Another chance Book I - Y/N

Chapter 54: Chifuyu's CPB-plan.

Baji holds his head before clicking his tongue. "If you like her, go to her and try to win her something too. Don't let your frustration out on these things if you can't do that."

Kazu frowns and looks down in contemplation. "Do you think that's so easy? ...especially after yesterday."

"Just talk to her already. Like this, you won't move forward. And this back and forth is honestly pissing me off.", Baji says irritably before he leaves to join you and Chifuyu by the crane game, leaving Kazutora alone for the moment.

Kazu gathers all his courage and strides over to you and the small group. You glance up, and your eyes meet for a moment before you both quickly avert them, feeling flustered. Your heart beats gradually quickens as he stops to stand right behind you.

Right at that moment, Chifuyu lets out a frustrated yell. "Damn it! Why won't it work! That freaking machine is scamming me!" As Chifuyu vents his frustration, Baji shoots Kazu a meaningful look, silently encouraging him to give it a try himself.

Kazu immediately grasps the situation and pushes Chifuyu aside. "Move. I'll get it.", he declares with determination before inserting the coin into the machine. The crane moves skilfully under his guidance. You watch him captivated, feeling your heart rate increase. He's so good... .

Not a moment later, Kazu stands there with a smug grin on his face, holding the stuffed cat in his hands. He shoots Chifuyu a triumphant glance before turning his attention to you.

Without further ado, he puts the stuffed cat into your hands, avoiding eye contact, as he mumbles nervously. "F-For you."

You take the stuffed toy, feeling your cheeks flush, and look up at him with a visible blush. "T-thanks.", you mumble shyly, smiling warmly at him.

Noticing the atmosphere, Baji nudges Chifuyu to leave you two alone for a moment, and they walk to the next shooting game. Unaware of their departure, you and Kazu engage in awkward and shy small talk.

"You know, this stuffed cat here looks exactly like my cat.", you explain, looking at the stuffed toy with a sad smile. "I really miss her, but now that I have this, I'll feel a little better. So thank you, Kazu." You glance up at him and meet his gaze.

"That's, um, g-good, I guess?", Kazu mutters sheepishly before averting his eyes again. Shit, what do I say now? He thinks nervously, scratching his neck.

Noticing his behaviour, you try to spark a conversation. What can I say. Think, Y/N, think... oh! "T-that tattoo... ."

"Hm?", Kazu's attention falls back to you, intrigued. You tense up under his gaze and look down shyly.

"U-Um. Where did you get it?", you stutter nervously, stealing glances at him. Kazu tilts his head slightly, his earring chiming quietly, as he wonder about your question.

"Hm. It was a tattoo artist on some street. Why are you asking?", he questions curiously, his full attention focused on you.

"I always thought of getting a tattoo for myself. One from my cat. Something like a silhouette or... a tribal like you have.", you explain uncertainty, smiling slightly.

"That's cool!", Kazu chirps suddenly. Your heart skips a beat at his enthusiasm about this theme. He looks at you with a bright smile before his expression turns slightly serious. "But I don't know if that tattoo artist still exists. You know, it's been a while since I was there."

You look down and smile sheepishly. "Yeah, I know. I, um. Just wanted to know.", you explain as your blush intensifies. You try to stay calm and focus on the plush in your arms.