But You Don't Care

jyusan

Months had passed, summer came and went, and now autumn was here once again. Tomomi was getting ready for school, and of course she had to move back to America, my biggest fear. I've still been talking to Hayashi-san, but it doesn't seem to be helping much.

"Kara-kun! Wake up sleepyhead!" I heard a voice call from outside. I slowly opened my eyes and the bright sunlight burned. The clock read 12:14. All my brothers were out of bed and talking downstairs. I opened the door to the patio and looked out. Tomomi was standing there with Rie on her leash. I sleepily rubbed my eyes with a yawn.

"What's up, Tomomi?" I smiled.

"You didn't forget, did you?" she asked. I tensed up with shock. I had told Tomomi to meet me at my house today about an hour ago.

"I-I'll be right out!" I sputtered. I hurriedly undressed and put on my standard hoodie and skinny jeans. I quickly combed my hair and struggled down the steps as I fiddled with my wallet.

"I'm off!" I said quickly as I jumped into my shoes. I stopped next to Tomomi and Rie with a huff.

"I'm ready, my dear!" I chirped. I received a smile in return as we started to walk.

"That was fast. Where are we off to?"

"I promised you I would take you out to lunch one day, right? Well that's what we're doing! Granted we're going to Chibita's shop, but..."

"Lunch is lunch!" Tomomi beamed. My eyes lit up as we walked up to Chibita's stand. We sat down and Chibita smiled.

"Hey guys! Glad you could stop by! What'll it be?"

"The usual," Tomomi smiled. Two plates of oden were set in front of us. We ate graciously.

"What's the occasion?" Chibita asked.

"Well, Tomomi-chan is leaving next week, and she buys me drinks and such all the time. I thought it was time to pay her back for her kindness and take her out for lunch. Besides, we're both going to be so busy, who knows when we'll see each other again?" I explained. Chibita blinked at me.

"You? Busy?"

"Mhm. I got a job recently."

"A job?!" the two of them jumped. I smirked and folded my hands in front of my mouth.

"I walk dogs now. It's not a big job, but it's a job."

"I never thought I'd see the day! Two of you NEETs have jobs now!"

"Heh, it seems I've surprised you once again. I assure I won't fail you."

"I'm proud of you! You're taking initiative and stepping up in life!" Tomomi cheered as she patted my shoulder. I looked down as my face flushed in embarrassment. We finished our food and I put some money (along with a little extra towards our tab) down on the counter. We thanked Chibita before walking down to the park. Tomomi followed close behind me, unsure of where I was taking her. I walked up to the fountain before turning to her.

"This is where we met, remember? It was about a year ago!" I cheered. Tomomi smiled as she sat on the edge of the fountain, probably expecting me to sit next to her. Instead, I gently pushed her into the water, receiving a shriek in response. I snickered as I pulled her back out of the water.

"Consider that payback," I smirked. Tomomi laughed wholeheartedly. She shivered as soon as the cold fall air hit her. I handed her my leather jacket and she put it on swiftly.

"Now, can I offer you something to drink?"

With that, we walked back to the small coffee shop. Tomomi sat down and I ordered us two hot chocolates. After ordering I set down the drinks on the table, receiving a punch on the arm.