Cool for the Summer

II

A/N

Warnings: This chapter containeds implied homophobia from the Zenin family.

Also, in case you don't understand japanese currency, ¥80,000 is about 550 EURO. Enjoy!

Time seems to pass slowly, when you're stuck with that one person you hate. It had only been two hours, but it felt like a lifetime. And it just got worse with every decreasing digit in Nobara's phone battery. She was at 29%, with no charger, and had to survive four more hours. And online shopping drained battery fast.

"I'm breaking our deal."

Mai groaned and glared at her from over the fashion magazine she had picked up: "Why?"

"My phone is dying, what else do I have to do?"

The old lady decided to go home and spend time with her grandson. Nobara didn't know if she owned the place or if her employer just didn't care.

"We could play a game, maybe."

"And what exactly do you want to play with me? Truth or dare?"

"Sure, why not."

"In that case, I dare you to shut up."

Mai returned to reading the magazine. Nobara peered over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of it too. She rested her head on the other girl's shoulder, so she could read it properly. She received a smack on the head with said magazine.

"What do you think I am, a dog?"

"With how much you bark, that wouldn't surprise me."

"Would you prefer I bite you?"

This mission totally sucked. It was already bad from the start, due to having to work with Mai, but it was also likely the last mission before summer break. She would be expected to return home for the summer, which meant no more shopping trips, internet cafes and festivals. At least she will still have Fumi to hang out with.

"It's sad that we have to spend the end of term like this..." Nobara sighed, "there's so much stuff I'd rather be doing."

"Why are you so sad about the end of the term anyway," Mai put her magazine aside, "aren't you supposed to be happy to see your family and friends?"

"Who said I want to?"

Mai paused for a second. The rattling of the rain grew louder and louder. She asked: "Is it like that for you too?"

She didn't have to specify since Nobara already knew. It was hard to miss when spending that much time with Maki. Jujutsu families were harsh and cold. But Nobara's family wasn't the same way really. Sure, there was some distance between Nobara and her grandmother, but she had never once thought of her as a disappointment.

"No, it's not," Nobara answered Mai, "I just hate the countryside. Everyone is so close minded. My grandma herself is just fine."

Mai noded: "I get what you mean. It's like you can't do anything without being judged for it. I wish I didn't have to go back either."

And for the first time Nobara saw Mai for Mai. She wasn't just Maki's bitchy sister or an opponent in a game. She was just a lonely girl. And Saori's voice in Nobara's head screamed at her to be nice to her, for once. She's seen what hatred does to people after all.

"What if we didn't have to go back?"

"If that was so easy, do you think I'd choose to return?" Mai scoffed at her.

"But what if we had a reason to stay in the city? Either Kyoto or Tokyo, it doesn't really matter."

"What are you getting at?"