STRAY [Yamaguchi/Tsukki/OC]

Chapter 3 - New Number

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"Good news: I think I may have made some new friends."

At her first therapy appointment of the new school year, Nora Matsumoto's therapist, an older woman named Tomoko, smiled and tilted her head. Her graying hair was pulled into a simple bun at the nape of her neck, just over the emerald green turtleneck she wore. In her warm, comforting tone, Tomoko asked, "Why only 'may', Nora? You think? ...You aren't sure?"

Folding her knees to her chest on the yellow couch in her therapist's now-familiar office, Nora laid her head on her knees and shrugged. "When does a friendship truly start? As soon as you're cordial with someone? Once you've hung out? After trauma bonding? Is there a specific milestone to mark it?" She stared at her shoes on the rug, wondering if they were in the way and admiring the way the sunlight changed the blacks to grays. "I tend to call everyone my friend until they've proven otherwise... but that hasn't worked out well for me in the past."

Always amused, Tomoko mulled over Nora's questions and crossed her legs at the knee. "I think friendship is different for everyone," she said cryptically. "It depends on a number of factors."

"That helps a ton," said Nora with a heaping helping of sarcasm.

Tomoko laughed at that. "I'm being vague on purpose, Nora. Every friendship is different, but there are some common signs that indicate a friendship has truly begun. For example, when you have a friend, they take your preferences and feelings into consideration when they make plans. They might use active listening to show they're paying attention, ask probing questions to know you better, or show up to support you in your endeavors. They are loyal... And friends keep their promises."

Nora considered Tsukishima and Yamaguchi, the potential friends in question. It was still early in their relationship—or whatever you would call it at that point—but there were positive signs.

Tadashi Yamaguchi had asked for her coffee order, which checked off the 'taking preferences into consideration' box; he also listened with rapt attention, obviously giving her priority when she spoke, so 'active listening' was also confirmed. She supposed that he supported her endeavors when he agreed to be her study partner. They hadn't yet come upon a situation that required loyalty or keeping promises, but she had a good feeling about him.

Kei Tsukishima on the other hand... she already knew he was prone to promise-breaking. Based on their talk in the cafeteria, he seemed loyal to Yamaguchi, so there was potential. To be honest, the Tsukishima she met at the cafeteria was completely different from the one she met in the darkened corners of his dorm room, though; while he was vulnerable in his room, he was attentive and kind, softer than she'd expected from a random hook-up. He checked in with her, made sure she was comfortable, and asked for her permission before he did anything new. Conversely, Tsukishima from the cafeteria was quiet, cold, and closed off.

Neither of them was perfect, but the data seemed encouraging in Yamaguchi's case. Tsukishima was still an enigma, a neutral party. She planned to gather more data before she made a concrete decision about him.

"Nora? Want to share your thoughts with the rest of the class?"

She shook herself from her analysis and forced a smile. "At least one of them has the potential to be a friend."

"And the other?" Tomoko prompted.

Nora shrugged. "Jury's still out."

"That's perfectly normal. Just... exercise caution." Tomoko nodded, scribbling something on her clipboard. She nodded at it, as if agreeing with herself, and then leaned back in her chair, eyes fixed on Nora once more. "Now, we had just started talking about your mother before we ran out of time last session. Let's circle back to that."