𝟸 & 𝟺

-nine-

"Thank you, I owe you."

Those five words kept Sugawara hopeful, being able to use it to full use. He had anticipations for the way he would have you at his disposals.

Evidently not in ways that the mind would first think, that wasn't Sugawara. He wasn't of that breed, nonetheless a thought of one.

He wouldn't have you in that manner. Something else about you peaked his interest. Something that meant digging deeper and uncovering truths and secrets. Those in which could help him understand you.

Something you had hoped would never be of interest.

As the day was approaching it's end, the last class slowly edging on until the final bell, you watched as everyone prepared for the departure home.

Yours about to be intercept.

You walked out the door of the class as the bell summonses the dismissal of academics for the following Monday, and walked along the various other students on the same journey.

The journey home. Out of school, out of full academics, out of legibility, out of schedule.

You found it rather calming when social obstruction such as school ended, and your real life began.

The things at home; manga, writing, time alone. You valued those most of all.

Things you can't get when you want them most, you found liberating when you could actually do them.

As you walked out the school, and into the fresh and calming air of the day ahead, you noticed something familiar.

The trees were rustling in the air, leaves were falling down. The air had seemed optimistic.

It was changing pace. The sky was a huey mix of blues and casted whites. The aura in which the afternoon was blessed with spoke miles.

And who resided next to all of it, but Sugawara.

"Please don't tell me you waited for me..." you suggested, rolling your eyes and looking up at the ever receding trees. Even they could lose what they once had.

Philosophical. Brutal.

Life in a nutshell. So was Autumn.

"And if I did?" He fired back, with a smile and a glowing look. The sun casted a beautiful golden tint on the monochrome presentation given.

It was almost blinding, no pun related. You couldn't seem to shake looking at him with this new filter upon his face.

He noticed, but decided against pointing it out. He didn't mind you looking the way you did. He enjoyed you letting go and taking things in.

Even if it was him simply under a tree in the midst of Autumn vomiting on the ground.

So to speak.

"Chivalry never dies with you, does it?" You suggested, a sarcastic smile attached. Even if it wasn't as genuine as he had seen, Sugawara was in it to take it. Savour it.

He didn't know when he'd see another just like it.

"Never has to if you're genuine.." he let his words soak in the air as he extended his hand out, and waved you to join him.

You looked to his hand, took a few steps towards him and joined him. Walked side by side with the company of orange and yellow, you looked around noting the different tones.

Yellow resembled the various shines of calming lights, sparks and even strong emotions. How bright one could be, and just how hopeful a colour could seem.