𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋, 𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢

𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩

The streets were barren this afternoon. The wind was picking up, and dark clouds were rolling in gently as if they were oblivious to the torrent they brought with them. You're holding your closed umbrella in one hand and your phone in the other, purse hanging from the crook of your elbow as you walked along the sidewalk.

You lift your phone up to see Maki dialing you. Glancing at the time, you realize you're a bit late. You answer the call and put the phone to your ear.

"Yo! Am I at the right place?"

"You're at the diner with the blue awning, yes?"

"Yeah. I'm here. I got a table for us! Inside too. The forecast said it wasn't going to rain but I saw the clouds on my way over."

"Thank you so much, Maki. So sorry I'm late, I should've been there before you."

"All good. When you get here, go in and turn left."

You both say your brief goodbyes until you see each other in a few minutes. You see the diner in the distance, but something catches your eye. You slow down and turn your head to the side, spotting an expensive watch in the window of a shop. You knew that you had to get it for him. That would fit his style so well. Oh my god, I have to come back later.

You hurry over to the end of the sidewalk, stepping into the cafe right as the rain was beginning. Pacing to your left, you see Maki smile up at you from her seat. She gets up and you greet each other with a warm hug.

"I've missed you so much!! Ugh, it's been forever since we've seen each other in person!" you whine.

"Babe, it's only been like... three weeks. You have other friends, right?" Maki joked.

You pout humorously. "Three weeks two long! And yes, I do. But none of them are like a sister to me."

"You're too cute," she says as she gives you one last look up and down, sitting back in her chair. "So, how's your job going?"

"Honestly? I haven't got as much business as I did in the summer. But it's understandable, people have jobs and school. God, I'm so glad I'm out of college. I do feel bad I never finished though. Maybe I'll go back when I have the time and money."

"I hear you on that. I've been so busy, Nobara ended up finishing all the shows we started together."

You gasp over-dramatically. "How could she?"

"Right? It's fine, I'll just catch up before the next season comes out, I guess."

The waiter came by and took your orders. You both ended up getting the same thing, just with different drinks. She's always been one for tea, but you aren't the biggest fan of it. Water it is.

You fill her in on some of your friends' dates, the funny stories, and a couple of your dates. The waiter drops off your drinks and food while you recant each item. You thank the waiter, bringing your conversation to a halt.

Maki makes eye contact with you and wiggles her eyebrows. You're confused for a second, as you thought she had started doing it out of nowhere. "....What?"

"You know, I haven't heard about that guy yet... what was his name? Nanami?" she uttered playfully.

"That's a long story. I'll tell you in a bit."

"Girl, you don't have to say a word. You know, a thin blouse is not hiding any of those-"

"Shh!" you panic, looking around discreetly to see if anyone heard. "Okay, fine, we've... spent time with each other. But we're not dating. At least I don't think we are. That's never come up."