August 17th
12:23 p.m.
Ruiko watched Mikoto and Kuroko with a dangerous glint in her eye before clearing her throat loudly and drawing their attention away from each other and onto her. She leaned forward on her elbows and smiled at Kuroko mischievously.
"So, Shirai-san….it's pretty amazing how you guys were able to solve the robbers case. How did you figure out where they were hiding out anyways?"
"From thorough investigative work, Saten-san," Kuroko stated with her head held high and a proud smile, "Thanks to the combined efforts of Uiharu and I we were able to finally solve the case."
"Hmm," Ruiko's smile grew in such a way that immediately made Kuroko feel wary. She gripped the edge of her pillow tightly as her shoulders drew together.
"What?" her eyes narrowed as she reached towards the table and carefully lifted her cup of tea.
Ruiko chuckled as she shook her head and leaned back on her palms, "It's nothing but—" Ruiko glanced at Kazari with a wicked grin, "Kazari, didn't you mention that you two received a tip from someone?"
"Ahh…" Kazari stared into Ruiko's eyes for a second before smiling around her fork and nodding, "Mhm. Shirai-san got help from someone she has class with."
"Wow," Ruiko whistled as maneuvered her body over the table and placed her chin on her palm, "that sure was nice of them. Are you close with this girl, Shirai-san?"
For some reason Kuroko felt a small blush burn its way onto her face but she covered it up with a scowl, "Not particularly."
"Well~" Ruiko tilted her head as a jovial grin spread out along her face, "Maybe you two can get to know each other once the school year starts?"
Kuroko frowned, suddenly knowing where this was going. She closed her eyes as a small huff escaped her, "I doubt we will get the chance. Mikami-san is only taking summer classes at Kirigaoka. I do not know where she will be attending high school."
Throughout the conversation, Mikoto was silent. She felt something heavy settle into her heart as her stomach swirled with unease. Glaring down at the floor, she released a small sigh before suddenly rising to pick up the plates.
"Ah, Onee-sama." Kuroko cut her discussion with Ruiko short and immediately turned her attention back towards the older girl when she noticed what she was doing, "I'll help with the dishes." Kuroko went to stand only to be held down by a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder.
Mikoto's eyes softened as she smiled at her, "Don't worry about it, Kuroko, I got it," she glanced over at the clock before returning her gaze to Kuroko's "You and Uiharu-san should get started on your paperwork though. It's getting late."
"Okay…" Kuroko frowned a little at the small glimpse of pain she caught in Mikoto's eyes but opted to stay silent for the moment. She would ask her Onee-sama about it later, when they were alone.
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Mikoto sighed as she finished washing the last bowl and set it on the dish rack. She picked up a dry towel and used it to wipe her hands before throwing it over her shoulder. A grimace settled on her face as she thought about Ruiko's words.
The image of Kuroko and that other girl together played in her mind as she leaned back against the counter. In the past few days she hadn't had the chance to think about the encounter but it had all came flooding back in that moment.
She scowled to herself before looking off to the side, Why am I so jealous over something so stupid? her eyes lowered at that thought as she raised a hand to her chest, am I really worried about Kuroko leaving me?
Mikoto swallowed as she straightened up before running a hand through her hair, C'mon, Mikoto. She's not yours to begin with, what are you saying?
Though she thought that, another feeling instantly sprung up in her because in a way, Kuroko was hers.S She was best friend, her roommate, her partner; the person who was there for her no matter what, who knew her inside and out and never judged her—though she would often comment on her 'childish' tendencies, she still accepted them—and most of all, never made her feel so completely and utterly stupid like someone who would not be named.
For all intents and purposes, Kuroko always made her feel good. She made her happy and kept her sane. Mikoto honestly had no idea what she would do if she were to ever lose her. Just the thought made her sick to her stomach.
So consumed in her thoughts, Mikoto didn't notice that someone had joined her in the kitchen. It wasn't until she felt a finger poking into her cheek did she look up.
"Gah! S-Saten-san, what are you doing?" she stuttered as she gripped the rag tightly in her fist and held it up as if to defend herself before shifting to the side.
"Ehe," Ruiko grinned at her in a way that made Mikoto instantly on her guard and she moved back another step so that there were a few inches of space between them. Mikoto frowned as Ruiko lifted her hand to her chin and rubbed it lightly.
"Misaka-san, I have to ask you…how would you feel if Shirai-san got a girlfriend?"
Mikoto cringed a little, feeling uncomfortable; a light blush appeared on her face as she lowered the rag and gripped her elbow, "Um…haha," she suddenly laughed as she scratched the back of her head, "that would be a little weird," she smiled uneasily, "b-but as long as she's happy, that's all I care about. She's my best friend, you know?"
Ruiko gazed at her with an unreadable expression for a moment before blinking and releasing a small giggle, "Right, right, of course," she turned towards the sink and turned the water on before grabbing a paper towel and wetting it, "I don't think you have anything to worry about though," she patted her cheek with the wet cloth and released a soft sigh at the feeling.
Mikoto's arm lowered as she frowned, "What makes you think I was worried? I-I don't care if she dates someone else," she mumbled unconvincingly.
The edges of Ruiko's lips curled into a smirk as she turned her head towards Mikoto, "All I'm saying is that she loves you, Misaka-san. Even when we forgot all about you that one time, you still made her heart flutter. Mahh," Ruiko reached her hand out to pick up another paper towel and wipe her hands dry, "I hope to find someone who loves me that much someday," her eyes softened as she returned her gaze to Mikoto, "So, don't worry, Misaka-san. You'll always be the only one she wants."
Mikoto's breath caught at Ruiko's words; her throat tightened as red shaded her cheeks and she looked down towards her feet. She bit her lips to keep the smile that wanted to bloom on her face at bay.
Ruiko giggled again as she spun on her heel and headed back towards the dining room. However, before exiting the room, she smiled at Mikoto one last time.
"You should tell her," she stated with a wink and a wide grin, "or else someone might try to take her from you. After all, Shirai-san is pretty cute."
"Geh," Mikoto gritted her teeth at Ruiko's insinuation, glaring at other girl who left with a laugh.
Sighing, Mikoto collapsed against the edge of the counter. She felt exhausted all of the sudden. She closed her eyes as she considered Ruiko's words before smiling a little and reopening them.
"Thanks…Saten-san.
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August 17th
6:14 p.m.
It was after dark by the time Kuroko and Kazari finished their paperwork. Both girls were exhausted and it definitely showed on their faces and in their body language.
Kuroko huffed as she sprawled out over the table, "It is ridiculous that those reports took us all day."
Kazari leaned her head against Ruiko's shoulder and sniffled before subtly glaring at Kuroko, "Well, if Shirai-san hadn't spent an hour arguing with me about one little detail…"
"Well, excuse me for wanting to make sure that everything was done correctly," Kuroko glowered as she sat up and returned Kazari's glare, "After all, I am not the one who shirks on their responsibilities—"
"Now, now," Mikoto placed her hand on Kuroko's head, effectively cutting her off short, before ruffling the soft auburn hair gently, "Let's just be happy it's finished right?"
"Yeah," Ruiko spoke up as she smiled at Kazari, "Don't fight, guys."
Kazari pouted a little before burying her face in Ruiko's chest and sighing, "Sorry, Shirai-san, I'm just tired."
Kuroko sighed heavily before crossing her arms and gazing off to the side indifferently. Despite her petulant expression, Mikoto couldn't help but smile at the fact that Kuroko listened to her without argument. Kuroko always listened to her, always trusted her…
Aw man, I love her so much…
A dark blush spread out on Mikoto's cheeks at that. She lowered her hand from Kuroko's head and brought it back to her side before clenching it into a light fist.
She bit her lip before looking down at her feet in embarrassment. Though she was aware of her emotions towards her kouhai, it had never felt so raw before. And over such a small thing too.
A dull sigh escaped her as her eyes narrowed, what am I going to do?
Ruiko had suggested that she confess before it was too late but she was so embarrassed. She thought back to Touma's words from a few weeks ago.
"Even after all this time, you still refuse to be honest with yourself, Mikoto."
But she could. She would. She would tell Kuroko how she felt. After all, Kuroko's been waiting for so long…she had to tell her.
Mikoto chanced one last glance at Kuroko—who was engaged in another debate with Kazari, this time less heated—before smiling softly.
I swear…I'll tell her.
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"Ah, it's so late," Mikoto commented off handed before blinking and smiling at Ruiko and Kazari, "You two should stay over. It's not safe for a girl to walk around late at night."
"Though you say that, I find it amusing that you are the one most inclined to do so, Onee-sama," Kuroko interrupted in a slightly chastising voice.
Mikoto's ears heated up, "H-hey, to this day, I've only met a few people who can take me on."
Kuroko eyed her with an unimpressed expression, "All I am hearing right now is that you are admitting that you are not invincible. Which only adds credence to my concerns that you should not be so hasty when—"
"C'mon, I can take care of myself and anyone who tries to get in my way."
Kuroko glowered as she moved forward until they were only a few inches away, "You wouldn't have to if you would just stop putting yourself in those situations."
Mikoto leaned even closer, her eyebrow twitching, "It's not like I ask them to attack me!"
"And that somehow justifies you scorching them into the ground!?"
"Um…"
"Hey…"
Mikoto and Kuroko ignored their friends and glared darkly at one another before Mikoto crossed her arms and huffed, "When did this turn into an interrogation, I don't have to explain myself to you."
For some reason, Kuroko's expression promptly shifted into one of amusement, "Though you say that you still end up explaining yourself anyways. Admit it, Onee-sama, you care what I think."
"Geh—" Mikoto appeared taken aback for a moment before growling and looking away, "W-well, if you weren't so annoyingly persistent I wouldn't have to."
Giggling, Kuroko smiled softly as she shook her head, "Whatever you say, Onee-sama. Whatever you say."
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Across the table, Kazari slipped her hand into Ruiko's and squeezed it lightly. Ruiko tore her eyes from Mikoto and Kuroko before looking over at her with a confused smile. A smile which promptly shifted into a grin as she saw the mischievous glint in Kazari's eyes. They pressed their palms against each other under the table before laughing and returning their attention to their two arguing best friends.
AN: I'll be ending the story soon. It was interesting writing this and the comments I received every chapter were very interesting as well. Not saying that I'm unable to come up with any new ideas or give this story a proper ending. The reasons I'll be ending it will be my own. Cheers