Chapter 13
"Maso-chan! Maso-chan!" Minako heard Eri call. She was on her way home after school but then quickly spun around, noticing how injured she was. Despite her injuries she beamed her usual happy grin.
"Here." she said, handing a folded up piece of leather; Minako's wallet. She simply stared at the injured smiling girl. Bruises marred her usually flawless skin, a blackish blue one under her eye and a reddish one on her cheek. Streamers of red painted down her hand, gripping her bloody shoulder wound.
"You're bleeding." Minako said. Eri smiled back and retorted.
"No duh."
"It doesn't hurt much; I already had Shinra fix it up."
"Thank you." she acknowledged at last. Eri ran her fingers down Minako's cheek tenderly.
"No problem. There's not much money left though." she admitted, scratching the back of her head, embarrassed. "They spent it on the vending machines and lunch. What the hell do you carry that much cash for? Ah, I won't pry. But I managed to get some money from mugging the guys who harassed you."
Minako continued to stare, clutching the wallet in both hands. Eri stopped chattering and pulled out a few crumpled dollars.
"Let's go and get something to eat; I'll deal with your punishment later."
"Punishment?"
"Yeah, for ditching our practice fights." she said with a twitch and then grabbing the other by the collar. "If you ever have the guts to miss another fight I'll beat your brains in." Eri threatened. However, she had a feeling that her big sister's words were empty.
Eri had stolen quite a lot from Shishizaki and his delinquent companions. After eating a filling dinner at a nice resturaunt, they began walking home but stopped at a convenience store. Minako waited for her outside and then she returned with a wrapped up popsicle in hand. She tore off the wrapper and it was revealed to be a twin pop. She split in half and gave it to Minako.
"What's this for?"
"For celebrating my win!" She replied merrily. "I'm so happy! I haven't been exercising my serious delinquent fighting for a long time."
Minako gave no response as she began slowly eating the orange ice. Eri playfully punched her shoulder.
"Hey, I was only half serious about beating your brains in." she joked. "Stop analyzing your friendship with me; overthinking is worse than not thinking at all. There are some things that you have to let be. Besides, if I was in your shoes, and you were the person beating me every day, my feelings wouldn't change. I'd still love you, Minako."
Her white cheeks were airbrushed a very slight hint of rose.
"Thank you, I guess." she replied meekly. Eri burned bright red, noticing the error in her words.
"I-I didn't mean l-love like that! I mean... I love you like a sister! That was what I was trying to say! Um, I didn't mean it like I'd wanna fuck you or something—"
"I understand, Eri-san."