𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐬 | ʰ. ʳⁱⁿᵈᵒᵘ [✓]

eight

Hana smiled as she stared at the sleeping Rindou who sat on the opposite side of the train. His head was leaning against one of the train's poles, swaying every time the train made turn. Hana pulled her phone out, taking a picture of Rindou's peaceful sleeping face. Just minutes ago, he looked like such an angry and irritated old man, now he looked like a napping baby in such a calm and serene state. 

She happily stared at the pictures she took when someone tapped on her shoulder. "Young lady, is he a friend of yours?", the elderly woman who sat beside her asked. "Oh.. not exactly a friend but an acquaintance rather", she replied, giving the lovely lady a sweet smile. "I suppose you should sit beside him and lend him your shoulder. It's likely that he'd fall over since he's in such a deep sleep", she informed, making Hana glance at Rindou's vulnerable condition.

"Thank you for the advice, ma'am", she thanked, returning a sweet smile to the old woman before standing up to sit next to Rindou. Her heart began to pound in her chest when she felt Rindou's head leaning against her shoulder. It amazed her how harmless Rindou looked like. You wouldn't think of him as a violent and dangerous delinquent if you were to see him in his current state. She sat in silence as the train made its way towards Roppongi, the Haitani's turf.

She gently patted Rindou's head as the train made a stop, indicating that they've reached their destination. Rindou slowly fluttered his eyes open, standing up like nothing happened; like he didn't spend ten minutes sleeping on Hana's shoulder. He grabbed Hana's wrist dragging her towards the sushi place he mentioned.

They walked in silence until they stopped in front of a fairly small restaurant, it's outside decorated with bright and colorful lights. Rindou opened the door making the bell ring, pushing Hana inside. 

"Rindou! Nice to see you here again!", an old man by the counter greeted as he waved his hands. "And who might this lovely lady be? Is she a friend of yours?", an elderly woman from behind them spoke, making Hana jump to her feet. 

"Her? She's just a vermin that tagged along with me", Rindou replied, making his way towards one of the tables. Hana glared at her.  "You basically kidnapped me, you know?", she retorted. "It's not kidnapping if you came willingly. Take me to nirvana then", Rindou shot back, mimicking Hana's voice. 

The elderly couple laughed at the sight of the their bickering. "Ah, youth~ Anyways, what would you like to order?", the old man asked. "The usual please. And make it two sets", Rindou ordered, removing his jacket as he sat down. Hana followed behind and did the same.

They both patiently waited for the food to arrive, Hana scrolling through her phone to rid herself of boredom. "Here are your sets! Enjoy~", the elderly woman exclaimed as she placed two sushi platters in front of them. Hana's eyes practically gleamed at the sight of such delicious and visually appetizing food in front of her. "Itadakimasu~", she prayed before digging into her food.

"This tastes so much better than the sushi my mom buys from expensive restaurants", she complimented, stuffing her mouth with another piece if nigiri. "I told you", Rindou replied, eating his food too. 

He was dumbfounded. He didn't know how to react to the sight that lay in front of him. He watched as Hana happily ate, looking like such an excited child. He let out a soft chuckle, grabbing Hana's attention.

Hana was starstruck. She couldn't believe her eyes. Rindou's smiling. Rindou laughed. "Dear, would you like some green orin apples? They're almost in season so they're starting to sell them cheaper! Would you like some slices?", the sweet old lady asked, holding two apples in both of her hands. Hana smiled and nodded. "I would love that!", she beamed.

"Here you go~", the woman spoke, sliding a bowl of apple slices on their table. Rindou quickly pushed the bowl towards Hana, making her brows furrow and the old lady chuckle. "You don't like apples?", Hana asked with a hint of disappointment as she devoured an entire slice. The old woman laughed. "That boy hates apples for some reason. Don't mind him dear, just eat your apples", the old man spoke, reaching for a slice from the bowl.

"Why don't you like apples?", Hana questioned. Rindou clicked his tongue. "I just don't like them, okay?", he retorted, rolling his lavender orbs at the curious girl. "Shit", Hana cursed as her phone vibrated, gaining Rindou's attention. Since her fingers were sticky with apple juice, she answered the call, pressing the loud speaker as she wiped her hands with a tissue.

"Takashi! Why'd you call all of a sudden?", she nervously asked as she stared at the caller ID.

[Where are you this time, Kohana? You're mom said you left to eat but she's starting to get worried since it's getting late. She thought you were out with us, but apparently you went out alone. Where are you?], Mitsuya asked. Hana quickly glanced at her watch, realizing that it was already 9 PM.

"Uhm.. I'm just eating you know. I'll he back before 10!", she replied, gesturing Rindou to ask for the bill. Rindou rolled his eyes as he silently asked for the bill, still eavesdropping at their conversation.

[Where are you? Auntie wants me to fetch you.], Mitsuya replied, making Hana choke on the sip of water she had.

"Oh no need! I can go home by myself! I promise I'll be home before 10", she replied, biting on her nail as she mentally begged Mitsuya to take the bait. Mitsuya's defeated sigh was heard from the other line.

[Fine. Don't do anything stupid on your way home. And stay safe, idiot.], Mitsuya warned, earning an eye roll from Hana.

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Love ya', bye~", she said, quickly ending the call. She looked at Rindou, seeing that his expression has changed. It turned back into that cold and intimidating expression he had on when they first met. Hana brushed it off and placed the payment on the table. "Thanks for the delicious food! I'll be coming back for more~", she yelled, earning a warm smile form the elderly couple.

Rindou exited the shop first, not paying any mind to the girl behind her. "You know where the station is already so just go home", he spoke in a monotone and emotionless voice. Hana was taken aback at his sudden change of mood. "Uhm.. thanks for tonight.. I guess..", she thanked, giving a sheepish smile. Rindou shrugged his shoulders and walked away, leaving Hana bewildered.

"What was that about?", she asked as she wore her jacket. "It's freezing", she complained as she hugged herself, speed walking towards the train station. As soon as she boarded, she sat down and stared at her trembling hands. "I left the hand warmer at the shop", she sighed, stuffing her hands inside of her jacket's pockets instead. "Eh? What's this?", she whispered as she felt a small object inside of her pocket. She took it out, her eyes widened.

It was the same caramel candy from before.