Academy days (Book 2 of IA)

[45] Girls talk

As the girls climbed into Kat's jeep, their excitement was palpable.

"Can't wait to hit Warriors again!" Vic said, bouncing in her seat. "That bar fight competition was so intense last time."

Isa grinned, "Yeah, and the drinks were pretty good too. I wonder if they'll have another competition tonight."

Kuro, leaning back in her seat, added, "I'm looking forward to it. Even if there's no competition, we can still have a great time."

Kat started the engine and glanced at her friends through the rearview mirror. "All right, ladies, let's get this party started!" She stepped on the gas, and they sped off toward Warriors, ready for another unforgettable night.

***

Upon arriving at the bar, the girls stepped out of the jeep and walked in, the energy of the place already buzzing around them.

"Back again, I see," the bartender greeted them with a knowing smile as they approached the counter. "Ready for another round of drinks and maybe some friendly competition?"

"Not this time, we came to get drunk tonight." Kat said with a loud grin.

"Alright then ladies, what do you all want to drink?" the bartender asked.

Kuro looked at the bartender and said, "I'll have a Suntory whisky on the rocks, please."

Vic chimed in, "I'll take a cold Murica beer. How about a Budweiser?"

Isa smirked, "Vodka for me, straight up. Rosha Standard, if you have it."

Kat grinned, "And I'd like a glass of Ouzo, please."

The bartender nodded, quickly gathering their drinks and placing them in front of each girl. "Enjoy your drinks, ladies."

"To wining the game!" Kat raised her glass.

"To wining the game!" the girls said, clinking their glasses together, before downing their drink. The topics started with work, but after several drinks, the topics began to get more personal.

Kat, slightly slurring her words, began, "You know, girls, I've been really wanting to find a boyfriend. Someone who can handle my strength and isn't afraid of me."

Vic giggled, "But Kat, you're so strong! I think most guys are just intimidated by you."

Isa, swaying a little in her seat, added, "Yeah, you need someone who can appreciate how badass you are."

Kuro nodded in agreement, "Don't worry, Kat. The right guy will come along, someone who won't be scared off by your strength."

Kat sighed, "I hope so. It gets lonely sometimes, being the strong one all the time."

"To getting a boy friend!" Kat raised her glass.

"To getting a boy friend." the girls said, clinking their glasses together.

Vic blushed, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "Okay, girls, I have a confession to make. I think... I think Rumble is actually really cute."

Kat's eyes widened, and she laughed. "Well, he is my little brother, so of course he's cute! But seriously, Vic, that's sweet."

Isa smirked, "Rumble, huh? I can see why you'd be attracted to him. He's a good guy and a strong fighter."

Kuro smiled at Vic, "You two would make a great couple. Have you ever thought about telling him how you feel?"

Vic hesitated, her blush deepening. "I don't know. I'm worried he might not feel the same way, and it could get awkward, you know?"

Kat patted Vic on the back, "Don't worry about it, Vic. If he's anything like his big sister, he'll be understanding and supportive, no matter what."

"To Rumvic!" Kat raised her glass.

"To Rumvic!" the girls said, clinking their glasses together. Vic was visibly embarrassed, but she said it anyways. 

Kuro looked at the other girls, her expression unreadable. "Honestly, I don't have a crush on anyone right now. I'm more focused on my skills and our team's success."

Isa nodded, understanding her priorities. "That's perfectly fine, Kuro. We all have our own priorities, and love isn't always at the top of the list."

Kat added, "Besides, you're an amazing sniper, and we all know how dedicated you are to our team. When the time is right, I'm sure you'll find someone who appreciates that about you."

Vic chimed in, "Yeah, and who knows? Maybe there's someone out there just waiting for the perfect moment to confess their feelings for you."

Kuro smiled slightly, appreciating her friends' support. "Thanks, guys. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the future holds."

"To the future!" Kat raised her glass.

"To the future!" the girls said, clinking their glasses together.

Isa looked down, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. The other girls leaned in closer, noticing her hesitation. Finally, she took a deep breath and whispered, "Well, if I have to be honest... it's Kard."

Vic's eyes widened in surprise, while Kat and Kuro exchanged knowing glances. "Oh, Isa! I had no idea!" Vic exclaimed.

Kat patted Isa on the back, a teasing grin on her face. "Well, it's about time you admitted it! We've all noticed the way you look at him."

Kuro nodded in agreement. "It's true, Isa. Your feelings for Kard are pretty obvious to those who know you well."

Isa sighed, her embarrassment fading into a shy smile. "I guess there's no point in hiding it anymore. I really do like him, but I'm not sure if he feels the same way."

The girls rallied around Isa, offering their support and encouragement. "You never know, Isa. The only way to find out is to tell him how you feel," Kat suggested.

Vic chimed in, "Yeah, and we'll be here to support you, no matter what happens!"

"To Karsa!" Kat raised her glass.

"To Karsa!" the girls said, clinking their glasses together. Isa was so embarrassed she didn't even raise her glass, much less speak of the ship name.

Kard...Do you feel the same way towards me as well?...

At that thought, Isa buried her head deep into her elbows.

***

The girls stumbled into the Iron Angel HQ, giggling and leaning on each other for support. Isa, more than a little drunk, spotted me across the room. Her face flushed red as she remembered her confession to the girls earlier.

"K-Kard..." she slurred, detaching herself from the group and stumbling towards him. "I-I need to tell you something..."

Me, who had been talking to Rumble, turned to face Isa with a concerned expression. "Isa, are you okay? You look a bit... out of it."

Isa's face turned even redder, and she took a deep breath before blurting out, "I... I l-like you, Kard! I r-really, really like you!"

I blinked in confusion, struggling to make sense of her drunken confession. "What? Isa, I can barely understand you. Maybe you should get some rest."

The other girls exchanged amused glances, but didn't say anything. As they helped Isa to her room, I couldn't help but think what she meant back there.

Q: Have you ever confessed to someone, but they didn't get your message?