirmed under his gaze.
"Yano did my hair," she said shyly. Her fingers reached up, twirling her brown locks. "You know. For our date."
At this, it was Ryu's turn to redden. He knew it was a date. In fact, he'd insisted. But he wasn't sure he'd ever get used to hearing her say it out loud.
"I just wouldn't want her hard work to go to waste," Chizu continued. "She spent so long helping me get ready. Not that I took ages to get ready. Not at all. But rain can really ruin a girl's hair, you know? That's what she told me."
"You look nice," Ryu said, interrupting her rambling. Then, feeling particularly brave, he reached out for her hand. "Really nice."
Too nervous to see her reaction, he turned his face upwards. Despite Chizu's worry, there were just a few clouds dotted in the sky. He was just about to point out that one looked just like a dog when he felt it. A small squeeze of his hand. For a moment, he thought he might have imagined. But it happened again. And again. Until he finally glanced to the side. Chizu immediately his gaze with a bright smile.
"Thanks Ryu."
They continued to walk hand-in-hand. And after a moment, Ryu began to smile too.