Hard Paper

-Chapter 16- •Cute...?•

The days start forming into a routine. However changes are okay. Kuro, Shiko, Haru and Aiko are all in the cafeteria in the morning for breakfast. Oddly enough, even though Haru was writing in his new notebook for the first time, the whole night; he was there and WOKE. Aiko decided to have the male meal just like Kuro, Haru and Shiko. They all seem comfortable up close. However many things are on Shiko's mind. Even when they first came out of their rooms, whoever saw Shiko would just start whispering and talking behind her back while giving her either disgusted or "proud" looks. She resumes her old ways to ignore and look down. She believes that there are more important things to think about.
For example, what Kuro messaged her about people possibly making fun of him? She wanted to ask him when she got the time but with Aiko and Haru joining the breakfast, she wasn't too comfortable. She knew Kuro wouldn't easily open up with multiple people around. She didn't feel special to him nor did she want to... but she did feel that they were more open to eachother compared to other people even though they haven't known eachother for long. Kuro snaps his finger a few times in front of Shiko's eyes to snap her out of it. Shiko looks up from the cafeteria table, kinda startled.

Shiko: H-Hm? Aiko giggles at her

Aiko: You were lost in thought. Deep too. Did you even hear anything we just said? She says with a slight smirk. Shiko looks at Haru and sees him puff his cheeks. Then, she looks at Kuro to see a small smile form on his face. She gets even more confused

Shiko: N-No... I'm sorry.... I guess I was daydreaming..? Or just thinking.. she says hesitantly, Kuro giggles very lightly and smiles slightly as if he's looking at a child and ruffles Shiko's hair a little

Kuro: Don't worry. It was nothing really important. We were just talking about clubs and interests. Casual no-point talk. He rolls his eyes with a slight smile, Shiko frowns

Shiko: N-No... It's not pointless! I wouldn't want to miss getting to get to know you three better... she says without thinking which makes the three of Kuro, Haru and Aiko smirk a little. Shiko blushes slightly but doesn't look away.

Aiko: Heh. Shiko, you're sweet~ she giggles

Haru: We talked about this and that. Many things that clubs and stuff were only a part of! But Kuro totally repeated that part intentionally!~ he giggles, smirking at Kuro, Kuro shucks his shoulders

Kuro: Well... I knew we could get a cute reaction like that soo... he looks away and faces the side for a bit, Haru and Aiko look surprised as Shiko's face gets really red, she finally looks down

Haru: A-AH! Y-You said that!? Did I hear wrong!? Did YOU call a girl CUTE!? He says kinda loudly, Shiko feels as if she's gonna disappear into her chair because of the embarrassment and regret from when she called Kuro cute herself.

Shiko: "H-He's totally getting back at me....I-Is that what he meant by making fun...?" She gulps. Kuro looks at Haru with deadly eyes after few people in the cafeteria look at them because of how loud he was

Kuro: Tone. It. Down. I said... cute reaction.... I was talking about her reaction. I'm trying to figure out human nature and I was right, thinking she'd feel kinda embarrassed. He averts his eyes and lowers his voice slightly
That's why.... he says, speaking seriously but there is a barely visible pinkish tint to his face.

Shiko takes a deep breath and looks back up. She lightly slaps her face a couple of times with both of her hands at the same time, to collect herself. After doing so, she looks towards Kuro.

Shiko: You are human too. Kuro slowly looks at her, kinda confused
Remember? Other worldly talk. She giggles cutely, Kuro lets out a breather and collects himself too