The café was quiet.
… Just like Cyril liked it. She sat in her usual spot, enjoying her matcha mochi and green tea frappe with the- ooh so delicious Crowley donut. Inside the café was cool, and the sun setting casted the shadows around her in a reddish, orange hue…
She was relaxed.
Letting out a sigh, she smiled faintly at the crisp sound of a newly opened book page turning. Pushing up her reading glasses further up her book, Cyril smiled.
Zing!
The hairs on the back of her neck rose up like electricity in the air. Peering up slightly from her place on the page, Cyril scanned the area, looking for the source of her feeling…
… She was being watched…
'Ah.' She narrowed her eyes almost imperceptibly, trailing over and locked on a tall nervous looking guy with a high school uniform. The boy's eyes gazed up and met hers, jumping slightly as he looked away at being caught staring. 'So he's the one who's been watching me lately. Total noob. He's so obvious about it.' She thought, turning another page.
Meanwhile, Makoto was currently trying to figure out how to approach the girl he'd been trying to give back her school pin for all of this time…
... Makoto gripped his drink tightly- a sudden movement making his stomach churn. She had looked over again. Keeping his gaze on his drink, he gulped, daring another slight peek.
"Oi."
… He squeaked with a jump, wanting to crawl out of his skin at the sight of her sitting across from him, drink and donut on the table.
'HOLY ORCAS ON A STICK- How did she get here so fast without me noticing her?!' Makoto thought frantically, looking around for a chance to make his escape. "Oh sorry." He squeaked out with a nervous smile. "Clearly I'm in your seat, so sorry about-"
"- You're not going anywhere, kid. Sit back down." Makoto immediately did as told, scared at her authoritative tone. Cyril crossed her arms. "What the hell are you doing?" Sip.
"I'm sorry?"
"You can't get anymore obvious than what you've been doing, kid. Jeez, just who the hell trained you?" Makoto raised a brow confused.
"Eh?"
She glared at him now, tilting her head. "Don't play dumb with me. I know you've been practically stalking my ass every time I come here." Cyril pointed out. "So, who sent you, huh? So I can properly complain to your boss about your shitty tracking skills. Which family are you from?"
Makoto burrowed his brows. "Uhm, T-Tachibana..?" He jumped again in fright when she suddenly leaned in, all scary faced.
"The Tachibana's eeeeeeeh?!" Cyril sneered. "Never heard of them, kid. Who really sent you, seriously? Is it Yuu…"
"M-me?"
Stare. "No, Yuu."
"Me what?" blink.
"YUUUUUU?!"
"I don't understand?!"
His name is Yuu! Yuu sent you, right?! To fucking mess with me, eh?!"
"Oh. Uhm, I don't know anyone named Yuu. I think this is a misunderstanding." Makoto said, smiling slightly.
"…" Cyril narrowed her eyes, continuing her uncomfortable staring until she let out a sigh, shoulders, visibly drooping as she reached for her donut. "Oh, my bad, then, kid." She apologized. She could read people like a book- the kid wasn't lying. If his 'tracking' skills were anything to go by, he probably was a horrible liar. "Not to sound like an ass, but why have you been watching me all this time then? It's fucking weird." She said, noting how his cheek flared up. "You tryna get some stalker training or something?"
"Ah, n-no, no, no!" Makoto bowed his head repeatedly, embarrassed. Cyril only chuckled, amused at how easy he seemed flustered.
"Relax kid, I'm only joking."
"Uhm, well…" Makoto trailed off awkwardly. "… You probably don't remember me…"
Cyril held in a recoil. Keeping her face poker faced, she inwardly grimaced at the sudden implication…. Oh man, she was slacking. He was not her type at all…
'… Did I screw jailbait..?'
"Listen kid…" Her tone lowered slightly, deeper and almost to a whisper as she looked at him. "I don't remember much since last year. Whatever we did, wasn't meant to be past one night. Get over it."
Makoto's cheeks flared. "Oh my god- NO. No, i-it's not that! You see- a year ago there was a kitty that almost drowned after falling off a bridge. I tried to help him, but because I have a fear of open and rushing water I froze up. So, uh, you happened to pass by and saw all of it… And jumped off the bridge to save him."
Cyril let out an impressed whistle. "damnnn, I did that?"
He nodded. "Yes. I kind of figured you wouldn't remember…" Makoto said, a tad bit disappointed. Cyril immediately noticed it.
"I'm sorry I don't remember-"
"- Makoto." The kid, now known as Makoto perked up, the smile returning to his face. "It was a year ago after all, so of course you wouldn't have remembered."
"To be fair, you do kinda look familiar? Like I've seen you before…"
"Ah. Well we have met before, yes, haha!" Makoto closed his eyes, grinning. Something crossed her eyes, before she exclaimed loudly.
"Tree Man!"
Makoto laughed. "That's what you called me back then too."
"I remember you now! You're that kid I told to get the hell out of my turf." Cyril said proudly, returning his grin. Her eyes suddenly held a glint of mischief. "… You didn't listen to my wise words of advice obviously, as you're here, hehehe."
Makoto blushed. "… I'm sorry if it seemed like I was stalking you. After that day, I noticed you had dropped your school pin. When I saw you here again, I wanted to return it back to you, but then I thought about how strange it would be if I suddenly walked up to you and said so." Makoto finished, digging in his pockets as he took out said pin and handed it back to its rightful owner.
Cyril's eyes widened in surprise, a goofy grin suddenly adorning her face as she graciously accepted it. "Yeah. Thank you, Mako-chan!" Makoto's eyed widened, and he looked down at his hands again with dusty pink cheeks. "I mean, I got a new pin looong ago, but the one you held onto does have meaning to me personally. So I'm really grateful that you held onto it. Thanks."
Makoto briefly gazed at her through his lashes, quickly looking away with a shy smile. "It's not a problem at all." Her grinned widened.
"Cyril. You can call me Cyril."
"Cyril…" Mako tested out the name, noting how the strange syllables sounded to his ears. Cyril. Simple. Not at all what he expected her name to be given her look, but strangely, it seemed to fit her. It was cute. "Nice to meet you, Cyril-san."
"Nice to meet you too, Mako-chan. You know, you really did help me out. I can't thank you enough. This pin…" Her eyes dropped down to the pin held securely in her grasp, smiling softly. "… Really isn't special at all… But it's a part of me, you know? It's got meaning…" She trailed off, before securing the pin in her purse. 'That pin is one of the last good things I have of last year before Yuu fucked my life over. I guess in a way it's a reminder of the 'me' of last year. When I was still happy… When my brother was still alive…' "So I can't thank you enough. I owe you, Makoto Tachibana." Their eyes met. "As a member of the Kushin family, we always payback the people we're in debt to. I owe you a solid, kid."
Makoto opened his mouth to say something but wasn't given the chance when Cyril suddenly got up, her drink and donut long ago finished. She took out a small glossy looking card. "If you're ever in a bind or in trouble, give this number a call. This is my solid for you, kid. No questions asked, just tell them 'You're a friend of Kuro's, and it's a gift from the Kushins.'They'll know what's good." Makoto eyed the strange insignia on the card, noting how the symbol was a jet black matte, but shone iridescent red and blue when light hit it a certain way.
"… Alright…" Nodding, Cyril gave him a wave.
"Well I got to bounce. See you some time, Mako-chan." Makoto waved back, and with that, she left.
"…" He looked back in bewilderment at the card. "Kuro-chan's Plumbing and Delivery Service..? Why did she give me a business card for plumbing..?"
"Mak-chaaaan!"
Makoto waved as he greeted his club members. "It's nice out today."
Rei nodded. "Yes. It's the right degree of Celsius needed for outdoor swimming." The glasses nerd said right as Gou came up to them, dragging a giddy Nagisa. "I just got off the phone with big bro." She didn't even bother to say hi, just glared at Nagisa. "You. Care to explain why I just got off the phone after being told that you were stalking around Samezuka?"
Nagisa grinned. "I was just admiring their swimming spirit." He laughed, and Gou unceremoniously dumped his behind on the floor. "It's not illegal."
"It is if you trespass on private property." Gou pointed out. "It's called breaking and entering."
"Aww c'mon, what were those security guards gunna charge me with? Loitering?"
"Look Nagisa." Gou started off. She was completely over his shit for the day. "Things may be cool with big brother now, but let's not push it? I mean, we just got Rin-bro to be buddy-buddy with us again, are you trying to ruin that?" She closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. "… The last thing we need is to be accused of trying to steal some 'ancient Samezuka swimming secret' or something stupid like that." She sighed. "You're lucky Mikoshiba-san was able to defuse the situation with the security guard before it got out of hand."
"Oh? Seijuuro-kun is in town?" Makoto said.
"Wasn't he the Captain of Samezuka previously, right?" Rei asked, the ever information hound.
Makoto nodded. "Yeah. He graduated last year. Well that's good! he must have come back to see how things are going with his old swim team. How nice. But why were you there in the first place, Nagisa-chan?"
Nagisa brought a finger to his lips. "It's a secret!~"
Gou rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Just finish your laps and call it a day." Said before plopping down on a nearby chair and taking out the latest issue of 'Happy Muscle Fun Time' magazine. "Kyaaa! Look at those deltoids!~"
Makoto shook his head with a grin. Beside him, Nagisa joined the green haired teen at the edge of the pool. Sensing his stare. Makoto turned back to Nagisa, perplexed at the strange looks the shorter shota was dishing out to him. "What's up, Nagisa-chan?"
"You sure 've been in a pretty good mood lately, Mak-chan…" Nagisa said airily. "I wonder why…"
Makoto raised a brow. "Well, it is Friday. I promised the twins I would get them a treat for our family board game and movie night."
Nagisa snorted, leaning closer to eye the boy's face. "Hmmmmmmmm…"
"Uhm…" Makoto sweat dropped.
"… What are you hidiiing, Maak-chaaan..?"
"Sorry?"
Nagisa leaned back suddenly, back to his bubbly persona. "Oh well! Whatever it is, I'll find out!~" He said cheerfully, before swimming way.
… Weeeeird…
(Later that day: )
"- I'm telling you guys, it's weird!" Nagisa's obnoxious shota voice could be heard loudly- as usual- while Rei could only sigh, gathering up his stuff from his locker. "He's definitely hiding something!"
"Nagisa-chan, Makoto is an open book. He wouldn't hide anything." Rei chastised him.
"More like he's horrible at lying." Haru added quietly.
"He's been acting weird! And it all started when the pin was found! Do you think he murdered whoever it belonged to?! It's always the quiet, nice ones!"
"He's not a murderer!' Rei said, aghast.
"Hey Haru, do you know anything?"
Haru blinked. "No." Nagisa shrugged.
"I'm just saying. There's something fishy going on! You guys saw how he acted during 'The Incident'…Go on Haru, ask what we're talking about."
"What are you talking about." Haru repeated.
Rei groaned. "Nagisa, we are not referring to the school pin scenario as 'The Incident'."
"I'm just saying." Nagisa shrugged. "A university school pin from an all girls school. So Mak-chan likes them more experienced, eh? Cougar juice, anyone?" Rei facepalmed. "Or more like Four Locos. Cuz he is Four sure Loco for that Push Push!"
"Oh my god…" Rei grumbled, as him and Haru walked away, in absolute cringe.
"Thanks for waiting for me guys!" Makoto joined them, opening his locker. He looked back perplexed however, seeing Haru and Rei leave. "What happened?" He asked turning to Nagisa.
Nagisa only shrugged before heading off himself.
"Cyriiiiil!" Aya yelled as she glomped her best friend, dramatically sobbing at their reunion. "Oh honey I've missed you! How are the kids?" She joked, earning an eye roll and smirk from the raven. Somewhere form behind them, they heard the old librarian cler her throat loudly, telling them to lower their voice with a 'hush'.
"And this is why the whole campus thinks we're lesbians." Aya only shrugged, finally letting her go. "How are things?"
"Grandma's stable now, thank god. She gave mom such a scare. Oh and she says hi. She wants to know why you don't visit her anymore like you used to when we would go there for summer break, haha."
Cyril nodded. "Tell her I'll be visiting soon. I've been busy." Aya nodded in understanding, knowing full well she was referring to 'the family business' affairs.
"How is it going?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper as the mood between them changed to a much more somber, serious one.
Cyril sighed. "Quiet. Too quiet for my liking. That just means there's big shit brewing behind the scenes. Asshole doesn't leave a single trace. Can't find anything on him, and the Tennryou's are completely silent and under the radar. Nothing seems to be off or wrong, and that's the real problem behind it."
"Just be careful. You never know when he'll strike." Cyril could only nod, having grown tired of talking about this topic already. "Well, it's finally Friday at least."
"Yesss!" Aya fist pumped, giggling. "So, are you gunna go over to Yurie's party tonight?"
"Oh? She's hosting the party?"
"Yeah, well not her party per say, but her boyfriend's throwing it over at their crib. You know, the one with the swimming scholarship? His team won semi finals, so their aiming for the Olympics." She said off handedly, before she wriggled her eyebrows suggestively. "There's gunna be a bunch of hot guys from his swim team, and from other uni's! Juuuust saying!" She nudged Cyril playfully.
"I'm not going there just to hook up, Aya. I swear you think worse than most guys…"
"…" Aya sighed. "I'm not talking about just hooking up, Cyril…"
"So what are you talking about?"
"Moving on."
Cyril scoffed. "Oh c'mon, not this shit again." Aya puffed her cheeks at her best friend's unenthusiastic retort.
"It's been a little over a year! Sexy Doctor Dude hasn't even said a word to you after what happened!" Aya countered, crossing her arms. "I get it that he was your first, but the dude isn't really showing much to hone up for himself! It's time to move on! To greener pastures, bigger fields and shit. And bigger dicks." Aya looked around sheepishly, seeing the same librarian from earlier pass by them with a cart full of books, glaring at them for their loudness.
"I don't need to do anything." Cyril countered, a bit slighted. "And you know full well how busy he gets. And he doesn't lack in that area."
"Oh yeah? And when was the last time he called you? Or texted you? Or even dropped by to say a quick hello?" Aya pointed out, leaning in closer as Cyril groaned in annoyance. "You know I'm only saying this for your own good- It's time to move on from Sexy Doctor Dude… Can you at least go to Yurie's party? You don't even have to try and talk to the guys there, honestly- keep me company." Aya said, her doe eyes pleading. Cyril narrowed her eyes, lips tugging into a silent snarl.
Ah fuck. The damn puppy eyes. Her one weakness, and the blonde knew perfectly how to use it to her advantage… Curse that woman… "… Fiiine… I'll go keep you company. But I'm not gunna be playing babysitter the whole night." Cyril gruffed out, nearly tripping at the hard glomp form the blonde.
"Where are you going."
Makoto nearly jumped out of his skin, holding a hand to his heart as he turned around to greet Haru. The boy had to stop doing that often, lest Makoto would develop heart problems sometime in the future. "Oh, you scared me there Haru. Well, I was just going to get the kids some snacks. You're invited to come over. It is Friday game and movie night." Haru blinked, nodding.
"…" He looked back at Makoto. "Are you planning on going to that café again?" Haru asked bluntly, catching Makoto by surprise.
"Ah, yes, actually."
"are you going there because of the snacks-" Haru started to say. "- or because of that girl." Makoto's cheeks tinted pink.
"T-the snacks." The green haired boy managed to say. "actually, I went there not to long ago."
"Oh."
"And I was able to talk with her and return her pin…" At this, Haru raised a brow.
"What did she say?"
"Ah." Makoto was now a bit embarrassed, and he scratched his nose idly as they made their way to the café. "Well, at first she thought I was stalking her, haha. She didn't remember me at all until I mentioned the bridge thing. She thanked me after I gave her back her school pin."
"And?"
Makto blinked. "And? And what?"
"…" Haru only stared blankly at him.
"Oh! She also gave me her business card! She said to call it if I'm ever in trouble, for some reason? I was hoping she would be there today so I can say hello, actually, haha." Makoto laughed. They were passing the bridge now, and Haru could only stare at his friend as the boy rambled on about something.
"You like her.' The water loving boy suddenly said, voice monotone and making Makoto suddenly sputter on his words, nearly missing a step. The greenette looked at him with wide eyes, a deep blush creeping and spreading over his face.
"Wa-wa-what?!" Makoto yelped, posture straight and rigid. "I-I never said that..!" His voice trailed off, embarrassment taking over his tone. Haru narrowed his eyes, eyeing him strangely.
"Just kidding." The water loving boy said monotonously, shrugging. "You're acting strange."
"Ah- there's really nothing like that at all, hahaha!" Makoto waved his hand dismissively, in assurance. "I admire her a bit for how brave she was before, but it's nothing of the sort, Haru."
"You're face says otherwise."
"It's a bit chilly."
"It's the middle of September."
"…"
Haru shrugged, seemingly losing interest. "Whatever it is, Nagisa is intent on finding out." Makoto became a little worried. Nagisa often takes things to the extreme. If he was suspicious of him, he had no doubt the short shota would be able to figure things out pretty quick… Not that there was anything of the drama sort the blonde was probably thinking of.
"I mean it, it's nothing." Haru nodded.
"If you say so."
…
"Welcome to- oh, you're back!" Yuri, the bubbly barista greeted the two boys with a big grin and a wave, adding a wink towards Makoto who smiled shyly. "What would you boys like to have? The same as before? Or do you want to try something new?"
Yuri winked. "Of course! In case we get eventual regulars. What would you guys like?"
"The same as last time." Haru replied, scanning over the café for the sight of a certain girl.
"Same for me." Makoto said. "Oh and can I get a whole strawberry cheesecake halve to go?" Yurie nodded.
"Sure thing handsome." She rang them up and told them to have a seat. "I'll call up your order when it's ready."
"Thank you." The two boys walked to the same seats they inhabited the last time they were there, Haru looking at Makoto the entire time.
"She's not here."
Makoto looked at him. "Who?"
"Future Ms. Tachibana." Makoto's eyes went wide. Even though he knew this was Haru's attempt at a joke, he couldn't help but feel super embarrassed at the thought.
"Haru!" Makoto whined, shoulders rigid. It really wasn't like that at all! She was courageous in a way Makoto yearned to be. She was just his idol of sorts. He admired her for what she did, risking her life for a complete stray- that's all! Even if, now that he thought about it, she was kind of like a cat herself. Mysterious, cute big eyes that were doe in appearance but very sharp. Heck, even her personality seemed strong, and independent. She also had the cute little small face with tiny button nose like a cat. 'Cute.' Makoto thought, before his eyes widened in realization. She was pretty darn cute- Like a cat…
'Oh no…' The greenette thought in slight panic… This was bad…
'Cats. Cats are cute, which is why i like them. Only cats, it's not like i'm interested in her... She just looks like a cat is all. And i like them, cats yeah. I like he-'
… The thought made Mako blush even harder. It didn't help that just at that moment the object of his cuteness charade decided to walk in, eyes immediately noticing the two boys in her usual spot as she smiled at him.
"Oh, future Ms. Tachibana is here." Haru watched his friend from the corner of his eye, the faint ghost of a smile on his lips.
(Cyril's POV:)
I greeted Yurie as usual, enjoying the gentle aroma of baked goods that wafted to me as I made my way to the counter. "Hey."
"Hi Cyri. You're here later than usual."
"I just met up with the blonde destruction."
Yurie giggled, already having ordered her usual. "Are you coming to the party?" Cyril nodded. "Yay! It's gunna be fun, hehehe."
"I'm mostly going to make sure Aya doesn't do something stupid." Cyril sighed, looking around the café. Her eyes trailed over to a familiar figure, the greenette boy who had given back her school pin she had lost. Their eyes met and she smiled at him, making her way over. In her head, she tried for the life of her to remember his name. Mikasa? Mikoto? What was it again? She racked her brain for the memory, before losing interest on it. Whatever. She could just ask.
"Hey." Cyril greeted the green haired teen, sitting down on the empty chair across from them. "You still don't follow my advice, haha. Sorry, remind me your name again?"
He smiled. "Makoto."
Cyril nodded, turning to the raven haired teen next. "Sorry, am I interrupting something?" Haru shook his head.
" you're pin girl."
Cyril blinked, before she let out a laugh, briefly glancing at an embarrassed Makoto as she tried to clear her throat. "Haha, yeah, I guess so! I'm Cyril."
"Haru." Cyril gave a nod.
"Hey your orders are ready." Yurie called out in the background. Makoto stood up.
"I'll go get it."
"Nah it's cool." Cyril waved it off. "You can't carry three trays. I'll help." Makoto nodded, trailing after her as they got their food, returning back to sit with Haru.
"So, what school do you guys go to?" Cyril suddenly asked.
"We're from Iwatobi. It's not very far from here."
"Oh." Cyril nodded. "I've heard of it. Your school was all over the news last year for losing nationals." Bot Haru and Makoto visibly slumped.
"Ah, yeah, haha." Makoto said offhandedly. "We're actually trying to go for nationals again at the end of the year."
"Oh shit, you guys are swimmers?" Cyril said, incredulously. She eyed them briefly, before donning a smile. "Work hard. I'm sure if you guys do, you'll win. Good luck."
"Thanks." Haru said. "Do you come around here often?"
Cyril nodded. "Yup. Best coffee there is in town." She smiled. "my school's not that far from here, but I find it's more easy for me to study here than on campus."
Haru nodded, before turning to Makoto. "We should go."
Makoto nearly pouted, looking over at Haru as he shyly looked towards Cyril's way from the corner of his lashes. "But we just got here."
"The twins are going to start getting rowdy." Haru said, before the green giant had to reluctantly agree.
"… True." Sighing, Makoto looked at Cyril, who flashed them a smile. "Well, we'll have to get going now."
"Sure, well it was nice talking to you guys."
Haru made move to get up, looking back to his friend to follow.
"?"
Makoto, now standing, stood in front of the table with a nervous, and pensive look. "…"
Cyril raised a brow. "What's up?"
"… That solid you owed me…" He gulped, squeezing his eyes shut. "Can I use it now?"
"Oh? Sure, what is it?"
"Can… Can you come see us practice sometime? Whenever you're free, of course- w-well, if you'd l-like to!"
Haru raised a brow, watching with interest.
Cyril was quite for a bit, before she shrugged. "Well, sure it's not a problem at all, but why do you want me to watch you guys practice."
"F-for training purposes!" Makoto blurted out, red. "I-I think having an outside critique would help us improve and see what we're lacking. Ah, in terms of grace. W-while we get the technicality of it covered, an outside opinion w-would help us a lot ." Haru narrowed his eyes, but remained quiet.
"Hmn, I guess I could go. I don't know too much about swimming, but I'll help you guys out. It's a deal." Cyril said, extending her hand out for a shake.
Makoto beamed, graciously accepting her hand. "Thank you soo much Cyril-san!"
"Just Cyril."
"Let's go." Haru interrupted. Makoto's smile faltered for a second, before fully returning back.
"Do you have kakao or something I could send you the details?"
"Oh, sure." She took out a pen, jotting down her id on a small post it. "Here you go."
"Thank you so much Cyril-sa- err, I-I mean Cyril. I'm really sorry if we've been a bother to you."
"Don't sweat it kid." She waved them away, watching the two high schoolers exit the shop. Yuri was immediately at her side once they were out of ear's shot, a shit eating grin on her face.
"Ohohoho, did the almighty Siri-chan just give her deets to someone?!"
Cyril rolled her eyes. "Please, they're not even my type. And I do owe him a solid."
"Ah, a solid, huh." Yuri said offhandedly, sighing. "That tall green haired kid is totally my type."
"Yeah, and he's totally jailbait, so don't even." Cyril quoted.
"Not jailbait enough if he's a senior!" Yuri immediately retorted back.
She rolled her eyes, starting to gather up her stuff. "You have a boyfriend. Quite a jealous one, mind you. Don't do anything stupid. He's a good guy... I gotta head out."
"Blondie claims I need to 'loosen' up cuz of boy drama. Even though there is absolutely no boy drama, but really it's an excuse to try and get me laid."
Yuri snorted. "Knowing how picky you are, there's gonna be a lot of heart broken guys." Cyril scoffed at this. "So you don't wanna hook up with any of the potential swimming hotties?"
"Not interested. Plus, rando hookups isn't my thing." Cyril shrugged.
"Touché, but if you do change your mind…" Yuri wriggled her eyebrows with a suggestive smirk. "Just ask me for a rubber."
"Sure." Cyril agreed, although she wasn't planning on asking anyways…
A/N:
... Forgive me, for i have delivered late... AGAIN.
I apologize for missing the Halloween update. I'm was deep in midterms, and now i have three weeks left in school, adn honestly just winging all of my assignments at this point. This chapter has been split in two, and will feature the party scene in the next chapter. Until then!