Makoto Tachibana | Makoto Kikuchi | 030

[makotoned]

[The swimming pool is not for them.

The swimming pool is, in fact, currently closed off, with the poster outside proclaiming that it was in use for a necessary photo shoot. Makoto, who is the sort to read posters when they are posted there to be read, knows this.

Haru, who is not, does not know this, nor does he care. And by the time Makoto notices that Haru doesn't intend to be stopped, he's through the door.

And jumping into the pool.

Haru.

Haru no.

Makoto bursts in after him, horrified, and doesn't really notice anyone in his path.]

Haru--!

Comments

[jitensha]

[ there's a pause; she's clearly pondering his words-- and then she laughs, a little brighter. ]

That's something he's got in common with the Haruka I know, if you swapped out swimming for being an idol! And honestly, you have a point. I mean, not losing sight of why you're doing what you're doing... I already decided I was going to do my best as the me I am now.

... So now's not the time for me to give up either!

[makotoned]

[...that's...not entirely what he meant, but she looks more cheerful, so he just goes with it.

And he's still a little sheepish because--]

I suppose so...I wouldn't mind seeing you in girl's clothes, though.

[jitensha]

Huh--

[ so for a few seconds, Makoto just looks at him blankly-- before her eyes go wide. ]

R-really?? You'd really want to, Makoto-kun??

[makotoned]

[wow that's quite the reaction. He just blinks at her, but nods easily.]

Sure. I'd want to see you at your happiest, after all.

[jitensha]

You should come to a performance sometime, then! The idol outfits are always really cute!

[ ... wow, that sure cheered her up fast. ]

[makotoned]

[He's glad though. And he keeps it in mind that this is the sort of thing that makes her cheerful, because it's good to know.]

I'd like that. It can't be easy to get into one of your performances though...

[He's taking it for granted that she's a very popular idol from the way those girls mobbed her.]

[jitensha]

Well, it's not impossible... and I could always get you a ticket. I always have one or two extra!

[ should have seen them when they first started, Makoto. ]

[makotoned]

Are you sure? I wouldn't want to be a bother.

[buuut.]

If I could get a couple of tickets, I could take my little siblings too. I think they'd enjoy that.

[jitensha]

You've got siblings? How nice... [ it would have been fun, not being an only child. Maybe not to have as many as Yayoi, but... ]

Right, then! Concert tickets, my thanks for lunch!

[ even though lunch was in exchange for earlier, but. ]

[makotoned]

[Ah, and she's an only child. No wonder she got the brunt of her father being that crazy...

But he just looks a little sheepish and yet hopeful.]

That's a bit too much for just lunch...thank you though.

[...!]

Here, you can have the rest of it then.

[And he offers the rest of the food because yep, this is a problem solved.]

[jitensha]

Eh? But your box...

[ and didn't he still need to eat more than he'd gotten to?? ]

[makotoned]

It's fine. Next time we meet, you can give it back.

[and that means they'll meet again, which Makoto finds to be quite excellent indeed.]

[jitensha]

... Then we should exchange numbers, right? [ so maybe she's a bit straightforward, but isn't that what friends do? ]

I know I don't know a whole lot about you, but I'll have to let you know when I've got your tickets!

[makotoned]

[wow sudden friendship. Not that Makoto can really say anything against it, because they kind of set themselves up for this. Instead, he pulls out his phone.]

I'm sorry for the trouble. Now that you mention it, I guess we really are strangers--but after all of that, it doesn't feel like it.

[being chased by fangirls brings people together.]

[jitensha]

[ she's already shaking her head-- and also pulling out her phone. ]

Think of it this way-- this sort of thing doesn't happen to just anyone, so maybe we were fated to be friends?

[makotoned]

Fated, huh...

[...pfffha.]

I can't say I'd know either way, but whatever ends with us being friends is fine by me.

[jitensha]

That's a good answer! [ and she's more than happy to exchange numbers. ]

It might be a little weird, being friends with someone like me-- ah, but even though I'm not really that close to any boys, I think I'm enough like one to be able to keep up, so I shouldn't make you uncomfortable!

[ Makoto pls. ]

[makotoned]

[.......um. he just blinks at her and looks more than a little confused.]

I'm not sure what you're talking about, but...you don't have to try to be more boyish to make me comfortable. I think you're fine the way you are.

[jitensha]

Ah-- no, I just figured you were comfortable with me because I'm boyish like this, so...

[ okay, now she's sheepish. ]

[makotoned]

[...ah. he blinks.]

I hope I haven't given the impression that I'm not willing to be friends with girls...

[all of the awkward everywhere.]

[jitensha]

N-no, I wasn't thinking that! I'm the one with the inexperience here!

[makotoned]

Well...alright then. I don't really want to try to be more girly so...

Why don't we both just be ourselves and call it good?

[jitensha]

... Got it! It's a deal, Makoto-kun!

[makotoned]

Sounds good to me, Makoto-chan.

[He laughs a little. It's a bit surreal, but also very entertaining.]

Though you should probably get going before more of your fans notice you.

[jitensha]

Probably, huh...

[ she tucks her phone away, offering him a final smile. ]

Thanks again for your help.