Perfect Catch

-25-

Emi sighed as she continued to walk back to her apartment. Today had been a pretty normal day at the aquarium. There were no events, no special talks and no school visits. According to Declan the popularity of the attraction grew since he encouraged her to work there, he idea behind it being, "you can experience being human." While most days were fun, sometimes she was unsure what to do when she got home. She didn't have any human friends before Lulu and Shay but now they were busy with their lives and Yuya spent most of his time with Yuto. Was being a human meant to feel so lonely?

Emi stopped looking to the window beside her. It was a small cake shop. On her way home, she had begun to take interest in the desserts in the window. Perhaps I'll treat myself, she thought as she reached in her bag for her purse. Humans certainly seemed to enjoy the lovely sweets and treats so why not try for herself?

It was visible on this day that it had rain heavily, though the sun had decided to peak out for a while this afternoon. Emi struggled to get her purse from the bottom of the bag, she focused on trying to figure out what it had been caught on. The suddenly a wash of cool water crashed against her. Someone had driven through the puddle soaking Emi as they did. Emi stood dumbfounded, unsure of what just happened.

The person who had driven through the puddle, hopped from his bike and ran towards the soaked woman. The stranger wore an all-black riding suit and a black helmet. "I'm so sorry, are you okay?" he panicked removing his helmet, Emi stared into grey eyes and nodded slightly. She felt slightly hypnotised by the man with orange spiked hair. "I didn't see you on the path, please let me buy you a hot drink." No words wanted to come from Emi's mouth, no matter how much she wanted them too. The strange scratched the back of his head and laughed. "Right, introductions first, I'm Crow Hogan."

Crow held out a hand for Emi to take. "I'm Emi," She said barely above a whisper. "Emi Sakaki. I would like that drink please."

Crow escorted Emi to a café that was just around the corner, it was small, nothing Grande homelier. Emi went to the restroom in hopes drying off her clothes while Crow ordered some drinks. To say she was nervous was an understatement, this human she had bumped into was making her speechless and she casually accepted a request to go for a drink. After about ten minutes, she had dried up most the rain from her jacket and made her way back to the café. Crow was sat in a corner area, with a sofa that sit in just right. Nervously Emi took a seat beside him, placing her hands in her lap. "I got you a hot chocolate," Crow said, "Hope that's okay?"

"Hot chocolate?" Emi blinked in confusion. She knew hot drinks like tea and coffee, but what was a hot chocolate?

"Have you never had one?" Emi shuck her head. Crow smiled and pushed the cup in front of her. There was a tower of whip cream on top and some pink looking squidgy things. "It's got cream and marshmallows. If you don't like it, I can get you something different."

Emi caressed the cup with two hands, bringing the rim to her mouth and taking a small, curious sip. Her taste buds felt tantalised, it was deliciously sweet and the cream added a different type of texture. "It's really nice," She sighed happily. "Thank you. I'm sorry to bother you with this however."

Crow waved his hands. "It's not a bother," He blushed. "I didn't to apologise for what I did. Were you heading home?"

Emi nodded. "Yes," She started. "I only live around the corner from here fortunately. Speaking of home, I really should be going after this. My little brother will worry."

"Seems I'm the one keeping you," Crow laughed. "Please finish your drink first and maybe I can walk you back?"

Emi could feel her cheeks heating up and her chest pound. What was this feeling?