She Never Does Notice, Does She?

Esora paid more attention to Rei than the movie playing in the home theater. Elbow on the armrest of her seat, jaw resting on the back of her hand, she couldn't stop watching Rei's every reaction. Unlike Esora, she was completely engrossed in what was happening on the big screen. Esora liked watching the way her eyes lit up at exciting parts, and the way she covered her mouth while laughing at funny parts, and the way her eyebrows furrowed in concentration during serious parts, and the way she bit her lip during tense parts. There was only one tiny bit of regret...

I wish it were me whom she was looking at... Esora felt a little silly to admit it, but it was the thought she had while smiling ruefully at the TV. Ahh, how embarrassing to be caught in such a pathetic love triangle! I am competing with the TV for Rei's attention, and I'm the one losing.

Of course, she was delighted that Rei was enjoying the movie. It had been Esora's idea, after all, to get together for a movie night, but...

Perhaps it is my fault for not having the foresight to realize that maybe a movie night isn't the best way to leave room for conversation.

That was not to say she'd never talked during a movie before, but she knew it would've been rude to try to start up a conversation with Rei, especially since she was so invested in the movie.

And it was my choice of movie, too. Esora thought. I should be more grateful to know that she likes what I picked out!

And yet, Esora continued to watch Rei out of the corner of her eye, a small, sad smile slowing spreading across her face. She shook her head, both at Rei and herself, and chuckled softly in amusement. She never does notice, does she?

Rei certainly wasn't stupid, far from it! But she could be rather naive and oblivious. That much had not changed since they met back in elementary school. Esora knew it was due in part to Rei's sheltered upbringing, and she knew she could've been more overt about her intentions as well, but it still made Esora laugh sometimes. Ahh, Rei, please don't ever change!

Her smile became a little happier when Rei's laughter lit up the room again. Moments like this always made Esora feel so protective of the other girl! It was wonderful feeling! She made a mental note to choose an activity better suited for conversation the next time they hung out.

ooo

Remembering how much Rei enjoyed food, and remembering how much she enjoyed Peaky P-key's potluck, Esora finally decided she wanted them to try cooking something together.

"I know it's not the most orthodox way to spend the afternoon," she admitted with a sheepish smile.

"No, I think it sounds like an adventure!" Rei smiled and clasped her hands together excitedly.

I don't think you need to take it that far... Esora's sheepish smile grew, and she felt a blush creep across her cheeks. Rei was just too pure and eager!

The spent a pleasant hour making handmade, homemade noodles together. As always, Rei was determined to do her very best, even though they were only cooking for fun. And as always, Esora was transfixed. Rei was covered in flour and buried up to her wrists in dough. Her eyes were fierce and focused as she kneaded. She wanted to make the dough as even and uniform as humanly possible! It was the most precious thing Esora had ever seen, and she found herself wishing she had a camera.

Gah! I'm turning into Yuka! she laughed at herself.

A moment later, Rei cried out to her excitedly. "Esora! Esora! Look! Isn't it lovely?" Esora looked up from her clump of dough to see that Rei had molded hers into a heart. "Just like Valentine's Day!" She laughed as she held out her little creation proudly.