Rantaro is a fairly charismatic, easygoing guy. But even this is a bit too awkward for him.
Of course, they're all close friends. Best friends forever and all that. But that doesn't change the fact that, Rantaro did NOT want to tag along on Kokichi and Kiibo's date.
Shuichi also got invited, and judging from the nervous way he cracks his knuckles, he can also feel the tension in the air. Kokichi doesn't seem to notice, happily skipping ahead of them, dragging an equally oblivious Kiibo. Rantaro slows his walk when he realizes Shuichi's falling behind.
Shuichi continues along, putting his hands in his pockets. Rantaro falls into step with him, glancing at the shorter boy from time to time. The silence has gotten so heavy, to the point where it's truly uncomfortable.
Rantaro chuckles awkwardly.
"Ahaha...nice evening, isn't it?"
He asks Shuichi, desperate to break the ice.
"Yeah, I g-guess..it's a bit cold though."
As if to prove his point, Shuichi shivers. He isn't wrong. It's a dusky evening in mid August, and the leaves are just beginning to change colour. A sudden burst of wind nips at Rantaro's nose. He's glad he brought a beanie and gloves. Shuichi on the other hand, seems severly underdressed. Not even the cap that used to cover his face just a few months prior is available now to shield him from the cold. His pale cheeks have turned a rosy red, and he's frantically rubbing his hands together to retain some kind of heat. Rantaro frowns at this display, glancing over at the happy couple bounding a few paces ahead of them, their laughter warming the air.
Shuichi stops at Rantaro's sudden pause.
"Wh-whats wrong R-Rantaro?"
Shuichi's stutter has only gotten worse with the chattering of his teeth. Without a second thought, Rantaro slips his coat off and on to Shuichi's shoulders, pulling the hood over his ears and dark blue hair. After travelling to such a variety of climates, Rantaro's body temperature is pretty adjustable. And the small smile and blush on Shuichi's face is enough to warm him anyway.
"O-oh, uh...you d-didn't have to..w-won't you be cold?"
Rantaro smiles.
"No no, don't worry about me. I'm fine. Just don't catch a cold, alright?" He places a gloved hand on Shuichi's shoulder for a brief moment before turning to the front again.
"Nishishishi~! Nobody told me this was gonna be a double date! But y'know, me and Kiibo are always gonna be a cuter couple! Cuz we have ME as a whole half of it!"
Kokichi grins as Kiibo tries to frown, but his amusement is still obvious.
"Yes, I know you're very adorable Kokichi...and it's Kiibo and I, by the way."
Kiibo's stern words only cause the purple haired boy's mischevious grin to light up more.
"Whateeeverr- Now c'mon, we gotta get there on time! I have something all planned out for Kiibaby and everything!"
Kokichi whines a bit, pulling on Kiibo's arm.
"Or wait..do I? Better come fast and find out, lovebirds!"
Shuichi huffs and burrows deeper into Rantaro's coat. It's a bit too large for him, but that somehow makes it more endearing.
"W-we aren't lovebirds...we're j-just...third and fourth wheeling." Shuichi pouts as the two walk ahead again.
"Ahah...but you gotta admit, they are pretty cute. But you're cuter."
Shuichi jolts his head to Rantaro, mouth dropping open.
"Wh-what?"
"What?"
Rantaro shakes his head and begins to walk off once more.
"H-hey..wait up!"
Shuichi tries taking larger steps to match Rantaro's stride.
"Ahaha...sorry. But Kokichi did say we don't want to be late."
Rantaro takes Shuichi's hand in his own, pulling him along.
Shuichi is too shocked to even protest.
...
Eventually they reach the destination. Rantaro gapes. No wonder Kokichi was so excited to show them this place. It's a clearing in the forest, a beautiful clear lake reflecting the sky. Both the clouds and the water are emblazoned with gorgeous shades as the sun begins its descent. It's enough to leave you breathless, really. Beside the pond, there's a couple vendettas. A few are softly lit with fairy lights, perfect for dancing underneath the night sky as the moon witnesses your raw emotion.
Some others still, have large picnic blankets covered with a wide variety of food. The assortment of snacks and desserts is mind blowing.
"Can we just stay here all night?"
Shuichi's voice is barely a whisper. He's still holding onto Rantaro's hand, wistfully gazing at the sky. The large furred hood had been eased off his head by the wind, the wind which now teasingly blows a few loose strands of navy blue around Shuichi's face. His golden eyes widen as the moon slowly takes the place of the sunset.
"Of course we can. Anything for you."
