no Shuyaku wa Wareware da (Wrwrd)

Cino~ Donuts

(This takes place on the Manga: Makai no Shuyaku wa Wareware da!)

(Also the picture above: Cino is the blue haired male and Shoppi is the purple jacket male)

It was times like these where you were reminded of how different Cino was compared to other boys. He was the skinniest guy you could think of, possibly even the smartest among them. His palm was larger than the arm, and the uniform hung on his figure like a coat. Not to mention, he was always busy running from one place to another, never really had a full rest except for sleeping at night. Even the lunch break was spent with him buying food for Gruppen, simply because the latter was too lazy to do so.

Sure, Gruppen still paid him and all, but you were worried about Cino’s well-being. Did he get tired from rushing constantly? Did he ever feel like… quitting sometimes? Even you, a second year in this demon school, struggled with your perpetual tasks given by the ever-so-kind headmaster.

“What’s wrong? You’ve been staring at my hand a lot these days.” he remarked after you grabbed his hand to inspect it like you often did. “Shishishi…! If you want to hold hands, then just say so! No need to observe it first.”

You looked up and frowned sadly. Despite his meager appearance and miserable background, he was still able to smile so brightly. You wondered how would he look if he was born in a… better family. Would he be as tall as Gruppen, or even Shoppi?

Slowly, you reached out to stroke his cheek and smiled wistfully. You wanted to… you wanted to protect that smile. You wanted to make him happy. You wanted to support him even if the rest of the world turned its back on him.

But the question was how…? How could you help him?

“Cino…” you murmured hesitantly. “Is there… is there anything you want?”

He blinked repeatedly, puzzled by your sudden question. “Why? I want lots of money, of course.” he snickered, head still propped on your palm. “Why did you ask?”

You slowly shook your head. Money, huh…? You wouldn’t say you hadn’t expected such an answer, but it wasn’t as if you were rich, either. There was no way you could give him a briefcase of money when you were struggling financially yourself. “No reason. Just… curious, that’s all.”

“Man, does hanging out with Shaoron make you even weirder?” he joked. “Just kidding. Don’t look so glum, will you?”

Your lips stretched unnaturally from his unique magic, and yet, you found yourself smiling anyway.

“There! That’s what I want to see.” he grinned. “Well, I’m gonna head to my club room now. See ya!”

Mussing your hair, he scampered to the club room. The night slowly engulfed his retreating figure until it was merely a dot in the field. Sighing, you swiveled and pushed the doors open. Despite him joking about asking his payment for walking you home every day, he never truly went through with his words. Instead, he only wanted one thing from you: your smile. It was as if the sight of your radiant visage alone was more than enough reward for him.

And you wanted to pay him more. You wanted to give him more than just your expression.

“Hey, what’s with that long face?” Shaoron inquired abruptly. As usual, he was busy stuffing his mouth with food in the lounge room. “Did you break up Cino-Senpai or something?”

“No, of course no–” You paused and slowly squinted. “Shaoron, are those… my donuts?”

Shaoron paused eating as well. “… Nope.” he replied innocently, before swallowing the last donut. Your donuts. The donuts you bought with your own money.

Eye twitching, you deliberately approached him with a tight-lipped smile. Shaoron squeaked and proceeded to hide behind the couch, trying to save himself from your wrath. But before you could strangle his small neck – playfully, of course, you could never abuse your friends– you halted on your tracks.

… Didn’t Cino like donuts too?

You clucked. Just as you were about to relieve your exasperation, an idea had to pop up in your brain.

“Shaoron, you’re lucky for today. But next time–” Shaoron squealed when you made a slicing motion on your neck, body trembling pathetically. Giving him one last frigid look, you left the club room and headed towards the school shop. Maybe there were still some donuts left, if not, then you didn’t know where else to look.

You could always visit that one succubus Lounge, but you weren’t sure if they were still open now. And besides, you didn’t want to deal with Utsu's affection attack’.

.And because you didn’t have much money left in your pocket, you decided to buy a box of donuts instead. There were always times to spoil yourself, anyway, even if it was rare. You also made sure to glare at Shaoron again and hide the box for safety measures.

The next day, during lunch break, you told your friends to go ahead because you wanted to visit Cino first. Zomu, being the mean guy he was, instantly teased you for being clingy with that shit-eating grin. Irritated by his uncalled-for comment, you smacked his head and proceeded to the giant pink tree where you asked Cino to wait on. And, as expected, he was already there.

“Cino!” you grinned, bounding up towards him. “Thanks for coming. I know it was sudden.”

“Shishishi, no problem. I’ve got some time before I get the food for Gruppen-san. So,” he cocked his head, trying to peek at the box behind you. “what are you holding in there?”

You shifted a little and averted your gaze from his curious one. Would he even like your gift? It was small, and it certainly wasn’t enough to fatten him immediately. But… there was no harm in trying, right?

“I… uh, well…” You promptly shoved the box into his chest and tittered. “Sorry, I can’t buy more for you.”

Cino slowly looked down and inspected the box, almost in disbelief. His lips quirked into a surprised yet giddy smile once he ascertained that it was truly his favorite food. “Man, thanks a bunch! Didn’t expect to get this today.” he beamed. “What’s the occasion, anyway? Not that I’m complaining.”

“I… I’ve noticed some… differences between you and other boys and… I want to help you… somehow.” you murmured bashfully. “I want to make you happy like you always do to me. I hope the donuts will suffice… for now.”

He blinked repeatedly.

“Aw… that’s so touching~” he giggled. “Any present from my girlfriend will be enough, especially if it’s donuts. Come here, I want to share my hard work with you.”

Your face brightened as you happily plopped down beside him. A blush dusted your cheeks when he poked your lips with a strawberry glazed donut.

“Open wide~” he chirped and cheered once you shyly complied. “That’s my girl~!”

Wiping the glaze from your lip, you sighed blissfully. You might not be able to change his past, but at least, you could change the present. His present life with you.

And that was the biggest gift you could ever give him and yourself.