Reminiscence

I like you

Oda Sakunosuke loved moments like this. He loved when he was able to escape the harsh reality of his job and be a whole different person, albeit for only a couple of hours.

It hadn't been long since the two of them met. The woman, [Name], as he came to know, managed to slither into his life bit by bit despite that, making up time in her schedule everyday for the both of them to discuss a book or another over dinner. He knew it was dangerous to get involved with a civil, specially one who wasn't all that aware of the Port Mafia, to worsen the situation, but after the sensation of normalcy she had given him, he couldn't help but wish for a friend; at least one who wasn't involved in the hazards of the criminal organization. A friend who was normal.

And there she was. Normal as ever. Yet an extraordinary breath of fresh air.

Today, she had taken a different approach. She made yakisoba and asked him to meet her at the park. When he arrived, everything was already settled, cosily placed under a tree. It was nearing summer, so the sun was still up, but he was sure she merely chose that spot out of a wish for privacy. For someone who had approached him out of nowhere and went out of her way to seek his company, it was a bit amusing to fit the both ideas of private and social butterfly in her. 

At first, she was focused on what she was reading. It seemed to be a thick textbook, resting on the cloth with all its might as the female, with furrowed eyebrows, went though it and highlighted what Oda assumed to be the most important parts. But then, when his shadow just started hovering her, she turned around in a heartbeat and flashed him a bright smile. Her eyes seemed to hold a tinkle of excitement as she closed the course book, carelessly shoving it into her bag.

"Hey! I'm glad you came. I thought a change of scenery would be nice." she babbled out, as he watched her try to fit it in the satchel at all costs. "We always go to the same place. I mean, it is a great restaurant, the food is nice, but it was getting a bit monotonous." her eyes then widened in panic, as she remembered how the auburn-haired male liked the steady rhythm of repetition rather than too exciting things. She raised her hands franticly before trying to remedy the situation. "Not that there's anything wrong with it! I like it, really, but it is good to try something else once in a while."

He didn't immediately react, but then let out a sigh and ruffled the girl's hair. Unnoticed to him, a rosy tint covered her cheeks at the contact, but was brushed off as she patted the place besides her to encourage him to sit down. He did as told and sat on her left, taking care not to crumble the towel under him.

"So, I burnt the food a bit, but hopefully it is still eatable." she mentioned, opening the containers. The meal was still warm, he observed, and that made him wonder if she had made it just before meeting up with him, as the Tupperware wasn't thermic. She took out two pairs of cutlery, extending him one, and encouraged him to try the food. "Go on. Give me your verdict."

He blew the piece on his fork before putting it in his mouth. It was nice. Somehow it tasted better than restaurant food.

The female observed him expectantly, analysing his expression to take any kind of opinion from him. Her fingers were fidgeting with her bracelet, a habit she had from time to time. A movement she did whenever they spent time together.

"So? How is it?"

"It tastes good. It is probably the best thing I ate in a while."

It was true. A homecooked meal beats everything else. He missed the feeling of it.

A new grin grew on the girl's face, proud of the accomplishment. She didn't believe it was that good, though. She was no exemplar chef.

"Now you're just talking." she said, half jokingly. There was no answer though. There was just silence. She smiled softly, taking out her own portion and eating it.