Super Manager

@matsukouka

        “They don’t get much love and attention here. Also, wouldn’t the shelter be more or a target?” She’s trying her best to argue her case, she really wanted to have a companion. She was just as stubborn as he was when it came to these things.          “Besides, goldfish can’t cuddle you!” She pouts.

          “Say… we ain’t met before, have we?” 

          “Ah... well... Usually when people ask that it’s because I look like my brother..” She trails off, resting a finger on her cheek. She only hoped her brother wasn’t well known for his temper.            “Matsuoka Rin?” She asks with a smile. 

“Alright, I will try. Do I have to change clothes?”

        “If it makes you feel comfortable I can join you too!” Her eyes flicker towards the cat and she always squeals in delight. It was a shame Makoto wasn’t here. He seemed to like cats.

“Gamma, huh? That’s gotta suck -” He murmured solemnly, to be stuck in the bad part of Hive must really suck. “Don’t you have anywhere else you could sleep? I doubt the bench is very comfortable.”

         “I do have a few friend who would offer me a place to stay.. but..” She rubs the back of her neck. “I mean, I don’t want to be in their way, or be a burden to them.. That’s all..” It wasn’t the entire truth. She didn’t want to go into detail about her insecurities to a total stranger.           “The bench gives me a lot better sleep, and it’s close to the school.” She gives him a smile before continuing. “So do you live here, or are you one of those types of people who like to walk around early in the morning?”

✿ please do not remove source link// edit  illustration // change caption // upload to other websites!

“Sure, I’m in!”

“Perfect!” Kou squeals, the woman’s muscles sure were beautiful. “You would be a hard opponent to beat. You have amazing deltoids! Amazing everything!”

Someone had to stop her from doing something embarrassing. Just that calendar from before had been enough.

“You said that you’re a manager for a swim team… do you actually play any sports?”

        “Well you don’t know until you try! Besides, I believe you would be great at it.”  Though, his question does catch her off guard. “Well... I’ve only just started to learn how to swim.” Now her attention was drawn to her fingers, twiddling her thumbs. She felt embarrassed to be a manager of a swim team, yet not know how to do the activity. “Sports was always my weakest subject back in school, but Nagisa, my friend has been showing me the ropes lately.” 

When she slipped the pepper spray back into her pocket he exhaled and took a step forward again. “No, it’s fine, but why exactly were you sleeping on the bench?”

        “They put me in district Gamma, I get much more sleep here compared to there” She says, referring to the scientists. She knew she had friends who had a place and offered her to live with them, but she would feel like a burden if she did accept. 

❛This one?❜ Not a moment was wasted from the time she pointed to the dish, his eyes following the directions towards it. ❛I hadn’t thought to try it, at least not yet.❜ Although she stepped closer to him in a presumed attempt to socialize better, Frodo felt the need to shuffle to the side and maintain space between them. ❛I’m not sure what ‘omega three’ is but I suppose it must be a good thing.❜ He displayed no other signs of hesitation and merely softened his expression as he turned his face back to hers. ❛My name is Frodo Baggins, by the way.❜ 

        “Matsuoka Kou, it’s nice to meet you Baggins!” She would of shook his hand, but he seemed busy currently. Maybe later... “Omega 3 is a good thing in amounts, it helps the heart and does plenty of other good things!” She eagerly watches his reaction to the dish.

“So, let’s not waste time, right?” He offered a hand, leading her to the dance floor. “I promise I won’t step on your feet~!”

“Well don’t worry. I’ll probably be the one apologizing, though I’ll try not to be to disruptive with my lap swimming. It’s been quite some time since I’ve done exercise like this.”

        “No, it’s fine! I hope you don’t mind me practicing... I’m not a good swimmer! I’m actually learning how to swim.”  Overcoming her fear of water was challenging, but slowly, Kou has been able to conquer that fear          Her eyes flicked back over Shyarly’s tail. “I think... my brother would be a big fan of yours. He takes a liking to sharks!”  

“Unfortunately, a lot of people were hurt in the crossfire. But we’ll persevere as we always do. Even Rin and Makoto became proactive. So many who wouldn’t have fought before became involved. If you had been there, I’m sure he’d be fighting to protect you too.”

        She pushed away the pain and instead, focused on the dance. A ball was meant for fun, and not thinking about such horrible things. “I would do the same as well. He is family after all...” She did care for Rin, she cared for him a lot. Sure he was distant, but she didn;t blame him. Afterall, he was living in another country for so long.          “How about Nagisa?” It had only been a few days since she got back, normally she would be greeted by the ball of energy but Kou was only met with silence this time. “And the rest of them too? Were they alright as well?” She kept her voice low, but it was obvious that she was concerned with the well-being of her friends.