Birds of a Feather (Sakura x OC)

Chapter 6: A Close Call and Closer Connections

The sun shines through the room, slowly waking Sakura up. He blinks at the bright light, shifting slightly. Feeling something heavy on his shoulder, he glances to the side with half-lidded eyes. Noticing Yuna's sleeping face resting on his shoulder, he freezes, his eyes widening as he stares at her face, blushing and with a racing heart.

What? He thinks, letting his eyes wander around the room, recalling their conversation the night before. He frowns lightly, preparing to move carefully without waking her.

Yuna stirs in her sleep and mumbles something inaudible as Sakura gently leans her against the wall. He watches her tensely, hoping she won't wake up.

Yuna mumbles again, and Sakura can't help but smile. Cute... . He thinks, then mentally scolds himself, feeling embarrassed.

He glances to the side and sits cross-legged, leaning against the wall next to Yuna. Gazing outside, he watches some birds flapping happily. He smiles again, savouring the calm atmosphere.

Yuna stirs beside him, waking up slowly. She opens her eyes, and the first thing she sees is Sakura, calmly smiling out of the window.

She sits up suddenly, fully awake, and looks at him in surprise. Sakura, noticing her movement, glances to the side, his smile replaced by a flustered expression. "G-Good morning.", he stutters, glancing outside again, a blush evident on his face.

Yuna, confused at first, thinks back to the night before and smiles, looking down as she mutters a quiet, "Good morning.", too.

The atmosphere is awkward as both sit there, embarrassed, unable to look at each other. Yuna breaks the silence after a moment, mumbling, "I'll make us something to eat.", as she stands up.

Sakura follows her with his gaze, keeping silent, his nerves getting the better of him. Why am I acting like this? He thinks, his heart racing.

Yuna prepares breakfast carefully, taking only a moment before handing him his food. "Here, sorry. I still don't own a table, so just put it on the floor.", she mutters awkwardly as she sits down beside him with her own food.

Sakura mumbles a low, "Thanks.", and begins to eat. His eyes widen for a moment as he tastes the food. This is really good! He thinks excitedly before eagerly munching it down.

Yuna notices his behaviour and chuckles lightly. "Like it?", she asks, smiling at him. Sakura blushes and nods, bringing his attention back to the food.

After they finish eating, Sakura leans back against the wall cheerfully, holding his stomach. "Now I'm full.", he says light-heartedly as he looks up.

Yuna smiles and tidies up the dishes. Sakura glances at the time and sighs, irritated. "I should get going.", he mutters as he stands up.

Yuna turns to him, a mixed expression of sadness and something else on her face. Her heart begins to race as he walks over to her.

"So, um. Thanks.", he mutters sincerely, his face blushing lightly. He glances to the side, avoiding her gaze. "W-when does your shift end today?"

Yuna quirks up a brow at him. "At 20:00 tonight, why?", she mutters shyly before Sakura nods.

He turns to leave and glances back for a moment. "I'll t-take you home t-then.", he stutters, flustered, before opening the door.

Yuna rushes after him and says loudly, "O-okay, I'll wait for you!" She watches him disappear with a deep blush on her face. She closes the door and leans on it, her heart racing, squealing inwardly.

+++

After school, Yuna's shift began at Café Pothos. As she opened the door, she was surprised to find Umemiya and Hiragi there. They greeted her kindly, and she responded with a shy smile.