Sweetheart

32

Friday, the day all students looked forward to. Aina was no different.

"So what're you doing this weekend, A?"

She looked at Lucy and came up with an excuse, fully well knowing that she and Natsu were hanging out after her shift on Saturday.

"Working and then sleeping."

"Well then I guess you wouldn't mind coming over to hang out on Sunday?"

"Of course! It's been so long. Are you coming, my dear valedictorian?"

"You know it!"

The beginning bell rang, and they went to their first period class. Lucy and Aina quietly sat down in their seats, whispering about their plans. The attendance bell rang and Mister Justine started lecturing. The door opened and a mop of salmon hair came into sight.

"Mister Dragneel, so nice of you to grace us with your presence."

Natsu rolled his eyes and took his seat. He secretly took out his phone and wrote a quick message to Aina.

Your mom says I'm coming for dinner tonight. Ride?

Aina's phone buzzed and she took it out without the teacher noticing. Her face twisted in confusion and she looked back at him and mouthed a "what?" once they made eye contact. Lucy noticed how her friend was distracted and turned around.

"What's up with you? Why are you looking over there?" Lucy whispered.

"Oh, I thought I saw a rat."

Lucy gasped and frantically looked around for the nonexistent rat. Aina assured her that it was actually a scuff on the floor.

Since when do you make plans with my mom without me?

What can I say, sweetheart? I'm her favorite person.

Aina rolled her eyes and placed her phone back in her pocket, ignoring his message.

---------------

Natsu took his usual seat across from Aina in the library. He refused to do work, however, so he passed the time by playing on his phone.

"You know, you'd be able to get a lot done in this period if you tried."

"Why try to do something that I don't do anyway?"

He groaned and placed his phone on the table. Aina gave him a questioning look.

"I can't take this stupid bird anymore."

"How are you even playing that? Wasn't it banned from the App Store?"

"It's a knockoff. But believe me, it still contains the power to make you want to whip your phone at the wall."

Aina giggled and held out her hands for a turn to play. Natsu shrugged and handed her the phone while he laid his head on the table. He heard her groan in frustration a couple times. He chuckled when she angrily slid the phone back over to him.

"I'm sticking with homework. That game can suck it."

She blew upwards to move the hair covering her eyes. She went back to scanning her textbook for answers, but looked up when she felt Natsu's eyes on her.

"What?"

Natsu silently leaned over the table and laughed as he pushed back the curl on her forehead. Aina remained speechless, her ears burning.

"I-uh, I mean, um...thanks?"

Natsu hummed before turning back to his phone. It was Aina's turn to stare at him. He had, obviously, caught on and propped his hand on his hand and asked her for her reasoning.