𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐧𝐢𝐜 | 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐍𝐞𝐧𝐞 (𝐓𝐁𝐇𝐊/𝐉𝐒𝐇𝐊)

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

  Nene still couldn't process how many things were presented at the picnic. The cream-haired girl was excited but made sure to wait until Aoi was done taking food before she picked up a sandwich and took a bite.

  She was both surprised and not surprised to see that they tasted delicious. Either Akane bought the best brand he could find or he made them himself. All to please his childhood friend. There was a time that she wanted to ask, but it decided it would've been awkward to question so soon.

  Also, even though he was right across from her, Nene avoided Amane's gaze. She knew that was the opposite of what she should be doing. In all her romance novels and manga, the protagonist and their love interest(s) always stared into each others' eyes so dreamily and described them as pools or oceans.

  This was none of that.

  It was the many butterflies of anxiousness sitting in her stomach and flapping their wings violently whenever her eyes came close to his. It was the sprouts of awkwardness blooming while watching Aoi and Akane fit together like two puzzle pieces connecting flawlessly. Why did she feel like that anyway? The two of them weren't even dating and Akane was turned down every time other than today.

  Nene smothered a sigh, drinking a sip of tea. She noticed how it was nice and sweet with hints of a flowery taste. The beverage wasn't too sugary and it was overall a very pleasant flavor. She didn't know what exactly was in it. Maybe she'd have to ask Akane about that later too.

  "Do you guys have anything planned after this?" the cream-haired girl wondered, breaking the silence. Nene flicked her gaze between the two sitting next to her.

  "No," Akane shook his head. "But I wanted to ask if we could go somewhere tomorrow; Anywhere that pleases Ao-Chan!"

  The boy flashed a grin at the indigo-haired girl, waiting for a response.

  "No thank you," Aoi smiled. "Four points."

  Nene felt a bit guilty for bringing it up. The girl told her that the only reason she came was so it could be a double date. Why would they go anywhere else?

  That was when Amane began to speak.

  "Yashiro, you reminded me... There was this movie going on later. If everything goes well here, do you want to come with me after this? No pressure or anything! I just mean that it would be nice... And stuff... And it doesn't have to be a date either, but-"

  "Sure, it sounds nice," Nene blushed, twirling a few strands of hair between her fingers. She only just thought of the idea, but Amane probably liked her if he asked her out on a date. Even if they weren't the perfect couple, maybe the two of them could make it work? "What movie is it?"

  "Hamster Space Wars: The Movie," Amane mumbled loud enough for her to hear.

  "I've been waiting to see that!" Nene replied excitedly, perking up. "The series was good, so I was happy to hear about the movie coming out! I can't believe it's already in theatres though. Thanks for offering to go with me, I didn't want to be at the movies by myself."

  "Favorite character?" Amane wondered, a small smile began to grow on his face.

  "Definitely the commander; his determination's been carrying the team through the series! What about you?"

  "Hm... The co-pilot. We need more comedic relief sometimes, y'know?"

  "He's great," Nene bobbed her head. Though this was certainly surprising, she was delighted to share such an interest with Amane. "Do you think the movie's going to be good or bad?"

  "Probably bad; there's no reason to continue the series, after all," Amane laughed. His amber eyes were lit up with content and maybe even happiness. His nervous demeanor faded now, taking shape to be something more relaxed.

  She felt her heart jump, realizing how off-topic they went. It was nice though. She wondered when he got into the series.

  "Have you guys watched it?" Nene questioned the other two, who were still staring at each other. It looked kind of awkward from where she was, like neither of them knew what to do at all, but maybe they just liked to stare into each other's eyes?

  "No, not yet!" the indigo-haired girl said. "I plan to, though."

  Her gaze didn't break from Akane as she said it. Taking a glance at the red-haired boy, it appeared to her that he decided on something as the words came out of Aoi's mouth.

  "No, but I want to watch it too. Maybe we could watch it together, Ao-Chan?"

  "I don't think so, four points," Aoi smiled innocently.

  Akane let out a sigh of disappointment, staring down at his hands. Nene usually saw this happen, so it wasn't anything new... But he always seemed so discouraged every time she refused him. How did he find the determination to keep going and continue to ask her out every day?

  After pondering it for a few seconds, she decided to change the topic of the conversation.

  "Where did you get all the food Akane?" she wondered, then added, "It's pretty good!"

  She saw him sit a bit straighter in his chair before telling the answer to her question.

  "I stayed up making it last night and after school today," Akane responded as he searched for approval in Aoi's eyes.

  Nene took another sip of her tea, glancing back at Aoi. Her friend gave a slight nod and took another bite out of a sandwich. Nothing was said for a few minutes as they continued to eat. She couldn't tell what anyone else was thinking, so at least from her point of view, there was tension clouding the air.

  She was about to say something else, but the next time Nene took her teacup off its saucer, a bunch of the burning liquid hit her legs.

  Nene screamed in surprise, standing up and placing the teacup back on the table. It ran down the sides facing inward on her calves and ankles, hot and stinging. It hurt! And on top of that, why did she have to embarrass herself in front of them!?

  "I-I'm going to be back!" she called to them, running from the group as fast as possible.